I’m thrilled to share some exciting news. Our vibrant, African-inspired creations are on their way to Europe through Gone Arty, a remarkable fair-trade social enterprise under the Vhufuli Art Institute. Soon, our unique products will be showcased in Gone Arty’s showrooms in the Netherlands, bringing the spirit of South Africa to European retailers and customers.
When I first learned about Gone Arty, founded in 2000 by José Verweij-Hoogendijk, I was inspired by their mission to empower small-scale producers across Zimbabwe, Swaziland, Ghana, Madagascar, Malawi, and South Africa. As a leading wholesale importer of African art and functional products, Gone Arty is deeply committed to fair trade, ensuring every artisan, retailer, and customer is part of an equitable journey.
What truly resonates with me is their role as a social enterprise. They reinvest profits into projects such as building workshops and training young artisans, thereby fostering both creativity and community. This aligns so closely with our values at Elsje Designs, where every piece we create tells a story of South African heritage and craftsmanship.
At Elsje Designs, our bold creations are more than just products; they’re a celebration of South African design. Our products, now en route to Europe, will soon invite a new audience to connect with the stories woven into every piece.
Once our designs arrive, retailers can discover Elsje Designs at Gone Arty’s three B2B showrooms in the Netherlands:
These cash-and-carry showrooms are designed for B2B customers, with flexible hours to suit busy schedules. For more information, please contact Gone Arty directly.
If you’re a retailer eager to stock Elsje Designs, contact Gone Arty to stay updated on our arrival:
I also encourage you to follow Gone Arty on social media for updates on our products and their inspiring fair trade initiatives.
Stay tuned for updates on when our designs land in Gone Arty’s showrooms. Thank you for being part of this journey, I look forward to seeing our creations shine in Europe!
Follow @elsjedesigns | @heniandart | @henizcreative