Beauty and Justice hand in hand
We select work from over 175 artisan groups in 65 countries in Africa, Asia and Latin America to bring you fairly traded jewelry, home decor, gifts and more. Partnering with some of the world’s oldest and largest fair trade organizations, we build long-term relationships with artisans that are based on mutual understanding and respect. Fair trade enables artisans to earn a fair wage and provides the opportunity for a better quality of life. Fair Trade would be nothing with out the commitment of great customers like you who appreciate the beautifully hand-crafted items from the groups with which we partner. Giraffe is pleased to bring you their best and allow you to continue the circle of Fair Trade.
My story… passion & purpose
My love of design and hand-made things was formed at an early age by both a mother and grandmother who sewed all my dresses. My first shoes were hand-beaded, moose hide moccasins from Alaska. Later, I took that love to design school and my preference for making a difference over high fashion then drew me to Port-au Prince Haiti to teach clothing construction in a trade school in Haiti.
My Haitian experience lasted almost 4 years and included work in a children’s hospital as coordinator for visiting volunteer groups. I also established a shop that featured locally and globally made arts and crafts that benefited the hospital.
Upon returning home I walked into Nordstrom and ended up staying for 12 years. In my free time I volunteered with Ten Thousand Villages teaching customer service. During which I traveled to Pakistan to visit several artisan groups.
It became clear to me that the beautiful products these people produce enriches their lives and ours, in truly tangible ways. Thus creating an opportunity to break the cycle of economic disparity that plagues developing nations.
Those who purchase their art feel the passion of the artisan’s creativity and my passion for finding and showing these extraordinary items.
The final step remaining to make this process complete is the discovery you make when you become enchanted by one of these exquisite pieces and simply must invite it into your home. At GIRAFFE it is exciting to see the creativity that comes from the items they have at hand. Like the artistically created recycled items that will make your heart happy as well as bring joy to your home.
About Giraffes
Giraffes are known throughout Africa for their natural curiosity. An old African folktale tells of God speaking to His newly created animals as to their purpose on earth. The name “Twiga” was bestowed upon the giraffes by the Shona people. As God spoke to Twiga, she stretched her neck to heaven to hear Him more clearly. God was pleased and gave her a long, elegant neck so she could reach the leaves of the tallest trees-and as a sign to others that extra effort is rewarded.