Brand partners and artisan businesses enjoy an evening of meaningful connection

On August 13th, Brand partners and artisan businesses gathered at the Nest offices in midtown Manhattan for the Nest Artisan Showcase event, coinciding with the NY NOW industry trade show at the Javits Center. This was an exclusive industry event, which showcased contemporary global craftsmanship made by artisan members of the Nest Guild community.

Nest’s Director of Corporate Partnerships Indrani de Silva introduced the event, thanking Nest Guild members and brand partners for their participation and inviting them to engage in meaningful conversations and rich networking opportunities in support of Nest’s key role in fostering and inspiring creative and authentic collaboration that celebrates both the artisan and the brand.  

Hosts Jennifer Goodman, Vice President of Social Consciousness & Innovation at West Elm, Dana Davis, Vice President of Sustainability, Product, and Business Strategy at Mara Hoffman and Ellie Whiteford, Senior Director of Brand Marketing at Madewell delivered welcoming remarks, addressing the Nest artisan community and brand partners and sharing the brands experiences working with Nest to source responsibly from global artisans around the world. 

Featured artisanal products from Artisan Guild members such as All Across Africa, Freeset USA, Sidai, Haiti Design Co, Tonte, and Pais Textil were beautifully displayed throughout the Nest offices for visitors to see, touch, and experience firsthand the heritage techniques of diverse cultures across Africa, India, Haiti, Cambodia, and Peru. These featured Artisan Guild members, along with other valued members, receive support from Nest through the delivery of pro bono business development guidance and resources created to help promising artisans grow their businesses and provide vital access to new market opportunities.

As Nest’s 2018 exclusive industry event, attendees will be provided with a curated Sourcing Directory highlighting the work of participating Artisan Guild members. Nest looks forward to being a convener of creative and collaborative connections, which inspires the building of a handworker economy that connects craftspeople, brands, and consumers in a circular and human centric value chain. Thank you, Nest’s family of brands and Artisan Guild members who attended the event and continue to champion Nest’s work, you are a valued member of our community!