About Motif
Welcome to the family!Our Vision
For us to share a world where sustainability is the dynamic norm. Why? Because when the ethically handmade is a normal option for supplying all we wear, use and eat then nations like Bangladesh, with large populations and a healthy supply of hands, will be raised up to meet the United Nation’s Sustainable Development Goals.
In this environment we are all inspired and equipped to earn enough for the essential details of life – wherever we live. And together it is known that we and our families can live and work in safe places without fear or humiliation, with trust and respect, anywhere in our world.
Nasma and others, very glad to earn a good wage with integrity.
Our Mission
To make sure every brand and designer with a care for issues of sustainability knows about the amazing resources of Bangladesh. We truly have it all! From a vast array of natural and recycled raw materials, and entire communities committed to preserving traditional skills, through to well experienced management teams who oversee every aspect of an order’s production, export and delivery.
Bringing all of this together provides you, our buyers and designers, with professional, reliable systems for your business and exactly the ethically sourced, sustainable pieces your customers are asking for.
Our Partnerships
Trusting relationships and professionalism are our lifeblood at Motif and they work in two ways.
Firstly they ensure the strong growth of your business as we get to know each other and how we can best support you. You know your customers better than we do and so we listen very carefully to your feedback so that we all grow strong together. At Motif we understand that reliable communication, competitive pricing and timely deliveries are all vital in building our relationship.
Equally our partnerships with a growing network of talented makers in Bangladesh are built on a strong core of people we’ve collaborated with for decades. Our fair trade community is mutually supportive with many generous hearts willing to share advice and resources. All of which strengthen us and the wider offerings your business can explore.
Our Story
British designer Jackie Corlett moved to Bangladesh in 1989. She designed handmade fabrics and products to ensure orders and a good income for the talented artisans who made them. Together with Supervisor Jharna Barua, new ranges of handwoven home décor, embroidered bags, tie-dye scarves and much more were created for top European Fair Trade enterprises.
Early on, surrounded by shuttles clacking and weavers singing loud to keep rhythm, Jackie knew the fabrics being woven were keeping families healthy, kids educated and folk away from money lenders. From then on a passion to bring design and craft skills together for good was born and she was hooked on Fair Trade.
In 1998 Jackie and Jharna together with 2 other local investors were excited to set up Motif as a Joint Venture Private Limited Company.
Motif started small and has grown with a wonderfully dedicated team, most of whom are still together today. “That’s why we feel like a family business!” says Jharna. Meet everyone here, even a few who’ve moved on having left their great mark on Motif.
