Our Story - Handmade fair trade gifts & Local art in teignmouth
Hi, I’m Sam, founder of 
Voyage Fair Trade and Voyage Art.
What started as a small fair trade business back in 2013 has gradually grown into two colourful independent shops in the heart of Teignmouth—filled with handmade gifts, local artwork, ethical home decor, and creative workshops. But the real heart of the business has always stayed the same:
supporting talented people and helping meaningful craftsmanship continue to thrive.
How It All Started
In the early days, Voyage Fair Trade travelled around markets, craft fairs, and events across the South West, selling handmade fair trade gifts and artisan products from around the world.
Although meeting customers face-to-face was something I loved, constantly packing vans, setting up stalls, and standing outside in every kind of British weather slowly began to lose its charm.
So eventually, I took the leap and opened a small independent shop in Teignmouth. 
At the time, Teignmouth’s Back Beach area was beginning to develop a creative energy, and after conversations with customers and local artists, the idea for the Teignmouth Arts Quarter was born.
What started as a simple idea soon gained real momentum.
With support from local councillors, businesses, artists, and the local community, the Arts Quarter became an established and recognised creative part of the town—something I’m still incredibly proud to have helped grow.
At the time, Teignmouth’s Back Beach area was beginning to develop a creative energy, and after conversations with customers and local artists, the idea for the Teignmouth Arts Quarter was born.
What started as a simple idea soon gained real momentum.
With support from local councillors, businesses, artists, and the local community, the Arts Quarter became an established and recognised creative part of the town—something I’m still incredibly proud to have helped grow.
To see th lastest see the Teignmouth Arts Quarter Facebook page
Supporting Artists, Makers & Creativity
In 2017, we were offered the opportunity to take over the premises previously occupied by Funky Aardvark, a community-focused art space supporting local artists and makers.
It felt like a natural fit.
Fair trade handmade products alongside local South West artwork, independent makers, jewellery, homeware, and creative workshops all shared something important:
they were personal, creative, and made with care rather than mass production. That combination became the foundation of what Voyage is today.
Voyage Fair Trade & Voyage Art Today
Today, Voyage Fair Trade and Voyage Art continue to work side by side in the centre of Teignmouth.
Voyage Fair Trade focuses on handmade fair trade gifts, ethical home decor, artisan products, and eco friendly pieces chosen for their character and story.
Voyage Art focuses on supporting local artists, showcasing South West artwork, and running welcoming creative workshops for the local community.
Together, both shops share the same belief:
that beautiful things feel even more meaningful when they support real people, creativity, craftsmanship, and independent businesses.
Why We Care About Handmade & Fair Trade
In a world increasingly
filled with mass-produced products, we believe there’s something special about buying items made with real care and skill.
Many of the products we sell are handmade by artisans, fair trade cooperatives, independent artists, and small makers using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
These are the kinds of pieces that often carry more warmth, individuality, and personality than factory-made alternatives.
And when customers shop with us, they’re not simply buying a product—they’re helping support artists, artisan communities, fairer trade, and independent creativity both locally and around the world.
Visit Us in Teignmouth
You’ll find us in the centre of Teignmouth, Devon, surrounded by the creativity and independent spirit of the town’s Arts Quarter.
Whether you’re visiting for artwork, handmade gifts, creative workshops, or simply a browse, we love helping people discover pieces that genuinely make them smile!