Kapula

Kapula, a certified Fair Trader, is located in Bredasdorp, a small community in the southernmost region of South Africa. Started in her kitchen by Ilse Appelgryn in 1993, this family run business began to help employ the local women of the community. Now they hire men and women alike, train them to be the crafters of these beautiful products providing them with sustainable employment to help them to take care of themselves and their families. Using traditional methods, the candles and ceramics are hand poured, hand painted, and hand packaged. Only non-toxic pigment and fully refined wax are used for candle production creating a long burn time that only gets better as the flame lowers in the candle and glows from within showing off the artistry and colors. The many designs and beautiful display of colors used on the candles are all influenced by the warmth and deep richness of the African landscape and heritage.  As many as a dozen artists can touch one piece giving each item a unique look. A family of skilled crafters transforms multiple designs onto candles and ceramic pieces, individually creating each item as a masterpiece of innovation and creativity. In addition to the candles, Kapula artisans also handcraft a beautiful line of ceramics in the same design collections.  The ceramics are hand poured into molds and hand painted.  The product is fired three times creating a glossy finish that is elegant, yet dishwasher and microwave safe. No patterns or stencils are used in painting these beautiful products, so each is a special piece of art! Kapula has just been certified as compliant with the global Standard for Fair Trade Organization, and is registered at the World Fair Trade Organization as a Guaranteed Fair Trade Organization. Kapula has always been committed to being a leading, ethically responsible producer of quality handcraft in Africa and the world. Kapula is committed to improving the livelihoods of especially the disadvantaged people within its reach through equitable trade practices, fair employment, public accountability, progressive management and the promotion of social justice. The people at Kapula strive to create conditions that are safe, encourage personal growth and development, and respect cultural identity. They believe the world can be a better place for all and therefore observe a code of transparency in co-operation with others who pursue this endeavour. This is the very foundation upon which Kapula – The Warm Art of Africa is built. A donation from each sale goes to support Save the Rhino in its mission to conserve viable populations of this critically endangered species.