Bob Haywood: A Journey Through Creativity and Craftsmanship

For over four decades, I have dedicated my career to collaborating with creative individuals across various traditional handcraft industries in the UK, Europe, and northern India. My journey has taken me into workshops, studios, festivals, nightclubs, factories, and small rural communities, where I have witnessed the profound impact of craftsmanship on culture and identity.

Central to my mission has always been the preservation of traditional skills and knowledge. On numerous occasions, I have worked closely with artisans to ensure they meet the product quality and service standards that consumers and retailers demand in today’s competitive market. This dual focus on preservation and innovation has enabled many artisans to thrive not only in their traditional markets but also online.

One of the most rewarding aspects of my job has been travelling and living with these talented individuals—authors, musicians, artisans, producers, and event organisers—as an agent, wholesale importer, and online retailer. I have had the privilege to showcase their work at exhibitions and organise local and national events in the UK—events that have brought their craft to the attention of a wider audience.

Throughout my life, I have engaged with various natural materials, craft industries, and lifestyles, including hardwood furniture, lighting, sustainable fashion, and creative arts and performance. My journey into the digital realm began in 1985 when I was introduced to my first computer. My initial foray into technology culminated in the launch of an online mail-order website in 2008, where I gained significant insights into internet advertising and retailing.

The inspiration to support individuals and businesses in the creative industry through an online exhibition and marketplace emerged during a transformative retreat in Rishikesh, northern India, in December 2019. Immersed in Ayurvedic medicine and yoga, I experienced profound rejuvenation after six weeks of detoxification and mountain air. This period of reflection led to the realisation that there was a growing demand among customers worldwide for authentic, natural products. I imagined a dedicated, trustworthy non-profit centre that would serve as a hub for the creative and performing arts.

SoukUk bridges the gaps between artisans and consumers, providing a platform for genuine craftsmanship while promoting ethical practices and helping buyers identify what they are looking for on the internet.