A man named Khalil Ahmed smiling while holding a blue vase.

ARTISAN PROFILE

Mohammad Riyaz

Location: Moradabad
Age: 44
No. of Artisans: 6
Family status: Married with 2 daughters
Working with Noah's Ark since: 2007
Products & skills: Mosaic and bead work from recycled glass. MDF boxes. All product development and mosaic design work is handled by the women artisans.

A woman in a green sari, Mohammad Riyaz, is working on a glass vase.

A group of women sitting on a rug in a room, depicted by Mohammad Riyaz's artwork.

A girl, Mohammad, in a red dress is making a red ornament.

A group of women sitting on a rug during a gathering.

A sustainable income provides financial freedom

Working with Noah’s Ark has been very profitable for Mohammad. His company’s turnover has grown to almost 12 times what it was in 2007 when he began working with Noah’s Ark.

Mohammad works with 6 women artisans. The regular income this provides them has changed their lives for the better since. They now have the financial freedom to enjoy festivals, educate their children and use private doctors in case of sickness in the family.

Employment for women in the community

Mohammad has a workshop based in his house and employs only women. His wife manages all the business finances. This fair trade work has given him the opportunity to expand his workshop and provide jobs to women in his village.