Meet Roberto Milk of NOVICA in Santa Monica

Today we’d like to introduce you to Roberto Milk.

So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
We started NOVICA  in 1999 to build a new system for artisans to reach the world market. We had big dreams, but we never would have imagined we would change the lives of so many thousands of artisans the world over.  To date, we’ve been blessed to work with over 20,000 artisans in 25 countries, giving back more than $95.4 million back to the artisans we work with. Initially, We raised capital with National Geographic, the World Bank and others, and set off to open offices in regional areas where there were many artisans.

Has it been a smooth road?
One of the most challenging parts of this has been keeping up with our growing operations and number of artisans all over the world. Our global headquarters started in the basement of our home in Santa Monica. Then a small home office. Until we eventually outgrew our space and moved to an office near Clover Park in Santa Monica. Around the world, we started in garages and homes and the site grew so fast we were scrambling to find offices. Those were adrenaline-filled days of travel and inspiration as we set up a whole new global infrastructure to work with talented artisans. We continue to identify and onboard more artisans all the time. It is a very BUSY and exciting road, nearly two decades later we continue to hear more inspiring stories every day.

So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the NOVICA story. Tell us more about the business.
The basic idea is to be able to empower artisans to be able to earn a living from their craft, helping preserve disappearing skills and traditions around the world. Through NOVICA artisans from all corners of the world are able to exhibit their work in a fair global marketplace, on their own terms. The artisans are charged nothing to list their items and set their own prices and manage their items based on what they want. The result…. a treasure chest of global artistry, from exotic designs in jewelry, to unique home décor and amazing gifts. 

How do you think the industry will change over the next decade?
As technology and fast fashion take over the market, there’s a push back to old techniques. At NOVICA, we want to bridge the gap of the old world of retail and give artisans access to cutting edge technology. We want to continue to actively promote the many undiscovered traditional skills and talents that are abundant, improve lives and uplift communities in areas of the world that need more reach to sustainably support their families. We have seen that there has been a wave of conscious consumers who want to get quality, authentic products that are unique and one of a kind and we are happy to provide that.

Pricing:

• Recycled Car Part Chess Sets from $100
• Silver Bracelets and Necklaces from $40
• Eco-friendly sculptures from $70
• Handwoven hammocks from $60
• Handcarved furniture from $120

Contact Info:

• Address: 2716 Ocean Park Blvd Suite 1030 Santa Monica CA 90405
• Website: www.NOVICA.com
• Phone: 310-255-6580
• Email: milk@novica.com

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