We've MOVED TO WORDPRESS - find us there at shopfairtrade.wordpress.com

To allow us more opportunities to interact with our customers and fair trade supporters, we're moving our blog to a WordPress site.

Happily, we were able to move over all of our blog posts from Blogger so we won't skip a beat!

Please find us there at http://shopfairtrade.wordpress.com - where we will be posting regularly on fair trade and handmade topics whether it's musings from our home base of Chicago, on the road visiting our retail partners, at fair trade conferences, or internationally visiting our artisans in South Africa or Pakistan.

Thank you for your continued support. We know we couldn't do this without you!

Here's to a wonderful 2011 - and see you at our new blog or World Shoppe!

The Power of a Greeting Card

Since I was little, I was taught to send handwritten cards whether it was to thank those who gave us gifts during birthdays, for special occasions, or to follow up on a conversation that warranted a handwritten card.

Handwritten notes are somewhat of an anomaly these days with all of the technology available to us as well as lack of time. Unless you're in the business of shipping things out, I truly wonder how many Americans visit their nearest Postal Office to purchase stamps (since many choose to bank and pay bills electronically, too).

Which is precisely WHY the greeting card is so powerful. Since people rarely send one out anymore, it stands out from the crowd of bills, direct mail solicitation, and sale offers in our mailbox.

If you read my last post, you would have known that my grandfather was very ill. While we were able to get him out of the hospital that time, he returned two weeks later and passed away shortly thereafter. It was a difficult time for our family because we were very close to him. The other day, in my mailbox, I found a card waiting for me (in the sea of bills and magazines). 

Everything was set aside and I opened the card - it was a handmade card with just two flowers in bloom. One has four tiny clear sparkly beads in the center. It was sent by one of my reps (who, ironically, reps our Little Works line of greeting cards from South Africa). It's a special card for me in many ways. This rep knew of my grandfather's struggle and knew how close I was to him. He and his wife took the time to find a card that would be appropriate, wrote a kind note inside, and sent it to me. It brought me to tears and now the card sits prominently on my desk where I can look at it and remember my grandfather. I've chosen to think that the two flowers represent me and my grandfather - with my grandfather being the one in the background, watching over me.

And, therein lies the power of a greeting card - like a photo that can be worth a thousand words, receiving a card speaks volumes. Whether you are sending one to thank an interviewer for the job interview, to celebrate a birthday, wedding, baptism, anniversary, as a sympathy card or a "just thinking of you" note, a handwritten greeting card is something you know will be opened and, hopefully, appreciated.

Our Little Works line of greeting cards are special in many ways, too. In addition to them being just beautiful visually, they are fairly traded and handmade by women in South Africa. Our options include general designs, birthday, thinking of you, cards for children's occasions, celebrations and sympathy cards. Some our cards feature bookmarks as part of the designs, making them lovely gifts to keep and remember the thoughtful card, too. 

If you'd like to see a portion of our selection, please visit www.World-Shoppe.com (click under NEW! Little Works Greeting Cards). You can also find our cards at many independent stores, bookshops, cooperative grocery shops and gifts stores throughout the United States. 

Consider sending a card today - and make someone smile. :-)

-Megy Karydes, Founder

World Shoppe

www.World-Shoppe.com

Honoring Those Who Came Before Us ... and making them proud

As I write this, I'm sitting in a hospital waiting room, outisde of the ICU. My grandfather is inside ICU and although my family and I have spent many days, and sometimes weeks, in this hospital and others near here, this time it seems much worse than before. I'm not sure if we'll be taking my grandfather home with us this time - but we're hoping for the best.

I'm writing this not as a eulogy to my grandfather, but to honor his life and what he's taught me. I am his eldest granddaughter so I know I have a special place in his heart (or maybe I'm making this up?). He holds a special place in my heart, too, because he's taught me about resilience, honor, hard work, having a strong work ethic, and treating people with respect and dignity.

My grandfather came to the U.S. as a refugee, just as my parents did, so he speaks from experience when he says a strong work ethic is important. He's raised 5 daughters and he means so much to his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Many people throughout the world don't have the opportunity to be with their loved ones when they pass away. While I don't know if this is my grandfather's time, I'm grateful to be here with him and try to keep his as comfortable as possible.

I hope we turn the tide and we see happier days ahead. Please keep our family in your thoughts.

Best,

-Megy

Fair Trade Futures Conference just hours away!

