Look Closer: The Stories Behind Our Fair Trade Finds
Discover just a few of the stories behind Uneeka’s Fair Trade and ethically sourced finds this Fair Trade Fortnight, from handmade crafts to thoughtful gifts and homewares.
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It’s easy to fall in love with something because of how it looks. A beautiful pattern, an interesting texture, a pop of colour or a little detail that catches your eye.
But look a little closer, and there’s often much more to discover.
At Uneeka, the story behind a product is just as important as the product itself. As an independent Cornish business, we’ve always looked for products that are ethically sourced, thoughtfully made and full of character, building relationships with makers and suppliers who share our values.
This Fair Trade Fortnight, running from 21 September to 4 October 2026, we’re taking a closer look at some of the people, skills and stories behind the products you’ll find at Uneeka. This year’s campaign encourages us all to “Do it Fair – for People, for Planet and for Fair Pay.”
Fair Trade is more than a label
Fair Trade is about creating a fairer system for the people behind the products we buy, including better pay, working conditions and opportunities for producers and their communities.
You might notice that not every product or supplier at Uneeka carries an official Fair Trade certification. For smaller suppliers and artisan businesses, certification can involve significant costs, administration and logistics that aren't always accessible.
But for us, a certification isn't the only way to look at whether something has been ethically sourced.
Where a supplier isn't Fair Trade certified, we still take the time to understand where products come from, who makes them and how they are produced. We also look at materials and whether their values align with our own.
Look closer at the craft behind our ceramics
Look closely at our Elephant Handle Mugs and you’ll see the little differences that show they’ve been made by hand. With playful elephant-shaped handles and unique drip glazes, no two are exactly alike, giving each mug its own character.
These ceramics are made by skilled artisans using traditional craft techniques and environmentally conscious production methods. Our supplier carefully checks their sourcing and production, and is also a member of BAFTS, supporting fair trade principles and traditional artisan skills.
Look closer: behind every unique ceramic is a skilled maker, traditional craftsmanship and a piece that’s truly its own.
Look closer at Nepal’s traditional felt craft
Our colourful felt decorations are handmade by skilled artisans in Nepal - where our supplier, Felt so Good, has been working with its artisan team for over 17 years.
Each piece is carefully needle-felted by hand using natural wool, helping to preserve traditional craft skills while providing fairly paid, sustainable employment for local communities.
There’s also an important reason to look a little closer at Nepal right now. Following recent devastating floods, the team is fundraising to support its artisan family and local communities with essentials including clean water, food and first aid.
Look closer: behind every colourful felt decoration is a skilled maker, a traditional craft and a community.
Look closer at the craft
From knitted baby toys and colourful soft toys to crochet rattles, this much-loved collection is handmade with care and thoughtfully sourced.
We’ve worked with this ethical supplier for a number of years and are proud to support their commitment to ethically sourcing the materials used in their toys. Partnered with Pebble Fair Trade cooperatives in rural Bangladesh, these toys are handmade by skilled artisans, providing fairly paid jobs while supporting local communities and helping traditional making skills continue.
Look closely and you’ll see the tiny stitches, careful craftsmanship and time that goes into creating something designed to be treasured.
They may be made for little ones, but the story behind them is much bigger.
Look closer: a simple handmade toy can help support sustainable livelihoods, traditional craft skills and artisan communities in rural Bangladesh.
How can we support Fair Trade?
Fair Trade Fortnight isn't just about businesses. It’s an opportunity for all of us to think a little more about the people and processes behind the things we buy.
The Fairtrade Foundation encourages shoppers to look for the FAIRTRADE Mark when buying certified products and to learn more about the farmers and workers behind the things we use every day.
But there are other ways to make more considered choices too:
- Look for Fairtrade products where the certification applies.
- Ask questions about where products come from and who makes them.
- Choose thoughtfully made products that are designed to last.
- Support independent businesses that take ethical sourcing seriously.
- Share the stories of the makers and producers behind the things you buy.
- Support campaigns and fundraising appeals that help create fairer opportunities.
Whether you’re buying a gift, choosing something for your home or simply enjoying your morning coffee, small choices can help create demand for a fairer way of doing things.
So, next time you see something you love, look closer
Look at the materials.
Look at the details.
Look at the craftsmanship.
Look at where it came from.
And, most importantly, look at the story behind it.
Because there’s often much more to a product than what you see.
This Fair Trade Fortnight, we’re celebrating the people, skills and stories behind the things we choose at Uneeka.
browse crafted furniture
Embroidered Cotton Velvet Square Cushion*
£49.00
Preorder
Assorted Colour Block Print Knot Headband
£8.99
Preorder
Emerald Green Mix Elephant Handle Glazed Mug
£17.99
Preorder
Let customers speak for us
CHRISTOPHER
Really nice quality rug. Soft underfoot and looks like it will last for many years. Wrapped with care too.
N.P.
Mango wood and rattan chest of drawers
Mango wood and rattan chest of drawers are fantastic quality snd look beautiful. Brought to us and put in place by the delivery team. We also bought matching bedside tables, very happy with the furniture and the service from Uneeka.
Customer
Lovely bag at good price and giftee is very happy with it
Lovely bag at good price and giftee is very happy with it.
Customer
Green velvet Sara chair
Delighted with price and quality of my two Sara green velvet chairs, they fitted in well with my existing dining furniture. Thank you so much for going out of your way to help me decide!
Sara Velvet Chair with Gold Metal Legs
Ellie W
Great Quality
I bought this shade and a brass floor lamp and it's really helped to create a cosy vibe in our sitting room. The velvet is easy to wipe clean and the colour is so vibrant! Love it.
Katie Knowles
Beautiful cabinet
I’m so pleased with this cabinet. The quality is really good and the way it has been carved out looks beautiful. I also love the colour of the mango wood
Anonymous
Stylish bench
Stylish and comfortable even without cushions. Love it
Rustic Ornate Antique Metal Bench
Jo H
I am extremely happy with the ratton tv unit and the brown swivel chair that I purchased
I am extremely happy with the ratton tv unit and the brown swivel chair that I purchased. The quality is good and they look great in situ. Being able to buy them in the sale made them even more attractive.
Judy S.
Clear glass Yala champagne flute
Very prompt service and I was delighted to receive this glass to replace a breakage and complete a set of 8. My first time on the website and I shall visit again
A
Lovely earrings
Lovely quality and great price. Bought as a gift for Mother's Day
Anonymous
So helpful!
Very great for helping with my migraines when I needto sleep ❤️
GeraldineChanning
I bought the tea light holder as a present & they were really pleased with it
I bought the tea light holder as a present & they were really pleased with it .
The shop assistant was lovely & very polite.
It was like walking into Aladdin's cave, there is something for everyone.
Upstairs there is a little cafe .
This shop in Truro is definitely worth a look around.
Natural Salt Double Tealight Holder*
Louise B
Beautiful Nkuku vase
Lovely colours, perfect for my bedroom. A treat to myself, arrived in good time and well packaged.
Anonymous
Excellent service couldn’t be more helpful
Excellent service couldn’t be more helpful.
Would buy from them again.
@uneeka.life
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99 Piece David Cattenborough Mini Jigsaw
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