Our Story

It all started when a couple from the US, Shane and Alicia, decided to take a look at India in 2006. Inspired by India’s vibrant life and rich history, they saw the business potential in this emerging country. They met gifted artisans, deeply rooted in their age-old craft traditions, who lacked the channels to engage the global market. They also met courageous women who wanted to help provide for their families but didn’t know what to do or where to start.

Shane and Alicia saw how East and West could work together for everybody’s benefit. So they quit their jobs and packed up for India. They started Dekko Trading Private Limited in India and currently work with a multi-national team, giving work to over 30 Indian artisans, who in turn train and raise up others. They are thrilled to be a part of empowering artisans and bringing sustainable livelihoods to developing communities.

In April 2010 Steve Bower and his wife Lori, who were acquaintances of Shane and Alicia, traveled to India for the first time. Experiencing firsthand life in India was both overwhelming and inspiring. The excitement of becoming involved in a business like this continued to grow over the next 18 months. This came together with the launch of Dekko Trading in January 2013.

With over 20 years of business experience, Steve is the person responsible for Dekko Trading on the United States side. He manages the “exciting” stuff, overseeing importing, warehousing, marketing, and sales and distribution. All this while maintaining the desire to balance profitability with a commitment to improving the lives of those who work with us.  His wife Lori has a big role on the design side, and has had a hand in many of the beautiful designs that the artisans produce for us.

Prasad and his wife Vimala have been working in fair trade business and community development since 2009. Prasad works in accounting, production, and fair trade compliance for Dekko Trading Private Limited in India. He also enjoys a good cup of coffee!