Mar 19, 2014

Creative Women Welcomes New Owners

Creative Women, an importer of hand-woven textiles known for classic, rustic home goods and social responsibility, welcomed new owners Jenny Cleveland and Leigh Williams in March.

The company was founded in 2002 by Ellen Dorsch to introduce quality Ethiopian textiles to the U.S. and to provide a consistent income to weaving families in Addis. At that time, one producer with 5 weavers crafted Creative Women goods; now, the business supports more than 40 artisans in Ethiopia and Morocco to create its bath and hand towels, tablecloths, napkins and pillows.

“It has been rewarding to see Creative Women and the producers it works with develop together. Ethiopians have a long weaving tradition and the world is beginning to recognize their talent,” noted Ellen Dorsch. “I am excited about the next chapter of Creative Women and know that Leigh and Jenny will care for the company, the products and all of the people involved as I have.”

“Creative Women is a company that contributes to the world in many ways,” said Leigh Williams. “For us, one of the most appealing aspects of running Creative Women is that not only are the products beautiful, but the relationships around them are positive.”

Creative Women will continue to carry its signature hand-spun and hand-woven Ethiopian and Moroccan textiles, with plans to add carefully selected makers, ensuring old and new producers find a reliable market and have the opportunity to grow. The company will also look to partner with makers in the U.S.

“We are passionate about handmade and about widening economic opportunity,” said Jenny Cleveland. “People are more connected to the life of a product they purchase. They care that a product has beauty, quality and charisma, but they also want to know where it came from, how it was made, and the effect of that process. It’s a form of personal responsibility in consumerism to be celebrated.”

About Creative Women

Creative Women is a fair trade, wholesale company supplying simple, luxurious hand-woven textiles. Founded in 2002, the company partners with producers in Ethiopia and Morocco to create home goods with timeless, rustic designs that support more than 40 artisan jobs. Creative Women is committed to offering fine textiles, widening economic opportunity, and operating a fair and beneficial business. For more information, visit creativewomen.net or meet us at NY NOW Booth 201 in August.