Other times, garment companies will try, as much as they can, to use organic products to contribute to the saving of the world. The artistry and intricate details are not compromised, but their products are way too expensive. Wouldn't it be nice if a company can come up with organically produced products that comes with artistry and intricate details and yet at a reasonable price?
Hmm..what then is a reasonable price?!
Oxford Dictionary describes reasonable as "as much as is appropriate or fair". And for me, I believe, that companies can come up with concepts that are fairly appropriate both in the areas of artistry & design and in marking their prices. And I have found such a company...Have you heard of GeboMana?
Well, if truth be said, I wouldn't have heard of this company had the owner not sought me at oDesk. It was through this that I get to "look in" on the company's website and 'lo and behold! what I found was indeed a treasure.
GeboMana is a company that specializes in hand-crafted T-shirts. The concept was to bring Bali Indonesia's great culture into artistic exposure through the shirts.
The artists themselves are international award winning designers. And guess where the shirts are made...in Bali of course! Before I get ahead of myself, let me introduce the company and key people within.The 3 key players in this company are Scott Foster, Mike Boorn, and Ruby Reyes. None of them are artist by profession, but all of them play a distinct role in leading the company to where it is today. Scott and Ruby deals with international relations with Ruby creating an international supply chain and overseeing the production in Bali, while Scott handles the international operation and cultural difficulties with an international market. And Mike handles the marketing and advertising.
These 3 people came together and started a unique outlet due to an overwhelming desire to change the world. "Have they?", you might ask.
Well, you see, unless you've visited the site or have purchased, or been given, a shirt from GeboMana, you'll never understand why they exist.
GeboMana, as I have gathered from their website, exists not just for profit, but for service and something else. I said service..hmmm...what do I mean by that? Remember my earlier "wishful thinking" about a company that can come up with organically produced products and yet with artistry and intricate details at a reasonable price? Well, GeboMana uses 100% organic cotton, which means eco-friendly; GeboMana never compromises the designs, all of their shirt are of Limited Editions; and they are not pricey, if you know what I mean. A shirt costs $49. "Whoa!" you might say. Indeed, for 3rd world countries that's too much, but wait 'till you see what you get. Each T-shirt is gift-wrapped and boxed (with GeboMana's unique wrappers), and is shipped via express courier worldwide, and you can have it personalized by having your message printed on a high grade paper and placed in a hand-embossed luxury envelope. Wouldn't it be a romantic gift for a sweetheart?!
"What about that 'something else'?" Remember the "overwhelming desire to change the world"? Well, GeboMana has established a foundation called Gebo Foundation. This foundation has helped other non-profit foundations in their endeavor to "change the world". Whenever you buy a shirt from GeboMana, you start educating another child from a developing nation in sustainable practices.
GeboMana might seem like another company with a foundation and a desire to help poor nations. But for me, putting such a desire together with such a great product is a company worth my vote. Will I be purchasing a shirt from this company? Well, not at the moment maybe, but I'm greatly considering about it. And once I did, I will surely post it here and let you guys see!
These are the designs that caught my attention and if they'll still be available when I have the money to purchase them, I would surely buy these:
