If you’re looking for a more meaningful shopping experience where you can do good in the world as the result of making a purchase, Ten Thousand Villages is a global maker-to-market movement that offers consumers a way to buy ethically-sourced wares while connecting with makers in 10,000 villages. Founded in 1946 by Edna Ruth Byler, the retailer is a pioneer of fair trade, putting people and the planet first. From tea towels and bathrobes to candles and tote bags, every handmade purchase that you make directly impacts the life and community of its maker in a developing country.

We spoke with Val Schade, Brand Engagement and Media Relations at Ten Thousand Villages, who shared more insight about the company ethos, what inspired its creation, and more.

What’s the meaning behind the name?

The name “Ten Thousand Villages” was inspired by the Mahatma Gandhi quote, “India is not to be found in its few cities, but in the 700,000 villages…we have hardly ever paused to inquire if these folks get sufficient to eat and clothe themselves with.” We believe that in every village are people who want to have meaningful work and who have a beautiful culture worth sharing. Multiply the idea by ten-thousand and it represents the world we’re working to build.

What inspired its creation?

Edna Ruth was volunteering in Puerto Rico in 1946 and met skilled craftswomen there who were struggling to feed their children. They hand made stunning embroideries but had no place to sell them. Edna brought the pieces home and began sharing the stories of the artisans, selling them to her friends and neighbors on their behalf. Without knowing it, she sparked the global fair trade movement!

What types of products do you sell?

Our artisan partners handmake jewelry, accessories, home décor, kitchen staples, gifts, and holiday ornaments.

Where do your products come from?

We work with artisans in 30 different developing countries.

Tell us more about your company ethos and support of fair trade.

Ten Thousand Villages creates opportunities for artisans in developing countries to earn income by bringing their products and stories to our markets through long-term, fair trade relationships. We are committed to putting people and planet first, which means everything you find in our stores and our website is 100-percent fair trade.

For more information and to purchase, visit tenthousandvillages.com and follow them on Instagram: @tenthousandvillages

[Images courtesy of Ten Thousand Villages]

Kamala Kirk is a University of Southern California graduate and has been an editor/writer for more than a decade. She has written for E! Online, Total Beauty, TravelAge West, Malibu Times Magazine, and many more. She resides in Los Angeles and is a proud pug mom. Follow her on Instagram: @kamalakirk