Winners of gifts for Mothers for Fair Trade

Do not forget your mother language, nor forget your origins - Maznah, artisan on Elevyn @ Tompoq Topoh women's group, Carey Island, MALAYSIA -

Your friends say I look like you, sound like you, and even have the wide hips. I got it from my mama! I am so proud and blessed to be your daughter -Shafi, MALAYSIA-

Take good care of your children so they can be leaders in their communities and countries. -Iang Ku, artisan on Elevyn @ Mang Tha (women's refugee group), KL, MALAYSIA.

At the end of the day, the job that matters most is being a mom - Dura Muhammad, Project Engineer, KL, MALAYSIA-

Maznah and Gendoi Samah from Tompoq Topoh, Carey Island, will receive a special gift from elevyn.com, Shafi will receive a free family portraiture from Anna-Rina Photography and both Iang Ku from Mang Tha and Dura will receive a RM200 Tiny Tapir gift voucher each.

Congratulations to the winners of the gifts! May we spend everyday celebrating and appreciating mothers all over the world.

Visit our Mothers for Fair Trade wall to see all the photos uploaded here, or view our Facebook album here.

Know The Team: Mang Tha

Mang Tha is one of the very interesting teams that will be participating in the tournament. The female team is made up of members and artisans from the Alliance of Chin Refugees (ACR), an NGO that provides shelter and empowerment opportunities for Burmese refugees in Malaysia. We speak to Programme Coordinator Elodie on the team.

Note: Mang Tha also runs a shop on elevyn.com – check it out!

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Q: What do you know of the concept of “fair trade”?

A: Fairtrade is an alternative approach to conventional trade and is based on a partnership between producers and consumers. Fairtrade offers producers a better deal and improved terms of trade. This allows them the opportunity to improve their lives and plan for their future.

Fairtrade offers consumers a powerful way to reduce poverty through their every day shopping.This price ensures that producers can cover their average costs of sustainable production. It acts as a safety net for farmers at times when world markets fall below a sustainable level. Without this, artisans are completely at the mercy of the market.

In addition to the Fairtrade price, there is an additional sum of money, called the Fairtrade Premium or Social Cause on Elevyn website.  This money goes into a communal fund for workers to use to improve their social, economic and environmental conditions.

The use of this additional income is decided upon democratically by artisans within the womens’ organization, Mang Tha. The premium or social cause is invested in education and healthcare according to the level of emergency.

As many projects funded by the premium are communal, the broader community, outside the producer organization often benefits from Fair trade.

Q: Tell us a little bit about your team, and the event objective for the players.

A: Our team will be composed by women leaders, artisans, teachers and learners. Time to be all together in a same time! This event came at a time the women members needed to be encouraged and recognized. We want to use this opportunity to strengthen our group and identity as a social enterprise.

Q: How well are you guys preparing for the tournament?

A: So excited, and we are smiling, laughing inside in thinking about it!

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Thanks Elodie, we’re very excited too!

For the love of Malaysian indigenous craft

We recently had a buyer who bought from almost all our Malaysian shops: Tompoq Topoh, Soning Craft, Gerai OA and Mang Tha. That sale made us so excited because it is one of the first few sales for our new shops, Mang Tha and Gerai OA.

Woven purse by Azita Yusof, from Gerai OA

When we first saw the order, I was on Google Chat with fellow field coordinator Su Li and I asked her, “OMG have you seen the recent sale?!”

“Wait I’m checking…….. wow..” replied Su Li.

“Can I take a breather first. Too excited.  Now too hyper to even see properly. YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!” Su Li added.

Su Li’s excitement mirrored mine.

Over a few email exchanges with the buyer, Dawn Boey, we realized that we found someone who loves and values indigenous craft as much as we do.

Su Li sent Dawn a photo of an artisan from Kembang Sejambak (Gerai OA) reading her testimonial on our Facebook Fanpage which says

“I’ve already received Gerai OA’s items. The quality of hand weaved wallets are simply, superb pieces of art!” Dawn Boey

Wati from Kembang Sejambak (Gerai OA), reading the print out of Dawn's testimonial

We informed Dawn that the artisans are overwhelmed by her comment which really helps raise their confidence and pride in their work. Many of them are always surprised that people would actually pay money for their craft!

