The Journal
Behind-the-scenes updates on ethical manufacturing, new products, and the women artisans making it all happen.
25 articles
•1 min read
Behind the Scenes: Crafting Nemat Perfumes' New Layering Kits for Ulta
How Work+Shelter partnered with Nemat Perfumes in Delhi to produce their new Perfume Layering Kits, now at 1,500 Ulta Beauty stores nationwide.
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•1 min read
Recycling Single-Use Plastics into Very Fabulous Swag
Plastics get such a bad rap. They release microfibers into our waterways and when thrown away take up tons (literally, tons) of space. We have seen that for ourselves. The WORK+SHELTER production cent
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•1 min read
Our Commitment to Sustainable Fabric Sourcing
Sourcing materials that are better for the planet is a foundational part of how we operate at Work+Shelter. In the early days of Work+Shelter, sourcing eco-friendly materials wasn’t easy. We started w
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•1 min read
Work+Shelter Celebrates 14 Years
Founded in 2011, 2025 marks the 14th Anniversary of Work+Shelter, a milestone in our mission to provide fair-wage, dignified employment for women in need. From our humble beginnings in Delhi, India, W
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•1 min read
Why Print-on-Demand Isn’t Always the Best Fit. And What to Try Instead
If you’re just getting started with your product line, print-on-demand (POD) can seem like the perfect solution. It’s fast, flexible, and offers a low-risk way to test ideas without committing to comp
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•1 min read
Designing Products With Purpose: Lessons From Our Work With Love Welcomes
Now more than ever, we need gifts and merchandise that aren’t just stylish, but also ethical and sustainable. Pieces that reflect both values and vision. That’s exactly what our partnership with Love
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•1 min read
Top 5 Items Non-Profits Should Consider
Swag isn’t just about free goodies—it’s a way for non-profits to connect with their audience, promote their mission, and leave a lasting impression. Here are five must-have swag items tailored for non
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•1 min read
Globally Made + Hyper Local Retail
At Work+Shelter we have a number of brands and designers who retail the custom items we sew for them. Staying competitive as a retailer, especially in a brick-and-mortar context, can be extremely chal
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•1 min read
One Bag, Two Approaches
One classic silhouette, two entirely different looks. See how thoughtful branding and custom embroidery transformed our double handle tote for Rigor Hill.
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•1 min read
5 Essentials That Bring Your Restaurant Brand to Life
In the restaurant world, every detail counts. From what guests touch to what they take home, the right textiles can turn everyday moments into brand-building opportunities. When thoughtfully designed—
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•1 min read
How Technology and Generative AI Impact Capacity Building at Work+Shelter
From foundational workplace decorum to advanced AI tools, learn how we empower our junior managers in New Delhi. Explore how these evolving training programs create a seamless workflow between our offices and drive long-term success.
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•1 min read
Amy Sedaris Approved! Four Rabbit’s Reflective Bandanas Shine
Meet Arielle Toelke, the multi-talented creator behind Four Rabbit's bold, functional, and sustainable fashion pieces. Learn how our partnership brings her innovative designs to life—from wearable board games to celebrity-approved reflective gear.
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•1 min read
A Common Cause: Two Social Enterprises Unite for Greater Impact
From Refugee Camps to Global Impact Abi Hewitt’s journey began in one of the most challenging environments imaginable—refugee camps in Greece. Witnessing firsthand the struggles of displaced women fro
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•1 min read
Art for Everyone: The Story Behind Victoria's Foldable Bags
As the artist behind Form & Funk, Victoria Pater is known for her funky sculptures blending mid-century modern aesthetics with playful, vibrant designs. While her intricate pieces are sold to private
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•1 min read
How Jen Fox Studio Scaled Her Small Business with Help from Work+Shelter
Jen Fox reached out to us in April to see whether we could help her with custom sewn organic cotton zip pouches and printed bandanas. By August her order was in-hand in her studio in Albuquerque, New Mexico
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•1 min read
Making of a Fan Favorite: The Diaspora Co Market Tote Became a Reorder Staple
In 2019, the founder of the "better spice" company Diaspora Co. reached out to us with a unique request. She needed a high-quality, roomy bag that could hold plenty of fresh veggies and groceries, alo
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•1 min read
3 Strategies for Brands to Increase Margin and Source Ethically
At WORK+SHELTER, we understand that maintaining healthy profit margins is essential for business sustainability. On that note, we’re about finding the win-win, where we can work together on a product
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•1 min read
Embracing Recycled Cotton: W+S Expands Our Sustainable Fiber Supply Chain
At WORK+SHELTER, our ethos is deeply rooted in ethical practices, sustainability, and empowerment, especially for women in need. This commitment extends to every facet of our operations, from fair-tra
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•1 min read
How Work+Shelter Brings Your Custom Product Designs to Life
Behind every great product is a thorough product-development process, and Work+Shelter offers a range of development services to help get your custom design ready for production. Our in-house team of
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•1 min read
To Dye For: How Water Waste in the Fashion Industry Today is Polluting the Future
When someone offers you a glass of water, what's your response? If you're thirsty and it's a hot day, satisfying your thirst, at least in the U.S., is a pleasure you don't have to think much about. Wh
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•1 min read
Customize Your Products with Work+Shelter
Work+Shelter offers a variety of options when it comes to customizing your products. Whether you need to add your logo to our lineup of promotional products or you want an original print produced for
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•1 min read
Work+Shelter's Training Program
At Work+Shelter, we focus on supporting women in need and poverty alleviation by providing Indian women with fair-trade work. At our center in New Delhi women are entered into our paid training progra
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•1 min read
Why Fabric Scraps are Worth Saving
Have you ever felt like fabric scraps are the bane of your existence? No? Ok, maybe it’s just me! At WORK+SHELTER fabric scraps are one of those pests, that no matter how hard you try (unless we’re wo
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•1 min read
Chances Are You Are Wearing This Fiber Right Now
As of 2025, 90.6% of the fabric used at WORK+SHELTER is GOTS-certified organic cotton. This milestone is part of a broader commitment to transparency in a supply chain where material choice has direct
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