Elevat is 10 years old! Join us in celebrating 10 years of bringing hand made goods by women artisans in developing countries to customers in the US!

I still remember browsing a marketplace in Belize filled with women desperately trying to sell handmade products to the day’s tourists. There was an urgency in their eyes that stayed with me long after I left; an urgency arising from the need to feed their families with little they earned that day. Their beautiful, hand-crafted items revealed years of culture and tradition passed down across generations and yet sold at ridiculously cheap prices. It wasn’t right.

After returning to the US, I knew I had changed. I couldn’t go back to my soft life and pretend I hadn’t seen those mother’s eyes or the poverty that surrounded them. Was there any way I could help? Could I buy their products in larger quantities and try to sell them in the US and so help grow their businesses? Would this help provide dignity and respect in recognition of their artistry and craftsmanship? I had to try. So, in partnership with my brother Ben, Elevat was launched in August of 2012.

It was a slow and painful start, setting up at numerous events and selling little to nothing. I was often tempted to give up but would remember God’s voice telling me,

“Every sale counts because every person counts.”

We kept pressing on. Then, I was invited to participate in a fair trade sale in the Twin Cities. At that event, I sold numerous products and knew I had found my people; people who had the same passion and sense of mission as me. I was so giddy! Then, Deb Rohloff joined me at events, helping set up, sell and tear down. Her partnership was such a blessing! Then, Kirsten Slyter asked to do an internship with Elevat; the first of many interns who brought life and energy to Elevat. One of these interns, Abi Holtz, eventually joined our permanent team and continues to help us build connections with our community.

Deb and I at a World Jubilee Fair Trade Sale

Photographers like Guytano Magno and Bethany Jackson donated their time and talents, providing high-quality photos of the new products. Many others donated time to model products, design logos and marketing pieces and to help create a beautiful website.

After participating in Elevat’s first Artisan training mission to a refugee center in Spain in 2019, two other young women, Tia Wagar and Carmen McKee, joined our team. Tia began overseeing the interns, and Carmen our social media. This took a load off my shoulders, and Elevat began to flourish.

Carmen and Tia showcase the Malaga Dusters we taught the women to sew

Numerous times people tried to talk me into creating a business plan that increases our prices and pays those who worked for Elevat, but I couldn’t see us profiting off the work of impoverished artisans. So, now as always, every penny of Elevat profit is returned to the developing world. It goes to women who are seeking to escape sex trafficking or to climb out of poverty and provide education and a better life for their children. Everyone who does anything for Elevat does it from their heart. They volunteer their time and talents because they believe in Elevat’s mission and purpose.

I’ve also been incredibly blessed by the building of relationships with various artisans and artisan groups over the years, especially those I’ve been privileged to meet in person traveling to Thailand, Belize, Ukraine and Morocco. Each woman has been warm, kind hearted and hard working and learning their culture is such a privilege.

Discussing new greeting card designs at Tamar Center in Thailand

So, let’s celebrate! We are throwing a party and you are invited. On July 9th from 10-2 at Hope Christian Church in Shoreview, we will have a 10th Anniversary Open House filled with artisan stories, yummy coffee and treats, as well as new products from all over the world. For more info and to RSVP, see our fb event,https://www.facebook.com/events/263291509299228

It would mean the world to me to see you there. I’m traveling from Belgium (where I am now located) to be on hand at this great event and look forward to celebrating with you!

We thank God for the growth of Elevat, for the women and families blessed by our efforts and for the volunteers, past and present, who have served with us. We are also thankful for YOU: Our sweet customers who make it all possible!

Julie Johnson, Elevat CEO

Elevat's story is 10 years old!