She replied a lovely email which we must share:

You can tell the artisans that it’s not easy to get premium quality crafts anywhere, not even from our local popular souvenir shops.

When I was holidaying in Kota Kinabalu last May, I got upset & frustrated looking for quality snail-shell / natural-based jewelery from those shops. Thank God for the Soning sisters!

Can you imagine how much those shops profited from foreign tourists at the expense of our true artisans?

Plus, the souvenirs sold there are so common-looking & commercially (mass) produced!

The best about the hand-woven crafts from Gerai OA & Tompoq Topoh is that they are all one-of-a-kind which makes it even more unique!  I can actually feel the artisans’ sweat, effort & love (from their hearts) in making these lovely items.

These items are:

• more unique, superb quality workmanship
• meaningful (100% handmade by original-Malaysians),
• at my own convenience (no more scrambling, hunting high & low) &
• at the same time it’s for a good cause (preserving our culture, no more exploitation by providing a steady income to our local artisans & generally improving the quality lives of the community)

To tell you the truth, I feel so proud owning these lovely items that I’m soooooo reluctant to give away as X’mas gifts!

Lastly, if it’s not for you, Elevyn gals & guys, I wouldn’t even know such premium quality, local crafts ever existed.

Also, my special thanks for your sweat, effort & love in promoting our true-blue local artisans & helping out the OA’s community.

Dawn’s email means so much to me because it is exactly how I feel about Malaysian indigenous craft – which is the very reason why we as a team have been working on Elevyn.com.

Gendoi Samah collecting her woven bookmarks

As a start-up, it hasn’t been all easy trying to explain to people why these crafts are so amazing and why it’s important that the artisans are empowered to sell their craft directly to the buyers. Despite photos of the artisans toiling to make it and stories of their cultural significants – many people still compare the crafts with cheap trinkets from China and our neighboring countries.

Dawn Boey reminded us of why we started Elevyn and that our vision is shared by others such as herself. On behalf the team at Elevyn, we would like to wish many thanks to Dawn for renewing our spirit and enthusiasm.

Photo credits: Swift Ling (top), Khing Su Li (middle), Puah Sze Ning (bottom).

Behind the scenes: The nose-flute musicians

On 9th September 2009, field coordinator Su Li & myself went to Gombak which is half an hour away from Kuala Lumpur, together with Gerai OA’s Reita Rahim. Our purpose was to invite Bah Muda and Bah Raman, two very skillful nose-flute players to sell their craft on Elevyn.

Bah Muda playing the nose-flute

Bah Muda and Bah Raman are from the Semai ethnic group. Both currently reside in Batu 12, Gombak but come from different areas; Bah Muda from Pos Lenjang in Pahang while Bah Raman is from Cameron Highlands, Pahang.

As usual, one of us would give a brief explanation on Elevyn and our social entrepreneurship vision. After listening to our “pitch”, both artisans gave us their agreement to sell on Elevyn.com via Gerai OA!

Field coordinator Su Li explaining how Elevyn works, to Bah Muda & Bah Raman

I have known Bah Raman since 4 years ago while volunteering with Gerai OA and have seen the quality of his nose-flutes get better and better. So far, I’ve collected two of Bah Raman’s nose flutes which I treasure very much. So to have a chance to work with him on Elevyn.com is a huge delight!

Bah Raman (second from the right) jamming while volunteering at Gerai OA in 2006

A few years ago, I remember Bah Raman telling us that initially he didn’t know how to play the nose-flute, and it was only later in this adult life that he decided to learn to play this musical instrument traditional to his Semai culture. His late father was a master at it. Now, he studies from Bah Muda whom he calls his “sifu” (teacher/master).

Nose-Flutes

Most people would be shocked to see someone playing a flute with their nose, but it is quite common in many indigenous cultures around the world.

“Even though the nose flute itself is of a very simple design, it actually follows a known scientific principle. You don’t exhale directly into the flute but perpendicular to it. This creates a vacuum and that’s what causes air to be sucked into the flute,” Reita explained.

“The result? Very soothing melodies compared to a mouth flute,” she added.

The great thing about the artisans selling their crafts online is that we can do stuff like this – upload How To videos!!

Here’s another with Bah Muda demonstrating how to play a Tu-wet which is another musical instrument.

Check out the other great stuff on Gerai OA here.

Smelling eco-friendly!

