Based in Weybridge, Surrey, Ethnic Supplies is a social enterprise created by Ida Horner who was born in Uganda but was working as a Housing Manager in London, England when she decided to start her small business. "Ethnic Supplies supports women in the East African countries of Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania and Madagascar by sourcing handmade handicrafts and fashion accessories from suppliers that support women to be financially independent or directly from established women's groups in rural locations," their 'About Us' page reads.
The organization sells fairly traded textiles, fashion accessories and other arts and crafts made by women in East Africa.
Contact Information
Ethnic Supplies website
Ethnic Supplies on Facebook
Ethnic Supplies on Twitter
Key Themes Behind This Trend
- Fair Trade
- There is an increasing demand for fair trade products, providing an opportunity for businesses to support marginalized communities and promote ethical sourcing.
- Handmade Crafts
- The popularity of handmade crafts is growing, creating a market for unique and one-of-a-kind products that showcase artisanal skills and craftsmanship.
- Social Enterprises
- The rise of social enterprises presents an opportunity for businesses to combine profit-making with a social mission, attracting consumers who prioritize social impact.
Where This Applies
- Textiles
- The textile industry can leverage fair trade practices and collaborate with artisan communities to create sustainable and ethically-sourced products.
- Fashion Accessories
- The fashion accessories industry can explore partnerships with women's groups in rural areas to source unique and ethically-made accessories.
- Social Enterprise Consulting
- The growing popularity of social enterprises creates a demand for consulting services that specialize in helping businesses incorporate social responsibility into their operations.
