We will have Tintsaba, Zoggs, Imvelo Eswatini, Selyn, Sabahar and Elecosy lines along with some groovy bags and hats from Madagascar. All hand-made and ethically sourced.

Please pop over and say hello

Glenn & Debbie

9

Our new home

Glenn Hutchinson · March 2, 2019

Our New Home

DANAQA UPDATE

Danaqa has a new home. We are delighted to find a brand new retail opportunity in a really interesting destination outlet.

Malt House Emporium is in Ashchurch, Gloucestershire GL20 8JP and houses an eclectic mix of items from a wide range of independent vendors.

Located just 500m from junction 9 of the M5 with a huge car park and well-appointed tea room it is perfect for a browse or a quick stop off.

So, whether it is Ethiopian hand-made textile scarves from Sabahar, elephant dung stationery gift items from Sri Lanka or brightly painted recycled metal buckets from Zoggs in Swaziland the Malt House Emporium is your new “go-to” destination store.

www.danaqa.com

Introducing ..........ZOGGS!!

Glenn Hutchinson · January 19, 2019

Introducing …Zoggs! Our supplier of recycled paper piggy banks and other innovative products with a unique design.

Danaqa - A New Chapter

Glenn Hutchinson · December 5, 2018

Danaqa is entering a new phase. The team of Nadia, David and Jessica have done extraordinary work in promoting a diverse range of female artisans over the years. Commitments in Europe and on other projects take them in fresh directions - go well guys. We hope to continue their work both in wholesale and retail form from a more rural base in the Cotswolds.

Along with the core suppliers like Sabahar of Ethiopia and Selyn of Sri Lanka, we will be adding new suppliers like the gifted weavers from Tintsaba, and the creative force that is found at Imvelo Eswatni, both in Swaziland.

Our retail activity will be on-line and pop-up at local charitable events but the aim will remain the same in supporting ethical trade with women-led businesses and craftswomen from some of the developing corners of the world.

Danaqa is closing its doors...and starting a new chapter

Jessica Ball · December 6, 2017

Danaqa World Chic, the retail outlet that opened six years ago, will close its doors at the end of December.

Embracing change has been my biggest lesson in running Danaqa. What you envision is not always what ends up happening. Things change. This was true before Danaqa opened for my personal journey – I hadn’t envisioned opening a shop when I was an 13 years old. The world changes, you meet people, get inspired, have ideas, then sometimes try to do something with those ideas. Danaqa was an idea that I acted on. It was a concept that was inspired by many things. Firstly, a desire to find a solution to a series of problem. Small producers in developing countries need a market for their products. The reputation of certain countries is an artificial and unfair boundary that producers of high quality products need to overcome. There is a lack of capacity from some amazing producers to meet large orders from big buyers over small time periods, but that shouldn’t mean they should be excluded from export markets. Finally, Danaqa was a business with an inspiration, style, image and philosophy of the person it was inspired by, my wife. Early palettes that were put together for Danaqa were based on her bracelets. We never sold a product she wouldn’t buy. I wanted to create a business in her image.

When Danaqa launched, the business plan forecast a growth of the retail business, with the opening of numerous physical shops throughout London, Europe and beyond. That is not a reality today, and because of that I am sad. For many other reasons I am proud.

Danaqa worked with producers from various countries – Ethiopia, Rwanda, Botswana, Tanzania, Ghana, Sri Lanka, Nepal, India, Iran and Indonesia. For most of our suppliers we have worked with for the past seven years we were the first company they have exported to, the company that helped them create bank accounts, processes for growing. And most have outgrown us. This is what we wanted.

I still remember opening on a Saturday morning in July and sitting for over two hours, in a shop next to “the famous blue door from the film Notting Hill”, waiting to make a sale. Fifteen minutes into that wait I was convinced we would never sell anything.

I remember all the people who gave me advice. Helped. I remember seeing one of our handbags being carried onto a bus for the first time. I remember when we pitched Danaqa to buyers at John Lewis – I was so proud of having a business good enough to even get that opportunity. I remember all of the breaks that we almost had. I am proud of opening a shop 6 years ago, proud that we tried.

