Sojourns Fair-Trade

09/13/2026

It’s Melissa and I’ve been traveling—took 5 Sojourns’ customers to Turkiye so I’ve slacked on artisan stories and small business profiles. So because I’m ill prepared again today I’ll take today for some shameless self promotion to remind you of an an opportunity to join me on trips. And today to specifically invite you on the Madagascar trip!

August 2027 we will head to Madagascar for lemurs, nature walks and baobab trees.
I have one maybe two spots for Spain (April) and two spots (maybe 3) for Madagascar.

The website travelwithmel dot info has details. Or you can see past trips and follow us on Facebook

https://www.facebook.com/share/1BjXHNoUsK/?mibextid=wwXIfr

Let's explore the world and go off the beaten path. Travel with me to destinations near and far

09/11/2026

If you want to do something meaningful this 9/11... Then donate to efforts to help victims of war in Gaza and Ukraine. Want to honor freedom then demand action for those facing occupation. The best way to honor those lost is to help those who are currently facing the same horror and sadness and work so that future generations know peace, tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness.

09/10/2026

Are you considering a more sustainable way to care for your hair and scalp? Would you like a no mess, leak-free, travel-friendly, option? Do you like products that smell good?

Well, if you said yes to any of these questions come and check out the Tangie Shampoo Bars! We currently have 8 different varieties of them in stock. Conditioners too! Each bar is handcrafted with a different scalp or hair need in mind, is vegan, cruelty free and can last up to 50 washes! There is a bar for everyone!

09/07/2026

09/05/2026

Bring vibrant color and extraordinary craftsmanship into your home with our Rainbow Zulu Bowl, handwoven in South Africa by skilled Zulu artisans. We have several designs to choose from and no two are alike!

09/03/2026

We just received our latest shipment from Soruka! Almost a dozen different styles - crossbody, backpack, and unisex are available now - Come and get your favorite while selection is best!

Soruka's mission is to create beautiful timeless products while using high-quality leather and preserving traditional techniques, supporting sustainable fashion and the fair trade movement. these one-of-a-kind, environmentally-friendly leather accessories are made by artisans using scraps of leather that otherwise go to waste and end up in a landfill.

09/03/2026

Faces of fair trade. The people. The creative, dynamic forces behind the products we carry should not be overlooked. I love that fair trade focuses on the artisans. As I watched a potter work his wheel in Istanbul yesterday, it reminds me where the focus should be. On the artisans. When you shop with us you support them.

09/02/2026

Many of our journals come from Nepal. The paper is made from the Daphne plant or the lokta bush, both plants found in the Himalayas. Both are sustainable products that create an opportunity for our Nepali artisans to craft a living from the mountains they call home

08/29/2026

People always ask if I visit all the countries where we source items. No, but I’m trying! We currently work with 450+ artisans groups in 61 countries, so to facilitate that it takes many people and organizations forming a spider web of connectivity.
Sometimes we source directly from artisans or small cooperatives. Sometimes it’s group like ACP- the Association of Craft Producers who help us connect with a variety of local artisans. Shipping and logistics can be daunting, so having a trusted partner means less aspirin on my part 🙂

I was lucky enough to visit them last year. They’re keeping me in the loop as there are artisans in the area affected by last week’s horrific flood.

Established in 1984. ACP is proud to define itself as a socially oriented, commercially viable enterprise.
Association for Craft Producers is a local not for profit Fair Trade handicraft organization. It operates under a 11-member Executive Board out of which 8 are women. ACP has 50 full time administrative staff and 30 in house producers. ACP works with more than 500 producers who are either homebased or work in groups. ACP works with 30 producer groups. Directly and indirectly, ACP benefits 3000 people