❝ You ask for my story: this passion is my destiny.

Drink erased my sorrow: this wine is good, so good for me. ❞ †  

 

Vision

Craftestan is a heartbeat, a dream woven from threads of passion and pride. Born from our love for Persian culture and the timeless beauty of its handicrafts, we set out to create something more than a marketplace: a haven where artists’ hands speak and their stories come alive. Each piece you’ll find here is a fragment of history, a whisper of tradition passed down through generations.

We believe in the magic of art to transform lives and the undeniable strength of communities united by creativity. When you choose Craftestan, you’re standing with the artisans who breathe life into these creations. You’re nurturing traditions, fuelling dreams, and helping to build a brighter, more hopeful future for makers across the country.

 

Values

There’s a certain magic in a handmade piece—a kind of quiet poetry, full of soul and individuality. At Craftestan, we believe the real beauty of handmade doesn’t stop at the finished product. It lives in the story etched into every curve, every thread, every detail.

We’re endlessly inspired by the journey—from sourcing the finest raw materials to reviving timeless designs that echo the heart of tradition. We collaborate with artisans who don’t just work with their hands—they work with their hearts, pouring life, passion, and pride into everything they create. Every piece is a reflection of their dedication, their craft, and their story.

Our mission is simple yet profound: to craft pieces as unique as the artisans who create them, honouring the elegance of simplicity and the boundless power of passion. When you hold a Craftestan creation, you’re holding a one-of-a-kind masterpiece—a true testament to love, pride, and the human spirit.

 

 

Fair Trade

Craftestan is a movement, a spark for positive change in a world that craves it. At our core lies a social enterprise built on principles that matter: fairness, sustainability, and empowerment.

The artisans and craftspeople we work with are the beating heart of everything we do. Their stories, their skills, and their spirit fuel our mission. That’s why we’re unwavering in our commitment to support them in meaningful, transformative ways. From investing in skill development and productivity to championing innovation and market access, we’re creating a new way forward for crafts—a way that uplifts communities, fosters gender equality, ensures fair wages, and paves the road to growth.

Craftestan is proof that business can be more than just profit—it can be purpose. It can be change. It can be hope. And when you join us, you’re becoming a part of something bigger—a movement that believes in fairness, equity, and a brighter future for artisans everywhere. Together, let’s show the world that business can be a force for good.

 

Empowering Persian Craftswomen

The debut collection from Craftestan is more than just a showcase of beautiful embroidery – it’s a testament to the power of women’s work and collaboration. In the provinces of Khorasan, Balochistan, and Azerbaijan in Iran, over 100 talented needleworkers have come together to create a stunning array of pieces that reflect their culture, history, and identity. These women are breadwinners, caregivers, and change-makers in their communities. Through their work in groups, they forge connections and relationships that last a lifetime. Every Craftestan piece is a tribute to their skill, their passion, and their determination to overcome adversity.

 

 

 

An Iranian woman sits at a wooden loom in Meybod, Iran, weaving brightly coloured fabric using traditional techniques. The loom is adorned with woven textiles, and the woman's hands deftly manipulate the threads as she works. In the background, a sun-drenched landscape of rocky hills and blue sky provides a scenic backdrop to the scene.

†  RUMI 2016, LOVE IS MY SAVIOR : POEMS OF RUMI, MICHIGAN STATE UNIVERSITY PRESS, EAST LANSING, MI

 
†  Rumi 2016, Love Is My Savior : Poems of Rumi, Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI

 
†  Rumi 2016, Love Is My Savior: Poems of Rumi, Michigan State University Press, East Lansing, MI