VILLAGE ARTISAN is a company with a heart to see transformation occur through fair trade work in the lives of those who are vulnerable and exploited.
Over the last 20 years, Village Artisan has grown to become an international community of creatives, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, interior designers, wholesale buyers and retail shoppers. We work together for a world free of exploitation and poverty and we long to see people reach their full potential.
Our Story
In the late 1990’s, Tasha and her young family left Canada to explore India.
Taken by the richness of the land, the sights and sounds, the yummy food and the warm hospitality, they began to visit with families who generously invited them into their homes for chai.
It became apparent through their stories that these beautiful people were created for so much more than what they were experiencing.
Reflecting on the journey, Tasha says,
"Amidst the sweet connections I felt sitting in humble surroundings, I was broken by the stories of mistreatment, forced exploitation and the lack of opportunity for my new friends.
I had, until this point, only been involved in providing aid to vulnerable communities. It was when I heard the hearts, dreams and determination of the families that the inspiration for a fair trade business model came alive."
Village Artisan was founded in response to this deep need for safe, dignifying and fair work.
"Village Artisan was born to empower vulnerable communities to come out of exploitation, and move to self-sustainability and dignity by offering western design, skill training, and access to the international market."
It was that day that Tasha thought -
"If we could do all that in a caring community where people are valued, why couldn't they make their dreams of a better future come true?"
"Over 20 years later, together, we have seen incredible transformation in the loves of women, men and children."
Village Artisan has been blessed with some of the richest relationships this side of heaven from around the world since 1998.
"We know that it has taken a global village of contributors to make this dream of helping people find freedom and working for a brighter future come true.
Through the years, we have been a mosaic of nationalities, giftings, personalities and people with struggles who collectively have experienced victories."
"What grace and perseverance we have all walked in! We couldn’t be more grateful for where we have come from and we are excited about where we are going. There is always more to do in the fight against poverty and injustice.
If you have a heart for people, our planet, beauty, truth and freedom, come join the adventure! We'd love to have you be a part of our tribe."
- Tasha & The VA Family
The VA Impact
Empowering women to rise up as leaders in their families and have a voice in their communities.
Dignifying men through work in a caring community that offers leadership and council, to support growth in fathers and husbands at VA.
Education for children by offering over 70 of our Artisans' kiddos the hope of a bright future through school sponsorship.
Human trafficking prevention through skill training and safe, dignifying work VA fortifies women against the vulnerabilities of trafficking in North India.
VA is currently assisting in setting up a safe and restorative space to train and employ women who have escaped trafficking and abuse.
Our Core Values
Our Global Tribe
Our Core Staff
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Rao
Managing Director, India
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Vatau
Quality Control Lead, India
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Mary
Nurse & Community Development Coordinator, India
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Dini
Womens Development Lead, India
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Tasha
Co Founder Village Artisan, India
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Adeeb
Accounts, India
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Madison
Design & Socials, Canada
Our Tribe
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Prasad Venigalla
Advisory Board, USA
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Matt Klakulak
Advisory Board, USA
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Ram Chand
Advisory Board, India
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Barb Negley
Retail Partner Fresh Finds Boutique, USA
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Denise Cormier
Partner in Social Enterprise for Survivors, Canada
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Grace Friesen
Partner in social enterprise for survivors, Canada
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Ian & Val Byrd
Spiritual Support, Canada
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Jessica Jacobson
VA Advocate, Canada
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Joan & Del Needham
Marketing Pioneers from early 2,000s, Canada
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Joe & Steve
Miraculous Support, Australia
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Karin Thorne
Asia Advocate, Canada
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Katiera Edquilane
Pioneer Model & VA Photographer, Canada
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Khandu Josep
Retail Partner Asha Gifts, India
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Khushboo Tresa
Sales Team, India
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Lori Fox
Creative Voice, Canada
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Marijanel Knight
Creative Voice, USA
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Melissa Friesen
Co-Owner Curate Design Group, Canada
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Michelle Klak
VA Advocate, USA
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Paul Hillhouse
Coach, USA
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Rachel Chand
VA Advocate, USA
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Sarah Steele
Co-Owner Curate Design Group, Canada
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Tanya Klein
Communications Coach, Canada
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Treena Banda
Co-Owner Curate Design Group, Canada
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Join The Tribe!
When you make a purchase and represent VA with the earrings you wear or the bag you carry, you become a part of the VA Tribe, and contribute to
A Global Story Of Change
