“We love to listen to our customers and for this reason we would be delighted to hear from you if you would like a bespoke fair trade product made especially for you.”

My Fair Trade Story Video Presentation - Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

How it all began

My Fair Trade Story

My impromptu graduation presentation for the BSEP, NAMA and SSE London

MY STORY

What inspired you to start the business?

The Situation

During Ramadan 2008 I was poorly and recovering from surgery.
I was reading Islamic Banking and Insurance.
The last assignment illustrated how Islam promoted equal distribution of wealth. This statement made me question inequality and poverty in the world.
This was my epiphany that motivated me to take action .

The Change

I wanted to alleviate poverty, promote equality and justice for the most disadvantaged individuals and communities around the world.

First Steps

Wrote to the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and asked them if I could start a Fair Trade movement in the United Arab Emirates. They responded positively and told me to I should pursue my fair-trade activities.
I visited Fair Trade Egypt, Cairo.

I commenced trading at the Dubai Flea Market and then moved to the Covent Garden Market Jumeirah, Dubai.

YOUR BUSINESS

What are you offering?

I offer fair trade and ethically produced bespoke products hand made by disadvantaged small producers and groups around the world.

My Business

Who do you help?

Majority of artists are women, widows, victims of human trafficking, marginalized individuals some have disabilities and ethic/indigenous tribes.

How does it work?

I retail fair trade products at specialist markets, exhibitions and boutiques in Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
I conduct primary research by testing new fair trade ranges and ask consumers what they like and dislike.
I promote fair-trade by visiting schools, universities, women’s organizations, government events in Dubai/Abu Dhabi.
I visit fair-trade campaigners and supporters in the United Kingdom.
I conduct interviews with fair-trade producers when I visit fair-trade producer groups.

WHY IT MATTERS?

Think about impact?

What positive impact does your service or product make?

Producers especially women are empowered financially, increased levels of self confidence, esteem and respect and dignity.
They receive fair wages and
Better working conditions
Strengthen their position in the community
They have more control over their lives.

Why does it matter to you?

I love fair-trade social and trade justice.
My work makes me happy.
My mind, body, spirit and soul are at peace.
I feel I am working towards positivity and achieving good.
My faith plays a very important role.

What motivates you?

My parents are my motivation.
My late beloved mother always instilled the values of selflessness and willingness to try to help others in need.
Fairtrade and the producers motivate and inspire me.
Support Fairtrade

My BSEP, NAMA and SSE

Graduation Ceremony Award Ceremony 2019

Receiving my certificate with Chief Executive Alistair Wilson and

HE Reem Abdel Rahim BinKaram

My BSEP, NAMA and SSE

Graduation Presentation and Ceremony

January 2019

The 21st January 2019 was a day I will never forget.

I finally completed my scholarship programme with the Badiri Academy, NAMA, and the School For Social Entrepreneurs London and Cornwall, UK.

I presented my graduation presentation and received my certificate.

Many thanks to Lina Hamdan, Kylie Dickenson, Jo Van Osch (my amazing mentor), Amy Babor and Sally Heard for their kind words of support and encouragement.

I praise the Almighty Allah subhana wa'tala for giving me the strength and courage to complete the course.

Thank you to my husband Faisal for supporting me over the past 10 years.

Further Reading and Links

My Fair trade Journey

BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Graduation and Ceremony

BSEP, NAMA, SSE London Blog

NAMA

SSE London

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© 2020 The Little Fair Trade Shop. “We love to listen to our customers and for this reason we would be delighted to hear from you if you would like a bespoke fair trade product made especially for you.”

The Little Fair Trade Shop Ltd
Registered in England & Wales
Company Number 08189489

My Fair Trade Story Video Presentation - Sabeena Ahmed and The Little Fair Trade Shop

How it all began

My Fair Trade Story

My impromptu graduation presentation for the BSEP, NAMA and SSE London

My BSEP, NAMA and SSE

Graduation Ceremony Award Ceremony 2019

My BSEP, NAMA and SSE

Graduation Presentation and Ceremony

January 2019