KNOTS Connecting Cultures
Our Mission
Knots emerged out of the appreciation and respect of the creative strength found in women, so often underplayed and under-appreciated throughout the centuries. While carrying the task of supporting their kind and maintaining their families it is women who through their crafts and diligence showcase and keep alive the cultural heritage of their people. The products of their work are unique, beautiful and a means by which women provide for their families and children. Knots’ mission is to buy, promote and resell handcrafted made by incredible women from around the globe and invest the proceeds of the sales into assisting other women who have fought adversities, wars, abuse and dislocation find and sustain a new life in their new homes. The thread of creativity and strength binds these women through their common cause generating knots that connect all women.
About us
The idea for this shop was inspired by the beautiful, handcrafted work and the wonderfully creative women I have met while living and traveling in Africa and other parts of the world. Aside from their practical use, over the centuries knots have been used symbolically to portray connections in natural and social structures. To me, they are perfect symbols of relationships among people and the strength and resilience that can be derived from individuals, families and communities working together, creating a network of support across the globe.
This shop is a place that sells mostly homewares, linens and some accessories created primarily by women’s groups from Africa. Most of the items already have a label and some work internationally. Others work mostly locally. All, are handcrafted with natural or recycled materials and to the greatest degree possible the groups use sustainable and fair practices. The work these women do helps provide an extra income for them and their families thus giving them access to education and health care.
As there are already many established crafts groups, I have opted not to create yet another one, but to resell and showcase their products through an integrated e-shop, pop-ups and bazaars.
Furthermore, these local women’s crafts are the inspirations for the small furniture items sold under my label, Abacus Creations, which are also available in the shop.
My overall intention is not to stop here, but, eventually, to reinvest the profits from the sales in assisting women immigrants and refugees get on their feet and integrate into their new lives in their destination country, thus knotting lives of women assisting women through crafts and through their shared lives and stories.
Safari njema!
Lisa Panopoulos
