About Thumbprint Artifacts

Thumbprint Artifacts was founded by lifelong friends Becky Cox and Kris Engle, both proud Michigan natives who met at age 10 and have remained close ever since. In 2012, after years of success in our respective careers—Becky in sales and marketing with Kimberly-Clark Corporation, and Kris as an entrepreneur with global experience in the UK, India, and South Africa—we reached a shared crossroads. We felt a deep desire to give back by combining our professional expertise with a purpose-driven mission. Inspired by the strength and resilience of South African artisans—especially women—we launched Thumbprint Artifacts with a clear goal: to support and celebrate entrepreneurial spirit by creating market access for fairly traded artisan goods. In a country where unemployment among 21–35-year-olds exceeds 45%, the opportunity to provide sustainable employment is not just impactful—it’s transformative. We partner directly with artisan collectives, purchasing their work at fair trade prices to ensure that every sale contributes directly to stable employment, economic empowerment, and community growth. Many of our artisans are single mothers supporting extended families, and today, Thumbprint Artifacts is helping to improve the lives of more than 1,500 people across South Africa. Our home décor pieces are not only beautiful and high quality, but also rich with meaning, culture, and personal craftsmanship. We invite you to join us on our mission to make an impact!Read their story