Friends of GB - Jenny Krauss

Every six months the GB crew begins a new trade show season.  At present we do three
different shows in Atlanta, Dallas and New York.  Shows are hard work, long hours and long flights, but getting the chance to meet other vendors and creators is a true highlight. After 28 years in business we have made many trade show friends.  One of our favorites is Jenny Krauss, whose booth across from ours in Atlanta is filled with vibrant hand-embroidered belts, bags and pillows made in Peru.  Getting to see her is one of the things that makes that show great.  We cary her lovely pieces in our retail store in St. Francisville, Louisiana, and appreciate the fair trade work she has created for some 1600 women in Peru.

In her own words: “It started on a trip to Peru in 2008. I fell in love with the traditional embroidery from a region called Ayacucho. I bought three belts for my own personal use and the response from women who saw them was fantastic. So I bought more. Skip ahead to today and this business now employs1600 artisans who make belts, bags, pillows, luggage tags, sneakers, and anything else we can dream up. Their skills are incredible and, given that they live in remote areas without other options for work, this project has had a huge impact on their lives. During my visits they speak to me of the importance of earning a steady income and the security it provides for their families. The simple act of selling something they made with their hands gives them a sense of pride and accomplishment; something they had never experienced.

All of our products are made according to fair trade guidelines. This means the artisans earn a living wage, have a safe working environment and are not subject to workplace pollutants or toxins. There is no child labor. Most of the artisans are women who work at home with their children playing nearby. Some of their husbands are now learning to embroider as well.

We are committed to sustaining their traditions and livelihoods through artistic collaboration. Please check back often to see how our designs and products are progressing and know that your purchase helps to provide for these communities in need.”

Jenny lives and works in New York and while we were visiting for the New York Gift Show we got the chance to visit her studio.  After admiring her work for so long it was really amazing to get to see where the ideas are born.



It was especially interesting to see the pattern mock-ups next to the finished pieces.

Although the shows are over until Summer, we are already missing our friend, Jenny!