5 minute read
Embracing Brands that Embrace Community
embracing brands that embrace community
The AGHA value empowering the industry and are conscious of their corporate responsibility. Here we showcase a small selection of members who are committed to making a positive impact in their communities. Each brand embraces and supports people across the world by breaking the cycle of poverty through a mix of fair employment and education. We invite you to join us in embracing them, their communities and the exceptional products they create!
Kayu&Co. products combine traditional craftsmanship with modern aesthetics, featuring clean lines and minimalist styles that fit well in modern homes. The pieces are visually appealing and functional, serving practical purposes while also adding an artistic touch to daily life.
Kayu&Co. equips Indonesian artisans with the necessary skills and knowledge to refine their craftsmanship and adapt to modern technologies. By connecting remote artisans with global markets, they assist artisans in gaining visibility and fair prices for their products that will be on display at stand 1040.
Australian Native Food Co is dedicated to showcasing Australia's native ingredients through delicious food flavours and body and aroma products while having a positive impact on the community and environment. By teaming up with Indigenous Australians and small-scale farmers to source ingredients, they ensure the harvesting and production process is environmentally friendly and community-centric.
Australian Native Food Co has a fundraising initiative that helps schools, sports clubs, kindergartens, and more Explore the wide range of gourmet food, body products, and candles that delight the senses and support Aussie communites at stand 1107.
Fashion company Koguis is a member of the Fair Trade Association of Australia and NZ (since 2010) and is recognised as an Endorsed Business in the Fair traders of Australia Program. In 2017, Koguis was named a finalist for the My Optus Business Award in the Corporate Social Responsibility of the Year category. In 2019, they partnered with Fair Trade Organic Cotton International brand Global Mamas for the Australian and NZ market. They employ Indigenous artisans from Colombia, Ecuador, Peru and Ghana.
Koguis’ Spring/Summer Collection features organic Fair Trade hand-printed batik cotton products, hand-woven Panama hats, woven handbags, purses, baskets, eco-jewellery carved from tagua nut, Christmas decor, and recycled glass jewellery. For colder seasons, they offer luxurious lambswool felt items including hats, caps, hand-loomed alpaca scarves, silk accessories, and hand-knitted pieces all on display at stand 1139.
Karuna Dawn has solid ethical foundations believing in “ahimsa” practices - to do no harm and to live in harmony with the environment Even their name “karuna” means compassion in the ancient Sanskrit language. Karuna Dawn uses sustainable fibres and materials with a lower environmental footprint and partners with ethical production houses in Nepal, India and Thailand who employ marginalised and vulnerable people.
Communities in Thailand craft Karuna Dawn's eye-catching leaf leather collection from sustainably harvested teak leaf forests
Visit Karuna Dawn at stand 1037 and experience beautifully handcrafted vegan bags and stationery items, upcycled denim bags and artisan made organic cotton tote bags all of which are kind to people, animals and the planet.
Pure Dreamwear provides ethical employment and training to empower over 181 people who have faced social injustice including human trafficking, gender and racial discrimination, or who are living with disability. They prioritise sustainable manufacturing practices and product longevity over fast fashion with hand-sewn pyjamas in organic fabric. They are genuinely leading the way in corporate responsibility by fostering providing empowering individuals, and creating environmentally-friendly products that are both beautiful and high-quality.
Pure Dreamwear will introduce Goodnap at stand MP44, expanding its collection of sleepwear and loungewear to feature in demand fabrics such as organic linens and organic cottons.
Kolka specialise in Indian hand blockprinted cotton quilts, euro shams, cushions, and kantha bedspreads, celebrating craftsmanship, community, and the heritage of their skilled artisans. These craftsmen uphold a valuable cultural tradition, integrating their ancestral expertise into the essence of their creations, preserving traditional methods while adding a modern touch.
Kolka’s products showcase a blend of soft hues and vivid pops of color that complement various interior design styles such as French Provincial, Country Classic, Victorian, British Colonial, Hampton, Bohemian, and Traditional Experience the difference of pure cotton, natural dyes, hand-braiding, and weaving techniques at stand 1336.
By choosing Kolka, you not only acquire captivating and distinctive products but are also supporting sustainable livelihoods for Indian artisans.
Explore these 6 brands and many more, plus a range of superb ethically-made products at AGHA Melbourne Gift Fair 3-6 August 2024.
