World-Shoppe.com Blog

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

2010-12-23T22:38:00.000-06:00

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

2010-11-02T09:45:00.000-05:00

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

2010-09-18T14:55:00.000-05:00

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!

2010-09-08T08:04:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

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

2010-08-20T09:54:00.000-05:00

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

2010-06-02T16:54:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-05-03T09:07:00.000-05:00

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

2010-04-12T10:47:00.000-05:00

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?

2010-03-15T09:23:00.001-05:00

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

2010-02-28T10:19:00.000-06:00

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

2010-02-14T20:42:00.000-06:00

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?

2010-02-03T08:53:00.001-06:00

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!

2010-01-03T15:54:00.001-06:00

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

World Shoppe LAUNCH Party/Trunk Show - December 2

2009-11-24T21:32:00.000-06:00

Finally - World Shoppe's LAUNCH Party & Trunk Show is in just 7 days!

I hope you'll join me on Wednesday, December 2, 2009, as our full collection of copper and brass jewelry from South Africa is unveiled and available for purchase!

Shown here is one pair of our reconstituted turquoise earrings (we have two more designs). Among the items in our fair trade and handmade collection are necklaces, cuffs, bracelets (and earrings) using copper and brass. Many of the designs also feature semi-precious gemstones such as onyx, carnelian, tiger's eye, red tiger's eye, tinted jade and hematite.

The collection ranges in price from just under $30 to around $70.

I'll be on hand to share stories from my recent trip to South Africa and Swaziland, meeting the designer of these beautiful pieces, showing photos of the artisans, and my overall involvement with the fair trade movement over the past decade. We'll enjoy yummy complimentary appetizers and South African wine throughout the evening as well.

I hope you'll join me and invite your friends and family to come as well! Hope to see you in a week!

Greenheart
1911 W. Division Street (in Bucktown/Wicker Park)
Chicago
4:00 - 7:00 p.m.

Thank you again for your support of fair trade! Please let me know if you have any questions - or to let me know you'll be at the party!

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

Fair Trade and Handmade Copper and Brass Jewelry on its way

2009-09-22T09:32:00.000-05:00

We just conducted our pre-clearance exercise with our shipper so hopefully that means our shipment of fair trade and handmade copper and brass jewelry from South Africa is well on its way to the U.S. Let's hope our package doesn't get held up in U.S. Customs!

We're still trying to sort out our recycled billboard line of handbags. For some reason we're having trouble getting the shipment out from South Africa. Part of the challenge is working with artisan groups who aren't well-versed in exporting so this is a learning curve for them. Couple that with the fact that they don't have a ton of shipping options available, and the challenge is compounded. Nonetheless, our shipment is ready, packaged and eager to ship...we just need to finalize the shipping arrangements!

In the meantime, we're posting some new items on www.World-Shoppe.com this week before we send out our September newsletter (which is, of course, late since we've been tied up with our South African partners much of the month). We hope you'll find some new treasures!

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

Newest Artisan Partner Profile - Recycled Billboard Accessories

2009-09-14T10:00:00.000-05:00

Our newest artisan partner is a design and manufacturing studio in the heart of Johannesburg, South Africa. The non-profit group recycles obsolete vinyl billboards and use this durable, weatherproof material to create trendy and unique lifestyle products. Also just as exciting, the group creates job opportunities and helps the environment by creating one-of-a-kind accessories since each of the components are literally taken from parts of a billboard!

The Process
When used billboards (which vary in weight from 50 – 180kg) arrive at the workshop, the artisans follow a meticulous and time-tested process to ensure absolute quality and consistency in all of its products:

• On arrival, all billboards are opened, mopped, dried and folded neatly for storage.
• When a billboard is selected to be a bag, file folder or other product, it is unrolled and the relevant piece/portion is cut. These pieces can vary from 2 – 10m.
• The large pieces are then cut into the relevant pattern pieces needed to make the chosen product, by our highly skilled and talented cutter/designer.
• All the individual pattern pieces are then washed again by hand, and dried.
• All the pattern pieces are ironed, and finally…
• They are sewn into the end product by our team of seamstresses, to be enjoyed by you!

Final Product
All of the groups products are 100% handmade, eco-friendly and proudly South African.

Our latest order is about ready to ship from South Africa and we're making the final plans to get them to the United States this week! We can't wait to get them in. I've been trekking around in the Tote and using my Padfolio and love both of them. I've received so many compliments on the tote already and one woman offered to buy it from me while I was grocery shopping (I gave her my card and told her they will be in shortly - I couldn't bare to part with my bag!).

If you're interested in placing an order, check out our Facebook page to see the full line of products: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/pages/Chicago-IL/wwwWorld-Shoppecom-Fair-Trade-Gifts/103796615105. The page has dimensions, pricing, etc. (which aren't on our Web site yet since the items aren't in stock yet). You can call or email me and I'll make sure to set aside whatever you'd like. We ordered very limited quantities because we wanted to get customer reaction before we placed larger orders with the group...but they are ready, excited and willing to ship many more samples to the United States and I'd love to help increase their employment opportunities while offering fashionable and eco-friendly accessories to our U.S. retailers and customers!

I'm at 312-560-2715 or megy at World-Shoppe dot com. Looking forward to hearing from you soon!

-Megy Karydes
Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

What does The New York Times say about CARE? Find out Sunday.

2009-08-21T19:10:00.000-05:00

Below is part of an email I received this afternoon by non-profit CARE's President and CEO, Dr. Helene D. Gayle.

I wanted to share it with my loyal World Shoppe supporters because CARE is an organization that is working to help women all over the world. If you get the New York Times, please check out this Sunday's magazine. And if you're not a regular subscriber, I hope you'll have the opportunity to pick it up at your local newsstand!

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The New York Times Magazine this Sunday is dedicated to international women's issues, and places CARE's mission at the center of a national dialogue on solutions to global poverty. The issue's feature article, "The Women's Crusade," highlights CARE's focus on women and girls. Goretti Nyabenda, a participant in one of our village savings and loan programs in Burundi, is featured on the magazine's cover, and her story is told in the audio slide show, "A Powerful Truth."

We are thrilled that The New York Times Magazine is shedding light on the pivotal role that women and girls play in fighting global poverty. As the magazine notes, "The world is awakening to a powerful truth: Women and girls aren't the problem; they're the solution." At CARE, we couldn't agree more. We encourage you to read this issue of The New York Times Magazine, and share it with your friends and family.

A catalyst for the magazine's focus this weekend is the release of Nicholas Kristof and Sheryl WuDunn's book, "Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide," which will be available on September 8, 2009. This moving book shares poignant tales of women's struggles and triumphs in the face of poverty and discrimination. You'll meet inspiring women in the developing world and even learn more about our friend in Burundi in the book's chapter, "A CARE Package for Goretti." Through these compelling stories, the authors brilliantly illustrate the connections between women's empowerment and social and economic progress.

