mission
We want to help low-income artisans build sustainable businesses, which will raise their income and standard of living. In turn this will preserve their cultural heritage and ensure indigenous skills survive for the next generation.
process
We search for the best artisans in the markets and villages of Southern Malawi and invite them to work with us. Those who are keen and committed to working hard become People of the Sun! We teach People of the Sun groups the basics of running a business, work with them to develop bespoke designs and connect them with customers around the world. We also provide them with interest-free loans so they can invest in equipment and materials to establish and grow their enterprises.
sustainability
We monitor and develop every stage of the value chain, to ensure a continuous and efficient supply of products for our customers and our partner artisans. To generate demand we partner with talented designers and respected international brands, creating innovative, irresistible designs, raising our public profile and strengthening brand awareness. This ensures our artisans have regular income, their enterprises grow steadily and their communities are continually enriched.
impact
Malawi has been declared the poorest country on the planet, by the world bank, with GDP per capita at just USD 226.5. With your custom and support, People of the Sun is improving the lives of more than 600 Malawians: artisans, their families and their community members.
Malawi’s artisans have a centuries-old craft tradition using natural resources and generations of indigenous knowledge.
What they don’t have is access to modern design, a platform to sell their products or the knowledge and funds to set themselves up as proper enterprises.
That’s where People of the Sun comes in!
Our vision is to scale-up this model in other developing countries and achieve a global movement, which we call ‘Caring and Style’, preserving and promoting local artisan products around the world and generating decent incomes trough trade.
