We share what we find.
Look closely at our goods and you’ll see the quality of the hands who’ve made them, influenced by the region in which they’re made. They’re crafted with stories from there and here.
We want to share the relationships and stories we’ve collected on our travels with you. We believe knowing your makers and their stories aligns with respecting the earth we all share.
Because it’s in these stories that we find the human connections the big box destroys; where we find meaning that enhances the aesthetic beauty of an item.
Our goods should enrich your day-to-day life, and not at the expense of the planet. We strive to choose materials that have a minimal impact on the environment, and that stand up to the test of time & use.
It’s the stories that can make a simple possession so beautiful and powerful; the thoughtful act & impact so rich and rewarding.
Our direct artisan relationships are at the heart of what we do.
We know them by name and have been invited to many of their family events. We travel to other countries to source directly from artisans and learn their stories along the way.
Their skills shine through in their small-scale operations, resulting in quality craftsmanship that’s often individually handmade. These personal relationships are echoed in their material sourcing practices within their community - supporting more than just the artisans themselves. We want to share their stories, because they inspire us and bring meaning to our work as well.
What it means to be a POKO
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Relationship focused
We are not here to pressure our artisans to give us the cheapest price, only to abandon them if we can find a larger operation providing the same thing for cheaper. We focus on long-term relationships, allowing the artisans to set their price with the sustainability of their business in mind.
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Lifting up our partners
This includes our wholesale community, our neighbours and our artisans (and you!). We value collaboration over competition, we believe in sharing business growth together, and supporting the capacity to develop and evolve as a collective.
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Maker, owner, earth
Stories equate to connection and understanding. Knowing the story of the material reminds us of the product's beginnings; the maker, the hands that created it; your purchase highlights our shared values.
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Beauty in traditions
This means working with materials that the artisans choose and have access to, with relevance to their environment, their heritage & culture, and their community. Through generations, many artisans have been taught their craft.
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Environmental advocates
As a climate neutral business, we are constantly seeking new ways to innovate our sustainability practices - this is our social responsibility and commitment for the planet & all that grow on it. Packaging, material sourcing, shipping, it can all add up. This is why we plant trees to offset our (and your) carbon footprint.
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Honoring our responsibility
Whether it's the socio-economic development of the artisans and their communities we work with (for example: interest-free microloans) or giveback products or campaigns; we believe that if we have a platform, it is way more fulfilling to use it for the good of our local and global neighbours.
Idealistic vision. Romantic start.
The Poko story begins with boy meets girl and a South American trading adventure in a gold stick-shift station wagon wheezing on its last breaths...
