Introducing SFW Hub: Canada
Introducing our Canadian Hub, delivered by the team behind Musey!
Musey is a social enterprise that empowers artisans by promoting and showcasing their traditional skills in a socially responsible way. Maheshi Wanasundara founded Musey to share the beautiful artisan crafts from Sri Lanka with people around the world while creating meaningful opportunities for Sri Lankan artists, women and family owned small businesses to participate in their economic growth. Musey partners with Sri Lankan artists and professionals as well as NGOs and volunteers to bring the perfectly curated collection of unique products.
Musey is committed to strengthening ancient craft techniques, and uses their platform to tell meaningful stories which help keep traditions alive. Their mission is to promote fair trade and sustainability through the arts, connecting global consumers with rich cultural traditions while developing entrepreneurship for marginalised artists. Musey actively contributes to Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which emphasise economic growth, gender equality, and responsible consumption.
Musey is a Buy Social Canada-certified Social Enterprise providing evidence of their identity as a social enterprise and commitment to social value. They are also a People and Planet First verified showing that Musey puts people and the planet first, and meets standards in the following areas: Purpose; Operations; Revenue; and, Use of surplus. Musey is a member of the Good Market initiative supporting the transition to a new economy that is "good for people and good for the planet".
In addition, all of the businesses Maheshi’s platform collaborates with commits to meeting the following criteria:
The use of sustainable materials, sourced locally in Sri Lanka
They are environmentally friendly and minimise waste
They provide employment opportunities to their community
Founded in Mississauga, Ontario, Musey acknowledges their placement in the traditional territory of the Mississauga Nations, the Attiwonderonk Nation, and the Anishinaabek and wants to commit to making decolonizing systems a priority. As a first-generation immigrant-founded business, they understand the importance of preserving and celebrating heritage and dual identity, which shapes their mission:
“Our venture is deeply rooted in craftsmanship and artistic expression. We draw inspiration from the diverse cultures and artistic traditions that have found a home in Canada. We believe that art has the power to bridge gaps, connect people, and tell stories that transcend borders. By celebrating this diversity, we aim to decolonize traditional wealth systems, making sure that opportunities and recognition are accessible to all, regardless of their background.”
The Team
Aishmitha Sayinthan is a Western University student, majoring in Political Science and Criminology. She has a passion for advocating social issues, especially sustainability, and she is particularly interested in promoting sustainable practices in our daily lives. Aishmitha wants to raise awareness about sustainable fashion and educate our community on waste reduction.
With an education background in English and digital communications, Icelyn Choy is a dedicated professional who excels in building relationships through effective communication. Whether crafting compelling narratives, honing messaging strategies, or leveraging digital platforms for engagement, she thrives on connecting with audiences in meaningful ways.