In fewer than 48 hours, I'll be on an airplane headed toward Boston for the Fair Trade Futures Conference and very much looking forward to it! 

Fair Trade Futures Conference, Boston, Sept 10-12, 2010

While the Fair Trade Federation organizes a conference annually, the Fair Trade Futures conference is scheduled every five years and attracts over 700 fair trade supporters, importers, retailers, students, and activists. It's a great opportunity to interact with fellow fair trade supporters all over the country, but all over the world as well since many come in from outside of the United States and Canada to learn more about what is happening in the movement nationally and internationally.

Also, Chicago looks like it's going to have a rather large contingency, which is very exciting! Chicago Fair Trade will be there in full force! 

I've made it to most of the conferences since World Shoppe launched almost 7 years ago (I've missed some because of work schedules or weddings planned over the same weekend as the conferences.) and I can tell you first-hand that the conferences are top-notch, inspiring and refreshing. Yes, you'll enjoy your typical speakers (I'm actually speaking on Sunday on how to attract media attention to your fair trade work - 10:30 a.m. on Sunday if you're interested in joining me!) but in addition to the speakers, you'll meet others who are in a similar place in the movement, whether new to it, wanting to learn more, just opened a shop, have been managing a shop for decades, just started importing or importing for several years, etc. You'll also be able to shop the Fair Trade Marketplace with more than 75 companies and organizations showing their products to the general public and retailers interested in stocking new fair trade products in their shops.

If you're attending the conference, please let me know - it would be great to see you! I'll be at the Marketplace, too, so stop by and say hello. 

Here's to a successful Conference! See you soon!

-Megy Karydes, Founder

World Shoppe

www.World-Shoppe.com

It's official - we're developing a catalog based on retailer feedback

While we've only been wholesaling our fair trade and handmade collections for less than a year now, it's become obvious that retailers LOVE their printed catalog. This is the case of listening to your customers and responding to their needs.

As a buyer myself, I have to admit that I liked both options - reviewing the catalog and offerings of fair trade products online. While I reviewed the items in the catalog, I ultimately placed my orders online because it was easier and more efficient for me. When I spoke to retailers prior to importing, I learned that they LOVED seeing the products online and ordering...so we spent a lot of time on our Web site and making it easy, efficient, and have the ability to place orders online. Retailers have responded that they loved the ease of ordering online and several have already sent their orders in this fashion.

However, there is no escaping it that retailers still love to look at products in print. They carry catalogs with them at home, reviewing options late at night at the kitchen table. Unlike some jobs, retailers, I've learned, are always working. And convenience plays a key role in deciding with whom to do business.

So, we're listening and responding, because, ultimately, we're in this together. And we share the same goals - to provide more work for our artisan partners and introduce more Americans to the beauty of fair trade products.

Thank you for your continued support, encouragement and feedback. It really is an honor to do this type of work. I can't wait to show you all our new printed catalog!

With warmest regards,

Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Launch Party for Pakistan Line of Fair Trade Jewelry

Amna working in her studio in Lahore, Pakistan

Before I even met Amna Shariff, I was drawn to her work. When I had the opportunity to visit Pakistan this summer, more than a few people thought I was crazy to travel to the country voluntarily. But what cemented my decision to go was what I had learned and read about the country's craft culture. While most of the news we hear revolves around conflict, I saw women trying to keep their culture and handmade techniques alive and working to make their world a better place in which to live.

Birds of Flight Earrings

I asked Amna to send me some of her designs prior to me traveling to Pakistan because from the little I was able to see, I could tell there was something there. She obliged and I was smitten. This woman's work was just breathtaking, just as many of the other women's work I had seen once I arrived in Pakistan. 

Kundan Round Petals Necklace

Her design aesthetic, her patience, her commitment was remarkable and inspiring. But having the opportunity to meet her in person, in her homeland, made our work together that much more special because it not only allows me to put a face with a name, but to see firsthand how she lives, what she's surrounded by on a daily basis and realize how proud she is to be a Pakistani woman. That just can't be done just through technology alone.


Within minutes of meeting each other, I knew I was going to work with Amna. We put together a small collection and armed with my samples, I came back to Chicago, eager to show my retailers the designs and share my story with Amna. As I had hoped, they, too, loved the designs and placed orders.


When I learned Amna was able to secure a visa to visit the U.S., I began working feverishly to organize her launch party. Greenheart, one of my largest retailer accounts, offered to host the event in their shop. We secured the date, August 26, and I can't wait. Chicagoland residents will have the opportunity to meet Amna in person, talk to her about life in Pakistan, her inspiration behind her work, and working with an American woman who will be working tirelessly to promote her work in the U.S. It should make for a fun evening.