Danaqa the shop is closing, but as a business and concept we are not. Danaqa will evolve into a new business providing advice and consultancy services to organisations as facilitation experts. It is something that we have been doing for the past four years, and are good at it. It is something we are passionate about because creating dialogues and conversations, linkages and connections is important. It is a business in the image of my wife, as the shop was.

For further information on the next chapter of our story please visit changebyexchange.co

Fairtrade in Sri Lanka

Jessica Ball · February 3, 2017

Jessica from the Danaqa team recently visited Sri Lanka to find out more about some of the great ethical and sustainable brands on the island, working to preserve handicrafts and support rural women.

Selyn

Founded in 1991, Selyn is a Fair Trade Guaranteed handloom company that engages nearly 1000 members of the traditional community of handloom weavers in the village of Wanduragala in Kurunegala. A declining industry, Selyn is working to revive the ancient skills and heritage of handweaving and extend its benefits to rural women and men, to empower them financially and allow for a comfortable standard of living. All products are 100% cotton and dyed in an environmentally friendly way at the company's dye plant, which includes a garden free to use by the employees, allowing them to take produce home to their families. The company also provides creche facilities, enabling mothers to continue to work. The toys produced by Selyn are made both in the company's factory and by a network of home workers, allowing them to earn a living from the comfort of their own homes. Selyn is a fantastic example of a company giving flexibility to employees to fit their lives, respect for the environment, preservation of traditional skills, whilst producing beautiful, well-made products.

Selyn products will be coming to our Danaqa store soon!

Island Craft Sri Lanka

The Island Craft initiative was created by the Academy of Design (AOD International Design Campus) to support local artisans and cottage industry in small villages through contemporary design collaborations. Island Craft focuses on keeping the handicraft legacy alive, while allowing artisans to lead self-sustained livelihoods. Their traditional artisan communities produce exquisitely handcrafted textiles, basketry and utensils from their humble cottages. The project supports engaged artisans by providing guidance to make quality products that meet international design standards while staying true to local techniques.With products ranging from Palmyrah items produced from the Northern Province, Handloom textiles from Gampaha, Batik, Kithul, Coconut and other Wooden carvings from the Central and Southern Province, Knitware items from Northern Province and many more.

Good Market

We were so happy to discover the Good Market, which takes place in Colombo and Galle every Saturday. It is such a great initiative to see and you can find out more about their mission and a full list of vendors on their website.

"The Good Market wants to make it easier and more fun to “do good” and make better choices for our planet, our communities, and our health. It is a platform where socially and environmentally responsible producers, services providers, and consumers can come together.

Sri Lanka has many organic farmers, social enterprises, and responsible businesses that are creating products and services that are eco-friendly, socially responsible, and healthy. It also has many well-educated consumers that want to feed their families natural and organic food and choose products and services that match their values. The Good Market is a place for these groups to meet."

Handcrafted bags and baskets from Pulathisi at Good Market.

WEAVE by Chrysalis

WEAVE is a collaborative effort to support the businesses of women in Thunnkkai and Pandiyankulam, two small villages in the North of Sri Lanka. The women have come together to create hand-weaving workshops. They are committed to reviving the handloom industry in the North, once a thriving source of income and creativity. Their ultimate aim is to build their business in order to provide a better quality of life for their families and communities; WEAVE is helping to link them to new markets and aid in growing the businesses.

Barefoot

Established 50 years ago by Barbara Sansoni, Barefoot is perhaps the most well-known ethical brand in Sri Lanka. They work almost exclusively with women, teaching skills and quality to handweavers and stitchers. The products are produced in small workshops, most of which are in the countryside, allowing the women to stay in their rural locations, whilst still having the opportunity to work and earn fair wages. The cotton, silk and wool fibres are all hank dyed and woven by hand. Their flagship store in Colombo is a must visit, with floors of beautiful products and a lovely courtyard cafe.

