Colombia is a country known for its rich culture and vibrant communities, in part driven by its informal economy – 60% of its workforce. Among them lies a vast network of talented artisans – including women and youths – who create products ranging from baskets and textiles to woodwork hammocks, each carefully crafted.
Using local, sustainable fibres and resources, these handmade products come to life with techniques passed down through generations. For example, maguey – also known as ‘fique’ – is the main fiber showcased through the weaving work of the Kankuamo, an indigenous community in Colombia. Each bag (known as mochila) is a form of self-expression for the artisan, incorporating designs of their thoughts, environment, etc. Equally important, it represents the continuation of the ethnic group. As a ritual piece used at various life stages, everything down to its circular shape is done so intentionally.
Unfortunately, the sector is also under-funded, with most of these skilled workers lacking the appropriate digital tools and market access to scale up their productions and maintain a stable living. In fact, many continue to seek other sources of income; predominantly, in the agricultural sector or the like.
This is where Powered by People (PBP) has stepped in.
Recognising the potential in these artisans and believing their products deserve a place in the global retail sector, PBP began to work on a model that would open up the global economy to these individuals.
Unilever, the Global Solidarity Fund and EY have been supporting PBP since 2023, through the TRANSFORM programme in Colombia. With its support, the enterprise has developed a free to access digital learning platform (conectartesano.com) for the artisans to improve product and market knowledge and prepare themselves for export. The curriculum covers marketing and storytelling, photography, strategic costing and pricing, export, and logistics. Through a digestible self-paced video curriculum devised in Spanish, PBP enables these artisans to develop into an established brand that can then sell their products on PBP’s wholesale marketplace.
PBP’s mission is to ensure: 1) Artisans gain the required digital skills and business knowledge to become entrepreneurs, develop their business and therefore, generate a sustainable income. 2) Global handmade products become widely available to consumers looking to incorporate more authentic, value aligned, and responsibly made pieces in their lives.