New Artisan Web Site Maayde Officially Launches In Arkansas

A new e-commerce site, Maayde.com, aimed at showcasing Arkansas-based businesses with locally made products has officially launched.

The company was founded by Bernard Baskin and Yvonne Quek in early 2015 and it aims to also tell the stories behind those products.

Born out of difficulties they experienced living overseas in Singapore, the couple founded Maayde.com to help people find and purchase high-quality locally made products in Arkansas, primarily to bring back as gifts for family and friends. When the two relocated to Arkansas earlier this year, they made it their mission to address the problem.

Currently Maayde features over 100 high-quality products from makers, craftsmen and artisans around the state.

Through a “Meet the Maker” feature, buyers are able to learn the stories of the makers behind the products. A full editorial feature with original photography has been produced for each maker, encouraging buyers to learn more about the makers who call Arkansas home.

“Through storytelling, Maayde hopes that buyers will garner a deeper appreciation for the products being made locally in Arkansas,” a news release said.

Over the coming months, Maayde plans to curate and feature more than 100 new makers, creating what it calls “the state’s most comprehensive destination to buy high-quality, locally made Arkansas products.”

The wares featured on Maayde range from bath, body and grooming products to aromatherapy items, from artisan turned wood craft and outdoor products, to locally produced food.

Price ranges vary from affordable to expensive. Maayde currently offers free shipping across the U.S. and also ships internationally.

Maayde is also developing custom corporate packages for businesses interested in giving the gift of locally made products to colleagues and clients.

You can follow on Twitter @maaydelocal, and on Facebook.