Happy Mandela Day! Today the world has convened to celebrate the iconic revolutionary’s 95^th birthday, as well as his 67 years as a leader, activist, and revolutionary. Nelson Mandela’s ceaseless fight for equality and justice not only impacted South Africa, but the entire world. After his 27-year imprisonment, Nelson Mandela became South Africa’s first black president. The years that followed were a testament to the fight that he refused to lose. South Africa’s apartheid policies had been abolished, and a country was reformed for the better. Even after his term as president, Mandela never stopped being a changemaker. He continued to be a voice for peace, inclusion, justice, and equality. Nelson Mandela is not just an icon, but a symbol of humanity’s greatest potential to resist that which is wrong, and fight for that which is righteous. In honor of changemakers, we would like to put the spotlight on our South African artisan partner, Streetwires! "Streetwires is a fair trade organization that works with Zulu wire art craftspeople, who mold recycled wire, beads, and tin cans into colorful toys, keychains, jewelry, and gifts. Established in 2000, it provides training, support, and raw materials to over 100 formerly unemployed men and women in Cape Town and rural Clanwilliam. Streetwires has expanded its reach, opening a center in Johannesburg in 2007 which was then turned over to entrepreneurial artisans. Its goal is to develop leaders who demonstrate to the community that it is possible to start a successful business despite challenging circumstances. When Victoria Ntulini joined Streetwires, she was entirely unfamiliar with the craft process, explaining that tools such as pliers and cutters were mainly used by men in her culture; now, she is a loom-beading expert and in charge of materials distribution to the entire team of artisans." (Source: globalgoodspartners.org)

   We, at Global Goods Partners, are fortunate to have partners all over the world who are changing their communities for the better. Through the medium of artisanal works and handicrafts, organizations such a Streetwires are invoking hope into those that are despondent, and uplifting those that have been knocked down. So on this Mandela Day, give back to your community! The Nelson Mandela Foundation is asking that you spend 67 minutes of your day giving back, and helping out! Any act of kindness is welcomed to commemorate the South African activist's fight for freedom and equality. You can make a new friend, or volunteer at a soup kitchen! Check out the official website for 67 ways to give back! http://www.mandeladay.com/static/join Also, check out our website to purchase the phenomenal goods featured in this post from Streetwires!

In this era of mass-production, there is a section of the market that focuses on creating change through consumerism. The Fair Trade movement is increasingly gaining momentum, as consumers are becoming more cognizant of the power of their purchases. Consequently, handmade goods are gaining popularity, thereby providing artisans--both domestically and internationally--a market to sell their goods. 

 

Fair trade handmade goods are better for the world socially, economically, and environmentally. So why should you buy handmade? Here are just a few reasons: 

 

Support women living in marginalized communities around the world. It has been established that investing in women and girls can lead to resolving developmental issues in society (i.e. issues related to health, education, economy, infant mortality, and food security). Buying that cute beaded clutch is more than a boost in your wardrobe, but it is also a boost in the quality of life for a woman, her family, and her community! 

 

Handmade = Pride + Quality + Care. Have you ever received a gift from a friend that they created themselves? You can see their face boasting with pride when they hand the gift over. Why? Because they spent a good amount of time, thought, and energy into what they’re giving to you. Our artisan partners employ women who take pride in their work! They know that people will be using their products, and want the buyer to have the best feeling when they receive it! When someone puts that much pride and care into their work, you can rest assured that its of high quality. It's a transaction of mutual satisfaction: happy customer = happy producer! 

 

Factory Not Included: The tragic collapse of the garment factory in Dhaka, India highlighted the high cost of cheap labor. It is no secret that mass-produced factory goods are the cheapest medium for large companies to generate products at a reduced cost. The low-cost, however, compromises the safety of the working conditions maintained in these factories. Handmade goods are usually fair trade meaning that producers are receiving a fair price for their products, which are produced in sustainable ways and in conditions.  

 

Be trendy! Get a one-of-a-kind design! Why look like everyone else, when you can rock your own unique sense of style! Handmade goods offer you an avenue for fashionable distinction. You wont see 10,000 replicas of that cute embroidered necklace, and because each product is crafted by hand, no 2 items are truly alike (think, snowflake)! GGP products have the added cosmopolitan factor as well. Our products range from almost 20 different countries, which reflect a variety of cultures and designs. Exude your exclusivity and rock products with character!

 

Support traditional means of production. At one point in time, being a craftsman or an artisan was one of the most revered and reveled professions. It takes a lot of skill and talent to be able to weave blades of grass into a beautiful basket. The advent of technology as overshadowed the beauty of craftsmanship. However, with organizations like GGP and West Elm, the appreciation and preservation of traditional artisanal works are bringing the relevance of such items back into the market!

 

The environment will thank you! Reduce your carbon footprint, and support  a green way of production. Fair trade handifcrafts are made in green conditions, usually via sustainable means and materials. Upcycling, for example, takes "reusable" to a whole new level! Materials, which we usually discard, are used to make an entirely new product! How creative! Check out GGP’s Upcycled Wire Wrist Band and Glitter Clutch for a visual! 

 

YOU ARE MAKING THE WORLD A BETTER PLACE! Feel good about yourself and your shopping by supporting the livelihood of both local and international artisans. With GGP products, your purchase helps to economically empower women in developing nations, and--in doing so--uplift their communities. Who knew retail therapy could heal the world!

