Ayindisa's Dress for Success: Clothing Drive

Hi!


Ayindisa is hosting a clothing drive from Saturday, June 6th to Friday, June 12th. It is being conducted during normal store hours from 10am to 6pm.

Our goal is to bring lightly worn clothing on our upcoming trip to help our artisans. Generally, we try to give our artisans clothing on each trip, and this year they requested it from us again. As we all know, clothing is expensive, and such practical donations can go a long way.

So with that said, we would like to extend an open invitation to anyone of interest. You can bring clothing to the store from Saturday, June 6th - Friday, June 12th.

All lightly worn clothing is welcome. Both adult and child-sized clothing are needed.

Items that are in high need are: shirts, tee shirts, shorts, pants, light jackets, sneakers and hats.

Please note we can not accept undergarments, socks or heavy winter apparel.

If you are able to help then it is more than appreciated. However, during these tough economic times, we understand this is not something that everyone can do, and so we thank you either way for taking the time to read this email.

Thank you and Ibatia Ochina (we hope to see you soon)!

Sincerely,
The Ayindisa Team

P.S. Feel free to send this email on to anyone you think might be interested.


Ayindisa
18 Prospect St. Ridgefield, CT 06877
Saturday, June 6th - Friday,
June 12th.10:00AM-6:00PM
P: 203.894.1115
W: www.ayindisa.com

Ayindisa Update: Spring 2009

Hello Everyone,

It has been too long since we have posted and while I apologize I also want to reassure you Ayindisa is stronger and better then ever! Since our first brick and mortar location opened up in December, 2008 we have formed new relationships with artisans and business' alike. I will be posting soon to let you all know about Ayinidsa's next trip to Ghana in the coming weeks for inventory purposes and to finalize new contracts with current and new artisans. Thanks to customers and supporters such as you reading this, every day we are able to help meet out mission statement's goals more and more.

Currently Ainidsa founder and president Chris Gay is in Ethiopia working with Ascend Alliance and meeting new artisans on Africa's eastern cost. He wrote the below message for you. Enjoy.

-Kyle Gay, marketing and sales

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Written March 10th, 2009:

Hello,

2008 ended on a wonderful high note with Ayindisa opening its first ever boutique in Ridgefield, CT where all our artisan goods are now available for purchase. People from diverse backgrounds gathered together just after the new year to celebrate the grand opening with African food, music and dancing. Continuing the philosophy stated on our website, the Ayindisa boutique puts socially responsible ethics and principles into action. Though this winter has been very cold and these current times are challenging for everyone, we are hopeful, happy and thankful for all the local support we have been receiving from our neighbors and friends. We were pleased to see the peaceful election in Ghana last December. The artisans are excited and many wish they could be here in the USA to see the new store. However, great things are also happening for our artisan families and groups in Ghana.

We are very happy to announce that on March 1st, 2009 a brand new basket weaving shelter, retail shop and soon to be guest house broke ground and is currently under construction in Bolgatanga, Ghana using traditional materials and designs. This important project will provide a place for our basket weaver co-op – Asuntaba – to work and thus keep their traditions alive by producing high-quality goods locally. We also see this project as contributing to economic development in this poor area. The shelter is made possible by a micro credit loan from Ayindisa as well as by a generous contribution from the Komart Foundation, (a non-governmental organization in Ghana). Together we are united in building and overseeing this project in a responsible way.

Many challenges lay ahead but we look forward to expanding our mission, specifically into South America, India and Nepal and creating new partnerships with organizations and artisans. We would like to thank our customers, friends and affiliates for continued support! Madasi!

Chris Gay
Founder and Prsident, Ayindisa, llc
18 prospect st.
Ridgefield, CT 06877
T: 203 894 1115
e: Chris@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com

The Ridgefield Press: "Ayindisa sells socially responsible artisan handcrafts"

Hey everyone!

This is a news article The Ridgefield Press of Connecticut recently wrote about Ayindisa, LLC for our first and new boutique located in Ridgefield, CT at 18 Prospect Rd. Enjoy!

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Written by Jack Sanders
Friday, March 20, 2009

Chris and Chelsea Gay at Ayindisa:

“Retailing is a way to lift people out of poverty. It gives them a livelihood and helps them support their families.”—Press photo

Ayindisa is more than an interesting boutique featuring exotic gifts. The recently opened shop on Prospect Street offers a bit of hope and opportunity for scores of artisans in West Africa and other parts of the world.

