Born in 1998 in a refugee camp in Nepal Sumi Baraily emigrated to the United States from her native Bhutan. 

Though she emigrated, ultimately setting down roots in Akron, Ohio, Baraily embraces her culture, continuing to develop and practice her weaving and embroidery skills, skills that are deeply rooted in her Bhutanese culture.

In fact, preserving the culture among refugee families who have settled in the Akron area is important to Baraily. 

She currently teaches at Himalayan Arts Languages & Cultural Academy in North Hill, working to preserve Nepali, Bhutanese and other South Asian cultures and traditions. An accomplished dancer, she shares culture through dance performances. She also teaches preschool in Akron Public Schools.

Baraily also preserves her culture through her handmade textile goods, many of which she creates from preowned, upcycled sari fabric. These include bags, backpacks, aprons and facemasks for both children and adults. 

Finding an audience for and marketing her goods with her busy schedule could prove very difficult. Luckily, Baraily has a partnership with Global Threads Fair Trade that helps her share her heritage and support her livelihood.

Her work exemplifies the shops’ mission of cultural exchange and economic empowerment.

Global Threads, a boutique located in Akron’s Northside Marketplace, is more than a retail operation. It is a mission-driven boutique facilitated by Global Ties Akron, an organization dedicated to fostering international connections and cultural exchange. 

Global Threads serves as a platform for artisans from around the world to share their handcrafted goods, providing them with a source of income while educating the local community about diverse cultures.

The boutique highlights an array of unique products, each with a story to tell, making it a destination for thoughtful gift giving.

Another creator that is featured in the Global Threads product line is African artisan and fashion designer Safia Assimiwu.

According to Global Ties’ product information, Assimiwu was discovered by Global Ties founding Executive Director, Michelle Wilson, during a U.S. Department of State-sponsored exchange trip to Ghana.

The two women forged a fair-trade relationship between Sasa Creations, Assimiwu’s company and Global Ties. Wilson commissioned a line of kaleidoscopic neckties, which would later become Global Threads line of “global ties.”

Assimiwu creates bonnets, leather-wrapped handled fans, handbags and more items that feature African printed batik textiles in a rainbow of colors.

The partnership helps Assimiwu and her company empower other artists and producers from Accra, Ghana, who are primarily women. Now, their products are sold in the Accra Arts Center in Ghana AND in downtown Akron.

The stories of these women and other artisans who create fair-trade goods for Global Threads aren’t secondary to the retail goods – they are just as important.

“Global Threads fosters appreciation of global traditions while empowering artisans to share their stories with the world,” Global Ties Executive Director Evelyn Williams, said.

Global Threads works to empower artisans like Baraily and Assimiwu by ensuring fair-trade practices. 

This means artisans receive direct profits from their sales, providing a sustainable income for their families and communities. The boutique features products from both local and international artisans, bridging cultures and displaying a variety of crafts.

Notable items available at Global Threads include: Upcycled Tote Bags: These eco-friendly bags are crafted from repurposed fabrics, blending sustainability with practical design.

Jewelry and Accessories: Handcrafted pieces inspired by global traditions, including t-shirts and bags adorned with Ghanaian motifs such as the impala lily.

Textiles and Fashion Pieces: Unique clothing and home décor items, some of which have been featured on the runway at Ohio Fashion Week. The boutique’s local impact extends beyond sales. 

Program Manager Adriane Clayton recalls a moment when she witnessed community members connecting directly with the artisan’s work. 

“We were at an event in North Hill, and kids recognized Sumi’s work,” she said. “They were so excited, calling her ‘famous.’ It was amazing to see their pride and excitement for her.”

Global Threads continues to commission items like the “global ties,” using traditional fabrics and styles from the cultures of the fair-trade artists.

These handcrafted products are not only beautiful but also meaningful, as each purchase directly supports the artisans who create them.

Visit Global Threads for a unique shopping experience that combines cultural education with meaningful support for artisans. 

Customers can explore a diverse collection of goods, learn about the traditions behind the craftsmanship, and contribute to a fair-trade marketplace that uplifts communities worldwide.

Visit Global Threads at Northside Marketplace this holiday season to find unique, handcrafted gifts that tells a story. Whether shopping for a friend, family member, or yourself, each item purchased supports fair trade and promotes a global exchange of art and culture.