 

You know the Big Apple is the city that never sleeps! Well NYC is even more exciting during the summertime! The long days & lively nights provide the perfect setting for city dwellers and visitors alike to enjoy all that NY has to offer. Skip the subway and take a walk under the sun’s rays! You’ll notice more smiling faces, more diners enjoying a meal outside, more exciting events, and definitely more funky fabulous fashionistas! Checkout some of GGP’s favorite summer hotspots with a fashionable twist! A STROLL OUTDOORS THE PLACE: The concrete jungle is not so concrete! See an outdoor movie at Bryant Park; sunbathe on the green of Central Park; channel your inner bookworm at the Brooklyn Bridge Park; or take a scenic walk on The High Line! Whichever you choose to do, make sure you do it in style with Global Goods Partners' summer accessories. THE LOOK: Make your outfit POP with our Acai Bead Necklaces! Made in Brazil from the pit of the Acai berry, and finished off with a coconut shell toggle closure, this necklace is all you need for your fun in the sun!

You can also channel your inner Nature Goddess, and finish off your outfit with our Leaves Fabric Jewelry set! Handmade in Mexico, the Leaves Fabric necklace, earring, and bracelet are a delicate & unique addition to your wardrobe! A NIGHT OUT ON THE TOWN After sitting in an office from 9-5, 5-7 days a week, New Yorkers are itching to escape the cubicle and blow off some steam with family, friends, and colleagues. Nightlife in NY is exciting, and there is no limit to the variety of events, parties, or shows you can enjoy! THE PLACE: Why enjoy your dinner  inside, when there are skylines to be viewed! Whether on top of a hotel, restaurant, or bar, it’s not hard to find an elevated space to sit back and relax on. See the Empire State Building light up the night sky at the 230 Fifth Lounge, or enjoy the largest outdoor hotel space on the terrace of Yotel in Times Square.

THE LOOK: Keep your look simple, sexy, and chic. You can mix and match patters and textures for an interesting look. Below I paired our black and white Silk Button Necklace with the cross-hatch pattern of our Bold Clutch Purse. Our Upcycled Wire Stud Earrings & gold Metal Bangles are the cherry on top of this delicious look! Now you’re ready for a night out on the town.

(Hint: You can find more fun fair trade looks like this on the Global Goods Partners Polyvore Page!) BEACH DAY THE PLACE: Your summer is not complete without a trip to the beach! Sun, waves, and sand are the epitome of the summer season. After Hurricane Sandy, volunteers and local governments convened to clean up and rebuild the shorelines. Now, they are ready to accommodate beach dwellers! Build a sandcastle at Jones Beach, sunbathe at Rockaway Beach, or take a trip to take a dip at one of the many beaches on Long Island.

THE LOOK: Keep all of your food, water toys, and sunscreen in one place with our selection of handmade Tote Bags. Carry in style with our Tribal Print and Burlap Tote, made by female artisans in Liberia. Take your Reversible Tote Bag, and  you will pay for 1 Cambodian child to have 4 nutritious meals at Friends-International centers. The Black Embroidered Handbag adds a vibrant pop to your beach wardrobe, and the Cotton Fabric Tote will be perfect for a bonfire at the beach. Visit us on our website: www.globalgoodspartners.org, or our Facebook page to find more ethical fashion inspirations! Have a happy summer!

Global Goods Partners works with amazing artisan groups who are all doing incredible things! We strive to partner with artisan organizations who are meeting a social need in their respective communities. Today, Gone Rural is in the spotlight! Gone Rural is a Swaziland-based organization made up of over 700 rural women artisans in thirteen communities. In addition to empowering women and alleviating poverty through fair trade, Gone Rural runs a wide variety of programs to improve the lives of women and children in the region. Last week Gone Rural officially opened up their second community hall in Emdlangwe. The local community was involved in its construction every brick of the way. Literally! Guba—a Swazi NGO working to fight against poverty via sustainable human and ecological development—led a workshop teaching 68 women and 15 men the philosophies of eco building. Afterwards, they put theory into practice and made 2,500 bricks out of local grass and loamy soil. Created from the earth, molded by the people, and baked by the sun, the bricks were made in a span of just 2 weeks. Now the community has a sturdy building, which involved every bit of Swaziland in the process!

There are so many things that can be created from materials that would otherwise be discarded, or forgotten. Gone Rural constructed an entire building made out of the soil and grass beneath their feet! And we, at Global Goods Partners, feature amazing accessories made from recycled materials. Just take a look at our Recycled Tire Men’s Wallet, and our Recycled Net Weekend Bag (featured above). Sustainable initiatives such as these, are the key to keeping our world, and ourselves healthy and strong for many years to come!

You can find the sleek Recycled Tire Men’s Wallet & the stylish Recycled Net Weekend Bag on our website, where you will also find vibrant baskets made by the women artisans of Gone Rural!

Behind every great superman is a superwoman. More importantly, behind every great superwoman are other superwomen. Women are an essential driving force in the world socially, politically, and economically, and as time progresses, the significance of a woman’s role in society is becoming increasingly apparent. Global Goods Partners had the fortune of being among a handful of vendors who promoted and supported women’s wellness & empowerment at Claudia Chan’s scintillating SHE Summit. Set within the enchanting brick walls of the 82Mercer Conference Center in SoHo, the SHE Summit provided its attendees with two days of empowering panels, lectures, and presentations from influential and remarkable women leaders. The Twitter-verse was buzzing with quotable moments and takeaways from the conference, but perhaps it was entrepreneur and coordinator of the SHE Summit—Claudia Chan—who said it best in summarizing this weekend’s ethos: It is this philosophy that drives the cause & mission of Global Goods Partners: “to improve the economic status of women in marginalized communities around the world.” Countless studies prove that women’s economic and social empowerment is positively correlated with a society’s economic prosperity, health, population development, and security. Let us continue to support; let us continue to empower; and let us continue to fuel the fire of the female’s finesse. Global Goods Partners: Buy Handmade, Change Women’s Lives