Take Bernice Ot-Ankra of Accra, Ghana, for example. A few years ago, she was sewing her fabric bags in a back room. Today, thanks in large part to sales of her handcrafts arranged by Ayindisa owner Chris Gay, Ms. Ot-Ankra has her own store in Accra, Ghana’s capital.

Mr. Gay had volunteered in places like Ethiopia and Ghana with agencies trying to improve health centers and infrastructure. “It really had an impact on me,” he said.

He decided that one way to boost the local economies, and improve the lives of the people, was to encourage artisans like Bernice Ot-Ankra by selling their work. “I wanted to create something that would give opportunities for poor, disadvantaged people,” he said. “Retailing is a way to lift people out of poverty. It gives them a livelihood and helps them support their families.”

Mr. Gay met talented artists and artisans, and began bringing their work to the States, introducing it to non-profit organizations and selling it via a Web site. Last year, he decided that opening a store in his home town might bring more exposure — and sales.

Born in Salt Lake City, Mr. Gay came to Ridgefield as a sixth grader. He attended East Ridge Middle School and a couple years of Ridgefield High School before moving to the West. In 2003, he returned to town — his parents still live here — and has been making frequent trips to Africa as a team leader.

“I have led expeditions in rural Ethiopia — and I currently sit on the advisory council for Ascend Alliance humanitarian organization responsible for various projects in Africa and South America.” He will visit Africa in June to continue volunteer work and work with his artisan groups in Ghana.

In 2006, he established www.ayindisa.com, a sophisticated Web site that sells “socially responsible artisan handcrafts.”

Ayindisa, Mr. Gay explains, is a tribal name he was given while working in Ghana. “It means ‘God’s hand is in the work that you do,’” he said.

Last year, he decided Ayindisa should have a more down-to-earth presence to supplement the Web site.

To design the new store, he elicited the help of architect Peter Paulos of Newtown, his brother-in-law, who had accompanied him on trips to Ethiopia and Ghana to work on projects like bridges. “He took my vision and made it even better,” Mr. Gay said of the store design. “We wanted to do something that was really new and different — and inviting.”

The store leads customer in curving, flowing paths instead of down straight aisles. It makes extensive use of wood accents, from floor to ceiling, and is noticeably warm and relaxing.

Walls, tables, and cases display baskets, bowls, fabric handbags, jewelry, carvings, chess sets, small pieces of furniture, and colorful, hand-dyed fabrics ready to be made into anything from pillow cases to shawls. Mr. Gay knows most of the artisans. Photos and brief biographies of some are displayed next to their work. He hopes some may visit and do workshops in crafts like beading and basket-weaving.

There is a selection of all-natural soaps, body washes, and lotions from Ghana, featuring shea butter from the nut of a native tree.

Most wares are made from natural materials.

Paintings include the work of Kofi Nduro, a Ghanaian artist who’s becoming well known internationally, as well as three-dimensional wildlife works by Fo Jig, an emerging Ghanaian artist.

Ayindisa also carries a small sampling of local artists; African-style art by Monnie Goodman of Ridgefield is on exhibit now, and Mr. Gay plans to show other artists’ work.

There are also many African drums. While beautiful in themselves, they are made to be played and Mr. Gay plans to sponsor drumming workshops later this year.

Prices range from $15 for jewelry to more than $700 for large art works.

Not everything originates from Africa. Much of the jewelry comes from South America. Some small purses are made at a Jesuit mission in Bolivia. A few items come from Nepal and India. Mr. Gay hopes to expand the range of products from South America and Asian peoples.

Almost everything is hand-made, and most is fair-traded, which means the makers get a fair payment for their work. “No one is exploiting the artisans,” Mr. Gay said.

Ayindisa has been open since just before Christmas. “I am pleased so far,” Mr. Gay said. “I get good comments from people in town and I’m finding a lot of repeat customers.”

Many are interested in helping developing countries, and a number come from the arts, teaching profession, and houses of worship. “Churches have been very supportive of what I’ve been doing,” Mr. Gay said.

Staff includes Mr. Gay’s wife, Chelsea, who is manager and does product development with the artisans and helps edit blog articles (ayindisallc.blogspot.com) and other marketing materials. They met at SUNY Purchase where they both earned degrees in sculpture, and are expecting their first child in July.

Rob McMahon of Bethel, assistant manager, is an old friend (his mother, a Methodist minister, makes frequent trips to Ghana). Kyle Gay, Chris’s 19-year-old brother and a freshman at Elon University, is marketing director and manages the online services. He lived in Ghana four years with his parents when they were doing church service work.

