 | | | Mission
Bajalia Trading Company uses trade, training and other forms of community development to alleviate poverty and empower low-income people as they work to improve their lives. We:
- Provide collaboration between designers and artisans to produce quality products rich in cultural tradition and marketable in the U.S. and Europe.
- Assist with the purchase of raw materials in bulk for handcraft production when needed. We partner up to 50% advance payment on orders. This allows artisans to purchase raw materials, helps them have sustainable income and enables them to avoid the high interest rates associated with local borrowing.
- Are committed to establishing the artisans' ability to support their families long-term by producing handicrafts. This may include assistance in obtaining equipment when needed, including sewing machines, weaving looms, pottery wheels, etc.
- Market products with the goal of achieving sales sufficient to provide sustainable income to the artisans and the entrepreneurs we work with.
- Ensure fair prices and workplaces free of exploitation for the artisans.
- Expand international understanding on the individual level by sharing with consumers the stories of our producers, helping them to understand the effect of their purchasing power in the lives of these artisans.
- Partner with local communities and global philanthropy organizations whenever we share common goals in order to maximize the effectiveness of our work. We are also committed to working with child development organizations dedicated to providing long-term, sustainable assistance to children at risk worldwide.
- Use the products and stories of the artisans and their people groups to encourage individual and organizational interest and financial support for the artisans relative to the goals above.
- Are equipped to give training in entrepreneurial development in order to help our producers become more effective and ethical in their business practices (coming in 2009).
Fair Trade
Bajalia Trading Company works within the guidelines for fair trade. We are committed to providing fair wages and good employment opportunities to economically disadvantaged artisans and entrepreneurs worldwide. We also help educate consumers about the value of purchasing products that support living wages and non-exploitive working conditions in the developing world.
Products
Our diverse product line includes authentic handmade products from India, China, Africa, Afghanistan and other war-torn countries. These products include women's accessories, shawls, wall art, handmade papers and stationery products, handmade baskets and Folk Art Dolls. Our ethnic trend jewelry and crosses are made from silver, bidri and amazing metalwork and beadwork. Fashion and interior designers are welcome to collaborate with us for exclusive designs.
Board of Directors
Debbie Farah
Debbie Farah – CEO/Founder
Debbie was born in Jacksonville, Florida after her parents migrated to the United States from Palestine in the 1950's. She studied finance, economics and advertising, and won numerous awards for her career in advertising and design.
She founded Bajalia Trading Company while working as a Creative Director with Rapp Collins Worldwide. Prior to that, she held a Senior-level creative position with Neiman Marcus Catalog. Her client list includes various fortune 500 companies such as Dell Computers, Southwestern Bell, Neimans and Horchow, Ford, Turner Broadcasting, Turner Home Entertainment, Bloomingdale's, Rich's, JCPenney, Delta Airlines, and United Parcel Service.
Debbie has served on several non-profit boards and is passionate about utilizing her art, business and design skills to make a difference in the lives of people in economically disadvantaged areas. Bajalia Trading Company was founded on that desire. She lives in Orlando, Florida and spends much of her time traveling between India, China and Africa overseeing the development of the work with indigenous artisans and community organizations. She is proud to stand alongside the others on this board including:
Rosemary Raley
David Hicks |
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About Us
