Lib Lou Market began as a dream. For many years, I have dreamed about owning a funky little shop full of beautiful, handmade items from around the world. I never thought my funky little shop would be located online, but hey…the rent is cheap!

While living overseas for many years, I built friendships and business partnerships with a number of local artisans in Liberia, West Africa. I wanted to encourage them in their craft, but more importantly, I wanted to empower them by getting products to family and friends in the United States. I started bringing home their handmade items in my suitcases, and that became known as the Good Gifts Market. People always looked forward to what new items I would discover or how my artisan friends would be inspired.

My friendships and business partnerships remain in Liberia, but I decided it was time to branch out and bring beautiful, handmade items from other countries as well. And that’s where Lib Lou Market begins!

You might wonder about the name, so let me just go ahead and address that question. The name Lib Lou came to me one day nearly 10 years ago. Lib is obviously short for Liberia, because that’s where my market began. And the Lou is in honor of an incredible woman named Lou. Her faith, strength and generosity left its mark on me, and she gave me a good gift—a very special quilt from Liberia.

My hope is that my funky little shop in this corner of cyberspace will be a place that you find beautiful, unique, handmade items. But more importantly, because of your purchase, artisans are empowered, children will stay in their family, their family will be strengthened and communities will thrive. I believe that dignity comes through employment and that is how lives are changed. Thank you for helping change lives!