Francesca lived for a number of years in India. During that time, she travelled extensively throughout the country. She fell in love not only with the people and the culture, but with the exquisite handicrafts and art she found. When she moved back to Bothell, she looked for a reason to continue traveling and discovering all that India has to offer. So, she asked her Daughter, Katrina, to help her open a small imports shop featuring the handicrafts they would discover on their travels. So, in 2012, Sankara Imports was born. In the following years, and on following adventures, items found in Turkey and Nepal were also added to the shop.

Not content with the typical retail model, Sankara Imports was established with the aim to promote social good through handicrafts. All the treasures, art, and handicrafts in the shop are ethically made and hand selected by Francesca or Katrina. They travel throughout India, Nepal, and Turkey to work directly with the artists who make the pieces in the shop. By working with the artists directly, not only does Sankara bring you the best they can find, but they also ensure safe working conditions, fair payment for the work, and maintain the ability to bring you fabulous treasures at the best prices. You can find out more about a few of these artists here.

In addition to working with the artists to maintain an ethical relationship, Sankara Imports is proud to offer support to a number of charities in India and Nepal. These charities support children, women, and education. And, of course, the Desi Dog rescue which brought Kavi and Leela to the shop. Five percent of each purchase is donated to the charity of the month, and if one of those charities produced the art, an additional five percent is donated back to that charity as well.  Find out more about these charitable organizations here.

As an imports shop with a heart, Sankara is dedicated to bringing the best of India, Nepal, and Turkey to you.

 

(Photos by Dana of Urban Utopia Photography)