Handcrafted with purpose. Empowering people with every stitch.
At the heart of everything JOYN does is people — the people who handcraft each bag, the people who source and design materials, and the people who share the story of JOYN around the world. Together, they make up the JOYN family.
Founded in the foothills of the Himalayas, JOYN began with a simple but powerful vision: to create sustainable, dignified employment for marginalised people who might otherwise go without work. Since 2013, this vision has grown into a thriving community rooted in craftsmanship, connection, and care.
In Rajpur, Northern India, JOYN’s headquarters is home to a talented team working in an open, light-filled space surrounded by mountain views. Each day, team members gather to share lunch together, creating a sense of belonging and community that goes beyond work. The team’s working hours are typically 8 am – 6 pm, with opportunities for extended hours during busy seasons — always fairly compensated, with the option of hourly or piece-rate pay depending on preference.
Tsering, JOYN’s Operations and Finance Manager, and Shelma, Production Manager, lead the local team with dedication and heart. They work closely with artisans throughout every stage of production — from hand block printing and colour mixing to cutting, stitching, finishing, and distribution — ensuring every piece is made with care, precision, and pride.
A proud member of the Fair Trade Federation, JOYN is committed to ethical practices at every level. That means safe, uplifting working conditions, living wages, profit sharing, and opportunities for education and upskilling. It also means prioritising sustainable materials, such as recycled leather and hand-woven, block-printed cotton, to reduce waste and celebrate traditional craftsmanship.
By combining timeless design with slow, transparent production, JOYN is helping preserve ancient artisanal methods while creating meaningful employment across the region. From its home in Rajpur to locally run cooperatives in New Delhi and the mountain ranges bordering Myanmar, Thailand, and Laos, every product represents a story of skill, hope, and human connection.
When you carry a JOYN bag, you carry more than just a beautiful accessory — you carry a piece of the Himalayas and the lives you help uplift through fair, thoughtful trade.
See the story in motion. This short documentary from the Truefolk series offers a heartfelt look inside JOYN’s workshop in Rajpur, India. It captures the artistry of traditional block printing, the strength of community, and the dignity that meaningful work brings to people’s lives.
A Truefolk film featuring JOYN – filmed in Rajpur, India.
