A Conversation with Hannah Skvarla and Lauren Conrad About their Social Enterprise Non-Profit, The Little Market

Seele Magazine: Where did the idea of the Little Market come from? Why did you both start it?

The Little Market: We started The Little Market, our online boutique, in 2013 to combine our passion for handmade goods with our passion for empowering women. We wanted to find a way to create meaningful impact and change for women worldwide. We really enjoy traveling together, and we always love meeting new people on our adventures and discovering new handmade goods. We went to Africa in 2012 to meet with nonprofits that focus on women and children. Our visits inspired us to find a way to help as many people as possible, without being restricted by location. The Little Market is a curated collection of handmade goods we have hand-selected from around the world. Every sale of our fair trade products empowers female artisans worldwide.

SM: How many countries are a part of The Little Market shop? What countries do women artisans come from?

TLM: More than 16 countries are part of our online marketplace. We work with artisans in Bangladesh, Bolivia, Colombia, Ethiopia, Ghana, Guatemala, India, Kenya, Madagascar, Mexico, Nepal, Peru, Senegal, Tanzania, Thailand, Tunisia, and the United States. We’re always looking to expand our reach and to work with more partners.

SM: How is an online fair trade shop able to empower women? What are some examples of communities where women, men and children are being empowered by women artisans?

TLM: Our nonprofit and fair trade shop empowers women by providing them with a sustainable marketplace and a wider customer base to which they can sell their beautiful handmade products. Every purchase made at The Little Market benefits and supports female artisans and their families. As a nonprofit, all profits are dedicated to the company’s expansion to reach more artisan partners. Once women have opportunities to earn their own sustainable incomes, they can take better care of themselves and their families. The women typically use their new income from the sales of their goods to send their children to school and to purchase healthier food. Their children no longer need to work to support their families, and they often become the first generation to graduate from high school. Our online store empowers women by allowing them to choose how they will spend their income, which is usually to improve the health and the future of their children. The sales of the beautiful and hand-crafted products create a meaningful impact for our artisan partners.

SM: Lauren and Hannah- do you meet all of your women artisans before their products are featured on The Little Market's site? What's are the requirements for an artisan to feature their products?

TLM: We love traveling to meet our artisan partners throughout the world. It is such a special experience to see where the items are being made and to make a personal connection with the artisans. Since that is ideal but isn’t always possible, we have an artisan application available on our website that interested artisans may complete for our review. We partner with groups that follow fair trade practices, empower women, and create high-quality handmade goods.

SM: What has been the most popular product in demand? Which country does it come from and from which artisan(s)?

TLM: Our candles are often our most popular product throughout the year. Each candle is hand-poured by a women refugee and artisan working at Prosperity Candle in Massachusetts. Prosperity Candle is a social enterprise and, in 2014, became our first partner based out of the United States. The women are entrepreneurs and are Burmese and Bhutanese refugees.

Our glassware by Rose Ann Hall Designs is also in high demand. Rose Ann Hall Designs is based out of Mexico, where the artisans create beautiful glassware, often out of recycled materials. The artisans are trained and learn crafting skills, such as the etching process, at Rose Ann Hall Designs. Rose Ann Hall Designs employs artisans with physical disabilities in an environment where, due to discrimination, it can be almost impossible for people with disabilities to find work. 

SM: The wedding registry is a unique idea to get more items sold? Are engaged couples using the registry?

TLM: The registry is a way for engaged couples to select meaningful gifts to start their marriage. It has been very popular for engaged couples. Couples can create a registry profile, search for and choose products they’d like, and share the registry with their family and friends. The profile and registry simplify the process of choosing a gift and allow friends and family another way to select a gift with purpose.

SM: Will you be taking any trips this year to meet with current or potential artisans?

TLM: Toward the end of September, we took a trip to Texas to meet with GAIA. GAIA strives to empower female refugees who are living in Dallas. The women create accessories, such as beautiful clutches, pillows, and bags, from textiles created by artisans. GAIA provides them with employment and encourages them to be self-sufficient.

SM: For anyone wanting to start a philanthropic venture- a non-profit, or a charity- what advice would you both give?

TLM: It’s really important to learn a lot about the field before getting started. One way to do so is by interning, volunteering, and/or working in a related field. Choose something that aligns with your passions and interests so that it doesn’t feel like work.

SM: What have you taken away from your travels and the women artisans that you have met?

TLM: Our travels have shown that women do not have equal rights throughout the world. Many women want to create gorgeous handmade goods, preserve their cultural traditions, and be financially independent. When women earn their own income, they have more rights and a stronger voice in their community. The women are eager to learn essential skills, such as financial skills, and gain sustainable opportunities. The artisans are filled with gratitude. With every trip and every artisan meeting, we are motivated to work harder on their behalf.

SM: Where do you see The Little Market in 10 years time?

TLM: We are always looking to expand our product offering and to work with more artisan partners. We also look forward to working with artisans in more countries. We would like to open a brick-and-mortar store so that customers can experience the beauty of the products in person.

Hannah and Lauren in Thailand

Look around and shop on The Little Market's site. It's a great place to do some one stop shopping for the upcoming Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year season!