A few weeks ago we were approached by a representative of NOVICA
to write a review of their website. NOVICA
offered us a $75 gift certificate to purchase something from one of their global
artisans and then write a review. Mom
declined the gift certificate but purchased something on her own to provide an
unbiased review.
National Geographic is an investor in NOVICA, as is the
World Bank, and the Grassroots Business Fund. NOVICA’s mission is to help
preserve traditional crafts that have been disappearing in many corners of the
world.
NOVICA does not charge artists fees for listing items on the
website. Artists remain fully
independent to raise their prices, lower their prices, or remove items from the
website.
NOVICA has the first-ever microfinance website where
customers can purchase products and lend money directly to artisans with loans
at 0% interest! This concept is possible
due to the presence of NOVICA offices in each of the serviced regions. These
regional offices distribute customer orders and serve as disbursement centers
for artisan loans. Mom has requested that
NOVICA investigate the possibility of extending the offer of 0% interest loans
to American artisans and representing them on the website. She also suggested that NOVICA strike up an
alliance with Women for Women International.
She thinks it would be a good partnership. If you haven’t heard about Women for Women, give
them a look see. Mom has been a sponsor
of an Afghanistan woman for the last year.
Mom visited the NOVICA website and found it well planned,
informative (photos, testimonials, etc.), very user friendly and full of
beautiful treasures. She looked at
EVERYTHING before making a selection – home décor, jewelry, apparel and paintings.
Checking out was a breeze with several
payment options. Email confirmation of
the sale was immediate and status emails followed. Delivery was prompt and the package was very
well wrapped for safe shipping. After
opening the package, the presentation was very nice.
The package was wrapped in
special paper with a lovely ribbon. Included
was a post card with Greetings from Ghana to give Mom a bit of flavor of the
area where her artisan hails. On the
flip side of the post card is a personal handwritten message in the native
language (with an English translation).
There was a small note card with Kwabena Kufuor Afriyie-Addo Jr.’s artist
statement and an explanation of the meaning of her purchase called Long Cool Drink.
The batik wall hanging is signed by K. Baka. It is 100% cotton using all natural dyes and
dry cleaning is recommended. Mom is thrilled
with the quality of the work, and she said it made her smile as she unfolded
it.
To help promote NOVICA, we are having a giveaway. NOVICA has provided us with two gift
certificates – each for $37.50.
Make a comment on our blog through Saturday
February 4th and we will enter your name into the drawing. You can even enter extra times by blogging about our giveaway or Facebooking
about the giveaway. But make sure you leave us comments that you either blogged
or Facebooked so we can enter your name for the extra drawings.