It is so inspiring to see such great fair trade initiatives, both old and new, existing in the small island of Sri Lanka. With respect for the environment, providing sustainable livelihoods to people and offering great design and wonderful colours, we hope to return very soon!

HAS-bringing Sri Lankan crafts to the UK

David Thomas · October 21, 2016

Upcycled Fashion brand One Memoir releases it’s first collection with the help of Caribbean designers

David Thomas · October 5, 2016

Sustainable fashion continues to make strides in the industry with many consumers daring to ask who made my clothes in pursuit of more transparency in line with the recent Fashion Revolution campaign. As consumers are getting more aware of the detrimental effects of fast fashion on the environment and people, such as an increase in textile waste and poor working conditions, an increasing number of consumers are rightfully demanding innovative ways to reduce the carbon footprint. One Memoir, a fashion start-up based in Edinburgh is addressing both the desire for greater transparency and sustainability. Founded by two University of Edinburgh graduates, Justus and Shelly, One Memoir is in the business of upcycling preloved women’s jackets and coats. Their first collection entitled, ‘REVYBE – The Memoir’ was designed and upcycled by Caribbean designers from Trinidad and Tobago.

For many who wonder, upcycling is the activity of converting old or discarded materials into something entirely new to make them once again valuable. One Memoir decided to upcycle its preloved jackets, sourced from Scotland with the help of four emerging designers to reduce waste and offer a sustainable design opportunity and awareness to these designers. But why Trinidad and Tobago?

Well, according to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change, Trinidad and Tobago is the second largest producer of carbon emissions in the world, as shown below. Fashion is very much seen as disposable: goods which are thrown away if they no longer fit or meet the current fashion trends. As a result, a lot of clothes are disposed of, filling landfills and leaving a mark on the beautiful Caribbean Island. The concept of upcycling was not widely known nor utilised in mainstream fashion in Trinidad and Tobago before One Memoir’s introduction to the island.

Moreover, sustainable fashion has also not attained a stronghold in the region and many designers remained uninformed of ways in which they can utilise their scrap material. With their cofounder, being a native of the Caribbean island they opted to have their first collection designed there. Most designers from the twin island discarded their scrap material but now, One Memoir challenged them to see value in their waste and use it as accentuating materials for the final one-of-a-kind pieces. It was an opportunity to inform the designers and by extension the island about sustainable fashion and, provide the designers with an international opportunity to have their finished designs retailed in the UK market. The process benefitted all parties and can be seen from the final One Memoir video excerpt released by the brand documenting their time in Trinidad and Tobago.

Conducting any business activity across geographic borders comes with its own hurdles and the Co-Founders were quick to highlight theirs. Along their journey, Justus was based in Scotland and Shelly in Trinidad and Tobago, they experienced time differences to logistical hurdles and the great task of filling knowledge gaps. The task was not easy but they firmly believed in their vision of offering a truly unique and sustainable fashion collection and ultimately they were able to overcome all of these obstacles to make their dream of One Memoir come alive.

In the space of 6 months their collection of 15 exclusive upcycled women’s jackets and coats were completed and their featured designers all thoroughly enjoyed the process. One designer, Nwannia, even planned to incorporate upcycling into her own design process in the future. This highlights how One Memoir not only created an opportunity to reduce waste in the burdened Island, but also to support the emerging creative designers who are looking for an opportunity to join the global fashion stage.

Their journey and vision to tackle the detrimental carbon footprint of the current fast fashion industry is truly impressive. Brands that put sustainable fashion and knowledge transfer at the forefront should be recognized and we recognise One Memoir for their bold and sustainable efforts in the Caribbean.

If you’d like to view their exclusive collection called ‘Revybe – The Memoir ‘please visit their website www.onememoir.com

They can also be followed on all social media channels using the handle one memoir.

