Since 2022, we’ve partnered with Nest to support makers and artisans, helping their work get the recognition it deserves. Together, we're creating in-store events, a digital marketplace, and a fellowship programme, all designed to amplify women’s handcrafted goods and promote sustainable, ethical production.

Our goal is simple: Give artisans more opportunities to share their craft, and help others appreciate the value of quality, handmade goods.

In this interview, Rebecca van Bergen, Founder + Executive Director at Nest, shares her thoughts on what handcraft really means, small ways to support makers, and how our partnership is making a difference.

A: Handcraft is a broad term that covers everything from finely crafted woven goods, ceramics, and wooden wares, to less complex “handwork,” like sewing pom-poms onto winter hats and stringing seed beads for mass market accessories. All of these practices require skill, creativity, and human hands.

Handcraft is a primary source of employment for many people worldwide, particularly women. We’re inspired by the incredible creativity of the global artisan community, as well as their resilience. Since our founding in 2006, Nest has witnessed the transformative impact that skill development, fair wages, peer connections and professional mentorship, and greater access to markets can have for individuals. From there, this impact ripples out into improved social and economic outcomes for families, communities, and future generations.

A: At Nest, we understand the importance of handcraft and the meaning it can hold for every life it touches. Our commitment to equipping artisans to create sustainable livelihoods is rooted in the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity and resources needed to thrive.

This is why we connect a community of artisans, retailers and philanthropies to bring the full beauty of handcraft to the world. We provide the resources and relationships that uplift the people, places, and practices behind each handcrafted good so artisans are respected, traditions are celebrated, and families and communities can grow and thrive.

Our “why” is rooted in the vision of a world where every artisan has the opportunity to pursue their craft with dignity, while creating a lasting, positive impact on their family, community, and future.

A: By supporting makers and artisans, we are preserving cultural heritage and craftsmanship, while ensuring handcraft is a respectable, safe, and viable source of employment and income.

In the US and Europe, investing in makers and creative entrepreneurs means investing in their communities. Dollars and pounds spent at small, local businesses are more likely to stay within that community and contribute to a vibrant and thriving social ecosystem.

Beyond this, the global handcraft workforce is predominantly women. __When we invest in women artisans, they are more likely to reinvest their earnings into their families’ healthcare and education, leading to improved outcomes for them, their children, and future generations. __

But, it can be hard to know how to start. The best first step is to make more conscious, mindful purchasing decisions. By choosing to support brands that prioritise fair labor practices, ethical sourcing, and sustainability, shoppers help drive demand for responsibly sourced products. Other behaviour changes, like buying less and opting for high-quality piece can create a ripple effect that encourages the fashion industry to adopt more sustainable and equitable practices.

And, when possible, buy local! Nest’s Makers United program aims to create market opportunities for makers and artisans worldwide. Alongside partners like Anthropologie, we are creating fun ways to shop directly from creative folks in your community. Every thoughtful choice is one step toward making a big difference!

A: A partnership with Anthropologie is a tremendous opportunity for Nest to amplify our mission and reach a wider audience committed to making a positive impact. It allows us to showcase the incredible talent and stories of makers and artisans worldwide, while aligning with a brand that values creativity, quality, and sustainability.
When Anthropologie visitors shop at an in-store pop-up, they are making a meaningful difference in the lives of local makers and artisans and contributing to a more sustainable, equitable future for all.