We're inviting you to read "Half the Sky" with your book club, women's group, alumni chapter or family and friends. Then, start a conversation about the challenges and opportunities women and girls face, and what you can do to help, such as joining CARE in the global movement to end poverty by empowering women and girls.

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As a side note, if you pre-order "Half the Sky" through Amazon using this link, CARE will receive at least 4 percent of the revenue (but you need to use this link). I don't have anything to do with this offer so if you have questions about the revenue share, you may want to contact CARE directly. CARE's 800 number is 800-422-7385. You can also learn more about this organization by visiting www.CARE.org.

Wouldn't this book make a wonderful gift for any woman (and man) in your life?

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

Meet Lindi, a South African Fair Trade Artist

2009-08-17T14:14:00.000-05:00

I met Lindi on my recent trip to South Africa and was immediately drawn to her infectious smile. When Lindi smile, you can't help but smile back.

Lindi lives in the Northern Cape province in South Africa and makes handmade and fair trade jewelry including this red number I'm wearing around my neck although it's a tad hard to see with my bright pink sweater. Lindi was engaging, fun and beautiful inside and out. She showed me some of her designs and shared with me the fact that she has taken some jewelry classes offered in Johannesburg. Lindi is talented - as were all of the women I met while traveling to South Africa and Swaziland this month. What they don't have, though, is a market for their work. A sustainable one, at least. One that can provide them with ongoing employment opportunities and a way to help contribute to making their local economies stronger.

Lindi and I will begin working on some jewelry designs and hope to share some of them with you in the coming months. My intention wasn't necessarily to begin a wholesaling business when I traveled to South Africa but I'm excited to be working with several artisans I met so we're going to give it a shot. I think the U.S. is ready for Lindi's designs and I hope you'll agree!

In the coming weeks I'll be posting some of the new products I found while in South Africa and Swaziland online. In the meantime, please keep supporting fair trade. And, if you've haven't become a fan of World Shoppe on Facebook, please connect with us! I just posted 30 photos on our Facebook page this afternoon!

Enjoy your week...I can't believe it's already the middle of August.

-Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com
Fair Trade Gifts, Jewelry and Home Accessories from more than 33 countries

Howard Dean speaks at Barbara's Bookstore

2009-07-31T08:58:00.001-05:00

For most people in the world, health care just isn't an option. That's the case in the United States, too, one of the richest countries in the world.

This blog post isn't about whether I'm a Democrat or a Republican, but I am interested in learning as much as possible about the health care plan President Obama and his administration is proposing.

Howard Dean, a former presidential hopeful and a 6-term governor for the state of Vermont, is going to be speaking on his prescription for real health care reform on August 5th at Barbara's Bookstore (1218 S. Halsted, near the UIC campus; 5:30 p.m.).

We all have the power to make a difference. We may not have health care for everyone in the U.S., but we can make our voices heard. Hear everyone's take on this issue, Democrats, Republicans, Independents...and make your own decision in the end.

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

Countdown to South Africa

2009-07-28T08:43:00.000-05:00

In one week, I'll be boarding a plan to travel more 24 hours to visit the other side of the world - on so many levels. My destination is South Africa and while it seems like a million miles away, I also feel like we live in a small world. Just as in my hometown of Chicago, women live in poverty in South Africa. Just like mothers in Chicago, mothers in South Africa want to raise their children in the best possible way. To allow the to go to school. To eat healthy food. To have shelter.

But for many in South Africa, that isn't possible. Which is why fair trade is so important to them. By having employment opportunities, they can make decisions that are good for them and their families.

I'm in the process of finalizing my plans on what to see and do while I'm there and look forward to sharing their stories with you!

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

Coming from India - Fair Trade AND Eco-Friendly Jewelry

2009-07-27T14:48:00.000-05:00

I was speaking with a friend of mine who is a reporter recently and she mentioned to me how many companies are touting their "green"ness (either they are using recycled materials, repurposing items, etc). What she also realized, however, is that being green isn't just about recycling something...it's about being good to the people as much as it is being good to the Earth.

Yes, most of the items we offer on www.World-Shoppe.com come from overseas. So, while they are fairly traded, they are made by the hands of those living in developing countries like India, South Africa, Indonesia and Ghana. Most are women.

So is being fair trade good for the Earth since most of the items have to travel so far to come to the U.S.? It's a fair question (no pun intended) but here is my answer - a RESOUNDING YES. Maybe the products do have to travel to get here, but by offering employment opportunities to women who may otherwise have none, we are empowering them to make a difference in lives of their families and communities. They can give back and build health clinics and schools. They can practice safe working conditions and teach others why it's important not to work in sweatshop conditions or employ children to make products. They can recycle products to make new items (like this swanky BOTTLE NECK Necklace above handmade using old glass bottles as the pendant - coming next month from India!).

So, yes, fair trade products may come farther away than products made locally but the opportunities are immense. Does the end justify the means? I'm not sure what fair trade means to you, but for me, being able to give a voice to someone can mean the world to them...and that's the kind of world I want to live in.

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

South Africa - when you work with women, you get things done

2009-07-22T19:38:00.000-05:00

I'm anxiously getting ready for my trip to South Africa in exactly two weeks. I'm trying to pre-plan as much as possible since I know I'll be busy from the minute I get off the airplane to the time I get back on. I already have plans to meet with some fair trade artisans with wonderful gifts, jewelry and home accessories - many of whom are women leading coops! In fact, the gentleman helping me with my trip commented that most of the groups we're meeting with are led by women because, in his words, when you work with women, they get things done. I love that quote...

I met with some folks this morning who were very helpful as I try to navigate cell phones (figured I would rent one there since I won't know if mine will work), laptops (do I take mine or use one there?), converters, dollars vs. rands (the currency of South Africa - see image to the right), how much to tip (yes, tipping is accepted and appreciated), etc. In addition to meeting with artisans throughout my trip, I also want to take in the culture of South Africa - everything from seeing the homes of Nelson Mandela and Desmond Tutu, to the amazing animals.

Have you been to South Africa? Any advice? I've been to many countries outside of the U.S. but never to South Africa so any thoughts or recommendations would be much appreciated!

As I near my flight date, I'll be sure to post some stories and I hope you'll share some of yours with me, too!

Until next time,

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

Fighting Monkeys and Fair Trade Jewelry

2009-07-05T19:26:00.000-05:00

At www.World-Shoppe.com, we try to unearth some wonderful handmade and fairly traded treasures. When we received a batch of jewelry from artisans in Kenya recently, we were thrilled because the necklace was one of our best sellers.

We were fortunate enough to get another shipment of these gorgeous necklaces as well as a matching bracelet! As I put on our Web site product description, if you were even thinking about purchasing this necklace (and matching stretch bracelet) for either yourself or as a gift, I recommend you act quickly because the artisan group is discontinuing these pieces.

