Turning Challenges into Opportunities: A New Chapter for Paces Crafts

Turning Challenges into Opportunities: A New Chapter for Paces Crafts

Sometimes, life’s toughest challenges lead to the most unexpected opportunities.

Back in 2016, we set our sights on India with a big dream. Through the Jaan Foundation, led by the incredible Dr. Sr. Jeanne Devos, we were inspired to expand our impact. The goal? To set up a handicraft workshop in Jharkhand, one of the poorest regions of the country, and contribute to the foundation’s work supporting women and children affected by human trafficking.

And so, Paces Crafts was born! Armed with nothing but a backpack and a lot of courage, our colleague Indra headed to India, building the workshop from scratch. Slowly but surely, she brought together a team, introduced knitting and weaving, and got the business rolling.

But let’s be honest: the road wasn’t always smooth. Running a production remotely, dealing with complex logistics, finding the right people and raw materials, and navigating the rules of setting up a business in India – it was no small feat. We tried everything, from tweaking products to embracing every curveball that came our way. Yet, despite our determination, keeping Paces Crafts profitable proved to be a challenge.

Last week, we had the opportunity to travel to India and engage in productive discussions about the future of Paces Crafts. It was an exciting and inspiring experience, filled with positive energy and fresh ideas. While it’s still too early to go into detail, we’re working diligently to finalise the next steps for this project. The future holds great promise, and we’re optimistic about what lies ahead.

We’re grateful for the ongoing support of our community, and we’re committed to continuing our mission of creating opportunities and making a difference in Jharkhand. Stay tuned as we work out the finer details of this new chapter. Exciting times are ahead!