Our Story

 

Our Story

 

began over 20 years ago... That's when I took over "Dhokan," a small shop in downtown Paderborn, from a friend.

I always wanted to be "different," not a classic jeweler or just a dealer of home accessories, but to bring together many beautiful, high-quality & unique things from all over the world. They should be handcrafted from natural or recycled materials. Fair working conditions should be a matter of course.

 

Not so easy - 20 years ago, you couldn't find such things at classic trade fairs.

We didn't want and still don't want cheap Chinese mass products.

 

"Weltläden" (World Shops) offer fair products, but the people there work voluntarily. Fair trade should not stop with the employees here... I wanted to succeed as a socially engaged entrepreneur!

My partner & I made a long journey to India almost 20 years ago. Most of the artisans and silversmiths we met there still work for us today!

Over the years, we have visited many places and people to connect the cultures of the world & their treasures. We succeeded!

A big thank you to our loyal customers and thanks for always believing in us!

 

Dhokan, the "little shop," is now three times as big as it was 20 years ago.

 

Handmade unique jewelry, home accessories, furniture & handicrafts, crafted with love and care by small manufacturers in India, Cambodia, Nepal, Mali, Burkina Faso, Kenya, Egypt, Colombia, Indonesia, Thailand, Mexico, Brazil... but also Greece, Italy, Spain, France, Portugal, Poland, Germany..... show the diversity, beauty and unifying power of cultures around the world.

 

Made by people for people, environmentally friendly produced, fairly traded - most workshops are certified by the WFTO (World Fair Trade Organization).

 

Visit us in Paderborn and enjoy beautiful things "with soul."

 

We would be delighted to welcome you to the circle of our many dear regular customers who appreciate good products & first-class service.

 

Until then...

Ilona Kordes & Team