Our shadows are all the same

Salawi was founded by Sal Richardson in 2010, with the aim of  assisting people to achieve better quality lives, by paying them fairly for the high quality, hand-crafted products they produce.

We want to make it easy for the Australian public to make the switch to fair trade products,  whilst also creating awareness of the brilliant work that is being done by Australian fair traders.

We have created a customer-friendly outlet that is warm and welcoming, that celebrates diversity with photos and information about the individuals and groups who create the wares and that invites the community to be part of poverty alleviation in their purchase of beautiful things from around the globe.

Salawi serves Fair Trade tea and coffee. We have daily lunch specials and a delicious range of tasty treats. We really want our customers to be able to relax and enjoy themselves in the intimate space.

Salawi also plays host to yoga classes, Reiki massage, Didgeridoo lessons and Didge-Nidra sessions. We also host regular exhibitions for local and international artists.

Sal has travelled extensively around the globe for the past twelve years. Throughout her travels, she was fortunate to cross the path of many talented individuals producing beautiful artefacts.

Sal has always possessed a strong desire to assist others, particularly those less fortunate than herself. It was during her time volunteering for the 'Back to School Foundation' in Malawi, that she realised that the best and most effective way for her to provide ongoing support to a large number of people in all areas of the world, was by importing goods directly from the producers and ensuring that they are paid fairly, thus providing them with a better income for themselves and their families.

We encourage you to visit the ´Back to School Foundation´ website www.btsfmalawi.org to find out more about the incredible work that Birgit Albers does in assisting orphans to attain an education. The website provides information about how you can become a sponsor.

It was also during this time in Malawi, that Sal was given her name 'Salawi' by some of the local villagers. One of the most memorable moments of this experience was when Sal and a small group of locals were returning from the lakeside, when one of them said to her 'look Salawi, our shadows are all the same'. This has and will stay with her forever.

Whilst Salawi is determined to pay producers fairly, we are also committed to pricing our products affordably. We hope that this will result in more sales and in turn, enhance our ability to provide sustainable support. 

When purchasing products at Salawi, you gain unique, hand-made products and in doing so, provide much needed assitance to our producers.

Along with operating Salawi, Sal works for Zenana Women, an ethical clothing label dedicated to empowering poor women in India.   Zenana clothes are designed in Australia for Australian women. They are stitched in India, featuring the traditional hand-done embroidery of the Indian city of Lucknow.

For more information on Zenana Women visit their website at www.zenanawomen.com.au