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As we look back on the first half of the 2008 year, I would like to reflect on the great advances we have made as a business, aid organization, and an international conduit for supporting those in need.
As a business Ayindisa, LLC has formed new relationships with the universities of Cornell, SUNY Purchase in New York and Wesleyan in Connecticut and nurtured old friendships with charities such as The Forever Young Foundation and Ascend Alliance Humanitarian Organization. We have increased our sales volume by nearly 50%, have participated in many trade shows (including the world’s largest this coming August 16th -21st: The New York International Gift Fair), and are currently preparing for the opening of our very own brick and mortar store in Ridgefield, Connecticut. As you can see, we are taking our mission to help as many artisans as we can to the next level.
Speaking of artisans, over the past six months we have grown enough to introduce new products, and likewise employ more artisans. In 2007 Ayindisa employed 14 artisans making drums, handbags, woodcarvings such as masks, baskets, and clothing. We are proud to announce we have nearly increased this number three times over now employing a staggering 40 artisans. With these new artisans and artisan co-op groups which can be seen by clicking here, the new products we have introduced are summer/outdoor placemats, cooking aprons, new types of handbags, wood Christmas nativity carvings, cloth Christmas nativity sets, musical instruments, jewelry, and cloth dolls. As great as this is, tripling our artisan support fulfills only part of Ayindisa’s mission to be “a catalyst for change.”
Ayindisa has taken steps to educate and help these amazingly skilled artisans be able to better support themselves more. Thanks to increases in sales, we have been able to give out more loans than ever before to artisans for projects such as new equipment, schooling or housing. Also, we have began to hold teaching sessions, educating our artisans and producers about quality control and branding – allowing them to widen their consumer base and better support themselves in the most transparent of manners: simply making unique, high quality items.
Finally, I would like to announce Ayindisa will be having a summer clearance sale from August 1st the 31st. We want to make our customers happier as well as spread the word and work of these magnificent artisans.
Ayindisa drums by Dagando:
30% off ($44.40 - $77.70!!)
Free Shipping
Free Drumbag
Summer and autum placemats by Bernice:
15% off with free shipping!
Come in orders of 4, 6, and 8 placemats.
Ayindisa's origional handbags by Bernice:
Ayindisa baskets made by asuntaba:
15% off with free shipping!
Ayindisa's newest handbag by Bernice:
15% off with free shipping!
Kyle W. Gay
Director of Marketing, Ayindisa, LLC
Socially Responsible Artisan Handcrafts
42 Lake Ave, Ext. Suite 285
Danbury CT, 06811
e: KyleG@ayindisa.com
w: http://www.ayindisa.com/
b: ayindisallc.blogspot.com/