Fashion Africa Guide Conference 2016

David Thomas · September 14, 2016

Last week Danaqa attended the Fashion Africa Guide conference, hosted by FAG founder Jacqueline Shaw. As well as the annual conference, FAG also offer online Fashion Africa Business workshops, a Fashion Africa Trade Expo and Fashion Africa Sourcing trips that are launching in 2017. Jacqueline is also the author of ‘Fashion Africa’ showcasing over 45 of Africa’s well-known fashion designers and companies.

“The ethical considerations behind the fashion industry in Africa right now are really its biggest strength” –Claire Lynch

The day provided a fascinating insight into current African fashion businesses and best-model practices. Discussing the textile and leather industry in Ethiopia we learnt from the company, Responsify, that the Ethiopian government are implementing a ban on the export of raw materials in order to focus on value added export as well as banning the second hand clothing industry. By prioritising the textile and leather industry, 200,000 Ethiopians can be employed each year due to the growing industry. Developing the industry from scratch provides the opportunity to implement sustainable production practices and ethical working conditions, creating the possibility to make a positive change.

Mantis World, based in Arusha Tanzania, are another company paving the way for ethical and sustainable manufacturing, with a factory producing blank apparel for the printed market. As well as achieving various industry certifications such as GOTS and SAI they are focused on women’s empowerment through the creation of garment industry jobs that do not require educational qualifications or previous work experience.

Information on organic cotton from the Mantis World website

Mark Stephenson from Sandstorm Kenya presented a very inspiring story of his brand’s evolution, from a ‘safari-style’ product aimed at expats and the export market to a ‘Kenya’s first choice for timeless and functional bags,’ achieving $1 million in sales in the last 12 months. The brand now presents a heritage story instead of a lifestyle story, with nearly 100% of the bag being manufactured in their Nairobi based factory, for example most of the hardware for the bags is cast from recycled brass by local craftsmen. They have also reinvented their retail concept to accommodate for the sophisticated Kenyan consumer market.

“You’re not going to help, you’re going to learn and collaborate.” – Simon Ferrigno

Other impactful points made throughout the day were the need for cultural understanding of who you are working with and the value of skills already present, as well as those that need to be developed. Manufacturing focus should be on developing skills as an alternative to keeping the skills set low and simply producing low-cost goods, which echoes the need for value-added export products.

It was a truly inspiring and encouraging day to hear positive stories of responsible manufacturing, local creativity and business innovation from such a rich and diverse continent. Thank you Fashion Africa Guide!

Supporting Baluch women by keeping the art of hand embroidery alive

Jessica Ball · August 11, 2016

We invited the supplier of our beautiful new jewellery collection from Iran, Pegah Mohebbi, to write us a guest blog about the history of hand embroidery and what is being done to preserve craft traditions in Iran.

The province of Sistan-Baluchestan is situated in south-eastern Iran. With a population of 2.6 million, it is the largest region in the country. The province has historically suffered from political repression, economic deprivation and has witnessed violence through terrorism from extremist Sunni groups and drug smuggling. Today, it is the most under-developed region of Iran.

Sistan-Baluchestan stands out as being a particularly traditional and conservative, with many social restrictions on women including limited rights to education, under age marriage and high levels of violence against women.

While many government initiatives in the region have failed there is a growing trend stemming from the younger generation of educated women who aim to create job opportunities for the local women in aid of improving living standards and helping them gain independence. One of the most successful of these initiatives involves the popular craft of Baluch hand-embroidery.

Many Baluch women have turned to the art of hand-embroidery they have learnt and practiced since they were children to make their living and to support themselves and their families. With the invaluable effort of young artists and designers around the country, this tradition is being kept alive and restored:

Mixing the old and the new: Hand-embroidery is an ancient Iranian craft. Through support and mentoring of young designers educated in this craft, Baluch women are introduced to new innovative designs, tools and techniques, helping them create pieces suited to the demands of consumers today more efficiently.

Building a support network: Baluch woman are trained and supported to be able to reach their highest potential. They are mentored to be able to adapt their skills to the modern world. By partnering with young artists and designers in main cities of the country and abroad, their work is introduced to the contemporary fashion world for recognition of their beautiful intricate work as well as reliable continuous income.

