My Story
I (Corinne) have worked for fortune 500 companies for many years and was dissatisfied with the Corporate way of thinking and bottom line mentality. I was asked to be on the board of an Organization and discovered a different way of doing business. I was then asked to be the executive director of the same Organization and for 2 years realized there was an alternative way to trade with developing countries which was called Fair Trade. I decided then that this was what I was meant to do. So with the help of 5 other women ages 65 - 90, in 1995, Global Handcrafters was created. I discovered while providing beautiful items to the public, I was also helping others. Now, this is my passion and mission in life and each day I know I am making a small difference in the lives of others.
Global Handcrafters Mission
 Global Handcrafters Mission is to support the Artisans in Developing Countries by assuring that they are provided with fair wages and good working conditions. I believe these people deserve not only recognition for their talents, but an opportunity for self reliance and economic betterment. Global Handcrafters is a member of Co-Op America which is a supporting Organization of Global Handcrafters Mission.
Many of the Producer Groups Global Handcrafters work with are comprised of women. Working with these groups allow these women to be able to support themselves and gives them the self confidence they need to become independent.
How Global Handcrafters Practices Fair Trade
- By only trading with artisan groups who pay fair wages and demonstrate concern for their members’ welfare
- By providing advances and prompt final payments to the artisans
- By marketing quality products that are crafted by underemployed artisans
- By choosing handicrafts that reflect the cultural traditions and are environmentally sensitive
- By educating consumers of the principles of Fair Trade
- By being transparent in all of our business transactions
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