Eighteen years ago Sumita Ghose, a leading figure in the rural development and NGO worlds in India, founded Rangsutra to empower rural artisans, particularly women, by blending traditional craftsmanship with modern markets. Her journey began with a vision to create a sustainable enterprise that not only provides fair wages and steady work but also fosters community development.

Through Rangsutra, Sumita has built a platform where artisans can thrive, preserving cultural heritage while securing economic independence. It is an inspiring, community-owned social enterprise where rural artisans are not just makers: they are equal co-founders and shareholders.

By providing sustainable, regular paid work, Rangsutra empowers these incredible women to earn a dignified livelihood direct from their home villages, ensuring they never have to migrate to crowded cities for employment.

In 1989 Robina and Martin, then both working at a design agency in London, developed the concept and branding for the Fairtrade Mark, setting up the first offices of the Fairtrade Foundation in the UK, directly benefitting countless producers in developing countries.

Robina worked as a design consultant and created the brand Cafédirect for Oxfam and others as a direct response to the global collapse of coffee prices.

The Newman family have been associated with Monmouth since moving back from India in the 1960s. We have recently returned to Monmouth with the hope of bringing together Fair Trade, our Indian connection, and Monmouth with a fabulous range of women's and soon to be men's clothing.