If you're in the Chicagoland area, I hope you'll join us. Details can be found below. You can also watch Amna and me tomorrow (Saturday, August 21) as we appear live on-air on ABC7 News Chicago (6:15 a.m.).


Thank you for your commitment to fair trade - and hope to see you soon!


August 26
5:00 - 8:00 pm
Greenheart Shop
1911 W. Division Street


-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
(to see Amna's designs, visit our Facebook page - www.Facebook.com/worldshoppe)

 

Pakistan Visit

Later this month I'll be traveling to Pakistan to visit with women artisans. To say I'm excited (and nervous) would be an understatement.

I'm excited to be able to meet with the women and learn more about their work. Then again, Pakistan is under high security alert and the U.S. Government does not recommend traveling there unless necessary. While I am concerned about my safety, I can't help but think about the safety of the people who live in the country on a daily basis. I'll only be there for days. What if I lived there? What if this was my daily reality? That frightens me even more.

One of the things that strikes me even more is the Pakistani government's ban of social networking sites like YouTube and Facebook. As of last Wednesday, The Ministry of Information Technology in Pakistan lifted the ban on YouTube (the reason it blocked it in the first place is because it contained blasphemous content, according to government officials). Facebook is still banned as of today. Without access to sites like Facebook, I will be restricted on what information I can share while I'm there.

My hope is that my trip will allow me to work with more women and share their stories and beautiful handmade products with our customers. I can't wait to share with you what I learn.

Thank you for being part of this journey and supporting our artisans. It means the world to all of us.

Peace,

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

World Fair Trade Day & Mother's Day - Coincidental?

This weekend will be busy - and for good reason!

We're gearing up for this Friday's (May 7) World Fair Trade Day festivities in Chicago (Daley Plaza) which allows Chicagoans to celebrate fair trade with more than 80 countries around the world!

Although World Fair Trade Day officially is on Saturday, May 8, we decided we're going to celebrate the entire weekend.

Then, of course, Sunday is Mother's Day and what better way to celebrate than by sharing a fair trade gift with the women who have helped you along the way?

Featured here is our popular Calla Lilly Earrings which is flattering to any woman. The set is handmade by artisans in South Africa using copper and brass. You can find it by clicking here.

Supporting fair trade is more than just buying stuff ... it's about making a conscious decision that when you will buy something, whether it's a gift for your mom, girlfriend, graduate, or sibling, that you consider the power your money has and choose an item that will make a difference in the lives of others.

And, with more and more fashion-forward fair trade products in the marketplace today, you can find a host of gorgeous options from which to choose!

To make it even easier to support fair trade this World Fair Trade Day & Mother's Day, enjoy free shipping on all orders of $10 or more when you enter May10 in the promo section of checkout. GOOD ONLY UNTIL THIS THURSDAY - May 6 and you must enter the promo code to activate the free shipping. Not good on any past orders.

Thank you again for supporting fair trade and mothers everywhere!

Warmly,

Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com
www.Facebook.com/worldshoppe
www.twitter.com/worldshoppe

Import Containers on the Rise - What this Means for American consumers

According to an article in this week’s HomeFashion & Hospitality (http://www.hfftmagazine.com) e-news, retail container traffic is expected to increase 8 percent in April (compared with the same month a year ago). Why is this information of interest to American consumers and artisans in developing countries? Simply, it signals a sign of economic improvement which is great for both global and domestic markets.

According to the monthly Global Port Tracker report released by the National Retail Federation and Hackett Associates, the source the article uses, import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to be up in April and solid increases are expected to continue through the summer as the U.S. economy improves.

U.S. ports handled 1.01 million 20-foot Equivalent Units in February, the latest month for which actual numbers are available. That was down 6 percent from January as shipping hit its traditional slow point for the year but up 20 percent from the unusually low numbers seen during February 2009. It was also the third month in a row to show a year-over-year improvement after December broke a 28-month streak of year-over-year monthly declines. One TEU is one 20-foot cargo container or its equivalent.

