November-December Issue 2015
By Gisel Habibnejad
In recent years, subscription boxes have increased in popularity. The reason is most likely attributed to the element of surprise. Because of this, customers can receive a self-paid gift every month—not just on birthdays or holidays. Who can blame them for that?
Gift yourself a handcrafted present while helping others through GlobeIn. Essentially, their mission is to grant artisans global reach. “GlobeIn empowers female artisans from around the globe to bring their handcrafted products to the international market, and provides them the opportunity for financial stability and growth,” says Sepideh Nasiri, Chief Business Officer of GlobeIn. They make a living by hand-making products, located in countries such as Mexico, Sri Lanka, South Sudan, and Ghana.
Those who subscribe or purchase from GlobeIn also help bring monetary support for these groups, who mostly live in the economically underdeveloped area of their country. The company connects these talented artisan groups with the world in order to keep their culture alive. “Since inception, GlobeIn has helped thousands of consumers discover a robust collection of artisanal products while enabling people in over 40 countries to attain a higher quality of life,” shares Nasiri.
Each box comes with a basket weaved in Oaxaca, Mexico. This city harbors a small group of artisan peoples made of 50% of Mexico’s indigenous speaking population.
The Oaxacan weavers are made up of three groups, supporting 30+ cooperating artisans in total. “One of our co-founders was traveling in Mexico looking for artisans and discovered the artisan who was making the baskets in a market in Oaxaca, we grew this from one artisan to currently 30,” explains Nasiri. The first group is split into two under Marina López: Don Juan García López and Doña Selerina García Lucas. Don Juan and his entire family work together to make a living through agriculture and weaving. Doña Selerina and her group live in a very poor town located in Sierra Sur. Doña Martina leads the third group, and thanks to GlobeIn, she is able to work from home to spend more time with her family and take care of her children.
While each basket weaver has a unique background, how the baskets are made tell a special story in itself. The artisans begin by collecting palm leaves from the hills then letting them dry in the sun for three days before scratching them with a knife to remove the cuticle. Next, the leaves are dyed; however, the white and yellow leaves are already in their natural colors. Lastly, each basket takes up to 2-3 hours to weave. The baskets can be used as décor, storage, or as potted plant holders.
When you receive a basket, you will get to know the artisan makers responsible for your products while learning where they come from. Who says you have to travel to grow your cultural intelligence?
There are 10 themes to choose from when purchasing a box/subscription. The Wander Box was made for those who love to travel the world. It contains a mosquito repellant, travel journal, drawstring backpack, moringa bar, and a palm leaf basket. For a wonderful excuse to enjoy a picnic, The Picnic Box holds a tri bento and napkin set, sunstick, dried mango, and a palm leaf basket. Lastly, The Wellness Box persuades you to relax and take care of your body, enclosing an eye pillow, blessing bag, baobab powder, gift card to watsi.org, and a palm leaf basket. These boxes are all made up of goods from India, Brazil, Peru, and Benin.
You can also purchase individual products, like hand-painted mugs and candles, coasters, and framed art. Create your own box by purchasing three or more items to get a free basket.
For more information, please visit www.globein.com
Click here to view this post in the MSM November/December 2015 issue