When we last visited the eHomemakers’ office, something felt different. In fact, something smelt different! For once the office did not hit our nostrils with the smell of shellac!

Rachel the staff of eHomemakers, informed us that it is because of their weaver’s switch from normal shellac to a non-toxic shellac.

eHomemaker's baskets

The baskets made from recycled paper are always coated with a layer of shellac to ensure its durability. Since the baskets are  stored at the eHomemakers’ office whilst waiting to be sold, the smell of shellac can get quite overpowering.

This switch to non-toxic shellac was done in line with their initiative to be Fairtrade certified. It is a big commitment on both the weavers and eHomemakers as the non-toxic shellac cost 25% more than normal shellac.

Non-toxic shellac

We are definitely impressed with their efforts to produce fair trade items as since we first made contact with eHomemakers in November 2008, we have noted significant improvements in their products such as this switch to non-toxic shellac.

A big thumbs up to the team at eHomemakers! Check out their shop on Elevyn here.

Note: eHomemakers are looking for more shellac options.
Do you know any paint/shellac manufacturer which supplies water-based formula? Do you know contacts in Jotun, and any Japanese paint manufacturers or wholesalers? Please contact Rachel Loo at adminsupport@ehomemakers.net or call 03-77265271 [Mon-Fri].

Photo credits: Top (eHomemakers), bottom (Khing Su Li)

Sweet Dreams in the Post

Whoppeee!

My purchase from Mang Tha arrived in the post yesterday!

Like a child of 12 years who had just received her birthday present, I gingerly tore open the envelope flap, wanting to preserve the envelope in its original state as best as I can.  As I took out my purchase, my heart took a jig as I admired the beautiful purse, lovingly handcrafted by the Chin Refugee women from Myanmar.

This shall be my mom’s Christmas gift.  A truly meaningful gift for someone special.

Product review – Cambodia’s shops

Since our trip in April to help set up some spectacular shops from Cambodia – we’ve since done some beta buys from Malaysia just to make sure everything is running smoothly.

Generally, the biggest challange the shops based in Cambodia has is shipping. National postal service which is fairly cheap does not give a receipt or tracking code for items posted through them, unlike the natioal postal services in most developed countries and even here in Malaysia.

The other alternatives are postal services such as  DHL and EMS which gives a tracking code and sends the items increadibly fast. However the cost of shipping through DHL and EMS is significantly higher.

When we started developing Elevyn, were very excited about the prospects of connecting buyers directly with artisans, or at least with the organizations representing the artisans. What we didn’t except were these challanges such as shipping issues in Cambodia – because we took good shipping services by national postal service for granted.

However such is the reality of directly assisting artisans in third world countries where excellent shipping services comes at a hefty price. And such is the reality of providing full transparency on the pricing that the shops do not manipulate the product price in order to make shipping seem cheaper.

Lets put our thinking caps on to figure out a solution to Cambodia’s shipping issues – in the meantime here’s a personal review of the products we ordered from them!

CANDO CRAFTS CENTER

I can’t get enough of CANDO’s scarves made by the Kreung indigenous people. The motives and meaning behind the motives always reminds me of the beauty of self expression in documenating our culture and state of being.

The pattern you see on this scarf which we bought is called Hadrook, which is the very first pattern they ever weaved. It is also normally very expensive because it is very difficult to weave. This pattern can only be used by elderly women in the cultural ceremony which happens every 7 years. One white and one black buffolo will be killed during this ceremony.

Shipping service: National postal service

Shipping time: 5-6 weeks (posted from a small town near the Kreung villages, 12 hours from the city). No tracking code.

Cambodian Handicraft Association for Landmine and Polio Disabled (CHA)

I heard endless high praises for Khmer silk so when we visited Cambodia, I made sure I got myself lots of it. One of my favourite silk item are these baby booties – which make great gifts to friends with newborns. They say baby’s skin is as soft as silk, so who better to give silk to than the little ones.

Shipping service: EMS

Shipping time: 3-7 days (With tracking code).

Daughter’s Cambodia

I’ve been using my little Messanger Bag since the day it arrived.

What makes this little bag more special is that the cloth used is dyed using natural dyes from forest fruits.

Shipping service: EMS

Shipping time: 3-7 days (With tracking code).

Artisan d’Angkor

We got our silk painting within 1 week of placing the order. It now sits on our office wall, giving the place a cosy feel with a cultural and mythical feel.

