About us
True economic empowerment requires that everyone wins—from artisans and their communities to funders, retailers, and the next generation of consumers. The Artisanal Collective™ replaces outdated aid models with a storytelling-first system that builds recognition, demand, and dignity at scale. Powered by AI, our approach radically reduces development costs while unlocking visibility through formats like Madame Planet™, Artisan Encounters Challenge™, and Artisanal Collection in Residence. Our dual-brand strategy—premium (Artisanal Collection™) and luxury (Artisan Lorvée™)—creates direct-to-market pathways that grow organically. As artisan engagement shifts from obscurity to cultural relevance, empowerment begins to sustain itself—reaching millions without needing millions. Every stakeholder gains: artisans increase earnings and pride, consumers connect with purpose, and former development professionals help steward a scalable future for 300 million artisans.
The Artisanal Collective™ uses a hybrid model: a nonprofit drives artisan visibility through storytelling and community engagement, while a mission-aligned for-profit (WH Collection LLC, dba Artisanal Collection™ and Artisan Lorvée™) scales revenue. As visibility grows, empowerment becomes self-sustaining. Up to 50% of for-profit profits are reinvested to advance the nonprofit mission.
Meet the Founders

Charles Kao
Co-Chair
Expertise: Tourism, Sustainability, Media & Technology
Location: France and USA
Founder and lead of a number of multinational travel, technology, green economy, and publishing companies.

Jack Whelan
Expertise: International technical, environmental, and sustainability specialist
Location: Australia
International development and ESG consultant with extensive experience across the UK/EU and Asia-Pacific regions.

Lelei LeLaulu
Co-Chair
Expertise: Development , Media & Community Empowerment
Location: Washington D.C.

Natarajan Ishwaran (Ish)
Expertise: Sustainability, ecological sciences and international environmental policy
Location: France, Paris

Shaun Mann
Expertise: Development Banks & Economic Growth
Location: Washington D.C.
Senior Investment Policy Officer at the IFC/World Bank. Experience in tourism, retail, and investment climate advisory services.
Advisory Council

Al Merschen
Expertise: Leadership & Management, Communication Innovation
Location: USA, Los Angeles
International tourism marketing and strategic communications entrepreneur focused on innovation and collaboration.

Bevan Springer
Expertise: Media & Journalism, Sustainability Leadership
Location: New York City area
Award-winning journalist and media strategist. Founder of CMEx and contributor to outlets including BBC, UN Radio, and the New York Daily News.

Himali Jinadasa
Special Advisor for Development Location: Sri Lanka
Deep experience in international development, cultural diplomacy, and multilateral partnerships, having worked with UNESCO, IRCI, various UN and donor institutions, and the Sri Lankan government.

Arnelle Kendall
Senior Public Relations Consultant Location: Florida
Communications consultant and former VP of public relations at The Travel Corporation and TreadRight Foundation with 26+ years’ experience leading marketing, branding, and strategic planning initiatives.