This is strong news because as consumer confidence grows and consumer spending increases, imports (via container shipments) increase to meet consumer demand. From a fair trade perspective, as our retailers begin to sell more to American consumers, we, as wholesalers, are able to provide more business to our artisan partners and thereby import more goods.
A recent argument I heard from a friend who is very supportive of the “buy local” movement is that we should favor local artisans and local retailers to help strengthen our economy – not encourage sales of imported products. I could really write a book about this topic but here is how I answered her and where we ended up:

1) Fair Trade is not set up to hurt American artisans. The whole concept of fair trade is to support artisans in developing countries by providing them with a fair wage, healthy and safe working conditions and an opportunity to enjoy the same benefits we have in this country - to send their children to school, to have a home and to feed their families.

2) Often, the items fairly traded are not available in the United States, cannot be produced in the United States, are ethnically significant to their countries of origin or are just different in style/quality, etc. For example, other than coffee and chocolate (for which the raw materials are not produced in the U.S.), the styles of jewelry I import from South Africa are not available by any artisans in the United States. They are not only unique pieces, but the quality and craftsmanship is stunning, too. Is that to say that I’ll not buy an American-made jewelry piece that I am drawn to? Of course not…but does that mean I cannot appreciate and support a piece made by artisans in a developing country because it’s from outside the U.S.? Of course not…it’s just another option.

3) More importantly, I think it’s important to remember that these artisans or no less or better than artisans in the U.S. I love handmade pieces and I go out of my way to support artisans – no matter which country they reside. In fact, my wedding band is handmade by an artisan in Illinois. Most of my jewelry is handmade by artisans – and most from the U.S. Nonetheless, I love my handmade pieces from other countries, too. It makes life interesting!

4) Also, please remember that the retailers who support our jewelry ARE local, independent retailers who you and I support. They have families, too, and want to make the lives for those families better. So you CAN support “buy local” (and, in fact, I would encourage you to do so!) and artisans in both the U.S. and abroad.

5) Finally, I would encourage you to read an article I wrote last year on this very topic in a trade magazine called The Crafts Report: Is Fair Trade Fair To United States Artists: http://www.craftsreport.com/articles/features/77-isfairtradefairtounitedstatesartists.html?

Agree? Disagree? Have something to add? Please do so and engage in the discussion!

Fondly,
Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Fair Trade Futures Conference - Are you in?

This September, we have an exciting opportunity to work with other fair trade supporters and activist to share the importance of fair trade in the U.S. I've been attending the Fair Trade Federation conferences almost annually since I started World Shoppe (www.World-Shoppe.com) and became a member of the non-profit organization whose mission is to advance fair trade in the United States. My first conference happened to be the Fair Trade Futures Conference in Chicago and more than 750 people showed up - more than twice what the organizers expected. It was amazing.

So it is with much excitement that I am attending this year's conference in Boston, September 10-12. Whether you're a student, importer, fair trade shop owner, or someone interested in learning more about what fair trade means, I urge you to consider attending the conference. You can learn more about the planned events at: http://fairtradeconference.ning.com/. If you plan to attend, please let me know (you can connect with me on the Ning Network, too).

If you can't come, please help us spread the word - post the event on your Facebook pages, Twitter feeds, LinkedIn accounts, YouTube, other blogs, your Web site(s). The more people talking about this important event, the more people will learn and understand how important fair trade is in all of our lives.

What a wonderful way for all of us to show our support. I hope to see you there!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Half the Sky by Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn - Movie Screening

Half the Sky by Pulitzer-prize winning journalists Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn is not an easy read - but I believe it's a must read. It's not the kind of book your read it one sitting (or one I think you should read in one sitting). It's the type of book you really need to digest in pieces. In all honesty, I made it to the middle of the book and I had to set it aside for a couple of weeks because I didn't have the strength to continue to read it.

If you've not read the book, it's a book about women from around the world who face obstacles you can't even imagine simply because of their gender. I can't imagine anyone could read this book and not be moved and want to take action. Although its goal is to shed light on women's rights globally, it's also about human rights. It tackles so many issues, not just honor killings, but also how culture and customs can affect and suppress women.

Lest you think this is a book just about sadness, it's also about how women (and men) are making a difference, too. And how you can. It's a very hopeful book.
I recently received an email from CARE (www.Care.org). According to the email, CARE has joined forces with Marisa Tomei, Maria Bello, India Arie, Nicholas Kristof and others for HALF THE SKY, an inspiring one night event in 500 movie theatres on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 p.m. (in all time zones).

