UTALA, the new online shop offering fair trade and eco-friendly gifts is to launch on November 8th 2011.
This inspiring idea was thought up by Uta Hesterberg, whilst meditating on the beach in Vietnam.
Uta has worked in more than ten countries around the world and wanted to do more to help make a direct change to the world - in a more creative way. With her large network of artistic friends situated all over the world, her years of travelling to some of the most remote areas, and her admiration of the skills of Asian and African crafts, Uta was inspired and decided to create a business to sell beautiful things that would also make a positive difference.
Uta quit her job to make the idea a reality. She wanted to be able to make a change by combining her passion for well-made things with the ability to make a direct impact to people’s lives. Uta wanted to do something different and this was the perfect opportunity to get in touch with her creative side.
What Uta also told me was that another reason for the start of this business – a reason which makes this business that much more closer to her heart is the fact that her previous job involved working closely with people facing hardships – she felt she needed a little break from working in such an environment. She said that when you are constantly confronted with issues such as climate change, over-population, environmental destruction and animal cruelty, it can eventually take its toll on you and you start to feel like you have to tackle it all – which of course is not possible.
She wanted to start with little changes – changes that are positive – changes that you can feel – the aim of UTALA is to make that little difference to the person who has made the product whilst also putting a smile on the person who has bought the product.
What a touching thought...We can all learn something from Uta and I completely agree with her views – I have always believed that everyone can make a little difference – whatever you do – however small – change is change. . .
How the gifts are made:
UTALA was set-up to make a positive contribution to this world. Anything that is bought for the production of UTALA gifts are either recycled, fair trade certified, proven to be ethically sourced, or come from local young designers.
Many of their products fit more than one of these criteria and what is even more exciting is that they are always looking for people who make things that are meant to make a difference to the environment and in turn a positive contribution to people’s lives. So if this sounds like you – get in touch now! info@utala.co.uk / www.utala.co.uk
What makes UTALA extra special is that all their market stalls are transported by bicycle and they recycle all their packaging material. All deliveries in central London are made by bicycle rather than post – saving the cost of packaging and fuel – amazing!!
What I find extremely touching is the fact that many of UTALA’s products come from small family cooperatives or NGOs. It means that they are providing income for artists and artisans – many of which are struggling financially – it really is truly remarkable and I really admire what Uta and her friends have set up!
It is most definitely reassuring that these products are not being produced unethically as a result of slave labour or anything along those lines but are the fruit of collaborations with European designers and artists in developing countries.
Currently UTALA sells around 40 gifts and home accessories in four lines and has even bigger plans for UTALA:
1) Funky - Berlin Berlin: This features urban cool products made from recycled materials.
2) Rustic charm: This selection features natural, refined items.
3) Forever young: This colourful vibrant selection is for people that defy growing old and love colour and playfulness in their house.
4) Wooden toys: These fantastically finished toys are produced by an artisan’s cooperative in India and are made with entirely natural materials: sustainable hale wood, spice colours and lacquer from natural resin.
Preview of some of the products – visit www.utala.co.uk to see the entire range.
Launching just in time for Christmas...
If you are struggling with Christmas presents this year, here is the perfect opportunity for you to purchase gifts that are not only unique, but also contribute to making the world a better place – what more can you ask for?
Spread the word everyone – the UTALA launch party will be taking place on Tuesday 8th November (see below for details) and make sure you visit www.utala.co.uk to see the beautiful range of products on sale.
Thank you for reading.
Much love,
Anokhi
