Remember Lauren Conrad “LC” from Laguna Beach and The Hills? Well, she has had a lot of different projects going on since finishing up her ‘reality’ series. From her LC by Lauren Conrad line at Kohls to her Paper Crown collection, as well as her XO(eco) by Blue Avocado designs and her book series, she has been quite busy!

The Little Market Guatemala from Jacob Taylor on Vimeo.

One of her more recent projects is The Little Market. I first read about this project in the July 2013 issue of Marie Claire magazine. The premise of this venture is simple, fair trade e-commerce. The Little Market‘s mission states:

Our mission is to build sustainable partnerships with artisans from around the world, by connecting them with customers through an online marketplace. We seek to empower women artisans to rise above poverty and support their families. Our handmade goods showcase the artisans’ traditional skills and their dedication to preserving their artisanal techniques. We source all of the artisans’ products ethically and practice fair trade principles. We acknowledge the interdependency of people around the world and our responsibility to help others.

Since The Little Market‘s launch in September 2013, it has grown in terms of items offered in the online store as well as the press coverage of the business itself. What I love about this company is that it offers a wide range of items in varying styles, colors, and personal tastes. You can have bright, vibrant pieces or more delicate neutrals. Everything is so beautiful. Check out my favorite pieces below:

Soy blend lavender and chamomile candle, from Prosperity Candle (Massachusetts), where female artisan refugees from Burma, hand make all of their products, $24.

Rectangle hand painted tray in turquoise, from Handmade Expressions (India), a fair trade company, $18.

Overnight bag in Newport, from Maya Traditions (Guatemala), an indigenous female fair trade company, $240.

Alpaca scarf in mocha, from Asociacion de Artesanos Andinos (Bolivia), a traditional female weaver-artisan company, $100.

Sweet rose quilt, from Community Friendly Movement (India), supporting marginalized artisans, $180+ ($200 for king size).

Clear bureau recycled glass pitcher with drinking glass, from Rose Ann Hall Designs (Mexico), supporting disabled artisans while promoting traditional Mexican arts, $68. Drinking glass does fit over pitcher.

Seaside tagine, from LeSouk Ceramique (Tunisia), a handmade ceramics company for artisans, $84

Striped towel in natural, from Woven Promises (Ethiopia), an artisan-friendly Fair Trade Federation company, $60

15″ Macbook jacket in gray, from Nappa Dori (India), an artisan-supported fashion boutique, $180

Olive wood rustic board, from LeSouk Olivique (Tunisia) (a sister company of LeSouk Ceramique), which produces olive wood kitchen tools, $38

I hope you all check the website out – no paid affiliate links here – I just wanted to share this amazing business with you all in case you hadn’t read about it yet. Perfect place to find a neat gift for someone in your life, or to get cute items for yourself! I think my favorite may be that tagine… what about you?