Moving On Up

Getting ahead one piece of artwork at a time.

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Abel Rios

From Peru

Moving On Up

Abel no longer shares the rented patio with his chickens - the site of his first workshop. Today, the Rios family has bought that house and built a four story workshop on the adjacent land. They provide work for other artisans who help meet the international demand for their handcrafted colonial furniture and tooled leather work.

Nature-Inspired Leather and Wood Ottoman from Peru

Bird Pattern Leather and Wood Decorative Box from Peru

Hand Crafted Contemporary Wood Leather Coffee Table

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Alfredo Falcon

From Peru

Moving On Up

Alfredo's sales have more than tripled since he started with Novica. He began with a few assistants and now has grown to employ full-time employees and several other women who help fulfill his orders. Many of the women who work for him are able to provide essentials for their homes like mattresses, refrigerators, and other appliances.

100% Baby Alpaca Infinity Scarf in Bone from Peru

Alpaca Blend Wine and Purple Ruana with Scarf

Patterned 100% Baby Alpaca Fingerless Mitts in Maroon

Cotton Blend Poncho in Cerise and Blue from Peru

Wave Pattern 100% Baby Alpaca Headband in Teal from Peru

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Asunta Pelaez

From Peru

Moving On Up

Asunta's sales have increased more than threefold since she joined Novica. When Asunta first started out, she had a small workshop with two part-time assistants. Now she is able to rent a larger space close to her home and provide work for more people.

Map of the World Reverse-Painted Glass Wood Decorative Box

Reverse Painted Glass Decorative Boxes (Set of 3)

Silver-Tone Reverse-Painted Glass Tray from Peru

Hand Made Floral Glass Wood Rectangle Mirror

Aged White Reverse Painted Glass Wall Mirror from Peru

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Benito Tito

From Peru

Moving On Up

As Benito's sales have grown through Novica, he has been able to hire other artisans to help meet the demand for his handcrafted instruments. He has trained many of them in this traditional craft and prides himself on preserving this traditional Peruvian art form.

Fair Trade Peruvian Quena Flute with Case

Quena Wood Inca Flute with Case Handmade in Peru

Peruvian Traditional Charango Guitar with Nazca Bird

Hand Crafted Bamboo Wind Instrument Zampona Panpipes (Pair)

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Celinda Jaco

From Peru

Moving On Up

Celinda has a natural entrepreneurial spirit. She attempted many things before finding her own workshop. Dedicated to preserving Peruvian textile traditions, she trains her own workers and informally teaches university students who have an open invitation to visit her workshop and learn about the textile arts. She is an asset to her community.

Fair Trade Woven Dark Gray Alpaca Blend Scarf for Men

Artisan Crafted Woven Black Alpaca Blend Scarf for Men

Woven Alpaca Blend Scarf for Men in Solid Black

Andean Alpaca Blend Ruana Cape with Hood

Andean Alpaca Blend Black Mens Poncho with Hood

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Cerapio Vallejo

From Peru

Moving On Up

At a time when Cerapio was barely able to support his family he discovered Novica and Novica's shoppers discovered him. His life changed. He was able to buy a new house, turn his old house into his workshop and educate his children. He continues to hire and train other artisans and has helped many of them to build their own workshops. He loves the recognition his work has found and the security it has brought his family. If you ever meet him, he will proudly tell you that he is the first member of his family to buy a car.

Artisan Crafted Wool Blend Geometric Table Runner from Peru

Abstract Black and Alabaster Wool Table Runner from Peru

Black and Alabaster Geometric Striped Table Runner from Peru

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Oscar Pastor

From Peru

Moving On Up

Oscar suffered from depression and worry about not being able to support his family. He would walk the streets, going door to door to try to sell his products. His income has increased more than three times since joining Novica and he is now able to rely on the sales of his products to pay for household essentials and to support his daughters' educations.

Hand Crafted Tooled Leather and Wood Jewelry Box

Colonial Hand Tooled Leather Jewelry Chest

Handcrafted Leather Vaulted Horse Seat Stool

Unique Leather and Wood Bird Jewelry Box

Hand Made Colonial Leather and Wood Jewelry Box

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Maldonado Family

From Peru

Moving On Up

The steady income that Novica sales bring have enabled the Maldonado Family to expand their workshop. They are now one of the largest workshops in Hualhuas and this has led to an increase in the income they receive from tourism. In addition to their two full-time employees they are able to give seasonal work to other artisans.

Geometric Alpaca Blend Patterned Cushion Cover (Pair)

Handwoven Alpaca Blend Throw in Amber from Peru

Handwoven Alpaca Wool Striped Blanket (Twin)

Artisan Crafted Alpaca Wool Striped Blanket (Twin)

Handwoven Mens Alpaca Blend Wool Golden Brown Poncho

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Nestor Yana

From Peru

Moving On Up

Nestor is not only an employer, he is an important member of his community. He continues to grow his business providing full-time employment to 23 workers and part-time employment to others when he can. He recognizes his good fortune and shares with those less fortunate whenever the opportunity arises. The income from Nestor's Novica sales not only supports his wife, son and elderly parents - it helps to support others in his community. Many of Nestor's employees were homeless. Nestor not only provides them with work, he provides a place to stay or live.

Alpaca and AcrylicThrow Blanket with Fringe in Denim Blue

Warm Brown Alpaca Blend Cardigand Wood Buttons from Peru

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Neide Ambrosio

From Brazil

Moving On Up

Neide originally worked alone in collecting soda pop-tops from the beach and selling her work. Today she has other people working with her and, during her first year with Novica, her sales increased almost tenfold.

Upcycled Colorful Soda Pop-Top Hobo Bag from Brazil

Artisan Crafted Multi Color Shoulder Bag with Soda Pop Tops

Handcrafted Recycled Aluminum Flap Handbag

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Higinio Hernandez

From Mexico

Moving On Up

Higinio has left a profound impact in his community and has successfully tripled the growth of his home workshop from his first six months at NOVICA

Hand Crafted Huichol Multicolor Beaded Mask

Authentic Huichol Multicolor Beadwork Mask

Beaded Huichol Mask Mexican Folk Art Handmade in Mexico

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George Obeng

From Ghana

Moving On Up

A true advocate for human rights and gender equality, Chinni has transformed thousands of lives and uplifted her community. With her fair trade workshop, which she began "with the sole aim of Confronting Cancer in the area," Chinni has helped over 50 women develop the skills they need to earn a sustainable income. Always ambitious to do more, Chinni also runs a local school that provides free education, books, uniforms and daily meals to over 500 students in India.

Wood Relief Panel of a Woman Milling from Ghana

Hand Carved Wooden Sculpture of Hand Holding Egg

Oval Mother and Child Wood Relief Panel from Ghana

Handmade Teakwood Sculptur of a Woman from Ghana

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Lord Robert Penrose

From Ghana

Moving On Up

Lord came home from high school one day to learn that his father, the breadwinner of the family, had passed away. His father had taught him how to sketch and Lord quickly was determined to make a living for himself and his family through carvings and sculptures. Although he found it extremely challenging at first, Lord is now a master at creating beautiful African masks and sculptures. He hopes one day to have a home and a happy family.