Professional artisans are people that handcraft products for the purpose of selling at a profit.  Artisan products are only limited by the artisan's creativity and imagination!  Artisan products include:  soap, lotions, mineral make up, candles, jewelry, chocolates, pottery, textiles, cheeses, wooden toys and much more! 

Opportunities for artisan businesses have never been better than they are today! 

Artisan businesses allow stay home moms to earn an income, retired seniors to supplement retirement accounts and creative men and women a chance to have their own small business.

Whether you want to grow your artisan craft to a big business or keep it small, we have the resources to help you achieve success!

Association of Artisan Businesses Mission Statement:

Association of Artisan Businesses is a national non-partisan, professional organization whose mission is to assist individual artisans in reaching their full business potential while also promoting awareness of the artisan industry to the public, government agencies and elected officials.

In 2008, a group of industry leaders came together to oppose a congressional discussion draft entitled, FDA Globalization Act 2008.  This discussion draft, if adopted into law, would virtually eliminate the ability for artisan businesses to produce soap, bath, body and cosmetic products.  It would have put thousands of productive artisans out of business.

In the fall of 2008, Debbie May (Wholesale Supplies Plus.com) personally met with officials from Washington for the purpose of opposing the FDA Globalization Act of 2008.  The message Debbie May sent to Washington was clear, while the intention of the FDA Globalization Act was admirable, the draft legislation would severely penalize artisan businesses and create an unfair advantage to large corporations.  The proposed fees and paperwork alone would put thousands of artisans out of business.  Debbie found support in Washington and the discussion draft was eventually retired.

In late 2008, artisan toymakers received a devastating blow to their industry.  Legislation entitled Consumer Product Safety Act 2008 was signed into law.  The law has the intention of eliminating lead painted toys imported into the US.  The details of this law will absolutely put every single American Artisan Toymaker out of business.

These two issues prompted Debbie May to network, invest resources and become instrumental in the formation of Association of Artisan Businesses (AAB).  AAB will engage elected officials and educate them on how their actions and proposed legislation impacts artisan businesses.  AAB will provide "big business" resources to artisan businesses thus helping them reach their full business potential.  AAB will actively market the benefits of purchasing artisan products across America.

Association of Artisan Businesses is a national non-partisan, professional organization whose mission is to assist individual artisans in reaching their full business potential while also promoting awareness of the artisan industry to the public, government agencies and elected officials.

The strength of this artisan association is within its community of members.  By becoming a member of the Association of Artisan Businesses community you are agreeing to conduct yourself in a positive and professional manner.

The way we conduct our business and the way we treat our customers are all aspects of enjoying a successful community.

To ensure that the artisan industry remains prosperous, all members subscribe to the following principals of conduct: 

§         Produce the safest products with the highest standards.

§         Operate all areas of business in a manner that is respectful of the environment, leaving the smallest footprint possible.

§         Represent products clearly and factually, in ways that justify respect and confidence.

§         Meet the needs of customers in a fair, knowledgeable, open and honest manner.

§         Resolve customer concerns promptly and courteously.

§         Operate business in accord with the highest standards of ethical conduct.

§         Support the association and fellow artisans for the promotion of the industry.

§         Fully comply with all federal, state and local laws governing their craft and business.

Should a member conduct their business in a manner which does not adhere to the code of conduct, the Association reserves the right to terminate membership without a refund of dues.

If government officials do not understand your business, they can unknowingly create laws that hinder your opportunity for business success.  In fact, they can unintentionally drive you right out of business!

Association of Artisan Businesses regularly meets with legislators, government officials and community groups for the purpose educating others on how their actions or positions impact artisan businesses. 

Becoming a member of Association of Artisan Businesses allows your business to be heard by legislators, government officials and community activists.