With my background in environmental toxicology and plant science I have a strong awareness and passion for running Samamba according to these believes. Also prior to university my previous travelling throughout South America, which included living with some Amazonian Indians (the Karaja) who taught me about their medicinal plants. I also worked on reforestaion projects and visited many Universities in Brazil (Brasil) connected to The Royal Botanical Gardens at Kew where I researched sustainable and economic uses of plants which benifit and support local small communities. These experiences have all influenced the way I want to run my business. More recently I have travelled to Thailand which was where the idea for Samamba was born. In Thailand we source all our own materials ourselves. We work with small communities and family business who we have known for many years therefore ensuring fairtrade from fabric onwards. My daughter and I design many of the clothes ourselves and I handmade much of the jewellery. The other pieces we buy from people who handmake too. I am currently visiting projects and communities in Asia who weave and dye fabric using natural plant dyes. And also looking to support a cotton farmer to go organic or find one who already is. I would like to continue supporting Thailand so please let me know if you have any ideas about this. My aim is to be able to trace the product from the farmer to the end product and customer. Only then I believe can a product truly be classed as fairtraded! When I am successful in finding the right people, I am planning to design a new range using organic cotton, natural plant dyes and traditional weaving techniques. We use all recycled packaging. All our bags are made from recycled paper and are unbleached. Occassionally I also recycle the old plastic ones too! My jewellery boxes are also made from recycled paper and are of a beautiful quality. Many of you may have seen my supplier TheTiny Box Company on the TV series The Dragons Den (www.tinyboxcompany.co.uk). At the festivals I use low energy lighting from my own battery source and solar power. I am also looking to use solar energy in Koh Chang. Please contact me for ideas on this too. Thanks, love and hugs Denise ps Take a look on our photo gallery page. If you see yourself, email me for discount on your next purchase xxxxx |