About Us

Rising Tide Fair Trade works with artisans in developing countries who earn a fair wage, enabling them to support their families and achieve a sustainable business operation. The fair trade artisans we work with earn roughly 60 percent more than they would for comparable factory jobs. Since most of the artisans have the choice to work from home, they can tend to their children while contributing to the family income.

Each textile is individually chosen for our collections. Rising Tide Fair Trade products are Fair Trade Federation certified and Green America approved. A percentage of our profits are donated to philanthropic programs that educate and equip under served young women with the skills needed to secure employment or start a business.

When you shop with Rising Tide Fair Trade, you can be sure you are lifting up the artisan who crafted your bag as you enjoy the benefits of a vibrant, soulful product. We like to say our business practices float everyone’s boat. We hope you’ll hop on board.

Virginia Dooley and Nicole Jones traveled independently throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America before becoming friends at the School of Oriental and African Studies of the University of London in 2003, while pursuing their Master of Science in International Development Studies. The two bonded over many things from the start: obsession with travel and exotic textiles, New Jersey roots, and a belief that they could give back to the global community by uniting fashion and sustainability. Inspired by the prevalence of fair trade goods in the U.K. and the lack of such products in the U.S., the friends started Rising Tide Fair Trade in 2004 to fill a hole they saw in the American market and to disseminate fair trade labor practices to mainstream shoppers. All Rising Tide Fair Trade bags are made with the highest quality craftsmanship and most eye-catching textiles from across the globe.