This summer, Artistri Sud collaborated in a unique partnership which provided Artistri Sud graduates with an opportunity to develop their business and skills while producing an order for Montreal-based skin care company, Etymologie.
What was our Partnership all about?
Etymologie special-ordered one-of-a-kind cosmetic bags and hand-woven hemp facecloths for a special holiday season promotion, which were produced by women who had graduated from Artistri Sud’s entrepreneurship boot camp held last December. One group of artisans from Sapa, led by Chu Lothi and Phin Tan May, produced the pouches using traditional methods and incorporating Hmong designs, and the Lung Tam Textile Cooperative produced the facecloths made of natural, undyed hemp.
Prospective business students participated in the production process, working alongside the women producers. They are currently studying at Princeton English, a consultancy based in Hanoi which helps students apply to universities in the United States. The company had approached Artistri Sud looking for a chance for their students to engage in the community and learn relevant skills.
“Many of our students will be studying business and entrepreneurship at university, and we are really drawn to your organization for its focus on social enterprise,” explains coordinator Stanton Sharpe. By leveraging real hands-on business experience paired with time in the classroom, these students will be ready to apply for a formal education overseas. A group of six students worked with the artisans to oversee the process and ensure Etymologie’s order was filled to specification. They gained hands-on experience working within the supply chain and acting as a liaison between the artisans and Étymologie.
A Win-Win Process
Their responsibilities included mediating orders, managing communications and production, and dealing with unforeseen issues.
In one instance, after the artisans completed the first order of cosmetic bags, there were inconsistencies in the bags’ sizes. Going to the root of the problem, they learned that the artisans did not have measuring tapes to correctly measure the fabric. “Someone had a smartphone, so they ended up using some kind of on-line app which depicts a ruler,” explains Artistri Sud Executive Director, Jennifer Lonergan, “but you can imagine using your smartphone to measure fabric–you’re not going to get very precise results.” The students and the artisans discussed options to solve the problem, such as offering the client a discount for the off-size bags, or re-doing them. The artisans decided to re-do the flawed pouches, to ensure client satisfaction, and keep the mis-measured bags to sell at another venue.
“This was a great opportunity all around–the artisans had the chance to work with an international client, fulfill orders, and work out some kinks in their process; the students could collaborate as business partners while gaining experience in the field. It’s a win – win.”
What did the client think? Raquela Cheesmond, owner of Etymologie, was thrilled with the end-result. “I love that they’re all unique–these will be very attractive as one-of-a-kind gifts.”
Etymologie is now offering these one-of-a-kind items! A portion of the proceeds from all sales of their Miracle Moringa Oil go to support Artistri Sud’s programs.
You can help make change possible by contributing directly to our women’s empowerment work in Asia and Latin America, you can donate to Artistri Sud by clicking right here!
For partnership opportunities, please contact us at Jennifer@artistri.ca .
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