Gaia Guy is committed to offering sustainable and eco-friendly products. We try to be mindful and source goods that are produced in a responsible way so you can have peace of mind in your purchases.
We are very proud of our zero waste and plastic-free products that we offer to environmentally minded folks like you. These use renewable materials that are reusable and/or biodegradable.
Recently we added some incredible handmade hemp wash cloths and back scrubbers which are made by women in Bangladesh.
Here is one of the makers here which is quite uplifting to read. Your purchase makes a positive impact on your life and the life of the craftspeople too.
Artisan Story: Nargis Begum
Nargis Begum has been working with an artisan for the last 15 years. Before learning to create these incredible handmade goods, Nargis had a tough time providing the basic needs for her family, as her husband worked as an ill-paid rickshaw van-driver. Since starting to create these hemp goods, Nargis has been able to support her husband to bear the family expenses and send her kids to school.
Nargis has 2 sons and 3 daughters. Currently, both of her sons and one of her daughters go to school. She was also able to pay for her oldest daughter to get married a few years ago. Now, Nargis is very happy with her family's financial status. She likes her job and wants to continue being an artisan for as long as it is possible for her to work.
Thank you for your support!
That is just one lady in the team of ladies in the village that make the hemp twine and then weave it into products.
Baghda Enterprise
Bagdha Enterprise is situated along a small, winding river in the village of Bagdha in Barisal District. Bagdha started in 1982 in order to create employment in such a remote area as there were almost no employment opportunities for the women.
From the beginning, the women of the unit made rope and twine out of jute and hemp. Raw fibre of jute and hemp were brought in the market and then the women produced twine and rope by delicately spinning the fibres. They have produced thousands of balls of hemp twine in many different colours and sizes.
Three years later, in 1985, a woodworking component was added in the unit. The women started carving small wooden toys that were sold all over the world. The women at Bagdha are also producing other products made from jute and hemp. The women knit handbags, shopping bags and purses with beads.
For the last few years, Bagdha has been working with The Body Shop UK by producing hemp bath mitts. With a steady order for the mitts, the women feel secure in their earnings and are extremely happy that they have work consistently and can support their families. Prokritee is able maintain minimum wages for the artisans in this unit since 2013.
Bagdha employs 45 regular producers and 158 seasonal producers.
How much of the hemp process does she do? Or is there another link in the production of the hemp?