We interrupt this blog to give you something a little different. I, almost exclusively, write book reviews or book/author spotlights. But I discovered a wonderful Fair Trade Company while at the ICRS that I think is worthy of mentioning — Exotic World Gifts.
Background:
Liz and Mark were happily living their life — he as an electrical engineer and she working in marketing and product development. They went on vacation in Belize and found wonderful local handicrafts, but the people living in squalor. So, they sold their home, quit their jobs and started a new business. 
Or as Mark says “you can either jump off a cliff or walk into the sky.” They chose sky-walking! Their goal for the artisans they partner with is sustainability for the parents and stability for the children. Education is the key, and the businesses that the local artisans run are the means for achieving success.
In 2007, Liz and Mark traveled to Thailand. While there they visited an Asian elephant conservation camp. What they discovered there soon became famous around the world — elephant painting. A female Asian Elephant name Hong was painting pictures. The resulting You Tube video went viral — 7.2 hits in 4 days. The couple was soon appearing on national TV shows, including Letterman and 60 Minutes. They traveled back to Thailand with Nat Geo to film a clip for one of the channels shows. Don’t believe an elephant can paint? Watch the video below.
Exotic World Gifts:
Liz and Mark started selling their products in 2008. Handcrafted items from across the world are fashioned by over 8500 artisans. You can get home decor items, jewelry, purses, scarves, and, of course, the famous Elephant Paintings. 
To find out more about Exotic World Gifts or to shop for that special someone, click HERE. Exotic World Crafts are also working here in the US. Through the Tomorrow Project, based in San Diego, women are learning skills and self-worth while packaging the products sold by Liz and Mark.
I urge you to visit Exotic World Gifts. Liz and Mark are a remarkable couple and are very passionate about their work. They are truly some unbelievable sky-walkers!
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