Field Trip to Global Mamas Fair Trade Zone

Our Ghana team closed out the year with an eye-opening field trip to the new Global Mamas Fair Trade Zone. We all came away inspired for the new year!

It was fascinating for us to see how a similar (but different) operation is run. From simple things like fixing a measuring tape to the cutting table (💡) to broader schemes about how to structure workflow, we left with many ideas, and are as always super grateful to share a generous and friendly relationship with other batiker producers in Ghana. We so thankful to Global Mamas for having us!

Many years in the making, the FTZ is the realization of big dreams, and the place does many things. It is a bespoke production space where batik clothing, glass jewelry, paper, natural soaps, and more are made. It is also the administrative hub of Global Mamas; housing their quality control, business and design offices, and meeting space. Designed by Juergen Strohmayer, the architecture considers its ergonomics and environmental impact, from its bio-digester toilets to its compressed earth walls to its relationship to the local Akuse landscape.

Congratulations to all involved in this beautiful and generative project! 🎉

Colorful beads and craft supplies on table at Global Mamas workshop.

Person showcasing colorful bead display boards at the Global Mamas workshop.

Group gathered on a veranda with one person addressing the others, large windows in the background.

Casual gathering of seven individuals, some conversing, with a table and wooden racks.

Group of people checking out different types of soap while discussing.

A display of different types of soap, 'SUDSY MUTT, SHEA SOAP FOR DOGS' in focus.

Shop interior with stocked shelves and a counter, individuals browsing items.

Assortment of beads and craft materials on a wooden table.

A group of women examining ceramic beads on wooden trays in a workshop.

Colorful folded batik fabrics on a table, with more textiles on racks next to the table.

Group examines a fabric swatch with notebook and tools on a table next to them.

Individuals entering a room labeled ‘Sewing’ with light shining through the doorway.

Group in sewing workshop with machines and fabrics, engaged in garment making.

Crafters around a table making beaded jewelry, with materials and finished pieces.

Crafters at a table with various materials, large windows shine light into the creative space.

Assorted jewelry-making supplies and tools on a dark surface for crafting.

Close-up of straw mats woven with blue fibers.

Pile of colorful fabrics scraps with various patterns, suggesting textile diversity.

Individual operating a manual crafting machine with various objects on table.

Group at workshop tables engaged in manual crafting with paper.

Two individuals outdoors next to canvases drying the sun.

Two concrete blocks with visible aggregate on a workbench.

Person holding green-speckled paper, smiling, with background figures.

Close-up of two cards with cultural phrases and a decorative ribbon on paper.

Group observing traditional weaving on a wooden loom in an outdoor workshop.

The loom warp threads tied to concrete block in a field with a building.

Person next to intricate foam batik printing blocks with various print patterns.

Artisans batik dyeing textiles in a fair trade workshop setting.

Wax residue covers area next to hot wax pot used for batik dyeing.

Outdoor wash station with large containers for rinsing batik textiles.

Wooden block with ‘Batiking’ written in stylized font on textured surface.

Project management whiteboard with colorful sticky notes and various production topics.

Individuals in the Global Mamas workshop with shelves stocked with various items.

Interior of a bus filled with passengers waving and smiling.

Group around a table with one handling fabric swatches.

Group walking through outdoor corridor with bamboo pillars and ‘Bead Storage’ door.

People standing around a table in a sewing room.

Group engaged in textile work at a textile workshop.

Hands crafting with colorful beads on a workshop table, with crafting tools visible.

Individuals working with cardboard materials at a crafting workshop table.

Group standing around a table with a roll of fabric outstretched.