The Petite Victoria Basket | No.2

The Victoria Baskets are made by our exclusive team of weavers in Ghana. In 2018, during our first visit to the village, we quickly realized that the most important thing we could do for our business was to reinvest part of our profits back into their community.

That same year we established The Victoria Project, our groundbreaking endeavor dedicated to reinvesting in the community by renovating the weaving center into a full fledged business and education center for our weavers and their families. Learn more about our impact here: The Victoria Project.

The Victoria Basket is made from strong, durable straw that is sliced in half then meticulously braided to create the pattern of the weave. The straw is also as flexible as it is durable and may be wet to reshape. To reshape simply soak the straw, preferably in a tub or large sink, avoiding the leather handles. When the straw is very wet, you will find no resistance in popping out any dents. 

Shape as you wish and allow a full 12 hours to dry. ONLY the 100% natural straw products can be dried in the sun, but colored straw, especially black, may bleed a little so we suggest you allow it to dry in the tub and away from the sun. And like your skin, treat the handles of your Victoria Basket with some TLC by rubbing a bit of coconut or olive oil on the handles every now and then to prevent dryness. 

Note that in some cases, with time, the handles may appear to have a grey film. This is a natural part of the aging process of the leathers. Simply wipe the grey areas with a damp cloth and moisturize with your oil of choice. 

A large part of our business model centers around uplifting our suppliers and a makers by helping them build and structure their own businesses. As we built our company and  met more and more artisans, one thing became very clear to us:  many of our artisan partners have no idea how to manage a business much less build one.

The fact is that many of these folks do not have a money making mindset. Their mindset is all about survival, and with that , very sadly comes a certain level of exploitation they were willing to accept.

As we became passionate about this, we understood that by teaching them and showing them ways to build and develop their own businesses we could truly empower them for life.

But, in order to empower them, we need to make sure they are paid fairly, which often times means they are paid far more than they are requesting and expecting, and thus leveling the field in their favor.

We do this because we strive to be equal partners in this venture, and that means being fair and giving the unheard an avenue to excel.

Learn more about our accomplishments and privately funded Victoria Project on our Victoria Project Tab.