Don Shay has worked in small business development and poverty alleviation in South Africa and other developing countries for over 12 years. Don launched 'Usasa - Elegant African Craft Art' in January 2004 as a marketing, export and trade facilitation business to sell the products of more than 25 of the best craft art producers in southern Africa to North America (primarily USA, but not exclusively).

One of the driving forces behind Usasa is providing fair, creative and sustainable employment for people whose livelihood is based on the skill of their hands. Over 2000 people are employed by the 25+ companies or projects Usasa represents, and many of these jobs are in the rural areas where they are most needed.

South Africa's rich mixture of African, Eastern and Western influences translates into handcrafts that are aesthetically exciting and out of the ordinary. Each piece represents a fusion of local African tradition with contemporary design. Many Usasa suppliers are regularly featured in South African craft sector 'highlight' publications and contemporary interior and fashion magazines.

We hope you find our products unique and delightful. The stories behind them are even more interesting. Usasa is involved with several organizations, projects and businesses actively involved in the challenges of job creation, poverty alleviation, support for people living with HIV/AIDS and community development. Many of our customers want their businesses and products associated with worthy causes and compelling human interest stories, so they request product tags and other literature that tells stories about the people who make the products. For other companies, the products themselves are what are important. We think we have some beautiful products with wide appeal, with or without the stories behind them.