Island Craft – for the perfect gift

Island Craft was first established in 1943 by Ron and Elizabeth Powell. It was later bought by their daughter Marie and her husband, Don Melvin. Since being started as a small souvenir store, employing only five staff, Island Craft has now expanded to a business that has three separate outlets, employing over forty staff, and is recognized both locally and internationally as one of Cook Island’s leading sellers of local goods and products.
Island Craft specialize in black pearls, gold and shell jewelry, wood carvings, souvenir gifts, soaps, as well as engraving services and even flower arrangements. The business is very much firm on supporting products that are made in the Cook Islands, and despite the changes made to the business over the years, the vision has remained the same ever since the start; “Research, revive, promote and preserve arts and crafts within the Cook Islands.”
When asked what sets their business apart from other stores selling local crafts, Shawnrowan Numa-fatialofa, the Marketing Manager of Island Craft, replied that it is the “large variety of goods and services” that they have to offer, ranging from carvings, to engravings, to floral arrangements. He also stated that their products are “original and unique, incorporating local significant symbols, pattern designs and traditional motifs with supporting story labels.”
Island craft is also very community involved, and environmentally aware. To reduce the impact that the business has on the environment, Island craft minimizes power consumption with the use of energy efficient light bulbs, as well as the regular recycling of wood chips and saw dust from production into the florist gardens. As far as community involvement goes, Island craft provides regular sponsorship to local schools, the local Catholic Church, non-government groups such as Te Kairangi Mental Health, sports events such as Vaka Eiva, and cultural events like Miss Cook Islands and Te Maeva Nui celebrations. All this is done in an effort, they say, to continue “promoting, preserving and celebrating the Cook Islands traditions, way of life and culture.
If anyone wants to reach Island Craft for one of the many services they have to offer, they have three stores on the island. One is located on the background in Avarua, and this is where people go to customize engravings and carvings, or to place orders. This is also where the florist is located. There is also the main store in town, and this is where the majority of their stock is available to buy. Finally, there is also an outlet at the Rarotonga airport. International customers can also place orders over their website: www.islandcraft.com.
When asked to sum up Island Craft in a single sentence or slogan, Shawnrowan replied, “Island craft – for the perfect gift, goods and services.” Looking around their Avarua store, it’s clear that this isn’t just a sales pitch.

By Piakura Tiraa-Passfield

Herald Issue 463 10 June
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