So why does our subject line reference fighting monkeys? Well, the 12 inch choker features 8 strands of Ndlongwe seeds – yes, seeds. The tree from which Ndlongwe seeds are harvested is found in the dry lands of the eastern part of Kenya, a place known as Kitui. It is a very rare tree, so rare that the number can be counted. Once the fruits are ripe, local women collect them and remove the skin and the seed. The seeds are left to dry and then strung on a piece of thread and sold to willing buyers. As there is very little economic activity in this part of Kenya, the income generated is used to buy food and other basic human needs by the women engaged in this kind of business.

The biggest setback here is that the tree bears fruit only once every year, usually between June and August. Monkeys also are partial to the fruit (can you imagine fighting a monkey to get your raw goods?). The string used in this necklace is also eco-friendly as it is recycled from old motor vehicle tires. The small rings are from 18 gauge brass wire which artisans make at the Jacaranda Workshop. They also make the brass tube and spiral (which can expand to make the necklace a little longer) at the end of the necklace. A knot is made before and after each seed with a ring on either side.

So, if you're partial to fair trade jewelry that is also a conversation piece, look no further - this necklace and bracelet were made with you in mind! But, act quickly because once they are gone, they are truly gone!

Handmade by our artisan partners in Kenya, you can find the necklace here: http://www.world-shoppe.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=mas_nck29&type=store and the matching bracelet here: http://www.world-shoppe.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=mas_wjb03&type=store.

Thanks for letting us share this fair trade story with you!

Until next time,

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

South Africa - here we come!

2009-06-23T10:36:00.000-05:00

World Shoppe (www.World-Shoppe.com) has the unique pleasure of visiting South Africa later this summer to work with artisans on some fair trade products. To say we're thrilled and excited would be an understatement.

While many of you already know how important it is to use your purchasing power to support your values (and I wish more people valued treating people with respect, dignity, paying them a fair wage to be able to eat, have shelter and allow children to go to school), it just doesn't work with way. Most people are more concerned, sadly, with getting the lowest price on products, even if that means that the people making those products are paid very poorly, or that children have to work rather than attend school.

The great news is that the shift is changing and more people than ever are asking questions. Where are these products made, how are they made? Are children producing them? Are people working in slave-like conditions? Is the Earth being considered either by using recycled products or in the facility where it was made? The more information we require, the more retailers will be held accountable - and they will hold their suppliers accountable, too.

Our trip to South Africa will be a wonderful opportunity to meet some of our artisan partners first hand, to learn what we can do better together to not only support our neighbors across the pond (and very large pond), but also to support centuries-old techniques and skills.

I hope to be able to blog about my experience regularly and to post photos of this amazing country while I'm there. Maybe I'll be able to post some pictures of fair trade items we'll be bringing back to the U.S., too! But, most importantly, I hope to bring back lots of wonderful, inspiring and lovely stories of the people I meet.

Thank you for being part of this journey with me as we all work together to make this world more just, exciting and fun to live in!

Until next time, thank you for supporting www.World-Shoppe.com and fair trade!

With warmest regards,

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

Chicago's World Fair Trade Day an AMAZING SUCCESS

2009-05-05T20:28:00.000-05:00

As an active board member of Chicago Fair Trade for the past three years, I've had the pleasure of seeing our fair trade community in Chicago grow by leaps and bounds. It's been humbling, exciting and exhausting at the same time!

Yesterday, May 4, www.World-Shoppe.com had the opportunity to take part in our second annual World Fair Trade Day celebration in Daley Plaza, in downtown Chicago. WOW. Talk about an amazing day! If there is a recession going on, you wouldn't know it based on how PACKED our www.World-Shoppe.com booth was! People were lined up to see all of our fair trade gifts, fair trade jewlery and to just learn more about fair trade. The fact that our event coincided with the week before Mother's Day didn't hurt, nor did the AMAZING Chicago weather, but what was really exciting was being able to really share the stories of our artisan groups with so many people who had never heard of the term fair trade before.

Countless people stopped by to ask what fair trade meant, why it was important to support, and I can't tell you how many people commented on how absolutely reasonable our prices were for products that were handmade!

I'm also very excited that most of the major media outlets in Chicago covered the event either the days leading up to it or literally the morning of our event! NBC5 Chicago covered two of our vendors, ABC7 Chicago featured yours truly (Megy Karydes) http://abclocal.go.com/wls/video?id=6792522 as a representative of Chicago Fair Trade on Saturday morning LIVE on the air and we even enticed Ed Curran, meteorologist with CBS2 Chicago to do a segment LIVE yesterday morning just as we were opening our event to the public!

We also got some love from TimeOut Chicago and Chicago Tribune's RedEye and had our FULL PAGE FEATURE in this month's issue of Mindful Metropolis magazine.

And, Chicago Public Radio did a wonderful 20 minute segment with Chicago Fair Trade's executive director, Nancy Jones & Pushpika Freitas of Marketplace: Handiwork of India on Friday: http://www.chicagopublicradio.org/content.aspx?audioID=33928!

We're not quite yet a Fair Trade City in Chicago...but with this type of support and encouragement, I'm more hopeful than ever that we'll proudly claim the title very soon. Please join us in this important movement. Support fair trade whenever you can...ask for fair trade coffee at your local coffee shop or seek out retailer who carry fair trade gifts. Give your mother a fair trade necklace; a newly married couple a fair trade gift; a new graduate a fair trade gift certificate! The possibilities are endless. By choosing to re-allocate your dollars to companies that make a difference, we're all part of the solution!

Thank you again for your amazing support. I'm honored to be part of the fair trade movement and I hope you'll join more than 80 countries around the world this Saturday, May 9, as more than 50,000 Americans take a "Fair Trade Break" as part of World Fair Trade Day! Spread the message! WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE! :-)

Smiling,

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

Sundance Channel Sheds Light on the Real Cost of Living

2009-04-23T11:54:00.000-05:00

Beginning April 21st, just in time for Earth Day, the Sundance Channel began an in-depth exploration of the origins and environmental impact of common everyday products in a new and enlightening eight-part original series, “Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living.” Hosted by eco-adventurer David de Rothschild, whose far-flung travels have garnered international attention, the half-hour primetime program (airing Mondays at 9: 00pm e/p) investigates iconic items from cotton t-shirts and paper napkins to salmon and cell phones, and follows their life cycle from production to disposal, revealing the environmental, social and health effects along the way. The series, which inspires and educates viewers on what they can do to live a greener life, will air as part of The GREEN, Sundance Channel’s weekly destination for environmental programming.

David de Rothschild is the author of “The Live Earth Global Warming Survival Handbook” and founder of Adventure Ecology—an organization that uses adventure and storytelling to captivate the imagination, raise global mass media awareness and inspire individuals, communities and industry to take smart actions for our planet. In 2009, he will embark upon the Plastiki Expedition, traveling from San Francisco to Australia aboard a vessel made almost entirely of recycled plastic water bottles. In doing so, he hopes not only to draw attention to the wonders that can be created from recycled materials but also to the dangers, in the forms of garbage and waste, facing our oceans. Like “Eco-Trip: The Real Cost of Living”, The Plastiki aims to combat the environmental threats that un-recycled waste pose to our planet.

