A Look Back at June 2023
It has been a month of growth and abundant opportunities, and we are thrilled to share them with you. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy reading about the latest updates from June.
Flavors from Mexico Made Their Way to the Fancy Food Show in NYC
From June 25th-27th, Tamula exhibited at the Fancy Food Show in New York City for the second time! At the show, Tamula displayed its full range of honeys, nut butters and marmalades, which received many compliments on their flavor profiles and use of unique local ingredients from the Yucatán Peninsula. Tamula’s representative from Ethics Foods who attended the show, Dany Hernandez, told us:
“We are very excited to have made connections with like-minded initiatives and businesses who are as thrilled as we are in pushing forward our mission for social impact in the artisan community.”
Tamula brings you the authentic flavor of Mayan cuisine with gourmet products from the Yucatán Peninsula in México. Each product is handmade with fresh, natural ingredients and are based on regional culinary traditions. By selling the products in the US market, ATA can support the women of these communities, helping to keep their traditions alive and contributing to improving their economic lives. Tamula is led by ATA-México in partnership with Ahmesa and Ethics Foods.
Pictured: Tamula’s Mexican Amber Honey displayed at the Fancy Food Show
ATA Team Comes Together in Washington D.C.
Following the COVID-19 pandemic, many people, including ATA’s US headquarters team, began working from home, even from different cities. With team members spread across 3 states, most of our work happens remotely.
Last month, the US Aid to Artisans/Creative Learning team came together at our offices in Chevy Chase, Maryland, right outside of Washington D.C., to develop our strategy for the future of ATA. We discussed all aspects of ATA, learning where our work can be improved and what changes need to be made to ensure artisan communities receive the highest quality services. Stay tuned to learn the results of these meetings as exciting changes lie ahead.
Pictured: ATA Team together at our headquarters in Washington D.C. From left to right: ATA Training Director Lauren Barkume, ATA Director Maud Obe, President & Chairman of the Board for Creative Learning Bill Kruvant, Senior Manager of Programs & Operations Rachel Landale, Staff Accountant Smythe Kannapell, Associate Director at Creative Learning Blake Kent, ATA Program Associate Hannah Klein, and Senior Advisor Dean Piedmont
Learning From the Experts
This summer, artisan entrepreneurs from Lesotho and Ethiopia will travel to New York City to learn about the US Export market during a Market Familiarization Trip (MFT) sponsored by Trade Facility Office (TFO) Canada. In preparation for the trip, the 10 artisan entrepreneurs from Lesotho participated in a customized eMarket Readiness Program, on June 14th and 15th, a program that was previously attended by the individuals from Ethiopia.
We asked the artisans from Lesotho what their biggest learning from the program was. Nkotseng Moleko of Thethana told us:
“My biggest takeaway was learning about the various distribution and sales channels and understanding where or how my product may fit in those categories.”
We look forward to hosting the entrepreneurs from Ethiopia and Lesotho in New York City in the coming months!
Image: TFO Lesotho eMRP training
The Canvas Home Small Grant Program is a long-standing funding program sponsored by Canvas Home, a retail and wholesaler of artisan ceramics, glassware, and textiles. It provides artisan businesses with direct financial assistance that can lay the groundwork for sustainable incomes for artisans and their community.
Since 2013, the Canvas Home Small Grant Program has aided more than 22,153 women and 2,615 men by providing grants to 64 groups in 31 different countries. These small grants of between $1,000-$1,500 have helped artisan groups purchase materials, provide trainings for their artisans, and help with marketing efforts. We are currently accepting applications for the 2023 program through July 31st, 2023. Click HERE to learn more.
Pictured: 2022 Canvas Home Small Grants winner, Rajan Bhimji Vankar
Become a Leader in the Global Artisan Market
There is still time for you to sign up for our annual, flagship training program, the eMarket Readiness Program. From September 19th-22nd, you can join this 4-day, live online training program with artisan industry experts, a buyer panel, global networking cocktail hour, and more.
This one-of-a-kind program provides artisan entrepreneurs like you the opportunity to create a clear, 1-year plan of action to grow your business, the opportunity to join small group coaching sessions to receive direct feedback on your products and brand, and the opportunity to learn exactly what buyers are looking for in artisan partners, just to name a few topics.
Interested in learning more? Visit the eMRP page HERE or email hannahk@creativelearning.org to get answers to any questions you may have.
Pictured: 2018 in person Market Readiness Program in New York City
What’s to Come in July
-We welcome back Tuzmo for another webinar hosted through Artisan Business Lab.
– Dos Tierras will be exhibiting at the Las Vegas Market from July 30th-August 2nd at booth E-1112.
– We will be selecting youths to participate in our pilot project in Burkina Faso, called Resilience through Craft. More on that soon!