Inspired by moving stories from the critically-acclaimed book "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide", HALF THE SKY will be an evening of uplifting songs, celebrity discussion and the world premiere of "Woineshet," a powerful short film directed by Academy Award®-winner Marisa Tomei and Lisa Leone that chronicles the struggles of an Ethiopian woman who triumphs over violence and discrimination.

Visit www.halftheskylive.com for details, theatre listings and to purchase your tickets today. I'm excited to see so many theaters in Chicago showing it and I'm planning to attend. I hope you'll join me. Please let me know...it would be nice to see it with friends.

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Spring Festival of African Music Comes to Chicago

If you enjoy experiencing world music, the Spring Festival of African Music at the Old Town School of Folk Music in Chicago is not one to miss.

Beginning this month and continuing through April, you'll enjoy performances from a wide range of African artists.

Performances will be held at Gary and Laura Maurer Concert Hall, The Old Town School of Folk Music, 4544 N. Lincoln Ave. in Chicago. For more information or to purchase tickets, call Old Town School of Folk Music at (773) 728-6000 or visit www.oldtownschool.org.

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Our first trade show a scucess - what were retailers eyeing?

World Shoppe just completed its first trade show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart and we couldn't be happier. If you've been reading our blog, you'll know that a month ago I was in the throes of pre-planning - what we needed to bring, what we still needed to create, etc. When move-in began (see photo of our empty booth to the right), the process couldn't have been easier. We unloaded via the dock and started working. The first day was spent speaking to a lot of interested retailers from Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan, Kentucky, and even Montana.

What I found particularly interesting is that although we may have two "types" of buyers, they are really one of the same. We had shops who sought us out specifically because we're fair trade and nothing like they've seen before and other shop owners who loved the look of the pieces - the quality, the metals, the semi-precious gemstones tantalized them. The fact that they were fair trade made the pieces even more special.

At the end of the show, we were so busy, I began to get considered that we didn't have enough stock in the United States! Happily, though, we are fine although we're placing another order with our artisans today because we're very low on several pieces. What a great problem to have!

So, what were our best sellers with retailers...here you go!

1) Hearts - no matter if it's for Valentine's Day, Mothers Day, or any time of the year, this seems to have been one of our biggest attractions.
2) Symphony Tigers Eye pieces - everyone from symphony gift shops to gift and apparel boutiques loved this set because it's very different, includes Tiger's Eye stones, and the quality is second to none.
3) Anything hematite - hematite necklace, our cuffs, and earrings were a hit. Maybe because the semi-precious gemstone is shiny and silver-y or maybe it was the designs...but people gravitated to this piece and "had to have it" in their stores.

As of right now, we have shops in the following states and we're going to be posting the shop names on our Web site very soon - IL, IN, WI, MI, KY, VT, MA.

Hope you enjoy the pictures and we'll see you soon!

PS - the photo on the right is me (center) with representatives from the South African Consulate who stopped by to wish me well!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com

Preparing for World Shoppe's First Trade Show!

As we enter the new year, World Shoppe is gearing up for its first ever trade show at the Chicago Merchandise Mart (yes, for those of you who know me personally, this was the show for which I worked for six years!). In fact, that's one of the reasons I'm so excited to do this show as my first show because I'm so familiar with the venue, the awesome management and operations teams, the media members who regularly come out to see what's new and the buyers who are loyal to the show and know they'll find some wonderful new products to fill their shelves.

DETAILS:
World Shoppe
Beckman's Handcrafted Gift Show
Chicago Merchandise Mart
January 23-26, 2010
Booth 8-8114

With that in mind, I have a laundry list of things I need to do - send out my postcards and emails to prospective retailers, media and my partners (those who've helped me get to where I am today!); finalize my press kit; make follow up phone calls to prospective and current retailers to make sure they stop by to see the entire line and, finally, print up my wholesale price list and photos for my booth (thankfully, my mother, visual designer extraordinaire, is in charge of booth design). But, it's all coming along thanks to good planning last month. Inventory has cleared U.S. Customs and is now organized and ready to ship out once the orders arrive.

Among the items we expect to sell well is our pair of Heart/Leaf Earrings shown here. The earrings are handmade and fairly traded using copper and brass by a group of 18 artisans in South Africa. The pair is just beautiful and can be worn year-round but we've already begun getting inquiries and orders for Valentine's Day. The pair of earrings also has two cuff options and a necklace to complete the set.

If you're a retailer (or know of one) who should be invited to see us at the show, please contact me!

Thank you for your support - and hope to see you at the show!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
World Shoppe
www.World-Shoppe.com