Ayindisa at 18 Prospect Street, near Dimitri’s Diner, is open Monday through Friday from 10 to 6, and Saturday till 5. The store’s phone is 894-1115.

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Kyle W. Gay
Marketing and Sales, Ayindisa, llc
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
18 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com

Press Room - Shop selling Ghanian items opens in Ridgefield, CT

Hey everyone!

This is a new artical The News Times of Connecticut has just wrote about Ayindisa, LLC for our boutique opening today, January 9th! Enjoy!

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RIDGEFIELD -- About five years ago, Peter Dramani, who calls himself Dagando, was living on the streets of Ghana, Africa. He didn't know where his next meal would come from.

Today, thanks to his woodcarving skills, he is able to afford his own apartment and workshop and even send family members to school.

Dagando's is one of many success stories that have come about through Ayindisa, a fair-trade import and export business that just opened a store on Prospect Street. It's in the former location of Nature's Temptations, which moved up the block.

Ayindisa was founded by Newtown resident Chris Gay, 33, in 2006 and until now did business only through its Web site and at trade shows and flea markets in Connecticut and New York state.

Gay's brother, Kyle, 19, a freshman at Elon University in North Carolina who is Ayindisa's marketing and sales manager, still runs the online operation.

The idea for Ayindisa, which means "God is in everything you do," was born in 2002, while Chris Gay, who spent four years in Ghana, was doing humanitarian work in a remote village, helping to make home repairs and bring AIDS education to people "the world seemed to have forgotten," he said.

"Due to the lack of medical care in the area, people were walking around with conditions such as tuberculosis, worms, gangrene and elephantiatis. I made a promise to God and myself to never forget what I had experienced."

All products sold in the Ayindisa store are handmade by about 60 artisans in Ghana. They include baskets woven from natural grasses, tribal masks made by the members of the Ashanti tribe, and a quilt made from more than 120 different fabrics.

Some of the skills required have been passed down from generation to generation, while others are learned through apprenticeship programs.

There is a wallet made from recycled water bags, and metal animals made from recycled automobile parts. There are also jewelry, drums, beauty supplies, clothing and cards. Prices range from $10 for a purse to $580 for a quilt and $1,500 for a Buddhist painting.

Chris Gay travels to Ghana several times a year and places orders for the products he's interested in. He pays the artisans half the cost of the items up front to cover materials and labor.

When they have finished the order, he mails them the balance of their money and the items are shipped to his store. Ayindisa profits from a percentage of the merchandise sold at retail, which goes to shipping fees and overhead costs.

Much merchandise in the store is displayed with a photograph of the person who created it, and each of those people has a story.

According to Kyle Gay, the artisans benefit from socially responsible businesses.

"Through Ayindisa, we offer them a steady annual flow of income so they can get job security and further themselves in life," Chris Gay added.

The money they earn provides them and their families with food, medical attention, education and home repairs.

Ridgefield resident Susie Manheimer, 29, recently purchased a copper-colored mirror made from tweneboa wood at the store. "It's so eye-catching and beautiful. It's such a nice feeling to know that the money I spent for it goes directly to help the people who made it."

"Creating this business has been a dream of mine for a long time," Chris Gay said. "It combines my passion for art, music and humanitarian service work."

Ayindisa, 18 Prospect St., will have its free grand opening Friday from 6 to 9 p.m. Traditional African foods will be served, along with refreshments donated by local restaurants.

Ghanaian master drummers Lucas Kumah and Isaac Hirt-Manheimer will perform, and a paramount chief from Ghana's Volta region will be on hand to answer questions. There will be many discounted items for sale throughout the store.

Ayindisa's regular hours are Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays from 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Thursdays from 9:30 a.m. to 8 p.m.; and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call (203) 894-1115 or visit www.ayindisa.com.

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Sites who have published this article:

www.modernghana.com
www.newstimes.com
www.theghanajournel.com
www.topix.com

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa, llc
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
18 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com

Socially Responsible Retailer Comes To Ridgefield, Connecticut

Hey Everyone,

The following is a ress release Ayindisa released earlyer this week about our boutiques gran opening gala tonight, Jan. 9th from 5pm - 9pm. If you live in the connecticut or NY area, stop by and recieve a 15% discount!

