Christopher Benz, a graduate from the University of Villanova and entrepreneur from New York, became interested in design after he came to Bali. As he began to research products and design, he saw a ‘disconnect’ between the artisans’s products and the market. There weren’t a lot of choices back in 2001, when Chris began delving into exporting handicrafts. Thus, in 2006 CraftNetwork.com was launched specializing in exporting handicraft products for retail. The now successful business has partnered up with Indonesian artisans, creating a sustainable fair-trade business which is mutually beneficial for the artisans and Craft Network. The operation coordinates over 1,200 artisans, who make quality products to similar specifications, allowing them the opportunity to compete for wholesale buyers in the global market. Instead of buying factory-made goods, customers are able to get the same volume and uniformity from Craft Network’s artisan suppliers, who work independently in their own homes or workshops.
In many cases, the refined skill of the artisans with whom Craft Network works has been handed down through several generations in an age-old tradition. This results in the development of unique and personal pieces that offer an alternative to the mass-produced product lines dominating the global marketplace. By establishing and nurturing relationships with both individual artisans and partner organizations, Craft Network works to ensure that these highly skilled artisans can continue to practice their craft while maintaining fiscal stability.(Craft Network website).
Craft Network goes beyond just being a fair-trade business that people choose to patronize so that they can ‘feel good’ about their purchases. It’s a business that continuously strives to compete with non-fair trade businesses by responding to market trends and demands. Over the years, Craft Network has partnered with the International Finance Corporation, Center for Science, Technology & Society, Global Clinton Initiative, Lex Mundi Pro Bono Foundation, SingTel Corporation and The Crafts Center at CHF International.
“We believe you have to take care of the wellbeing of the people you’re working with. The sustainability of our business is linked to caring for the families of our suppliers and artisans,” says Chris.
Chris’ ethical business practices have certainly paid off. Craft Network has grown in leaps and bounds since its humble beginnings, and now consists of three divisions: ‘Sourcing Indonesia’ which works with personal buyers by sourcing different home wares, artwork, jewelry, etc. This division also assists wholesale buyers who work with retailers. In addition, they collaborate with interior designers on numerous hotel and restaurant projects worldwide. They currently have four restaurant projects that they are working on. The second division, ‘CraftNetwork.com’ is exporting products for retail purposes. Artisans from Bali, Central Java and Lombok, make quality handicrafts, furnishings and home accessories utilizing glass, wood, ceramics and a variety of metals. CraftNetwork.com also features extensive jewelry collections which are skillfully crafted by local artisans from gold, silver and semi-precious stones. Every product has a detailed description. Craft Network currently works with students from the American School in London who are helping to write product descriptions as well as assisting with design on several of their product collections. In addition, the students are also helping to promote artisans’ products at international fairs throughout the UK.
The third division, ‘Kemana.com’ was launched in June 2010. It’s an on-line e-commerce business which showcases over 5,000 handicraft products from Indonesia. The motto: ‘Made by Indonesians for Indonesians’ speaks volumes, as this site is drawing attention to the fact that so many of the products produced by Indonesian artisans aren’t always destined for foreign markets; there’s also a big demand for quality handicrafts locally.
Chris believes that by going direct to artisan families that they become more empowered and independent. Artisans get to keep profits of sales which contribute to their entrepreneurial spirit, and can also feel a great sense of pride about their artistic achievements.
“Our team do believe that if your intentions are good and you’re good to people, the rest will take care of yourself,” says Chris.
Craft Network is also working with YAKKUM Bali: a non-profit that assists disabled people. They have assisted with entrepreneurial courses such as: ‘Career Planning & Preparing for Work’, ‘Community networking’, English, ‘Internet & Email’ and ‘Personal Development & Self Awareness.’ Craft Network also recently raised money for a disabled group in Yogyakarta, who were displaced from the Mt. Merapi eruptions.
In addition, Craft Network continues to offer artisans and other disadvantaged individuals including the handicapped, micro-finance loans to help them finance their businesses.
“We are committed to helping artisans build their own organizations; we do this by helping them with capacity building and business development - essentially we want to help them become successful entrepreneurs,” says Chris.
When asked about future plans for Craft Network, Chris said, “We want to take the lessons we’ve learned from everything we’ve done and scale them.”
For questions or comments about this column, please email: michelina630@hotmail.com.
