Brands with social significance – when craftsmanship creates jobs

|sara aagaard
Brands med social betydning – når håndværk skaber arbejdspladser

For me, it's not just about buying beautifully. It's also about buying responsibly.

At DORA, we try – where we can – to support brands that create jobs and opportunities for people who might otherwise struggle to gain a foothold. Not as a trend. Not as a marketing ploy. But because it makes sense.

At the same time, it's important to me that the products stand on their own merits. They should be something you want to own. Something you use and cherish – not something you buy out of good conscience and then put in a drawer.

Here are some of the brands we are particularly proud to work with.

MAISON BENGAL

Maison Bengal is a brand we cherish at DORA because it unites natural materials, beautiful craftsmanship, and a strong social narrative. The products are made in collaboration with fair trade partners in Bangladesh, creating work and income opportunities for women in local communities.

BISTAD

A Danish social enterprise that creates jobs for people on the fringes of the labor market. The products are produced with care and a clear purpose: to give more people the opportunity to be part of a community.

ØSTERLAND

Østerland works with women who have fled war and conflict, providing them with opportunities to create products and income through craft. An initiative we are particularly fond of supporting – because it provides both dignity and independence.

BLINDES ARBEJDE

A traditional Danish company that offers meaningful work to people with visual impairments. Here, the craftsmanship is solid and the quality is high – and the value extends far beyond the product itself.

GAMCHA

Danish design with handmade wool from Nepal.
Gamcha works closely with local producers and creates jobs for more than 125 Nepalese women under fair conditions. Each product is handmade – and carries both history and craftsmanship.

WHEN RESPONSIBILITY AND AESTHETICS GO HAND IN HAND

I believe that responsibility and aesthetics can indeed go hand in hand. That we don't have to choose between what is beautiful – and what makes a difference.

For me, this is the best form of sustainability: To choose something you want to have in your home for many years – and at the same time know that it has created value elsewhere in the world.

Would you also like to read about brands that consciously work with materials, production, and vintage? Read our post about conscious design and materials here →