Our Story
Our Story
How it started
In 2001 we started a mail-order business from our kitchen table in Wales selling American Braided Rugs. A friend from Minnesota had first introduced us to the traditional wool-mix American rugs years before and we had them in our home (and still do!). They are predominantly made in North Carolina, and are based on the plaited rag rugs made by the early settlers for their cabins. They represent the best of American quality and tradition. The American rugs are handmade, highly durable, made of the softest premium yarns and last a lifetime, making them the original truly sustainable product.
The internet was still many years awaywe printed a small catalogue that we sent out to our customers and everything was done over the phone. We then decided to take our rugs out on the road (in a converted horse box that some might remember!) Our weekends were spent at country fairs, horse trials and flower shows all over the country, not only selling the rugs but also getting feedback and ideas.
In 2011, via a serendipitous google search, we started working with a family-run manufacturing company in Bangladesh who were already making braided rugs, but using organic jute fibres. The skill of the artisans involved and the sustainable fibres echoed the principles of the American rugs and allowed us to create our own products with the British and European market in mind.
Little did we know how our relationship with our colleagues in Bangladesh would grow, how many products we would produce together, and how their capacity to innovate (whilst remaining steadfastly efficient and committed to social and environmental principles) would enable us to move into producing our baskets, tableware and tote bags. They share our commitment to looking after people, creating jobs, employing woman and working constantly to provide the best working environment possible.
In 2021, our production was moved into a brand-new factory premises; BSCI Amfori certified; running off solar energy and recycling the soft rain water for dying the yarns. Almost all the employees are from the local community, which we have seen grow and thrive around it, shops have opened and homes have been built. We remain a member of ECOTA, the National Fair Trade Network of Bangladesh (a World Fair Trade organisation).
a little bit about jute
Jute, known as the “golden fibre,” is the national emblem of Bangladesh and grows abundantly, reaching maturity up to three times a year, making it a highly efficient and renewable fibre source; it has natural UV protection and therefore grows without the need for fertilizers or pesticides, while also enhancing soil quality for future crops, is 100% biodegradable, is the softest natural fibre and very comfortable underfoot, yet surprisingly one of the hardest wearing so products last a long time, and it has the added benefit of being naturally fire retardant.
