Supporting Skilled Artisans Across India Since 1975
Every handmade gift has a story. Behind every hand-carved wooden ornament, handmade accessory or beautifully crafted homeware item by ASHA Handicrafts Fair Trade Organisation is a skilled artisan, a family and often a traditional craft passed down through generations.
One of the organisations Voyage Fair Trade is proud to work with is ASHA Handicrafts, one of India’s longest-established fair trade organisations.
Founded in 1975, ASHA Handicrafts Fair Trade Organisationhas been practising fair trade principles for decades, long before ethical shopping became widely recognised around the world. The word “Asha” means “hope” in Sanskrit, and that simple word perfectly reflects the organisation’s mission: creating opportunities, dignity and sustainable livelihoods for thousands of artisans throughout India. They are certified Fair Trade a number of organisations including World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO)
Keeping Traditional Crafts Alive
India is home to some of the world’s richest artistic traditions.
Across the country, skilled makers continue to practise techniques that have often been passed down through families for generations.
ASHA works with artisan groups from many different regions of India, including:
• Woodcarvers
• Textile makers
• Embroiderers
• Weavers
• Leather workers
• Silver smiths
• Brass workers
• Paper mâché artists
• Traditional craft producers
From the colourful embroidery traditions of Gujarat to the paper mâché artisans of Kashmir, ASHA helps these skilled makers reach international markets while preserving their cultural heritage and craftsmanship.
Without organisations like ASHA, many traditional crafts could struggle to survive in an increasingly mass-produced world.
ASHA Handicrafts Fair Trade Organisation – Creating Fair Opportunities
Many talented artisans face significant challenges.
Despite their skills, small producers often lack access to:
• Export markets
• Business training
• Marketing support
• Financial resources
• Fair payment terms
ASHA helps bridge this gap.
By purchasing directly from artisan groups and offering advance payments on orders, ASHA enables producers to earn a more stable income and avoid the cycle of debt that often affects small-scale craftspeople.
This gives artisans greater security, helping them support their families while continuing to develop their businesses.
More Than Fair Trade
What makes ASHA particularly special is that its work extends far beyond simply buying and selling products.
Alongside trading activities, ASHA operates a dedicated resource centre that provides:
• Training programmes
• Skills development
• Business support
• Craft promotion
• Producer development initiatives
• Community welfare programmes
The goal is not only to create immediate income opportunities but also to help artisans build long-term independence and sustainable futures.
Why This Matters
When you purchase a handmade product created through organisations like ASHA, you’re supporting far more than a beautiful object.
You’re helping skilled craftspeople:
• Earn fair and reliable incomes
• Support their families
• Invest in education
• Preserve traditional skills
• Build stronger local communities
• Continue creating work they are proud of
For many customers, knowing the story behind a product makes it even more meaningful.
It transforms a gift or home accessory into something that carries genuine human connection.
The Products We Source Through ASHA Handicrafts Fair Trade Organisation
At Voyage Fair Trade, we carefully select handmade products supplied through ASHA because of both their quality and the positive impact they create.
The products reflect the creativity, skill and dedication of artisans from across India, bringing together beautiful craftsmanship with fair trade values.
Examples of some the most unique, popular and pratical items they have handmade that we sell
Featured ASHA Handicrafts Products
Each purchase helps support a trading system that values people, communities and traditional skills alongside commercial success.
Handmade With Purpose
In a world increasingly dominated by factory production, organisations like ASHA remind us that craftsmanship still matters.
Every handmade item tells a story of creativity, patience and human skill.
By choosing fair trade products, you are helping keep those stories alive for future generations.
We are proud to support ASHA Handicrafts and the remarkable artisans whose work continues to inspire us every day.
Explore Products Made Through ASHA Handicrafts Fair Trade Organisation
Browse our collection of fair trade gifts, home decor and handmade accessories created by artisans supported through ASHA Handicrafts and discover the difference ethical shopping can make.
Smaller scale handicraft producers are disadvantaged because they lack financial awareness and knowledge of promotional and management skills because of this the single organisation has two distinct divisions. The first one is engaged in trading with small scale handicraft producers by purchasing directly from the artisan groups and offering advance payments on orders, Asha tries to increase the income levels of producer groups and artisans and prevent them from accumulating long-term debts.