Introducing Artisan Pathways
Empowering Artisans for a Changing World
A Legacy of Fair Trade. A Future of Resilience + Success.
For over 75 years, Ten Thousand Villages has partnered with artisans around the globe to offer steady income, stability and a platform to share their craft. But the global marketplace is changing. With fewer large-scale Fair Trade buyers, artisans face urgent questions: How can they sustain their livelihoods in a shifting economy? Who will help them adapt?
One Answer: Artisan Pathways
Artisan Pathways is our new, direct service initiative designed to equip makers with the tools, training and confidence they need to thrive, no matter how the market evolves.
We help artisans:
- Diversify income beyond a single buyer
- Modernize products for changing consumer
tastes - Navigate export challenges, from material
sourcing to shipping logistics - Understand fair contracts, pricing and their
rights in global trade
Because even the most skilled and experienced artisans can be vulnerable without support.
WHO WE SERVE
Existing Artisan Partners
- Business pivot support to meet changing demand
- Training in product development, marketing and sales diversification
New Artisans Entering Global Trade
- Step-by-step guidance on international exporting
- Education on:
- Material compliance and durability
- Export pricing and costing
- Payment terms and contract fairness
- Assessment of environmental impact from materials used and production processes
Why It Matters - Now More Than Ever
Artisan Pathways isn’t just about preserving craft. It’s about empowering artisans with the skills and resilience to grow, adapt and succeed for generations to come.
