ABOUT KARISMA

For over 10 years we have worked with lower income artisan groups to promote their wonderful traditional art to markets of the western world and beyond. We hope to create a positive ripple effect in improving health, education and living conditions of the villagers and their families.

We are proud to be a member of The Fair Trade Federation since 1995. www.fairtradefederation.com

We focus on products from Indonesia and in particular from Lombok, the neighbor island to the east of Bali, Indonesia. We also work with many talented artisans on Bali. The art and styles of these two islands differ greatly.

Most people that purchase items made on Lombok believe they are made on Bali. We want Lombok and the artisans to be recognized for their unique and original art also.

OUR CORE TEAM – SEATTLE AND LOMBOK

Kathryn Campbell, founder and President of Karisma, has an eclectic background in psychology, social work, cross-cultural issues, teaching, training and writing. Her impetus in forming a manufacturing oreinted import business was her love and connection with the people of Lombok and Bali. Karisma is focused on working with the local people rather than simply running a company that sells products.

Kathryn spends more time in Indonesia to oversee production and assist artisans to make products that appeal to the western markets while keeping their traditional art alive. She also assists villagers to become more independent by learning business, assessment of quality and marketing skills.

Kathryn’s belief is if people learn to fish, they can eat for life.

THE LOMBOK TEAM

Over the years Kathryn learned how villagers develop very organized but loose cooperatives. On Lombok we work closely with our artisans, however it is smoother to work with coordinator artisans who help pull all of the parts together.

Farida Noor of Kathryn’s “adopted” family on Lombok, has been learning with Kathryn for a number of years. Ida has been like a daughter to Kathryn since 1993. She has visited the U.S. several times and has learned much about the market demands of the west.

Ida recently opened her own business (UD Karisma-Lombok) to coordinate products for export. This is a big step in a culture where other than "home industry" there a few woman owned businesses. Ida is a great role model for other women to realize they can achieve their dreams as she is doing.

Kathryn & Ida

Adi, a Lombok native, collaborated with Karisma for many years. He and his wife Nur each had small art shops. While raising two boys, Nur also helped Adi work with Karisma. Adi had a sudden illness and he died in 2003. Adi was a very special friend. We miss him but he still lives on in our hearts.

Adi

Nur has courageously picked up the reins and is now taking the lead in coordinating products for many local villagers. Nur works with other companies (including Karisma), villagers and also collaborates with Ida on many projects.

Nur

THE SEATTLE TEAM

We recently began collaborating with Michael Mosely who owns Mosely’s Natural Imports in Seattle. Mike manages Karima’s stateside Customer Service, Sales and Shipping. Mike has many years experience with a large import company and decided he wanted to work independently. He loves Karisma’s products and sells them himself. It was a natural for us to collaborate and we’re delighted to work with Mike.

Mike

Kathryn and Mike work closely together via email while she is in Indonesia and in person when she is in Seattle.

Sandy Thorpe is our Financial Manager Contractor who handles the financial aspects of our accounts. We’d be lost without Sandy!
Sometimes we lose her when she escapes Seattle as in this photo with her family on Kuai.

Sandy

We welcome you to explore our site and hope to hear from you. As you will see, we not only present wonderful works of art, but share information about the products and the people who make them.