Meet the Makers: The Story Behind Our Thoughtfully Curated Merchandise
- Mabel
- Mar 29
- 3 min read
Every item we carry has a story. From hand-crafted teacups to whimsical cat-themed accessories, we carefully select products that bring joy while supporting talented artists and makers. Our thoughtfully curated merchandise isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about celebrating creativity, craftsmanship, and a shared love for cats.
Why We Support Independent Artists
We believe that shopping small has a big impact. By sourcing our merchandise from independent artists, we ensure that every piece has heart, originality, and a unique story to tell. Supporting these makers means championing creativity, ethical production, and sustainable business practices.
Meet Some of Our Featured Makers
Ten Thousand Villages – With a global maker-to-market movement where, together with 20,000 artisans, social change is ignited. They create opportunities for individuals, families, and communities in developing countries to thrive through strong relationships, fair wages, safe working conditions, and sustainable practices. As a pioneer of fair trade, they do business differently, putting people and planet first.
In partnership with Ten Thousand Villages
Sana Hastakala, which means "small handicraft" in Nepali, is a nongovernmental, nonprofit export organization based in Kathmandu. Sana Hastakala works to preserve the rich artistic skill and traditions of Nepali artisans, and provides additional training and marketing assistance to artisans. Eighty percent of the artisans are women; most artisans are uneducated. Sana Hastakala strives to increase its export sales so that additional disadvantaged artisans can improve their economic and social conditions. Profit from sales is used for producer development programs, staff welfare and organizational strengthening. Sana Hastakala was established in 1989 as a retail shop to help market the handicrafts of producers, mainly women operating on a small scale, usually from their homes. Ten Thousand Villages has purchased products from Sana Hastakala since 2001.– Known for their hand-painted ceramics, this artist creates stunning cat-inspired mugs and teapots, blending artistry with functionality.
Noah's Ark International Exports is a fair trade handicraft marketing organization in Moradabad, India. Noah's Ark provides benefits such as education and medical treatment for artisans and their families. As artisan businesses become more self-sufficient, Noah's Ark takes on new families. Since the company's inception, about 20 artisan workshops have become independent. Noah's Ark started in 1986, in one room of a family house in Moradabad. Businessman Samuel Masih observed that exporters and middlemen were taking advantage of handicraft artisans. He started Noah's Ark to promote these artisans and their crafts.
Cat Loaf Studio - The Iowa artist and creator behind Cat Loaf Studio, draws inspiration from her assistant, Sansa—a certified grumpy cat. Specializing in digital art, she hand-sketches and paints each piece on her iPad using the Procreate app. With a passion for puns and feline mischief, she creates artwork that brings joy and humor, celebrating the quirky charm of our furry companions.
Shady Cat Social Club - A Registered Nurse for 10 years, this artisan spent much of her career caring for the elderly, including Alzheimer’s and dementia patients. She’s seen firsthand how animals can bring comfort when words no longer can.
Bringing Unique Finds to Our Customers Thoughtfully Curated Merchandise
We take pride in offering high-quality, artist-made goods that can’t be found just anywhere. Whether you’re looking for the perfect gift or a special piece for yourself, our collection reflects our dedication to thoughtful, inspired design.
By choosing to shop with us, you’re not just buying a product—you’re supporting independent artists, small businesses, and a shared passion for handcrafted good.
Stay tuned as we continue to feature more talented makers and their beautiful creations, and as always, thank you for reading!
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