Sojourns Fair-Trade

06/17/2026

Just in from Bali.

These beautiful handbags and crossbody bags are handcrafted by Balinese women working from their homes in the Tenganan Village in Eastern Bali. After the purses and bags are woven, they are dried under the sun, then hung over a fire for several days. The smoke and heat from the fire gives them their golden color and cures them, making them hard and durable and ensuring they will last a lifetime.

06/15/2026

The country we can be when we’re not told to be afraid

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1GRb5ypkD5/?mibextid=wwXIfr

06/07/2026

Hi all it Melissa and I’m still in Indonesia. The amazing team has been holding down the fort but we’ve let social media slide so I’m here to remind you to come see us. And to say happy PRIDE, albeit a week late.
Kelly sent me pics of the new PRIDE window, a rainbow of colorful items. And a reminder on the door that this month and every other month we are a safe space. We welcome you and celebrate all in the uniqueness.
As I’m in another country I am the one who is different. But kindness overrides everything and I am welcomed and treated with respect. I hope that we as a business can follow that example and let each person who enters know they are loved and appreciated in our little corner of the world.

05/28/2026

Though Thailand has more than 70 different ethnic groups, the Lisu is one of only a few officially recognized Hill Tribes. The Lisu are a vibrant people, known for their bright, intricately designed clothing. Now you can own one of their unique handmade pieces - for a great price!

These Thai tribal totes are half-off this summer, from $48 to just $24. Lined, with a large interior pocket and a zipper closure, they're well-made and washable. Come snag one or two before they're gone!

05/28/2026

I am constantly amazed at the artisan cooperatives I visit. The focus on the artisans and the products makes me more committed than ever to fair trade principles. From design, and ex*****on of the products to quality control, the commitment to the product quality is phenomenal. But the cooperatives also have ombudsmen and artisan support staff to assure artisans voices are heard and needs are met. The focus on the treatment and inclusion of artisans in the process as well as their well being shows me a world built on dignity and equality. It’s truly soul reinforcing to see a world that operates from a point of kindness and dignity. Thank you all for your support of fair trade. Together we can make a difference through ethical purchases.

05/27/2026

Today is Eid in Kashmir. What an honor to be able to spend this holy and meaningful day with my Kashmiri family. I was awoken with Rafia ( my SIL by all intents and purposes) and nephew Farmaan slinging open my bedroom door and shouting “Eid greetings”. I made my way down to share in pastries and warm milk to start the day.

The butcher then comes to the house to slaughter a sheep. One third is for the poor in the community, one third for friends and family and the final portion will be dinner tonight. As a mostly vegetarian, Farmaan walked with me around the neighborhood while the butcher was on sight. Soon I’ll don my new salwar kameez and help distribute the mutton. I wish I had pictures to share but never want to treat this day or these people as tourist attractions, so for now I say Eid Mubarak to those who celebrate and wish all others the joy of being embraced by those who live their lives just a little differently

05/25/2026

Spent a morning at the papier-mache artisans. Always fun to see the items being made and see the prices from raw product to truly beautifully painted art!

05/13/2026

Are you looking for a unique teacher's gift that also supports education worldwide? We just got these beautiful Cause Connection bracelets in today! The "Educate" bracelet helps educate girls in India's Bawana community. The "Teach" bracelet helps get supplies to teachers facing funding challenges. Come get one for your favorite teacher soon!

[Link to buy + more info in comments]

05/10/2026

Headed to Kashmir with a few intrepid travelers.
When I get back I’ll be taking reservations for Morocco (April 2027) and Madagascar (July 2027) so follow my journey (limited WiFi in Kashmir so intermittent posts) to see what traveling with me looks like. After Kashmir with the group I’ll celebrate Eid with the Khans, then head to the Gurez Valley near the Pakistan LOC with Riyaz and then finish off with a week of relaxation in Bali (as I scout guides and locations for a Travels with Mel trip in the future).

https://www.facebook.com/share/19wVBYQWFM/?mibextid=wwXIfr

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

05/07/2026

One of our most popular Mother’s Day gifts is jewelry from the Starfish Project, a program offering care and employment to women liberated from s*x trafficking. We just got in a shipment from this amazing group. Come see us