“’Eco Trip: The Real Cost of Living’ is very near to my heart,” de Rothschild said. “It’s a show that teaches viewers something they didn’t know or understand before they tuned in without making them feel that incredible sense of guilt because they haven’t yet saved the world. Our hope is that audiences will gain a better understanding of the what goes into manufacturing these very familiar products; how disposing of products responsibly can impact our environment in a positive way; and to send a message that says every single person’s contribution to making the world better can truly make a difference.”

Here are the episode descriptions if you're interested in seeing them! (PS - I included the one that passed on chocolate because I wanted to share the description...maybe Sundance will repeat the episode or it can be viewed online...)

Episode 1 - Chocolate – Tuesday April 21, 9pm e/p
Three and half million tons of chocolate are produced worldwide annually, and most processed chocolate candy is actually made up mostly of sugar. Grown conventionally, cocoa beans and sugarcane are highly damaging to the environment and biodiversity. In this episode, David embarks on a bean-to-bar journey that takes him from an organic cocoa farm in the Dominican Republic to the Everglades in southern Florida, an organic dairy farm in New York, and a chocolate factory in Chicago. As he learns about the true cost of conventional chocolate, David also gets to take part in making organic chocolate, an increasingly popular alternative -- one that is both delicious and healthy.

Episode 2 - Cotton T-shirt – Tuesday April 28, 9pm e/p
Conventional cotton farming uses more water, synthetic chemicals and hazardous pesticides – including known carcinogens -- than almost any other crop on earth. But we don’t only wear cotton, sleep on it and dry off with it: 70% of a cotton harvest makes its way into our food supply via livestock and cottonseed oil. Which raises the question: if cotton is everywhere, are its toxins, too? In this episode, David explores the long, chemically enhanced road traveled by an ordinary cotton T-shirt, from farm to cotton gin to overseas weaving, dying and manufacture. David’s own journey begins with a lesson in organic cotton farming, and continues with an eye-opening visit with a scientist studying the impact of pesticides on workers, the earth and all of us. Concluding his tour in New York City, David goes shopping for a healthier T-shirt.

Episode 3 - Gold Ring – Tuesday May 5, 9pm e/p
The U.S. is one of the world’s largest producers and consumers of gold; our annual retail market for gold is 19 billion dollars, and most of those dollars go to jewelry. However, the common mining practices behind a pretty gold ring can leave an ugly mess behind: blasted earth, fouled air and waterways polluted with toxic materials like arsenic, mercury, sulfuric acid, lead, copper and zinc. In this episode, David travels to Nevada, where he gets a bird’s eye view of the devastated landscape. He learns about the movement among retailers and jewelers to renounce so-called “dirty gold,” and visits a veteran jewelry designer in Oregon, where he tries his hand at making the most eco-friendly jewelry of all, from recycled and reclaimed gold.

Episode 4 - Paper Napkin – Tuesday May 12, 9pm e/p
The U.S. is the world’s largest producer and user of paper products, topping out at 84 million tons annually; every U.S. resident goes through an average of 50 pounds of disposable tissue products every year. More than half of all wood logged for paper comes from old growth forests or virgin pulp – resources that would otherwise nurture vital ecosystems and absorb the carbon dioxide that causes global warming. In this episode, David takes the paper napkin -- staple of coffee shops and food venders -- and follows its life cycle from forest to paper mill to landfill. The costs of that throwaway napkin quickly adds up - in terms of forest destruction, air and water pollution and endangered human health. However, David finds that there are more sustainable ways to log and process paper products, and learns how a used napkin can be put to very good use.

Episode 5 - Light Bulb – Tuesday May 19, 9pm e/p
It has been widely reported that if every American household replaced one incandescent light bulb for a compact fluorescent (CFL) bulb, it would save enough energy to power 3 million homes, while lowering electric bills and combating global warming. Can one light bulb really make a difference? In this episode, David looks at Thomas Edison’s bright idea, following the light bulb past the socket and onto the electric grid. Half of America’s electricity is sourced from coal, and on a visit to Appalachia, David is shown the devastating impact of mountaintop removal, now the preferred method of coal mining in the U.S. In Arizona, David checks out the latest innovations in solar energy technology, before heading back to the East Coast for a look into the future of light bulbs.

Episode 6 - Bottled Water – Tuesday May 26, 9pm e/p
The U.S. market for bottled water is the largest in the world, with sales up over 170% in the past decade. But where does this water come from, and is it actually better – or much different – than tap? And what are the unseen costs of retail water to the environment and wildlife, and to our health and even our economy? In California, David tests the local tap water in more ways than one, and discovers how plastic bottles – some 98 million are discarded daily – wreak havoc on the health of oceans and marine life, and even make their way into the food chain. On the banks of the muddy Missouri River, David learns about a new option for communities that don’t have access to a pristine water source.

Episode 7 - Cell phone – Tuesday June 2, 9pm e/p
Cell phones are purchased and discarded by the millions every year: 1 billion sold worldwide; 130 million thrown away, with most of the castoffs ending up in the landfill or the incinerator. In this episode, David tracks the raw materials necessary for cell phone manufacturing, including oil, metals and the mineral coltan; tracing the path of coltan, David finds himself at the Bronx Zoo, home of an endangered African gorilla. In California’s Silicon Valley, the high-tech birthplace of cell phone technology, David learns that the hazardous legacy of e-technology lives on underground. In Mt. Vernon, New York, David joins the assembly line at We Recycle, part of a growing industry seeking to halt the toxic stream of e-waste.

Episode 8 - Salmon – Tuesday June 9, 9pm e/p
Salmon consumption in the U.S. has more than doubled in the past 15 years, an increase made possible in large part by the rise of commercial salmon farming. Meanwhile, wild salmon populations are at historic lows on both coasts of the U.S., and wild Atlantic salmon is commercially extinct. At this point, 90% of the salmon consumed by Americans is farm-grown. But is salmon farming truly sustainable, and are the domesticated stocks relieving pressure on their wild brethren or adding to it? In this episode, David wades into the complicated issues surrounding this culinary favorite, including the pro and con arguments surrounding salmon farming.

Happy watching!

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

55,000 Strong for World Fair Trade Day, 2009

2009-04-06T13:00:00.001-05:00

The Fair Trade Resource Network is on a mission to find Americans, 55,000 to be exact, to take a fair trade break on May 9 of this year. A day before Mother's Day in the United States, the non-profit organization wants us to join hands with our international neighbors to celebrate fair trade.

A lofty goal, yes. But Finland hit over 50,000 just last October. Can Americans do it? Absolutely!

Share this video with your friends: http://tinyurl.com/d79xtn, plan and then post your event on the organization's Web site: www.FTRN.org.

Together we can make a difference! I hope you'll join me and your fellow Americans as we show the world that everything is better when it's fair trade!