A sense of belonging: This is not just about work opportunities and producing beautiful colourful piece that can be worn. It is much more. This is about creating a safe environment and a sense of community for Balouch women who can gain independence and confidence in themselves and their ability.

For more Baluch embroidery products visit the Danaqa store or masoudi.co.uk

Outcome Statement – Global Landscapes Forum: The Investment Case 2016

David Thomas · July 6, 2016

Following on from Danaqa's facilitation of the Global Landscapes Forum in June, the recently released statement summarises the day's outcomes.

“These were their key messages:

New business models, financial instruments and regulations need to come in at different scales and provide support at different stages and over different timeframes.
Technology is needed to make sustainability simpler and cost effective.
Risks have to be mitigated and trust built – for investors and their customers
Access to good quality data and using it is essential.
We need to start communicating alternative value propositions, collaborating across sectors and value chains.”

— http://www.landscapes.org/publication/glf-london-2016-outcome-statement/

The full report can be read here.

Zambezi Baskets

Jessica Ball · June 22, 2016

Our beautiful handwoven baskets are a hit in the Danaqa store...here is the story behind them.

Zambezi Baskets is a community driven social enterprise that designs produces and exports hand-woven home decor items made from natural fibres.

Operating from Zambia and Zimbabwe Zambezi Baskets employs over 60 rural families who express their culture and talents to create products that are beautiful, functional and durable. Our artisans advance themselves, raise stronger families, stimulate their local economies and inspire the world around them.

Artisan Powered

Artisans are the driving force behind Zambezi Baskets and the ultimate reason it exits. As artisan leaders gain skills, knowledge and economic independence, they assume greater levels of responsibility in the enterprise. Zambezi Baskets goes beyond fair trade wage scales to pay its artisans livable wages.

Ethical

Our natural hand made products preserve cultural traditions and the local environment. The ilala palm and bark used in production are cultivated locally, Zambezi Baskets revives the importance of basket weaving in the area by enabling women to pass on their basket weaving skills to their daughters as income generating opportunity.

> Zambezi Baskets opperates in some of the poorest rural areas in the region between Zambia and Zimbabwe

> 78% of household report food scarcity.

> The average annual income is less than $110.

There is no industry or manufactor.

> 90% of the residents are subsistence farmers and fishermen..

> Zambezi Baskets is the only economic development project for women in the area.

> The empoverment of women is key to:

> raising child nutrition level

> improving distribution and production of food

> enhancing the living conditions of rural poor and vulnerable population.

Sabahar-Keeping handweaving alive in Ethiopia

Jessica Ball · June 15, 2016

One of Danaqa's most popular product ranges is our beautiful handwoven scarves from Ethiopian company Sabahar.

Producing uniquely designed, hand made cotton and silk textiles, their products are entirely hand made from natural fibres, from the spinning of the thread to the weaving of the fabric.

Sabahar founder and General Manager, Kathy Marshall, a Canadian by birth but a twenty-year veteran of Ethiopia, founded the company in 2004. Her passion for preserving and celebrating the rich weaving tradition of Ethiopia combined with her desire to create respectful and ethical work opportunities for marginalized people have laid the foundation for the company.

Sabahar's core values reflect those of Danaqa's and their quality made products are a continuing hit with our customers.

Here are Sabahar's values, which can be found on their website.

"Sustainability: We support and train artisansto apply their ancient skills to modern, fresh designs. By providing the bridge between the artisan and the global market, we provide reliable income for families.
Innovation: Weaving is an ancient craft in Ethiopia but silk was only introduced to Ethiopia about 15 years ago. We adopt traditional technologies to new fibers and products. We remain loyal to tradition while adjusting to contemporary tastes of the world market.
Caring for each other: Our products are made with care by people we care about. We create positive work opportunities in Ethiopia, with an emphasis on employment for women. We are members of the World Fair Trade Organization."

To find out more about Sabahar and their creative process watch this short video.