Discover Artisanal Craft

AOW Handmade connects retailers, designers, and curious travelers with exceptional handmade work — and the people behind it.

Meet Annie

Beautiful objects are easy to find. Meaningful ones take time.

For nearly two decades, I’ve traveled alongside artisans — sitting in workshops, walking markets, listening more than talking. AOW Handmade grew out of those relationships. It’s not a marketplace. It’s a point of view shaped by craft, culture, and trust.

My Story

Discover AOW Handmade

Insider Editorial

Through guides, articles, interviews, and trend reports see what’s on the ground — places, people, and practices worth knowing.

Membership Benefits
Curated Artisan Sourcing

Where retailers and designers discover exceptional artisan brands without the cost of endless searching or constant travel.

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Photography & Visual Storytelling

Soulful visual narratives rooted in culture and artisanship: Annie O. Waterman offers photography for artisan brands, makers, and cultural projects.

Explore Photography
Consultation & Mentorship

Working closely with makers and buyers to we refine vision, strengthen identity, and make thoughtful decisions that last.

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Craft Journeys

Individual and small-group guided journeys shaped by relationships, not checklists. For those who are curious, thoughtful, and interested in connection over consumption.

Explore with AOW

Informed by travel, time, and trust.

Member Benefits

In-depth monthly conversations with industry experts, retailers, and brands on the challenges, opportunities, and current shifts shaping the sector.
Exclusive access to AOW’s favorite addresses — from cities she knows intimately to emerging destinations — highlighting under-the-radar places to source, stay, and explore.
Ground-level insights informed by ongoing conversations with retailers, brands, and trade shows, delivering a clear, real-world view of the market.
A deep archive of artisan stories from around the world, offering rare access to hundreds of brands and serving as a valuable sourcing resource for retailers seeking distinctive, less-saturated product.

Julia Camara Calvo, Atacama Home

“She’s mentored me now as the new owner, steering me in the right direction not only with exquisite product and vendor recommendations but with a whole rebrand journey”

Nicole Kofoed, And Found Furnishings

“Finding someone with her combination of experience, relationships, and discerning eye was like finding the needle in a haystack.”

Ismail Abu Arafeh, UNDP

“Blending passion with a deep understanding of how handicrafts markets operate, Annie is a great bridge between artisans and buyers.”

Craft Journeys

Meet the makers.

From time to time, I host craft‑led journeys to places I know deeply — designed for small groups who want to understand culture through making, food, and place.