Softwinds of Trade is built on a simple but powerful belief: when women artisans are given consistent, fair access to markets, they can transform their families, their communities, and their futures.
Founder Colette McInerney spent years working in international development, much of it in Laos. There, she witnessed the incredible artistry of women weavers and the economic barriers that often prevented their work from reaching a wider world.
Softwinds of Trade was born from that experience. It is both a business and a bridge: connecting global customers with handcrafted textiles made by Lao women using traditional techniques passed down through generations.
From our hands to yours
At the heart of Softwinds of Trade is a slow, intentional approach to commerce, one that honours the time, skill, and stories woven into each piece.
Every textile in our collection is handcrafted in Laos by women artisans, using motifs that carry deep cultural meaning. These are more than products — they are living traditions, shared from maker to buyer.
Our ethos
Over many years, we’ve built a boutique network of artisan weavers and social enterprises across Laos. Together, we work toward a shared vision rooted in:
Ethical trade
Women’s economic empowerment
Expanded market access
Cultural preservation and integrity
Each purchase helps create sustainable income for Lao women and supports the continuation of a unique and beautiful artform.
Colette continues to travel throughout Laos, meeting new artisans, discovering diverse and unique regional weaving styles, and deepening the relationships that make Softwinds of Trade so special.
The result is more than this online store, it’s a collaboration across cultures and generations.
