#Style614: Hand loomed by and for women
Get a beautiful, handmade accessory while also patronizing a local business; that’s a win win. With QuiQuattro, your purchases also go towards educating and empowering women. Nihan Ardor is the owner of QuiQuattro, a shop that hand looms, pours, knits, and stitches soaps, jewelry, and Pestemal towels (all available online).
[su_slider source=”media: 23980,23979,23976,23977,23978″ width=”960″ height=”600″ title=”no” pages=”no” mousewheel=”no”]Here’s a little about QuiQuattro from Ardor:
What inspired you to start your LLC?
QuiQuattro: I am originally from Turkey and I graduated from an art academy. I go back to my homeland quite often and keep in touch with my designer friends who still live there. I see their beautiful artisanal work and their struggle to survive within an industrial environment. The idea of QuiQuattro emerged when I brought gifts to my friends here in United States and realized how much they loved the designs and the creativity. Instantly, I thought I can help my designer friends by creating an opportunity to sell their products. I formed my company with the goal of giving them the recognition they deserve by selling their many creations.
What is your most popular product?
QuiQuattro: Our best-selling product is our multipurpose hand-loomed towels called “Pestemal”. They come in different patterns and lively colors; they can be used as a traditional towel, as a beach towel, a scarf, or a sarong, cover-up, and many more.
Are all your employees female? Are they all artisans or at least creative?
QuiQuatro: Yes all of them are female. They either have degrees in design or have been working as apprentice designers.
Where do your raw materials come from?
QuiQuattro: For now they are all sourced from Turkey. I am in touch with some other designers from Argentina and France as well for future products.
Why is your business model (fair trade, and fair wages) so important in today’s society?
QuiQuattro: I believe that women and men should be paid equally, but this is not the case today in third world countries, where, conditions unfortunately seem to favor men. I would like to empower women and also give them the opportunity to become self-sufficient. Consequently, we also give 10% of our yearly earnings to help educate women abroad.
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