My name is Amelia.

    And I'm a junior at the Baldwin School in Pennsylvania. My family comes from the south-eastern part of Poland called Podkarpacie, ‘Pod’ means ‘under’, and Karpacie refers to the mountain range directly south of it.

    The tradition of the people of the region engaged in wicker basket weaving goes back about 200 years ago. In 1872, Ferdinand Hompesch, who owned substantial lands in the region, sent several local men to Vienna so they could learn the art of wicker weaving. The men came back, and started to teach others how to use the abundant natural willow growing in the area. In 1878, Ferdinand Hompesch established a School of Wickery, further establishing the region as a producer of wicker goods.

    To this day, wicker products from the Podkarpacie area are all-natural and hand-made. They are typically made by households that have learned the craft from their parents, and wicker weaving is often the main way these households support themselves. Community building efforts have been integral to sustaining this tradition, with families passing down the skill and knowledge through generations. Additionally, the presence of social entrepreneurship, exemplified by ventures like Lasovia Design, plays a crucial role in promoting and marketing these artisanal products beyond local markets.

    ​Research has shown that women entrepreneurs are statistically proven to invest back in their communities. Lasovia Design, being a woman-led business, embodies this concept of community support and empowerment. By championing the skills and craftsmanship of local artisans, many of whom are women, Lasovia Design not only preserves traditional crafts but also fosters economic opportunities within the community. Through our collaboration with Lasovia Design, we aim to not only offer a sustainable, all-natural, high-quality product but also to support the empowerment of women and girls, as well as the continuation of this rich cultural heritage. As Poland increasingly succeeds in exporting handmade goods throughout the world, it becomes increasingly important to recognize and celebrate the vital role of women entrepreneurs in driving positive social change and economic growth, ensuring a brighter future for all.