It all began in 2008 during a study trip to Tala, Philippines, to generate ideas on how to better the lives of impoverished communities.

At a dolls workshop in Tala, women who were relatives of lepers were making beautiful dolls for a living. The dolls were lovely but the women lacked regular income due to low demand of the dolls.

Matcha5 realised the same situation was playing out in other rural and underprivileged communities. Bounded by technological limitations, artisans could only sell their crafts to neighboring villages. More fortunate artisans were discovered by wholesalers, who purchased the items at a low cost and were not able to ensure a constant demand.

How do matcha5 showcase these unique items to global consumers, while empowering artisans to build sustainable businesses and expand their income?

They strongly believe that globalization should be inclusive, and aim to leverage on technology to help rural and underprivileged artisan maximize their potential.

matcha5 MISSION

matcha5 is created to bridge the gap between rural and underprivileged artisans and the global economy.

By having a marketplace exclusive to rural and underprivileged artisans, matcha5 give them the opportunity to set-up and manage their own e-store. Setting up and managing their own e-store is a challenge in itself, and work closely and provide training to get them started.

By breaking down the barriers to entry, these artisans will be able to carve out a sustainable business in the long run, and better the lives of their communities.

At matcha5, consumers will be able to discover beautiful items, and experience life through the artisans’ stories. Engage with the artisans through interactive discussion boards. Matcha5 believe that beauty and doing good goes hand in hand.

HOW matcha5 DO IT

Artisans are classified into 2 categories – independent and partner artisans.

When you buy something from an independent artisan, matcha5 take a 25% cut from the selling price. Plough the 25% back to driving traffic to matcha5.

For partner artisans, matcha5 assist them in the entire process of setting up their own e-store, from product photography to pricing and shipping options. Matcha5 take a percentage cut from a successful sale, and we use the money to help more artisans.

WHAT DOES matcha5 MEAN

matcha is Japanese fine powder green tea and has great health benefits. It is widely used in many food items today such as ice-cream, frappuccinos, cakes, and pancake. matcha symbolise a collision of sustainability, health and happiness which we hope to bring to the artisans. matcha5 believe in blessings of God’s grace (digit 5 in Hebrew) in this project.

ABOUT SASHKA | CO®

SASHKA | CO® Bracelets roll over any size hand for a perfect fit. The glass beaded bracelets are hand crocheted by skilled artisan women in the Kathmandu Valley of Nepal. Your purchase empowers women in need to rise above poverty through fair trade. Free Worldwide Shipping when you order 3 or more pieces! As seen on ABC, USA TODAY, BUSINESS INSIDER AND HOLLYWOOD REPORTER.

Join #yousustainme campaign by sharing a photo of yourself with something/someone that sustained you in life with a photo caption. Then tag #yousustainme and @matcha5official. Stand a chance to be picked weekly to win a pair of movie tickets, USD20 store credit or matcha5 giveaway!