Our Transparancy
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Our Mission and Vision
At Chayah, we want to bring hope and promote economic independence for artisans in developing countries. By embracing our Christian values and working with local organizations, we give artisans the opportunity to sell their handmade products worldwide. We believe in fair trade and human dignity and want to be a bridge between talented artisans and consumers in Europe. In this way, we not only create a platform for beautiful products, but also make visible the stories and cultures behind each product.
Collaboration with Craftsmen
At Chayah, we believe in the power of collaboration and are proud of our partners, Oyetu from Namibia and Chako Zanzibar, who both contribute uniquely to economic growth and social impact in their communities. Oyetu, which means “It’s Ours” in Oshiwambo, provides artisans across Namibia with skills training, practical support and business knowledge to increase their earning capacity. Sponsored by Bread for the World and COSDEF, Oyetu helps artisans set up small businesses and develop their creative talent.
Chako Zanzibar, located on the beautiful island of Zanzibar, creates unique handmade products with recycled materials that reflect the island's culture and contribute to sustainability. These partners combine traditional techniques with modern designs, which creates employment and fair incomes for local artisans. In the start-up phase, the artisans were mainly women who had little or no opportunities. Many women had to take care of their own children at a young age and therefore did not have the opportunity to develop themselves. In recent years, Chako has grown a lot and local men are also getting work. With every purchase from Chayah you support their work and contribute to a fairer, more sustainable world.
Origin of Products and Materials Used
At Chayah, we work with partners who not only make high-quality products, but also have a positive impact on their communities. Our products come from Oyetu in Namibia and Chako Zanzibar, two organizations that support artisans and are committed to sustainable and social change.
Based in Namibia, Oyetu works with rural professionals to provide them with practical skills and business knowledge through extensive training, enabling them to set up small businesses and earn a fair income.
Chako Zanzibar focuses on sustainability by incorporating recycled materials such as glass, paper, and metal into their products. They give discarded bottles and other materials a new life in the form of stylish lamps, tableware, and decorative items. Each product reflects both the culture of Zanzibar and Chako’s commitment to environmental friendliness and social impact.
Pricing and Fair Trade
At Chayah, we strive to have fair prices that reflect both the cost of the product and the values we share with our partners. A portion of the price covers essentials like shipping and marketing, which help us make the products available worldwide and tell their story. A significant portion also covers the purchase price, ensuring that the artisans receive a fair compensation.
Part of the remaining amount is invested in additional educational programs for the makers. This support helps them to further develop their craft and contributes to their economic independence. Our pricing model is designed to not only cover costs, but also make a positive impact in the communities of our artisans, while contributing to a fair and sustainable future.
Impact of Your Purchases
At Chayah, we believe that every purchase can make a positive impact. By working with organizations like Oyetu and Chako Zanzibar, we help artisans not only develop their skills but also gain access to the European market. This gives them the opportunity to earn a fair income and invest in their future. Thanks to this collaboration, artisans, who often have limited opportunities, can proudly present their products to a wider audience and thus improve their economic situation.
Our partners support artisans in breaking the cycle of poverty. For many of them, Chayah’s support means a step towards financial independence and personal growth. By strengthening local economies and providing opportunities for education and development, every purchase directly contributes to improving the lives of artisans and their communities.
At Chayah, we want our products to be more than just objects; they carry the stories of their makers. These stories empower you, our customers, to make more conscious choices and be part of a movement that is working toward a better future. By working together with our partners and customers, we hope to build a world where everyone has the chance to thrive. Your support makes this vision possible and helps us transform the lives of many artisans together.
Sustainability and Environment
At Chayah, we strive to integrate sustainability into all aspects of our business. All of our products are handmade from natural materials, which ensures a low-impact production process. Because each item is made on a small scale and entirely by hand, the ecological footprint remains small and there is little waste. In addition, your purchases arrive completely plastic-free, packaged in recyclable cardboard with minimal materials needed. By working with a sustainable delivery service, we further limit the impact of transport.
Our approach not only promotes a better environment, but also social impact in the communities of our makers. The fair pay and educational support contribute to poverty reduction, increased access to education, and greater equality. We also keep our returns policy intentionally carbon-friendly; we encourage customers to donate or recycle items they don’t keep, and only return them when truly necessary.
We continue to improve. Currently, some of our international shipments are still made by air freight, and while we have made many strides, we are actively seeking more sustainable alternatives. This way, we are continuously working on a business model that protects the planet and supports our artisan communities.