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Jan 02, 2009 – Ayindisa will hold its Grand Opening Gala on Friday, January 9th from 5pm to 9pm. Light refreshments and hors d'oeuvres will be served, accompanied by a sophisticated ambiance for a unique shopping experience. The Ayindisa boutique boasts one of Ridgefield's most innovative and daring retail concepts, featuring a distinctive and original interior design, in one of the communities most popular downtown shopping areas.

The Ayindisa boutique presents the finest in socially responsible artisan handcrafts. The upscale merchandise, both celebrates the style and cultural traditions of the artisan's with a unique selection of clothing, handbags, home décor, jewelry, drums, cosmetic's, holiday decoration and much more!

The Ayindisa boutique is located at 18 Prospect Street Ridgefield, CT. For more details or directions, feel free to visit the website www.ayindisa.com, the blog ayindisallc.blogspot.com,
or call 203-894-1115.

The Ayindisa mission is to work as a catalyst for change in developing nations around the globe by helping generate a sustainable income to families, enabling
them to rise out of poverty, be more self sufficient and live improved, happier lives.

If you'd like more information about this topic, or to schedule an interview with Chris Gay, please call at 203/894-1115 or email at rob@ayindisa.com.

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Other things to know is that a Ghanaian Drumming master will be present and preforming live tonight at the Ayindisa boutique from 6pm - 9pm.

Hope to see you there, have a great day!

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa, llc
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
18 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com

Our Impact

“The income generated from handcrafts purchased by you the consumer is crucial. It has as a positive domino affect in the lives of our artisans, producers and their families. Our handcrafts are high quality, socially responsible and produced following fair trade principles and practices.”

-Chris Gay, founder Ayindisa, LLC

OUR IMPACT

Bernice Ot-Ankra is a talented designer, artisan and the founder of Bags by Bernice in Accra, Ghana. She creates one-of-a kind hand made designer handbags exclusively for Ayindisa, LLC. For a long time Bernice has been working and producing her unique handbags in a room that was inside the home of a friend. However recently she has had the opportunity to move into a new building, which is clean, safe and large enough, so she can work, display and sell her products in. She is very happy and loves everyone who has supported her and buys from her. This was made possible with help from Komart, a local NGO and Ayindisa, LLC.

The women of Asuntaba "We help each other" artisan basket co-op are using their new income to buy food and send their children to school. We are also working with these artisans to address their needs by building a new shelter so they will have a bigger, clean and safer working environment to create their beautiful hand woven baskets exclusively for Ayindisa, LLC.

Ayindisa’s expert drum maker Dagando recently finished building a brand new drum shop of his own on June 16, 2007 in Ghana with a micro-credit loan he received from Ayindisa, LLC. Now he is able to sell his drums to tourists. This additional revenue has enabled him to help some of his relatives go to school. Dagando is also using some of his income to fix his family’s home in the North, which was destroyed, in the devastating floods that ravaged much of the Northern part of Ghana and West Africa recently. Right now he is currently helping his sister to start a small business in Accra selling DVD’s.

Ayindisa, LLC is committed to only working with artisans, producers and organizations that practice fair trade principles and practices.

Pictures of the Ayindisa Boutique!

Hello everyone!

In case you have not yet heard, Ayindisa opened its first Boutique in Ridgefield, Connecticut on Friday, December 19th!

Below are some photos for you to enjoy. Our new address is 18 Prospect St, Ridgefield, CT 006877. As well, we are now carrying the following products:

Handbags, Baskets, cloths, masks, drums, wood and cloth nativity sets, mirrors, single and nested tables, other furniture, paintings from famous Ghanaian and African artists, jewelry including bracelets, necklaces, and earrings, and much much more!

Until next time, enjoy!

Our hours are as follows:

Mon-Wed, Fri : 9:30 am - 6:00 pm
Thursday : 9:30 am - 8:00 pm
Saturday : 10:00 am - 5:00 pm
Sunday : Closed

Please stop in, and if you mention you saw the pictures on our blog you will receive a 10% discount on your first purchase!

Have a great day!

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa, llc
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
18 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/

Keep Your Eyes Open For Big Changes!

With the official opening of the Ayindisa Store on Friday, December 19th, there are many new products, upcoming events, and great discounts coming to all our readers and customers.

I'll be posting new products to the blog and website Monday and Tuesday of this coming week. Also, pictures of our new boutique located in Ridgefield, Connecticut.

Keep a sharp eye out! Great deals and opportunities are coming your way!

Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa, llc
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
18 Prospect Street
Ridgefield, CT 06877
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/