#WhoIsBehindTheBrand?
There are over 25 brands that Borderless Creations are sourcing from. We’ve introduced the brands and their products but who are the people behind the brands? What are their thoughts?
We asked the same 10 questions to all the brands so that you can get a better understanding of the brands and their stories.
Today we interviewed Ms. Ondine Saglio from CSAO!
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Q1) What triggered you to tackle ethical and sustainable issues?
A1) For me it’s the only way to do !
We have to be engaged and share profits for a better world ! And work as much as we can with respect for the people we work with and in fair trade conditions
Q2) What has changed from when the brand started and now?
A2) We are much more organized ! And we are growing up slowly but surely. But nothing has really changed.
We keep going, for more than 20 years! With new products that people really like.
A3) Best thing is that we have more and more people working for us in Senegal, in very good conditions.
Hardest thing is to see people copying our best of products... in very cheap ways..
Q4) Tell us about someone that you know who are working on being sustainable. What kind of activity/initiative is this person doing?
A4) I love The Baba tree basket company (https://babatree.com/), in Ghana!! Beautiful handmade baskets, with fair trade and sustainable rules.
Q5) What is your favorite quote? And why do you like it?
A5) "You must believe in your dreams"
I love it because it’s key for me to move on and keep going, even when it’s hard..
Q6) Tell us about any books or movies that have had a great influence in your life!
A6)
Movie: all the Charlie Chaplin movies
And books: Victor Hugo, because he's engaged
Q7) If you can eat ANYTHING now, what would it be?
A7) A strawberry tart
Q8) If you can go ANYWHERE now, where would you like to go?
A8) Sénégal !!!
Q9) Any other country or city you want to live?
A9) London
Q10) What are you most mindful of when you think of your lifestyle?
A10) I want to be closer to nature..
And take care of the planet.
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[About CSAO]
Valerie Schlumberger, a French women, settled in Senegal at the age of 16 with her husband and founded CSAO (Senegal & West Africa Company) in 1995. The first boutique opened in Paris. Their goal is to spread the work of the finest artisans in West Africa and the work of artists to France and other European countries, while at the same time establishing a lasting and equitable connection with the artisans. In parallel, she founded ASAO (Senegal and the West African Union) to refurbish the old cinema in Dakar and transforms the building into a lodging for street children.
For over 20 years, CSAO has worked with the same craftsmans, the same artists, and through ASAO the same social workers. These two stable structures allow everyone to prosper, and they do not prevent the acceptance of new talents, but they bring new goodwill through the ASAO framework.
[Brand Site]
Find CSAO products on Borderless Creations：
