dZi Handmade
What is a ‘dZi’?
‘dZi’ (pronounced ‘zee’) is the Tibetan word for a traditional
Tibetan bead that is highly valued in Tibetan culture and considered to be a powerful charm.
It all started in 1984...
I was lucky to arrive in Kathmandu, Nepal, just as Tibet was opening to independent travelers for the first time in history! A remarkable journey took me from Nepal to Tibet via India, Burma, Thailand and China.
Meeting the Dalai Lama...
However, the experience that truly changed my life was my journey in Tibet, followed by meeting the Dalai Lama in India. I was inspired to help Tibetans in their struggle for human rights and freedom.
dZi Handmade was born...
In 1990, the company was incorporated and began by working with Tibetan refugee artisans in Dharamshala, India. We organized training workshops and our first product lines… clothing and accessories, wind chimes and traditional items such as prayer flags and incense. Soon enough we were packing for the trade shows in NY!
As we grew...
We started working with other artisan groups in Nepal. We developed new lines with handmade paper, jewelry, singing bowls, and especially hand felted wool. When we launched our Fair Trade Holiday line in the late 1990’s our felt producer employed 20 women. Today they manage over 500! We now work with 7 groups in India and 13 in Nepal, with over 1,000 artisans indirectly employed.
And so, THANK YOU!..
to our amazing artisans and producer partners, to our dedicated customers and fabulous staff, and so many more (including my family!), but especially to one person in particular… Jacque St. James-Wong! For over 25 years, Jacque has been the creative force at dZi, designing almost every product, logo, hang tag, counter card and also our beautiful catalogs while doing tradeshows, visiting artisans in Nepal and India, and more! dZi would not be what it is today without her imprint. Thank you ALL for 30 amazing years!
We are a Founding Member of the Fair Trade Federation!
In 1994, the Fair Trade Federation (FTF) was officially launched as a trade association representing wholesalers and retailers in the USA and Canada that are committed to Fair Trade. The FTF helps its members expand sales for the artisans and farmers from developing countries that they represent. Today, the FTF has over 260 fully screened members, including nearly 100 retailers, and hosts a vibrant annual conference open to all.
Learn how you can join the FTF or attend the annual conference at: www.FairTradeFederation.org
In accordance with the FTF’s 9 Fair Trade Principles, dZi Handmade is committed to:
• Creating opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers
• Developing transparent and accountable relationships
• Building capacity
• Promoting fair trade
• Paying promptly and fairly
• Supporting safe and empowering working conditions
• Ensuring the rights of children
• Cultivating environmental stewardship
• Respecting cultural identity
