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Based in Gloucestershire in the UK, we work with associates and suppliers, principally in Malaysia and India to source high quality and original products for you and your home.
So, why Jagamanja? Well, Jaga in Malay means 'to look after' or 'to take care of' and it can also mean a security guard. Manja in Malay means to 'induldge' or 'spoil' but in Hindi, Punjabi, and Urdu, a Charpoy (which you will find in our store) is more commonly referred to as Manja which also means bed. In Malaysia, there was a time when it was quite common to see a Punjabi security guard (Jaga), outside a bank or goldsmiths with his Manja (Charpoy) alongside him to rest on. With our strong associations in these countries and the origins of most of our products being from this part of the world, and also because a dear friend had relatives who were employed as a Jaga, it seemed entirely fitting!
We have two simple aims in how we go about our business;
Firstly, we aim to ensure that those we work with share our concerns about environmental protection and ethical business practice. We strive to work with suppliers who genuinely look after the interests of the people and artisans who produce some of the wonderful products we bring to you. For example when you buy a silk scarf from us you are helping to improve the lives of the many gifted but poor people involved in making them, helping to lift them out of the debt cycle and giving them a steady source of income to support their families.
Millions of talented artisans in many parts of the world work in the handicrafts sector. Most of them live below the poverty line and sometimes in the most remote areas. They are forced to sell their crafts through middlemen, and often earn less than a small fraction of the end price of their goods.
Through Jagamanja UK, the sale of their wonderful products will contribute to providing sustainable livelihoods for these underprivileged artisans – particularly rural and women artisans – and thereby, improve their economic and living conditions.
We also choose wherever possible, natural colouring techniques over chemical, natural products, handmade pieces that give an original feel and traditional quality and licensed sources for timber and reclaimed timber.
Secondly, we aim to have happy customers! That means providing you with quality products and helpful support - simple! |