Article: How The Loyal Workshop Empowers Women with Dignified Work
How The Loyal Workshop Empowers Women with Dignified Work
The Loyal Workshop was the very first brand I chose for Artevo, because it reflects so many of the values that matter deeply to me – fair trade, giving back, good design, natural materials, and products built to last.
A Personal Connection to Leather Craft and Ethical Trade
My first wife was a saddler and taught me the rudiments of her trade, especially what makes a leather product strong and durable. So I immediately recognised the quality of Loyal’s leatherwork and the mission behind it: offering freedom and dignified employment to women who have endured slavery in Kolkata’s sex trade. Having travelled in India, I have seen first-hand many of the very fine hand-crafted products available. When later working in Nepal, I also saw that education and empowerment are two key factors in improving people’s quality of life. I also realised that the type of help you provide must come from the people you hope to support – they know better than any foreigner what they need.
How The Loyal Workshop Supports Women in Kolkata
New Zealanders Paul and Sarah Biesley founded The Loyal Workshop as a social enterprise that employs women who have been freed, and reinvests all profits into education, training, and community support. The goal is simple but powerful: to help each woman build an independent life, and to make freedom possible for more women still trapped in exploitation.
Education is a cornerstone of this work. The Workshop provides six months of maths, English, and Bangla classes, and actively supports artisans to ensure their children are attending school and receiving the opportunities their mothers never had.
Courageous Women, New Beginnings
In 2014, five women joined as the first group of artisans. Later that year, another six took the brave step of leaving the sex trade to work at The Loyal Workshop. Today, sixteen artisans sit at the heart of the workshop – each with their own story of poverty, trauma, and exploitation: sold, stolen, trafficked, or forced into the trade with no alternative means of employment.
Now they work with dignity, community, and hope. These are women with talents, ambitions, resilience, and personalities far larger than the circumstances imposed on them. Loyal counts it a privilege to work alongside them.
Craftsmanship, Quality and Sustainable Leather
Leather is traditionally a highly polluting industry, with many tanneries dumping chemicals and employing child labour. For Loyal, this was not an option. Instead, it uses vegetable-tanned leather – a more expensive process, but far kinder to both people and the planet. This leather is a little stiffer than chrome-tanned leather, making it ideal for bags, satchels and belts. Over time, it darkens and softens, developing a rich patina that reflects the user’s life. Those with sensitive skin will be pleased to learn it is chemical-free, non-irritating and safe for direct skin contact.
Given The Loyal Workshop’s commitment to craftsmanship and quality, each piece is built to wear well and look good for many years, not just a season. And should the need arise, vegetable-tanned leather is readily repairable, extending your product’s life even further.
Products Made With Purpose and Skill
Every item is hand-stitched by the artisans, and many satchels and bags include the name of the woman who made it. Look inside the pocket and you’ll find her name etched in English alongside her signature in Hindi or Bangla – a beautiful reminder of the hands and story behind your bag.
In 2019, The Loyal Workshop became a member of the World Fair Trade Organisation (WFTO), meaning its practices are externally audited and certified. Loyal works hard to uphold the WFTO’s Fair Trade Principles across every part of its business.
When you choose a Loyal Workshop product as a gift, you’re not only giving something made with care and skill – you’re also helping support women who are striving to lift themselves out of poverty and into independence.
Explore The Loyal Workshop Collection at Artevo
Artevo is proud to offer a collection of Loyal Workshop leather goods.
