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