There can be a ripple effect from the products we buy and the gifts we give to others. At Artisan Trading Post that ripple effect goes beyond the gift giver and receiver and across international boundaries.
The Port Carling store specializes in gifts and home decor, but also in lifting up their local and global charity partners.
Their handcrafted arts are ethically sourced and fair-traded, and the proceeds go to local and global charity partners supporting important causes around the world.
“People want to give meaningful gifts,” says Jon Juane, General Manager of the Artisan Trading Post. “These gifts have been specifically designed and created with Muskoka in mind but what’s equally important to us is the work being done behind the products.”
There are forest pencil crayons handmade by artisans in Thailand, chocolate bars made with Bala’s own Muskoka Lakes Farm & Winery dried cranberries and created by local artisan and chocolatier Jim Jeffery of Cacao Boys in Bala, handwoven lighting fixtures and chandeliers created by artisans in Ecuador and wired by a certified electrician in Muskoka, and much, much, more.
Not only are artisans fairly paid for their work, but when you purchase one of their products, Artisan Trading Post donates to local and global charity partners that support important causes. Examples of work they support include crisis and mental health initiatives in Muskoka, and youth programs by Youth for Christ, serving in Ecuador and cities throughout Canada.
“It’s incredible, some of the work we’ve been able to do globally and right here in Muskoka,” says Jon.
As an example, he points to a young man in Ecuador who was struggling in one of their sponsored learning programs. To his surprise, they found his struggles had nothing to do with learning difficulties but were instead the result of vision problems.
“Through the business, we were able to get him a pair of glasses,” says Jon. “Since then he’s been thriving. In fact, he’s now working in the shop and has discovered new skills he never knew he had.”
The idea for Artisan Trading Post came when Aimee Sifft left her home in Muskoka to begin missionary work in Latin America. Sifft married an Ecuadorian man and started a new life in South America but a part of her heart still belonged to Muskoka. That sparked the idea to help lift up local artisans in Ecuador by helping to create and sell products specifically designed for Muskoka while ensuring they were fairly paid.
Aiemme grew up with Jon’s wife Charlotte and she approached Jon with the idea of helping run the business.
“We had talked about moving here for years and the opportunity was too good to pass up,” says Jon, who left a job in corporate communications in Ottawa and resettled in Muskoka with Charlotte and their four children. “I genuinely believe that life is about more than just making money. I’m a person of faith, so I find a lot of purpose in work that helps others. I also see myself as a bit of a dot-connector and I love making those connections from creator to customer.”
The products have expanded dramatically from being exclusively Ecuadorian and now come from around the world. They also specialize in small-batch, handmade products from right here in Muskoka.
Gifts and decor, clothing and lighting, all with Muskoka in mind and sustainability at its core.
You can visit the Artisan Trading Post year-round at 156 Medora Street, Unit 2 or find them online at artisantradingpost.com
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