Having worked closely with local Nepalese artisans for many years, FROM THE ROAD founder, Susan Easton, was devastated to learn that a massive 7.8 magnitude earthquake had struck Nepal this past April. Much to her relief, none of the artisans had sustained serious injuries, but many lost their homes in the tragedy. She knew they would face the subsequent challenge of rebuilding their lives, both literally and figuratively, amidst a world thrown into chaos. (more…)

Renowned furniture designer Tucker Robbins has a vision for world peace. (more…)

From recipes inspired by our favorite literary heroines to a tour of Frieda Kahlo’s Mexico City home, here are the links we love this week. (more…)

Sidai Designs began in 2011 as a small workshop of five Maasai women, nestled on a dusty back street in the city of Arusha. Founders Eszter Rabin and Emanuel Melubo Laizer gradually expanded their network of women artisans in Tanzania, collaborating with them to create beautifully handmade jewelry using traditional Maasai beading techniques. (more…)

I recently had the pleasure of attending The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge conference at the Cannes Lions International Festival of Creativity in France. Founded by Ipsos CEO Shelley Zalis, The Ipsos Girls’ Lounge sets up shop at large trading events around the world, providing a place for women in the marketing, advertising, research, media and technology industries to network and inspire one another. (more…)

Father’s Day is fast approaching–and with it, the annual quest for the perfect present.

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Socially conscious lifestyle brand Raven + Lily is one of the latest additions to the DARA family. Dedicated to empowering women around the world through design, co-founders Kirsten Dickerson and Sophia Lin employ marginalized women in India, Ethiopia, Kenya, Cambodia, Pakistan, Guatemala, and the USA at fair trade wages.

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More than 1000 garment factory workers died when a Bangladeshi commercial building collapsed on April 24th, 2013. As the anniversary of this tragic incident approaches, DARA Artisans is joining Fashion Revolution’s coalition of designers, academics, writers, business leaders, and legislators to draw attention to the fashion supply chain. (more…)

Americans’ perception of Laos has changed dramatically since Peter Greenberg, renowned travel writer and Today Show contributor, wrote about the country in April 2008: “Laos is a true magical mystery tour. Few Americans visit. Fewer understand it.”

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Spouses Maren Beck and Josh Hirschstein co-founded Above the Fray: Hilltribe Art in 2007 to introduce the weaving traditions and cultures of hilltribe Laos and Vietnam to a worldwide audience.

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