Marquet Stories — Artisans

Marquet was born from the idea that everyone should have access to work that provides a sustainable living and promotes the longevity of ancient craftsmanship. When Founder David Atlas was traveling through Southeast Asia on a post-college trip, he saw a need for helping artisans market and sell their products to the Western world. Living in remote regions of the country, many families have to make a tough choice – being with their families or moving to the city to earn a living. In 2011, Marquet was created as a place where people can purchase gifts like those found in...

David Atlas was in his early-twenties. Fresh out of engineering school, he took off backpacking with friends through Southeast Asia. After several months of travel, David discovered beautiful handmade, artisanal products characteristic of the open-air markets found in Vietnam and Thailand. Moved by the personal connection he felt when meeting the artisans, David began his business idea of importing fair trade products to support small producers.  Perusing the open-air markets, David would bring home handmade gifts as souvenirs. The immediate popularity of these products with family and friends moved David to seek out the people who made them. David located...