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

New Shipments Arriving This Week from India, Kenya, Bangladesh

2009-04-06T09:30:00.001-05:00

http://www.world-shoppe.com/ has been busy busy busy. Sadly, we didn't get our March e-newsletter out because we've been busy finalizing some of our orders with our partners.

Happily, though, we're getting a TON of shipments this month and the fair trade gifts and home accents include jewelry such as necklaces, bracelets and earrings from India and Nepal; kitchen and garden accessories from Bangladesh, the Philippines, India and Kenya; Prayer Flags from Tibet; a gorgeous set of bathroom accessories from India (we're really excited about this set because there aren't a lot of groups that produce bathroom accessories - we've included a sneak peak with this blog post!); and so much more.

We're making room in our storage space to accept all of the packages so once they arrive, we'll photograph them and post them on the site as soon as we can.

In the meantime, please visit our Web site, http://www.world-shoppe.com/, and share the site with your friends and family! The more we share the news of fair trade, the better it is for our earth and our artisan neighbors all over the world.

Thank you so much for your amazing support. I've said it before but I'll say it again - we couldn't do this work without you and for that we're eternally grateful!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
http://www.world-shoppe.com/

www.World-Shoppe.com might be visiting South Africa!

2009-03-26T08:27:00.000-05:00

I'm so excited - there might be a chance to visit some artisan groups in South Africa later this summer! As many of you already know, www.World-Shoppe.com 'currently doesn't offer many fair trade products from South Africa. Part of the reason is because there aren't many groups who are certified as fair trade in South Africa; another is the cost of shipping is oftentimes high, depending on how much is shipped over at once; finally, quality control is a big issue and unless you have the ability to really work with your artisans, sometimes what you think you're getting isn't really what you're going to get (and that's really true with any artisan group or company you're working with!).

However, I'm hopeful that this summer will find me in South Africa so I can learn more about the producers whose handiworks would be so very much appreciated in the United States. I should know in May whether I've been approved to visit and will share more details about my travel itinerary at that time!

In the meantime, thank you for your support of fair trade products! World Fair Trade Day is fast approaching on May 9 and we all hope you'll choose to take a "fair trade break" on May 9 and help the U.S. break a world record of the world's largest fair trade break! For more information, visit www.FTRN.org where you'll find free marketing and promotional collateral and information on how you can form your own fair trade event or participate in one already planned near your community!

Thank you again, fair traders! Until next time,

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

www.World-Shoppe.com is on Facebook!

2009-03-02T09:03:00.000-06:00

After many months of friends urging me to get on Facebook, I finally did it last fall and I couldn't be happier. From a personal perspective, it's connected me to friends and family members I haven't seen or spoken to for decades. But, from a http://www.world-shoppe.com/ perspective, it's just as exciting because it allows us to communicate with our supporters in a more "real-time" and personal way since those who become fans are truly interested in hearing from us!

So, if you're on Facebook and want to become a "fan," here's the ridiculously long link that I can't figure out how to embed into an easy and clickable URL link:
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Chicago-IL/wwwWorld-Shoppecom-Fair-Trade-Gifts/103796615105?ref=ts.

Please join us if you're interested in staying in touch on a more regular level. We'll also be posting specials for just our Facebook Fans and you'll want to be "in the know" for those www.World-Shoppe.com fair trade gift and home accent specials!

Thank you for your support - we look forward to seeing you in cyber-world!

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

What exactly does Fair Trade mean?

2009-02-24T20:31:00.001-06:00

Being an active member of the fair trade movement both locally and nationally, I'm often asked what exactly does fair trade mean.

I usually begin by saying it's about reducing poverty in the world by respecting those who make the products we enjoy whether it's the coffee we drink or the jewelry we wear. Fair trade is about providing a fair wage to the artisan who made the products. It's about not using sweatshop or child labor. It's about women's rights and children's rights. But, at its core, it's about treating people with respect and with dignity.

We've recently began offering a book by Jackie DeCarlo called, appropriately, "Fair Trade". The book is available at www.World-Shoppe.com by clicking here: http://www.world-shoppe.com/cgi-bin/category.cgi?item=mas_eh011&type=store.

And, in addition to discussing what fair trade means, it also provides us with ideas on how we can incorporate fair trade into our every day lives whether it's through our purchases or to educate others about the difference fair trade can make in each of our lives and for those who make the products we enjoy on a regular basis.

A great read for anyone interested in learning more about fair trade, students, teachers, faith-based leaders and everyday, ordinary folks like us!

Happy reading.

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

www.World-Shoppe.com Featured in FitYoga

2009-01-22T08:42:00.000-06:00

So excited to share that our eco-friendly messenger bags made from yoga mat remnants were featured in FitYoga's magazine, February 2009!

For those of you who aren't familiar with this line, Merle O'Brien, a native of Highland Park in Illinois and now living in Colorado, was in a downward dog position when she began thinking of her yoga mat bag, what is was made from and where it ended up. She quickly learned that while yoga might be good for the soul, the mat material wasn't necessarily good for the earth. So she began researching ways she can take those yoga mat remnants (the extra pieces that aren't used and would wind up in landfills) and started making cute bags from the material. The straps were taken from factories who make those rubbery-sport sandals (I won't mention the brand.). Suffice to say that the bags are not only eco-friendly and cute, but diverts landfill-bound materials into functional pieces!

How did Merle and I connect? Well, she also made Jute Fiber (fairly traded) bags that made it to Sundance a couple of year's ago and, naturally, we began talking about ways in which we can help people and the world through our work. Merle is an amazing woman and I'm honored to have met her. Although our world is large in size, it's people like her who remind me how small our world really is.

Our eco-messenger bags come in two colors - red and slate blue and if you use the coupon code Megy08 in the coupon section, we'll make sure to ship one out to you asap without a shipping fee! We also have adorable clutches in the blue slate - perfect for night's out or when you don't need to carry the kitchen sink with you when you leave your house!

Was so excited to share the news - feel free to share it with your friends, too!

Thank you!

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

New Year, New Hope, It's a Journey

2009-01-16T14:04:00.000-06:00

Happy New Year! While 2008 was definitely one to go down in the memory books for a LOT of reasons, I'm also looking forward to a wonderful and strong 2009.

Despite the gloom and doom surrounding the economy and retail sales overall, I'm delightedto share that because of loyal and new customers who choose to support those less fortunate through their purchasing power that www.World-Shoppe.com had it best year ever. Not only did sales exceed our expectations, but we were able to continue employment for thousands of artisans all over the world because they need to work to survive.

Am I blind to the fact that our fellow Americans are losing their jobs, too and need work to survive here are well? No, that fact hasn't been lost on me. I have friends and family who have been affected. There is so much to do. But, what I can say is that when I launched www.World-Shoppe.com, my goal was to help empower women in developing countries build their voice by giving them the power to earn income for their talents and work.

Several friends and well-meaning (and some not so well-meaning) individuals have asked why I haven't changed my business plan to help support local artisans (rather than those across oceans) or encourage more local buying (as opposed to buying in other countries). The whole "shop local" movement has taken this country by storm and the whole "green" world has put a new spin on importing from developing countries.

