Starting a fair trade online store

Dear friends,

We are raising money to cover the initial costs of starting a fair trade store in Qatar. Across Middle East and Indian subcontinent there are many highly-skilled artisans who are struggling with meeting their basic financial needs. The situation is especially difficult during these troubled times, when finding a job has become close to impossible. Generating income from their traditional handmade items can be an important source of their livelihood, especially for women who are often the ones depending on their craftsmanship skills.

These artisans often lack the market knowledge and access and are unable to sell their products at the value they deserve. Our role as a business will be to connect the artisans to the international market and open new opportunities of income for them. The process will involve identifying disadvantaged artisans, guiding them through product development, taking care of marketing, and eventually selling these items first to Qatari and then the international market. We aim to be in close contact with our producers (or the NGOs/social groups they work with), and ensure fair and timely payment for their input.

At present we are in touch with four entities (two in Jordan and two in Pakistan) and aim to expand to other countries as we move forward. Our hope is to create an ethical and self-sustaining business that can become a dependable source of income for the these producers.

To learn more about the origin of this idea, you can watch the attached video.

The collected funds from this fundraiser will be used for:

• *Paying artisans upfront so that they can buy the necessary materials.
• *Import costs.
• *Marketing.
• *Website maintenance.

Even your small contribution can help us jumpstart our business and will be highly appreciated :)

To get notified about the date of the opening, please leave your email on our website www.qatrastore.com and follow our Instagram at @qatra_store.

With lots of love,

Tekla and Alina