ABOUT US
In every room you should have decor pieces that make you smile: a handwoven basket by ladies in Uganda, a beautiful hand loomed blanket, or wooden kitchen utensils hand carved with intricate details. We love seeing families prosper, and this includes rural entrepreneurs and small business owners abroad. We are providing a Canadian online marketplace to build sustainable partnerships with artisans from around the world, by connecting them with customers through our pop up Markets and online store. We seek to empower women artisans to rise above poverty in developing countries to gain skills and be able to manage funds for their families education and healthcare. With missionary efforts and outreaches in East Africa we work with on the ground workers and woman's groups formed from disadvantaged villages. We can see these marginalized communities gain access to even though they have small-scale production, and no connection to internet advertising. In a aim to care to each person and share Gods love, we want to see families prosper and stay together... we can do that by shopping wise, being conscious consumers and choosing to be the difference the world needs!
OUR PRODUCTS
We aim to source our products directly from from artisans and craftspeople within developing countries. Many of our products are one-of-a-kind and/or handcrafted and are available in limited quantities. This means that once an item is out of stock, it may take awhile to be sourced again. Since our products are handmade, they may have slight imperfections. We believe these imperfections give our products character and that is all part of the story! Please note that colours and finishes on products may be slightly different than the online picture variations. While the pictures will give you a very good idea what to expect, please be advised that wood grain, weaving patterns and coloured designs will all vary slightly from one piece to another. Our woven and textile collections may include portions that are naturally dyed. In some instances, colours exposed to moisture, rain or washing may result in the colours fading, or running. If you are unsure about the product information, please contact us before making your purchase. We will do our best to assist you.
OUR ARTISTS
Our unique, handcrafted goods showcase the artisans’ traditional skills and materials. It takes hours of intricate techniques to turn beautiful natural fibers into finely woven rugs, home-wares and accessories. Using both traditional and modern designs, our artisans print, weave and sew every item by hand. Through outreach programs, we have created a network of skilled female artisans in remote, rural communities around the globe. Our goal is to empower as many people as possible out of the cycle of poverty. By working with not-for-profit community based organizations on the ground, and keeping a close eye on what our customers enjoy, we have developed an approach that honours both artisans and buyers. While we focus on new concepts, marketing and the distribution of products, our charity partners support the artisans and are established to care for these woman and provide safe working environments.
HOST OPPORTUNITIES
We would love it if your business, church, or event would consider being a Market Host. By providing us a venue to showcase these amazing global goods it increases our exposure to new customers and helps share our Mission and Market. Before applying, please review some of our frequently asked questions:
_How do I become a Host?
Online you will find our application form to fill out and submit. This lets us know about you, why you'd like to host us, and details about your venue, your potential customers and attendance volume.
_How big does a hosting area need to be?
There are a variety of options for our setup spaces, both indoor and outdoor. You provide the space, and let us know what resources you have available including tents, tables, chairs, backdrops, lighting, box crates, etc. and we bring everything to be sold in the space. More information is given upon acceptance of the Market.
_How long does a Market hosting last?
Depending on the event type, potential customer volume and season situation a Market could last for 4 hours up to 3 days.
_Can I co- host a Market?
Yes, Market sharing is allowed if you want to collaborate your space or venue with a neighboring business to do a joint event. service time, or have additional vendors present with non conflicting item categories.
_What is the cost to host a Mission Market?
There is a $75 per day hosting fee. This fee supports our efforts to empower global artisans and care for them and their families, This fee will be required to reserve your dates once you've been accepted into the marketplace schedule. This can be paid through e-transfer, online Pay Pal or by cash or cheque at least 3 weeks prior to the Market date. This fee is non refundable. In most cases, admission for customers is free unless stated and advertised at your event.
_How can customers purchase goods at the Market? We will have an attendee available during the whole Market duration able to accept payments in cash, e-transfer or online through Pay Pal.
_What happens if I’m not accepted?
If you are not accepted as a host due to too many bookings, depletion of stock, or not being the right fit for our display of goods, then you will be wait listed for the dates of our next year of markets and will be contacted in advance of application openings.
SHIPPING
1. Shipping (CANADA & USA) cost will vary based on location, weight and dimension of the product you ordered. We will quote you the total including the shipping cost once you place your order.
2. We strive to ship all orders as quickly as possible. Most orders ship within 5 days after an order is received and payment is made. Standard shipping usually takes 8-10 business days.
3. Large orders, or orders placed during or directly after a holiday may take slightly longer. If you need your order by a certain date, please reach out and let us know!
4. All sales are final and may not be returned or exchanged. If you are unsure about the product information, please contact us before making your purchase. We will do our best to assist you.
5. We do not offer tracking in our orders which will help you, our customers, save on shipping costs.
Import duties, taxes, and charges are not included in the item price or shipping cost. These charges are the buyer's responsibility.
6. Please contact us for all international shipping requests.
Wholesale
If you wish to stock our products in your store or boutique, we would be happy to have you contact us for our wholesale catalog.
*Please note all products may not be readily available in mass qualities. Custom orders may take 30-50 days.
COLLABORATIONS
Our Market partners with local shops like The Market at Wagner Hills, The Intersection Fair Trade and the ministry of Life on Mission. Through their local and global efforts over the last 15 years, networks of churches and people groups all over the globe have been encouraged and vulnerable families and individuals have been impacted. Financial donations are used to further support our low income families, their day to day basic necessities including sustainable nourishment, counselling, health care, child education and micro loan job empowerment.
Help us support this amazing mission through purchasing our products or partnering together on new products. We are happy to brainstorm and get creative--> email us to collaborate or plan a new fundraising strategy.