Shipping service: DHL

Shipping time: 3-7 days (With tracking code).

Tompoq Topoh updates: Pay Day & Fighting Fishes

Last Tuesday, Su Li and I went to Carey Island to meet Tompoq Topoh to help them get more products up on their shop and pass the proceeds from their online sales.

It was a great trip. First was a lot of giggling over Julidha and aunty Che Yah gracing this month’s issue of KLue (thanks to Maybritt Rasmussen for the writeup!). See the online version of the article here.

Julidha & Che Yah proudly showcased in Klue magazine.

Next was pay time

Now Tompoq Topoh is supposed to withdraw from their PayPal account using their debit card but the whole group have been very busy the past few months as they were invited to perform their traditional dance and sell their crafts at many events in the city. So they’ve yet to apply for a debit card. Since sales have amounted to a significant figure, we figured we’ll help them with their first payout by withdrawing the proceeds using our debit card first.

The first pay out also means time for us to get organize and work on capacity building – with getting the accounts in place!

The system was fairly simple, we have the product at cost plus the online charges (5% to Elevyn and 3.6-3.9% to Paypal) and a social premium.

What’s a social premium?

As we abide by fair trade principles, we make sure that the price on Elevyn give the artisans a fair price as well as some money for savings. For the current prices on Tompoq Topoh’s shop:

• 55.6 % goes directly back to the artisans, and
• 20% goes to their Tompoq Topoh fund.
• 5% goes to their Cause which is Food for Elderly and Single Mothers

Tompoq Topoh’s fund is very important as it gives them some capital to run their group activities as well as a safety net for their members should an emergency occur.

My excel sheet skills are decent but the last official accounting class I took was 10 years ago! So before we went to the village that morning, I referred to Aeime the accountant to make sure I’m not making any major mistakes.

Aeime couldn't believe it, a ledger book! "It's so primitive!" she exclaimed, insisting that she get a feel of the book.

Aeime gave us an important advice which is to start a Forex Exchange account sheet where we fix an exchange rate for the year, and keep track of the loss or surplus from each withdrawal. At the end of the year, we will balance the account. That really helps us to keep things less complicated.

When we got to the village, we started transferring the information from the excel calculations to the ledger book. We also opened a new receipt book where each artisan has to sign once she gets paid. It was quite tedious but necessary and I’m glad Tompoq Topoh understood the need for us to be professional in our undertakings.

The primitive ledger book, pimped up with an Elevyn sticker

“This looks like it’s going to be a long-term thing,” Maznah commented halfway through the day, as she looked at the ledger book she will soon be in charge of up-keeping.

Maznah with the receipts

Getting the Tompoq Topoh accounts in place

Indeed it will be!

The next issue we sorted was the product storage issue. On a couple of incidents, products which were put on Elevyn (but kept in the village, since Tompoq Topoh posts the items themselves) were taken to be bought or displayed by visitors despite Tompoq Topoh’s protest. So now all products are kept in a secret location to make sure these incidents don’t happen again!

Finally, here are the highlighted new products put up on their shop!

Gendoi Samah collecting her bookmarks after drying them in the sun

Gendoi Samah and her bookmarks

Gendoi Samah's rainbow of bookmarks

"Mr Bean" offering a playful helping hand

Maznah working on her Fighting Fish piece, a bujam where the colors were inspired by the vivid colors on her pet fighting fish

Contest update: Photoshoot with Anna-Rina

Winners from the contest which Elevyn ran with Tongue in Chic got a photoshoot from the fabulous wedding photographer, Anna-Rina.

Here are some shots from their photoshoot with Soning Craft’s accessories:

Eudora sporting the 8-string Dark Talantang necklace set

Hsu Jen wearing the Ramag Togumamali necklace set

Check out the rest of the photos on Anna-Rina’s site here and here.

Free Giveaway: Laptop Stickers

Fancy an Elevyn laptop sticker, delivered for free, to anywhere you are?

Visit www.elevyn.com/be_a_fan, let us know your thoughts to some of the questions posted, and provide us your mailing address. We’ll send over the stickers to you, entirely free of charge.

Once you’ve received the stickers, don’t forget to take a picture of it and send to us. We want to feature it on our Facebook fan page!

Note: Available while stocks last.