OUR STORY & MISSION

Natalie Rivera, founder and Editor-In-Chief of The Local Artisan Guide started out with successful carreers in both the New York City art world as gallery director and independent curator and the retail corporate world as product development specialist where her job was in both areas to bring the artist/designer's vision to life.

After going off on her own to partner up with a colleague to start their own product development studio specializing in the needs of smaller brands (mainly handbags, footwear and accessories) Natalie decided to start The Local Artisan Guide as a vehicle to bring attention to smaller brands, artisans, craftsman and designers with unique vision as these brands are usually eclipsed by the world of mass marketed giant labels that often find their inspiration and design ideas from the artisanal designer without any of the credit given.

So join us as The Local Artisan Guide was created to share local knowledge with the individual who seeks to project to the world their individuality by scoffing giant mass marketed retailers by shopping for unique, artisanal brands. Whether apparel, accessories, footwear, beauty or home décor, The Local Artisan Guide is presently gathering from around the world information on artisan brands that would take years and much travel to come by on your own.

We walked every street, questioned designers, shop owners, stylists, people of renowned style and taste of their favorite places to shop. The Local Artisan Guide is on a mission to provide a bigger audience and platform for smaller brands that have a real story, unique designs, ideas, skills and craftsmanship missing from larger brands and retailers. Also when shopping smaller artisan brands you help and contribute to the local neighborhood economy directly and their support staff instead of a CEO's pocket.  An added bonus is you will see many of the brands mentioned in our guide give back to society by volunteering or donating profits for their favorite causes. A win/win for all!

So whether its tailored shirts in Hong Kong, small leather goods in London, home décor in Paris or fashion forward design in New York or Tokyo, The Local Artisan Guide will do the work for you in developing a guide that will have you shopping like a local.