You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
-Indira Ghandi

I came across this quote by Indira Ghandi and stopped to think how really true this statement is. I've heard it before and each time I just think what power each of us has to turn a clenched fist, jaw, body, whatever, and reach out to someone with an open hand instead. I know it's easier said that done but even if we stopped for a moment and took a few deep breaths, can it really help diffuse a situation?

Our partners, both locally and internationally, are an amazing bunch who have overcome many odds. Rather than turning their backs to the injustices they've been dealt, they've tried to make things better. Often, they really didn't have a choice to even turn their backs - they had a family to feed, clothe and shelter. But despite all of their hardships, they've learned a way to use their skills to make beautiful pieces and, through the process, found dignity and a voice.

I'm delighted to help facilitate making their work and sharing their dreams with you through www.World-Shoppe.com. Being an artist, anywhere in the world, is truly a passion. Being an artist in a developing country has a whole different set of challenges since, often, the only raw material you have from which to work comes from nature or something has to be re-used. While this makes a nice little entree into the fashionable "eco-friendly" movement we're experiencing, it's a matter of survival at a different level for our artisans.

New shipments are arriving daily now as we get into heavy holiday mode. We're unpacking, shooting images, writing our product descriptions and finalizing some holiday events we'll be at this season. We can't wait to share the products and the stories with you. Please bookmark www.World-Shoppe.com and visit often! We're delighted you're on this journey with us and look forward to bringing you items that are not only good for our artisans, but the planet, too.

-Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com