Our Mission and Values
Karakorum: Ethical Home Decor with Global Impact
At Karakorum, we believe that home decor can be both beautiful and meaningful. Our mission is simple: to support artisans globally by providing fair wages, preserving traditional craftsmanship, and offering unique, ethically made products that bring beauty and purpose to your home.
Each item in our collection is a testament to the hands that crafted it, and we are committed to making a positive difference in the world by connecting you with these talented artisans. Together, we can create homes that not only look good, but feel good too.
Our Impact
Every purchase at Karakorum directly supports artisans and their communities. We are proud of the measurable impact we have made:
- Approximately 18,699 hours of employment were created in 2023
- Each product sold supports an average of 3.27 hours of artisan work
- For every £1 spent, 8 minutes of employment is created for artisans
These numbers reflect our ongoing commitment to fair trade practices and sustainable craftsmanship. By choosing Karakorum, you are contributing to a global network of artisans who rely on their skills to support their families and preserve their cultural heritage.
Why Fair Trade Matters
We believe in fair trade because it is the foundation of ethical business. It ensures that artisans are treated with respect and paid fairly for their work, while promoting sustainable development and protecting traditional crafts.
Our Values
Fair Trade
We are committed to paying artisans a fair wage that reflects their skill, time, and craftsmanship. By partnering with fair trade certified suppliers, small artisan groups, and social enterprises, we ensure that all artisans receive a living wage for their work. This enables them to improve their quality of life and invest in their communities, while continuing to preserve their traditional crafts.
Sustainability
Karakorum is dedicated to slow living and sustainability. We try to source materials that are eco-friendly, natural, or recycled, and we work with artisans who are committed to reducing waste. Our commitment extends to our packaging as well—we use only paper and card, but if we receive any plastic, we make sure to reuse it, ensuring nothing goes to waste. By choosing handmade, ethically produced items, you help reduce the impact of mass production and fast fashion on the planet.
Cultural Preservation
We work with artisans from diverse cultures, from Africa to South America, to preserve and adapt their traditional craftsmanship. Each product in our collection tells a story, passed down through generations, while being thoughtfully designed to fit beautifully in contemporary homes. This way, we ensure that these valuable skills are not lost in a world of mass production, but instead find new life in modern living spaces.
Transparency
We believe in being open and honest about our practices. We try to provide clear data on the impact of every purchase, so you can see exactly how you are contributing to the livelihoods of artisans around the world.
Empowering Communities
By supporting artisans in disadvantaged communities, we empower them to create better futures for themselves and their families. Whether it’s providing access to education, healthcare, or improving living conditions, every purchase helps create positive change.
Our Commitment to Fair Trade: The 10 Principles
We are proud to align ourselves with the 10 Principles of Fair Trade, ensuring that our partnerships are built on ethical foundations:
- Creating Opportunities for Economically Disadvantaged Producers: We work with artisans from marginalised communities, ensuring they have access to global markets and sustainable income.
- Transparency and Accountability: We maintain clear, open communication with our suppliers and customers, ensuring ethical practices throughout our supply chain.
- Fair Trading Practices: We develop long-term, mutually beneficial relationships with our artisans, offering them stability and fair payment.
- Fair Payment: Our artisans are paid fairly for their work, allowing them to improve their living standards and reinvest in their communities.
- No Child Labour or Forced Labour: We ensure that no child or forced labour is involved in the production of our goods, in line with international labour standards.
- Commitment to Non-Discrimination, Gender Equity, and Women’s Economic Empowerment: We support gender equity, and many of the artisans we work with are women, providing them with financial independence and empowerment.
- Ensuring Good Working Conditions: Our partners ensure safe, healthy, and respectful working environments for all artisans.
- Capacity Building: We help artisans develop their skills and improve their business practices, ensuring sustainable growth for their craft.
- Promoting Fair Trade: We actively promote fair trade to raise awareness about the importance of ethical consumption and responsible production.
- Respect for the Environment: We prioritize environmentally sustainable practices, from sourcing raw materials to reducing waste in production.
Join Us in Making a Difference
At Karakorum, we believe that every home can tell a story—one of sustainability, beauty, and ethical craftsmanship. With every purchase, you are helping to create positive change in the world, empowering artisans, preserving traditional crafts, and making a meaningful impact.
We invite you to explore our collection and join us in our journey toward a more ethical and sustainable future.
Explore Our Ethical Collection
Our unique, handmade treasures are crafted with care and respect for both artisans and the planet. By choosing Karakorum, you bring meaningful decor into your home while empowering artisans around the world. Explore our collection today and make a difference with every purchase.
Join the Karakorum Community
Be the first to know about our new arrivals, artisan stories, and exclusive offers. Sign up for our newsletter and receive 10% off your first purchase as a thank you for joining our journey toward a more ethical, beautiful world.