Here is what I say - it's all good. Really. It is.

Shop local. We need to support our local indie shops and farmers. We need strong and healthy economies that can support our arts and our artists.
Do your part to help the environment. Think about your purchases. Can you recycle your products or compost your trash? Can you give your clothes to a local non-profit who can sell them and support their programs? Change your lightbulbs to friendlier choices and grab that tote bag and don't ask for paper or plastic when you go shopping again.
Support fair trade whenever you can. First of all, let's be clear - fair trade isn't just about supporting artistans across oceans and continents - it's about people. People, for circumstances often out of their control, are living in poverty or in conditions you and I will never see or ever wish on anyone. It's about people working in dignity and being paid a fair wage for the work they do. To care for their families and their children who depend and love them unconditionally. To contribute to their communities and their schools and their health clinics. Fair trade is not about a product. At it's core - it's about people like you and me who deserve to live in a world that treats them with respect.

Does it have to be one way or the other? I'd love to think that I can live in a world that cares about our neighbor whether she or he shares my zip code, or my earth. That's the kind of world I want to raise my children and I hope you'll agree and join me.

Thank you so much for your support of fair trade. It is my goal to bring you even more stories about our artisans and their work in the coming months...thank you for joining me in this journey!

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

Happy Kwanzaa - www.World-Shoppe.com in the news!

2008-12-29T09:09:00.000-06:00

A happy belated start of Kwanzaa (although it's not exactly over!). And a big thank you to the Denver Post for including our fair trade and soapstone Kwanzaa Kinara, handmade by our artisan group in Kenya, in the December 26 issue! If you're not in the Denver area, or pick up the Denver Post, you can still see the piece by clicking on the Denver Post Web site link: http://blogs.denverpost.com/homegirls/2008/12/26/home-decorations-and-crafts-for-kwanzaa/. The piece even included a photo of our pretty Kinara.

Thank you, Sheba Wheeler, for writing about Kwanzaa! In the hustle and bustle of Christmas and Hanukkah, many forget another cultural celebration many Americans enjoy at the end of the year!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes, Founder

http://www.world-shoppe.com/

Look for the Label - fair trade's many labels

2008-12-02T13:45:00.000-06:00

Most fair trade organizations are members of a fair trade organization or two. In the U.S., it's common for organizations to be a member of the Fair Trade Federation (www.FairTradeFederation.org). www.World-Shoppe.com has been a member since we practically launched our fair trade Web site in August 2004.

www.World-Shoppe.com is also a member (and I'm a board member) of Chicago Fair Trade (www.ChicagoFairTrade.org). This latter organization is working toward making Chicago a fair trade city and educating Chicagoland residents and businesses about fair trade.

On an international scale, there is the World Fair Trade Organization, formerly known as IFAT (it just changed its name in October of this year). Members of this organization, like the FTF, are committed to 100% fair trade. Its new name is part of a process to clearly state its mission and gives it a platform to truly impact the livelihoods of the most vulnerable through Fair Trade.

TransFair is the label most of us see on coffee and other food commodities.

To make things even more complicated in terms of labeling, the World Fair Trade Organization is embarking on a fair trade label of crafts (which is what we normally sell on www.World-Shoppe.com).

What does this all mean to regular every day consumers? Well, it means there are a lot of labels but when you're purchasing something, look for a label of some sort that indicates your product has been fairly traded. If in doubt, ask the merchant from whom you're purchasing your product. More often than not, they probably know the story behind the product and can give you some insight on where the product was made, the process used to make it and how it directly impacts the artisan(s).

The concept of fair trade isn't meant to be complicated but in the process of making it easier for people to understand, it's become a little harder to figure out what the labels mean.

If you ever have a question about a fair trade label, just ask! As we work toward making this world a better place to live, we can get there faster when we're all striving toward the same goal.

Thank you for reading and hope to see you soon!

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

www.World-Shoppe.com Sports a New Look!

2008-12-01T15:36:00.000-06:00

Finally, on Black Friday, www.World-Shoppe.com officially went live. Actually, it went live the evening before Thanksgiving but for some quirky reason our credit card processing system didn't make the seamless transition so we really went live on Friday morning.

A HUGE thanks to Adria Willenson, our Web designer extraordinare, who stuck through me over the last few months as we researched new Web hosting companies that would allow us to do what we wanted it to do - offer a wonderful shopping opportunity to those who wanted beautiful, handmade and fairly traded gifts and home accents from around the world.

The new site must be working because it truly has been a "Cyber Monday" day today - orders have been coming through steadily throughout the day and people are definitely purchasing for holiday gift giving! It's so exciting to see people wanting to make a difference by simply choosing to give a gift that makes a difference. Thank you.

We really hope you love the new look of www.World-Shoppe.com. We know there is still much to do in terms of updating our "recommendations" section and some other minor updates but we couldn't wait any longer to get the site up!

Please drop me a line and let me know what you think of the site - megy@World-Shoppe.com!

In the meantime, happy shopping and hope you're enjoying the holiday season!

With warmest regards,
Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com
312-560-2715

www.World-Shoppe.com featured in Cottage Living!

2008-10-14T08:20:00.000-05:00

Check out http://www.world-shoppe.com/ in the last page of Cottage Living's holiday issue on Gifts that Give Back! Our Pistachio Green Baby Tagine Salt & Pepper Sets make an appearance and as we suspected, they are already selling quickly! We have plenty in stock but if you've been eyeing this bold and colorful set for yourself of friends for the holidays, I'd recommend acting sooner than later to place your order!

Also, on the NEW Web site front, I'm thrilled to say that we're so on target for an early November launch. I seriously can't wait. One of our categories (Personal Accessories) is being uploaded this week. Our "non-product" pages (such as our About Us, Press Page, FAQ, etc) have all been uploaded and look awesome. We still have to add in some of our images and proofread everything but I have to say, it's looking really great! Our Web designer is a true rock star. Not only does she understand Web design, but she understands fair trade - which is absolutely wonderful!

In any event, we'll be sending out our next e-newsletter this week so please be on the lookout for it. We've also been having several people forward on the email newsletter to friends and family - feel free to do so! The more supporters we have, the better for our artisan partners!

Thank you again for your amazing support. I hope you're enjoying this experience as much as I am!

Until next time,

-Megy Karydes, Founder

http://www.world-shoppe.com/

October is Fair Trade Month

2008-10-06T11:34:00.000-05:00

This month we celebrate Fair Trade Month. Although it's wonderful to have a month dedicated to fair trade, fair trade shouldn't be something that we only think about during one month - just like breast cancer, which also celebrates its "month" during October.

Fair trade is a real way to make a difference - something very tangible. Although the model isn't quite that simple, we often make it more complicated than it needs to be. At its very basic, artisans in a developing country (heck, even in our own "rich" country), artisans make products that help feed their families. We purchase their products and continue to support them by continuing to purchase more of their products so their work doesn't "dry up" and they are left where they started. We then make their beautiful products available to you. At its most basic form, that's how fair trade works. It's really a poverty reduction method since the basis of the marketplace exists to reduce poverty in developing countries.

