Today we’d like to introduce you to Vik Giri.
Vik, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I was born and raised in Nepal and I spent a lot of time in India as my father and brothers lived and worked in India. I started my company, Gallant International, in 2009 with the intention to help small scale artisans as well as to establish a business for me here in the United States. I first started importing ethnic bags and accessories from Nepal and India. I sold them wholesale and participated in trade shows such as Magic in Vegas, and gift shows in LA and San Francisco.
Trade shows helped me learn about the importance of Fair Trade and organic products. After this, I immediately joined Fair Trade USA as a member. During Fair Trade partner’s meetings, I had an opportunity to meet people from Patagonia, West Elm, Pact, Prana and Coyuchi who were in the forefront of Fair Trade Certified products. During one my first meetings, I heard the emotional story of Fair Trade Premiums and how strong of an impact this made in the lives of farmers and workers. Fair Trade premiums are additional sums of money paid to Fair Trade workers. The impacts of Fair Trade moved me and inspired me to spark change within my own business.
I now partner with a Fair Trade pioneer factory in India to make private label bags, cosmetic pouches, muslin bags, and accessories. Since then, we have been very fortunate to work with some of the well-known companies, brands, and non-profits in the United States and around the world. We want to help brands incorporate sustainability into their product lines by providing chemical-free and environmentally safe products. Our products are completely transparent and traceable. We have now pre-financed farmers to purchase non-GMO cotton seeds that will grow 563,300 pounds of cotton lint. We also partner with UPS through their Carbon Offset program to offset all of the emissions created in our shipping processes. Through UPS, we are able to contribute to preserving waterways, forests, and ecosystems around the globe.
We are proud to be able to give back and we want to do more in the future. This year, 2019, we have pledged to help provide 100,000 meals to children and families in need across the United States through Feeding America. Giving back and providing to others is what Gallant is proud of and would like to continue in the future.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road. Our products, which are organic and Fair Trade are slightly more expensive compared to the conventional products that are easily available in the market. Unfortunately some companies are reluctant to pay a slightly higher price for our products. However, over the last few years, education on product safety has been in the spotlight and ethical production, safety of the workers, the environment and the consumers themselves have become important and necessary to brands. With this rise in education about a sustainable future, we now work with more than 150 companies.
Please tell us about Gallant International.
Gallant International is a trend-forward supplier of Fair Trade and 100% organic cotton products. We specialize in private label, wholesale products. Our products include tote bags, muslin bags, zipper pouches, backpacks, and reusable produce bags. All of our products are completely customizable in size, shape, color, print, accessories, and quantity, allowing your business to create your own, perfect product.
What sets us apart from others is our commitment to sustainability and giving back. Our products are high quality, durable, Fair Trade Certified, GOTS Certified and organic. Additionally, we are part of Fair Trade USA, Fairtrade America, Fair Trade Federation, and the Organic Trade Association. We strive to make an impact in the lives of others, whether that be our customers, our workers, our farmers or those who enjoy our safe, environmentally friendly products.
Through Fair Trade Certification, we are able to ensure that our products are ethically and sustainably manufactured. Our Fair Trade factory workers are ensured dignified work, legal/living wages, and gender equality. Child labor is prohibited through Fair Trade. Through GOTS (Global Organic Textile Standard), we are able to guarantee that no unsafe chemicals are used in the manufacturing process and that waterways are kept clean and unpolluted.
We are proud to say that every purchase from Gallant benefits the environment and the lives of those involved in making and wearing our products.
Do you look back particularly fondly on any memories from childhood?
My favorite memory from childhood is running through the forest barefoot without fear, and then coming home and having food made by my mother. The food was simple but tasty, the taste always remains on the tip of my tongue.
Pricing:
- Our products range from $0.50 cents to $30.00, including shipping. The price depends on the product(s). Since we are a private label company and have a large selection of products, the price varies depending on customization and the quantity.
Contact Info:
- Address: 23352 Madero
Suite L Mission Viejo, CA 92691 - Website: www.gallantintl.com
- Phone: 949-680-4004
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: @gallantinternational
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GallantInternational
- Twitter: @gallantint
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