ABOUT
OUR FOUNDERS
Karen Gibbs and Colvin English co-founded ByHand Consulting in 2007 to bring their expertise in design, marketing, sales and business to the global artisan sector.
Our partnership (and lifelong friendship) started earlier in 2000 when we co-founded Melange Collection, a wholesale company offering contemporary handmade goods produced in collaboration with artisans around the world.
With experience working with artisan businesses in 70+ countries and decades of experience in the US home, fashion and gift markets, we are passionate about translating our first-hand experiences into practical solutions and advice for artisans.
KAREN GIBBS
Karen was drawn into the artisan sphere through her interest in economic development and her aspirations to use the “trade not aid” approach. Karen started her career in the non-profit sphere and served as Vice President of Marketing & Programs and a Board Member for Aid to Artisans. As an independent consultant based in Paris, Karen worked with international development organizations throughout Eastern Europe, Africa, Latin America and SE Asia to advise artisan enterprises on marketing strategies. Karen has seen first-hand how the artisan sector touches on all aspects of sustainable economic development.
Colvin has been marketing handmade products since he was 12! His early career started with his family’s wood carving business where he developed his entrepreneurial spirit and understanding of all facets of running a business – a talent he carries through in his consulting today. Colvin served as the National Sales Manager for several American handmade companies. He was the Director of Craft Marketing for George Little Management, a leading US trade show management company. Today, Colvin co-owns Jennings & Allen, a thriving retail store showcasing global handmade goods. Colvin is the tireless traveler found in all corners of the world, working side-by-side with artisans to strengthen their businesses.
COLVIN ENGLISH
OUR EXPERIENCE
Since 2007, ByHand Consulting has offered marketing opportunities to artisan entrepreneurs, sourcing resources to retailers and brands, and coaching programs to sector leaders.
Some of our accomplishments include:
Created Artisan Resource @ NYNOW, a first-of-its kind venue for overseas artisan enterprises to showcase product collections at export terms. ByHand recruited 800+ global enterprises to exhibit between 2012 - 2020
Cultivated a network of 3,000+ buyers and designers interested in sourcing global handmade products
Organized buying trips for 250+ buyers to attend regional trade shows and explore the craft sectors in Guatemala, Peru, Morocco, Chile, Haiti and the Philippines
Created & managed Market Incubator & Innovation Showcase @ NYNOW, programs that supported 175+ global artisan enterprises & brands with trade show services and marketing coaching
Developed & led educational programs for the International Folk Art Market for first-time and returning artists for the Santa Fe and Dallas markets for10+ years
Cultivated a database of 2,000+ artisan producers and brands creating innovative products around the world and shared marketing opportunities
Lead workshops for hundreds of artisan enterprises in Central & Latin America, Africa, Central Asia & the Caucus regions, Asia and the United States.
OUR CLIENTS
Our clients include artisan enterprises, trade shows, international organizations, export agencies, and government entities. Here are a few of our clients. (A complete list of clients is available on request.)
AgExport & New World Craft Show, Guatemala
Aid to Artisans
Allpa, Peru
CITEM & Manila FAME, Philippines
Friendship Bridge, Guatemala
Fount, USA
Get Paper Industries, Nepal
Haiti Projects, Haiti
Inter-American Development Bank (IDB/MIF)
International Folk Art Market
Lindblad Expeditions/National Geographic
Nest
Noonday Collection
NY NOW & Emerald Expositions
PromPeru & PeruMODA DECO, Peru
REDF
Serena & Lily
Shoppe Object
Smithsonian Institution
United Nations International Trade Centre
US Department of Commerce