But here is where is gets more complicated - do we really "need" another basket? Some argue that we're just creating more "stuff" when we don't really need it.

Okay, back to our question...do we need another basket? Maybe not...but if we were going to buy a basket, why not make it one that you know someone was paid a fair wage for, a child didn't make it in a factory, and the way it was made didn't affect the earth? Most of us do give gifts for birthdays, weddings, graduations, you get the picture. Why not buy a gift that is fairly traded?

So this month, why not consider a gift for someone (or for yourself) that is fairly traded? And while you're at it, encourage someone to schedule that mammogram, too.

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

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.

2008-09-15T08:45:00.000-05:00

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist.
-Indira Ghandi

I came across this quote by Indira Ghandi and stopped to think how really true this statement is. I've heard it before and each time I just think what power each of us has to turn a clenched fist, jaw, body, whatever, and reach out to someone with an open hand instead. I know it's easier said that done but even if we stopped for a moment and took a few deep breaths, can it really help diffuse a situation?

Our partners, both locally and internationally, are an amazing bunch who have overcome many odds. Rather than turning their backs to the injustices they've been dealt, they've tried to make things better. Often, they really didn't have a choice to even turn their backs - they had a family to feed, clothe and shelter. But despite all of their hardships, they've learned a way to use their skills to make beautiful pieces and, through the process, found dignity and a voice.

I'm delighted to help facilitate making their work and sharing their dreams with you through www.World-Shoppe.com. Being an artist, anywhere in the world, is truly a passion. Being an artist in a developing country has a whole different set of challenges since, often, the only raw material you have from which to work comes from nature or something has to be re-used. While this makes a nice little entree into the fashionable "eco-friendly" movement we're experiencing, it's a matter of survival at a different level for our artisans.

New shipments are arriving daily now as we get into heavy holiday mode. We're unpacking, shooting images, writing our product descriptions and finalizing some holiday events we'll be at this season. We can't wait to share the products and the stories with you. Please bookmark www.World-Shoppe.com and visit often! We're delighted you're on this journey with us and look forward to bringing you items that are not only good for our artisans, but the planet, too.

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

Selling More, or Selling Out?

2008-09-08T10:27:00.000-05:00

Starting a company like http://www.world-shoppe.com/ has been something I've wanted to do since I was little - I just didn't know it was going to look like this e-boutique. The goal was to start a business helping others, especially women, who may not have the opportunities to excel whether that's because of their society, polical climate, religious beliefs, or whatever. Because, I felt, if women could "work" outside the home and make money, their "worth" is looked upon differently because of the way they contribute to their family and community. They also gain a kind of voice that isn't always available to women.

http://www.world-shoppe.com/ was launched to help given women a voice by purchasing products from them - and paying them a fair wage for their work. Sometimes sales aren't stellar and other times they are great. But each day we plug away because we know that each sale does make a difference to that family - women, men, children and entire communities.

When some companies I've long admired started, I imagined they had their own specific goals in mind. In fact, my MBA admission cover letter said that I wanted to start a company helping others, just like Anita Rodham (The Body Shop) or Jerry Greenfield and Ben Cohen (Ben & Jerry's Ice Cream). I admired companies like Tom's of Maine, Burt's Bees, and Honest Tea. Sadly, most of these companies are no longer owned or operated by those forward-thinking entrepreneurs. They've sold their companies to larger companies - and I now wonder if their original goals are still even considered.

I was having lunch with some friends when this topic came out and I was surprised at how few of them knew that these companies sold - what a brilliant marketing tactic. Why not let people, their loyal buyers, think that nothing happened? Makes sense, don't you think, especially if you have an issue supporting the "larger" company for one reason or another? So, in case you didn't know, here are some companies that have sold in recent years:

Odwalla - Coca Cola
Honest Tea - Coca Cola
Rhino Records - TimeWarner
Cascadian Farms - General Mills
Stoneyfield Farms - Group Danone
Tom's of Maine - Colgate
The Body Shop - L'Oreal
Burt's Bees - Clorox
Ben & Jerry - Unilever

There are countless press releases that tout why the founders sold to the larger companies: it was a way to broaden the brand and the mission, create more jobs, etc. I get it. But it just makes it that much harder to "support" their original brand/company/mission when I'm not, directly, supporting another larger company's brand/company/mission through my purchasing power. And that makes me pause and, often, reach out for a new company brand whose mission still aligns with mine.

You can do the same - shop fair trade whenever possible, shop locally, shop farmers market and organic food and clothing whenever you can.

I'm not naive to think I'm going to change the world - but by golly, if I can change the world even for one person, I'll keep doing what I'm doing until I can't do it anymore.

Thanks for sticking around and reading...and supporting http://www.world-shoppe.com/ in any way you can!

Warmly,

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

www.World-Shoppe.com Web site Refresh on-target

2008-09-04T20:05:00.000-05:00

Last month I posted that http://www.world-shoppe.com/ was going to get "refreshed". My goal is that after four years in business (I can't believe it's been four wonderful years!), it was time to let http://www.world-shoppe.com/ grow up from its baby stage.

When we first launched http://www.world-shoppe.com/, it was my first e-boutique venture and while I knew a bit about retail from my volunteering at various non-profit retail shops, this was a whole new ball game. To make our experience launching the site as easy as possible, my Web designers and I decided to use a Yahoo platform to make http://www.world-shoppe.com/ a reality. And while I know my Web designers were less than thrilled with the opportunity to really customize the site as I wanted it, we made it work because there were other things we needed to focus on which included getting the best selection of fair trade gifts, home accessories, kitchen accents and stationery to you (and I think we've done a pretty good job of that based on our increasing sales figures every year since we launched!).

We now have a good, solid groups of fair trade partners all over the world and we continue to source more on a regular basis while keeping our commitment true to our existing partners.

But, as we look to the horizon, we knew that we needed to make our site more effective and functional. Constructive criticism was noted (yes, we listened!) and things that we personally wanted to improve was added to our "wish list". We searched for a web designer that understood our need to be thoughtful to the mission of fair trade while still giving us some wonderful concepts from which to choose.

Well, today we received our first phase mocks up since our site map was approved - and I'm thrilled. While we still need to make some minor tweaks, I'm seriously amazed at how our Web designer took our "wish list" and translated them into a true reflection of easy-to-navigate and visually appealing pages.

I wish I could post some of the pages but that would spoil the "reveal" we're planning to share in just a couple of months. So you'll have to wait and see!

In the meantime, thank you again for your support - and let us know what you think we could do better with our site. Our Blog allows comments - send them to us!

Thanks again!

