Discovering the Alaria community was much more than gaining information about a new online marketplace. It has been an interesting journey around the world. It has given me access to stories from barely known, artisan far-flung societies around the world. It has also given me access to ethical handmade products that carry with them the soul and skill of a people. What a pleasure it has been to discover Alaria through the very words of its founder, Rebecca Pisani! Here they are.

1. What is Alaria?

"We like to think of ourselves as a gateway connecting different communities of ethical makers and conscious wearers together. Essentially, we are an international marketplace that shines a light on ethically produced clothing and products from artisan communities from a multitude of cultures. Our aim is to stand as the friendly connection between makers and buyers from all over the world and inspire a sense of community between you and the artisans."

"We work hard to source suppliers from all corners of the world that specifically work with artisan communities, who strive to keep traditional craftsmanship alive through the different techniques and skills of their customs. We also work with brands who follow Fair Trade practices, making sure that workers are paid fairly and are working in safe conditions to help sustain them and their families."

2. What exactly is Fair Trade?

"When making the choice to buy Fair Trade, you have the power to make a change. With simple purchasing choices, you can give farmers and artisans a greater quality of life. They can provide for their families and communities and, as a consequence, improve the future for the next generation."

3. What is special about Alaria’s brands?

"Each brand was carefully sourced, making sure that they follow Fair Trade practices and also share our own brand philosophies. We wish to create an international community, connecting brands and consumers from around the world who share the same beliefs and values. We feel the stories behind the products are as important as the product themselves. At the moment we have two brands from India, one from Guatemala, one from Cambodia and one from Peru, all producing unique products."

4. What kind of products do they make?

"The brands featured on our site have a wide selection of products. From this selection, we have chosen to supply clothing for men and women, jewellery and bags. We chose beautiful and timeless pieces that can be lovingly and proudly worn anywhere, from a day at the beach to an evening event, each coming with their own unique story. Our intention is to widen our product selection and our community in the future, aiming to span wider across the globe to act as a one-stop-shop that connects the world."

5. Why is Fair Trade and support to artisan communities important?

"It was Gandhi himself who said, 'There is no beauty in the finest cloth if it makes hunger and unhappiness'. We want to show consumers that there are alternatives to their usual fashion habits; that traditional techniques and fabrics can be enjoyed from one part of the world to the other and not at the expense of human lives. We love the idea of connection and we strive to ensure our connections are with ethical brands that treat both their artisans and workers fairly."

6. Give examples of such communities and the products they make.

"One brand called Siblings Army works with female communities in Peru to create clothing and bags using the ancient craft of Aguayos of the indigenous Peruvian people. The skill was dying out, so the brand founders searched for communities in Peru that were willing to work with them and keep the craft alive."

"Another brand we have is Penh Lenh, from Cambodia, which works with women who were previously associated with drug or sex-related industries. They are taught the craft of jewellery-making to produce beautiful handmade pieces, while providing them with an alternative and safe means to earn a living. All the range is similarly ethically sourced while bringing the highest quality materials and fabrics."

7. When is Alaria launching?

"We have just launched our website and are really excited about it. We ship both locally and internationally and hope our following will eventually reach different communities around the globe."

8. What is the vision of Alaria?

"Alaria will connect local and international markets to artisan communities all over the world. We use the digital sphere in a positive way to be able to provide this gateway of fairly traded and artisanal products from around the globe. Our vision is to have a friendly space and grow the number of brands and, in the process, educate our customers on the stories behind the clothes and the hands that make them."

"In time, we do wish to partner up with a Maltese brand to create artisan-made products using local fabrics and materials. Or even with a community abroad, strengthening our philosophy aiming to connect communities."

9. How can the public know more or get involved?

"Our website has officially been launched and we welcome customers to discover the brands and connect to communities. We will be updating it regularly with blog posts and articles to learn more about Fair Trade and Sustainable Living. It is also important to note that each product bought from the site plants five trees through our charity of choice ‘Trees of the Future’. You can also follow our journey through our Instagram or Facebook accounts.