The Ants Store and Café in Bangalore originates from the Action Northeast Trust (ANT) in Assam. It was set up as a market place for around 100 rural artisans in the northeast. Today, Ants generates job opportunities for 3,500 rural artisans, of which 75% women, which indirectly impacts the lives of over 12,000 people.
Ronald van het Hof, MD Women on Wings India: “Since 2009 we have been working with Ants. The passion and unbridled drive of the management I felt the first time, is still very vivid. Ants worked carefully on the growth strategy for their wholesale activities, which today generates 50% of their turnover. I’m really proud”.
Pradeep Krishnappa, CEO The Ants Craft Trust: “We broadened our scope and carefully worked on our growth strategy. Today, we not only sell products from the northeast, but also from other parts in India. All Fair Trade. What once started as a voluntary organization working towards empowering artisans in the northeast, we have turned into a professional business that creates sustainable livelihoods for communities all over India. To take it to the next level, we have established a Private Limited just recently. We are ready and prepared to work on our ambitious growth plan for the next three years”.
Women on Wings started collaborating with Ants in 2009, sharing professional business knowledge, such as retail concept, wholesale strategy, organization design and management principles. Women on Wings will continue to work with Ants on its growth ambition in the next few years, contributing to the mission of 1 million jobs for women in rural India.
