The Stories Behind the Finds

Welcome to a new weekly series from Local Global Finds.

Every week, I’ll take you behind the scenes to share a topic, a product, or a story from Local Global Finds — exploring the materials, craftsmanship, culture, history, and people that make each find special.

Because for me, it's never been just about the product.

It's about the story behind it.

What Does “Ethically Sourced” Really Mean?

“Ethically sourced.”
“Fair trade.”
“Artisan-made.”

You see these words more and more when shopping today. But what do they actually mean? And how can we, as shoppers, look beyond a label or a few nice words and understand what we're really supporting?

At Local Global Finds, ethical sourcing isn't a label we added to our brand. It's part of the reason the brand exists.

For more than 30 years, I've been drawn to beautiful, handmade things — but especially to the people, places and traditions behind them.

So let's talk about what these words mean to me, how I source, and why it matters.

What Is Ethical Sourcing?

There isn't one universal certification that defines everything “ethical sourcing” means. In general, it refers to making thoughtful choices about how and from whom products are obtained, with attention to the people who make them, the communities they come from, and the environmental impact of production.

For me, that means asking questions and paying attention to things like:

• Fair compensation — Are the makers being paid fairly for their work?
• Safe working conditions — Are people working in safe and dignified environments?
• Respect for workers — Are workers' rights respected, including protections against forced or child labor?
• Responsible materials and practices — How are the materials sourced, used and produced?
• Transparency — Do I know where a product comes from and who I'm buying it from?
• Relationships — Can I build a direct or meaningful relationship with the maker, cooperative, supplier or community?

These aren't simply boxes to check.

They're questions I continue to ask as I source and grow Local Global Finds.

So, What Is Fair Trade?

This is an important distinction.

Fair Trade can refer to a formal movement and certification system with specific social, economic and environmental standards. Certified programs establish requirements around areas such as worker protections, compensation, environmental responsibility and community development, with verification built into the certification process.

But not every artisan, family workshop or small cooperative has access to formal certification.

Many of the independent makers and small-scale producers I encounter operate outside large certification systems. That doesn't automatically tell us whether their work is or isn't ethical.

That's why I don't use “Fair Trade” as a blanket description for everything I sell.

Instead, I want to be honest about what I know, how I source, and the relationships I have with the people and businesses behind the products.

The goal is transparency — not simply a label.

What Does Artisan-Made Mean?

An artisan-made piece is made by a skilled craftsperson, often using techniques that have been learned, practiced and passed down through generations.

Think about a handwoven textile.

A hand-carved piece of wood.

A piece of jewelry shaped and finished by hand.

The small variations, the texture, the tiny imperfections — these aren't flaws.

They're part of the story.

Artisan work also helps keep traditional skills and craft knowledge alive by creating a market for those skills and giving makers a reason to continue practicing them.

And honestly, that's one of the things that makes handmade pieces so special to me.

You can feel the human hand in them.

Why Does This Matter to Us as Shoppers?

We all make choices about what we bring into our homes and our lives.

When we choose handmade and thoughtfully sourced goods, we're choosing to look beyond the quickest, cheapest option and consider the people and processes behind what we buy.

We can support:

• Independent artisans and small businesses
• Traditional crafts and cultural knowledge
• Thoughtful, well-made products
• More transparent relationships between makers and buyers
• Products chosen for their story, craftsmanship and longevity

No single purchase changes the world.

But our choices do add up.

And I believe shopping can be one small way to connect our everyday lives with people and communities around the world.

How We Source at Local Global Finds

This is where the “Global” in Local Global Finds really comes to life.

Over the years, I've traveled to places including India, Guatemala, Cuba, Austria, Italy, Prague, Hong Kong, Mexico City, Oaxaca and Kenya, always with an eye toward discovering beautiful, meaningful and responsibly made treasures.

I source through a combination of direct relationships, artisan businesses, cooperatives, markets and trusted suppliers.

Whenever possible, I want to know:

Who made it?
Where was it made?
How was it made?
What makes it special?

And sometimes the answer is wonderfully simple:

A talented person made this by hand.

That's a story worth sharing.

The Find Is Only the Beginning

When you purchase something from Local Global Finds, you're bringing home more than a scarf, a piece of jewelry, a textile or something beautiful for your home.

You're bringing home a little piece of a story.

The hands that made it.
The skills behind it.
The culture that inspired it.
The journey that brought it here.

That's what makes a find feel different.

And that's exactly why I'm excited to begin this series.

Each week, we'll take a closer look at something you might find at Local Global Finds — and discover the story behind the find.

Come See Us!

Want to see the finds in person?

Come visit us at one of our upcoming Local Global Finds Pop-Up Markets.

I love getting out from behind the website, meeting you in person, and sharing the stories behind the pieces I've discovered along the way.

Check our Markets & Events page for the latest schedule and upcoming dates.

And stay tuned — our holiday pop-up schedule is coming soon!

Shop • Create • Connect • Inspire

— Maria