Tashanda is a US based social enterprise that retails lifestyle arts and crafts from Zimbabwe, Africa. Zimbabwean artisans are amongst the most talented in the world, yet as in other developing countries, many of them have restricted access to the global marketplace. As a Zimbabwean living in the diaspora, Tashanda's founder decided to create a platform for these special artisans to showcase their work. Tashanda also designs its own products under the brand name Afrobag using the skills of these same artisans to create additional opportunities for income generation. Tashanda's producer partners range from individuals to Fair Trade cottage industries and Fair Trade craft companies.
 
Short Term Goal
While Zimbabwe's stone sculptors are in a league of their own when it comes to creative talent, many of our other artisans/crafters need much assistance with product design. Their isolation from world markets can sometimes leave them at a disadvantage so Tashanda is always researching simple, low capital projects for them to experiment and develop their skills. Our preferred criteria are for the products to be made from only locally available resources, be environmentally friendly, and be used with recycled material where practical.
 
Long Term Goal
The company has two long term missions:
a) To re-establish Zimbabawe's Arts and Crafts Industry as a leading contributor to economic growth and tourism;
b)To put a spotlight on the possibilities in Sub-Saharan Africa, support employment creation, and ultimately contribute to the elimination of global poverty through its trade. Additionally the company wants to reach beyond economic empowerment and support artisans and other individuals to rethink what is possible for themselves and their families, create a new language for living through transformation and create a new identity which will allow them to live more powerfully today.