Our story
send artisans over$130,000,000 USD
The world is full of creators.
People who make things by hand. Who craft in the traditions of our ancestors. Who harness imagination to make entirely new creations.
But so many artisans still don't have access to the customers they deserve.
And buyers are unable to find the time-honored creations of the world's most talented artisans.
Handmade.com wants to change that.
Our roots trace back to 1999, when our parent company, NOVICA, bravely pioneered an online marketplace that revolutionized the import/export experience for artisans.
By removing the middlemen, NOVICA brought global artisans and enthusiastic customers together for the first time without layers of markups and intermediaries. The result was life-changing for artisans.
Artisans suddenly enjoyed unprecedented access to customers thousands of miles away.
They were empowered to set their own prices and earn fair returns on their labor, using techniques passed down for generations. And customers across the globe fell in love with their extraordinary handmade works.
Over the past two decades, NOVICA built artisan empowerment hubs in local communities around the world.
Including West Africa, Mexico, Central America, Peru, Brazil, Armenia, Thailand, Bali, India, and Central Asia. We have watched firsthand as artisans gain their financial freedom, take renewed pride in their work, uplift their communities, and so much more.
We partnered with National Geographic, the Smithsonian Folklife Festival, USAID and the International Trade Centre (an affiliate of the United Nations)
To reach more artisans and spread the word to more customers, NOVICA built long-lasting relationships with some of the most amazing and influential institutions around the world.
Now we're expanding our reach to include ALL artisans who create products by hand.
From a wood carver in the most remote region of the planet to your next door neighbor who creates beautiful pottery on the wheel in her garage.
Creators are overflowing with inspiration, and customers are hungry for unique, ethically-made products that add meaning to their lives.
For over 20 years we've been on this journey. We can't wait to see where this adventure takes us next.
