About Us
For a long time three friends have dreamed of working together, doing something we love whilst bringing change to the world. We have a passion for handmade and fair trade items and the precious artisans who make them.
We are excited to partner with some incredible people bringing change to many lives.
Fair Trade With Friends is a Queensland-based, volunteer-led social enterprise connecting Australian communities with handcrafted products made by artisans in developing nations. Founded during COVID by friends Shannon O’Dell, Lindsey Leijen and Beth Jent, what began as a small garage sale among friends has grown into a meaningful platform for ethical trade, education, and empowerment.
We partner with organisations globally, many working with survivors of trafficking and modern slavery. Through learning handicraft skills, survivors gain dignified employment, sustainable income, and a pathway toward healing and restoration. By bringing their beautiful handmade products to our Queensland community, we create a tangible link between local consumers and survivor-led enterprises.
Every purchase tells a story. We stock artisan homewares, jewellery, educational toys, and gifts — each item ethically sourced and rich with purpose. We love sharing the stories behind our products, helping customers understand how fair trade directly impacts lives.
We proudly donate a portion of profits from every sale to International Justice Mission (IJM Australia), part of the world’s largest anti-slavery organisation. Importantly, we do not draw wages from our business; every cent is reinvested back into our artisan partners and supported groups.
Fair Trade With Friends offers a practical example of trauma-informed economic empowerment in action. We believe ethical trade is not charity — it is justice, dignity, and prevention. Through markets, events, and community engagement, we aim to educate, inspire, and empower others to shop with purpose and change the world — one purchase at a time.