-Megy Karydes, Founder
http://www.world-shoppe.com/

www.World-Shoppe.com IN THE NEWS

2008-09-03T21:27:00.000-05:00

www.World-Shoppe.com has been featured in not one but TWO national magazines this month - Every Day with Rachael Ray and Family Circle! We are so excited and we've been busy shipping out baby tagine sets and recycled glass beaded necklaces and earrings (since, yes, those were the items featured in the magazines respectively!).

Our Baby Tagine Salt and Pepper Wells handmade by artisans in Morocco were chosen as the very first item in Rach's FAVES feature - and, of course, in Rachael's favorite color - orange! http://www.world-shoppe.com/kitchen/k07.htm

Family Circle chose our Tiara Recycled Glass Beaded Necklace handmade by a women's cooperative in Ghana: http://www.world-shoppe.com/womenaccessories/wa12.htm.

We're always appreciative whenever we receive any editorial coverage because not only does that allow us to share the story of fair trade and our artisans, but it allows us to sell more of their items which translates into more work and opportunities for our artisan partners. What a win-win-win for everyone!

Thanks so much, Every Day with Rachael Ray and Family Circle and all of your fabulous readers!

Warmly,

Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

www.World-Shoppe.com On Its Way to a New Look

2008-08-20T17:58:00.001-05:00

If you've been receiving our monthly e-newsletters you will have learned that we're in the process of "refreshing" our Web site! And we're so excited.

While you may have realized that we've been using a Yahoo platform to host www.World-Shoppe.com, we've realized that its functionality isn't doing it for us anymore. You've asked to be able to see images larger - we're doing that; you've asked for a better way to get gift certificates - we're doing that; you've asked for gift wrapping options - we're doing that, too! Honestly, I'm giddy with excitement as we're working on the new site. I feel like our "Phase I" was a great starting point and we've learned so much over the past 4 years...and now we're ready to give it the functionality you're really asking for based on the feedback we've been receiving.

We're hoping to go live over the next two month period and much of that will be dependent on how quickly we can re-shoot our product images and draft the product descriptions.

If you have any ideas on what you'd like to see with the new site, please let us know!! I know I say this over and over but it's true - we couldn't do this without you and your feedback is important!

I just approved the first rendition of the architecture site today and I'll be seeing the next phase Friday morning. After that I'll be reviewing the home page and a sample product page (yippee). www.World-Shoppe.com is growing up before my very eyes. I can't wait to share the results with you.

Keep me posted if you think of anything...I'm all ears!

With warmest regards,

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

SmartHome - finally - at the Museum of Science and Industry

2008-08-04T09:04:00.001-05:00

My family and I visited the Museum and Science and Industry this weekend and checked out the SmartHome (http://www.msichicago.org/whats-here/exhibits/smart-home/). Dubbed the "greenest home in Chicago," it's impressive because not only is it a beautiful home, but the materials used and the products in the home at eco-friendly in some fashion. The outdoor living spaces are wonderful and the landscape which includes a vegetable garden, is lovely for children to see and enjoy. If you've not had a chance to check out the home, I'd recommend it. It's great to see the eco-friendly options that exist for homeowners.

On another note, in our ongoing effort to teach our children where our food comes from, we're finally seeing the "fruits" of our labor these last couple of weeks. We've picked rasberries, cucumbers and some tomatoes from our backyard. Sometimes the kids plop them into their mouths before we have a chance to wash them but I love the fact that they are seeing firsthand where food comes from. They are too young to understand the significance (since they are both under the age of 4 right now) but we're hoping to build upon this experience so they'll understand what's going on as they get older.

I hope you've had a chance to enjoy some of the new items we've been introducing at www.World-Shoppe.com. The site is going to be getting an overhaul over the next couple of weeks which I'll keep everyone updated through the blog. I'm in the final stages of signing on with a web designer in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, and I can't wait to begin in the process. I'll write more about what you'll be able to expect in the coming days, but suffice to say the site will be improved with many more functionalities and better information!

Thank you again for your support! Until next time...

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

Tree of Life Hanging Makes a Spectacular Statement

2008-07-15T08:29:00.000-05:00

I recently visited a friend's home and noticed our Tree of Life Wall Hanging in her mudroom! I remember her purchasing it from http://www.world-shoppe.com/ last month but thought she would have placed it in her children's bedroom or her den. I asked her how she chose the mudroom and she said, "it brightens up my day when I leave and when I return home!" And, as a bonus, she said, her neighbors get to enjoy it, too, since her mudroom walls are visible to those who walk by her home.

What a lovely way to share her piece. Do you have a beautiful story to share about your recent fair trade purchases? Share them with me! We'll post them on our blog so others can see that fair trade can benefit everyone!

If you're interested in learning more about the Tree of Life Wall Hanging, visit http://www.world-shoppe.com/shared/sh01.htm.

Until next time...

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

Trashy Totes - eco-friendly handbags from Ghana

2008-07-08T13:35:00.000-05:00

A women's co-op in Ghana came up with an ingenious way to re-purpose the plastic bags they use to hold their drinking water - to make another sturdy and lightweight bag!

Our Trashy Totes (available at www.World-Shoppe.com) includes this fun large tote, a medium sized tote (not online yet), a messenger bag (which is online) and a wallet! Each of the bags retails for just $24.50 so you can choose the shape and style that you like best.

What a wonderful way to be enterprising, eco-friendly, fair trade and fashionable?!

-Megy Karydes, Founder

www.World-Shoppe.com

Fair Trade in the News - Chicago Sun-Times

2008-07-07T16:28:00.000-05:00

The Chicago Sun-Times covered fair trade in today's issue: http://www.suntimes.com/news/commentary/1042737,CST-EDT-edit07.article. It's a wonderful article about how Chicago Fair Trade is moving to pass a resolution to make Chicago a Fair Trade City.

If you haven't read the article, I'd encourage you to check it out and comment!

Thank you to the Chicago Sun-Times for a timely and well-written piece about fair trade!

Rising Costs Affecting Food Banks in U.S.

2008-06-23T09:00:00.000-05:00

Much of the work with do within the fair trade movement affects our neighbors in third world countries. There is so much extreme poverty in many countries, you want to do all you can to help support families who just need a little help to get out of the cycle of poverty.

Unfortunately, the rising costs of living in the U.S. has taken its toll on many families state-side as well. We're seeing more and more families who are showing up at their local food banks to help feed their families. And, food banks are seeing the effects of serving more residents. Fewer donors mean less dollars to non-profits; less food being donated to the food banks; more users of food banks. You do the math. It just doesn't add up.

While many of us think of food banks around the holiday times, food shortage for families is often a reality everyday. If you have a chance to donate food or money or your time to your local food bank, please do. You may never realize how much your help will mean to a family.

Thank you.

-Megy

GlobalFest - a celebration in Chicago

2008-06-17T10:21:00.000-05:00

As most of you know, I'm an active board member of Chicago Fair Trade. So it's only natural that I'd be promoting our annual fundraiser this coming Saturday - yes, our Summer Soltice, too!

Come support our annual benefit event! Celebrate our Global Partnerships!

Where: Little Black Pearl 1060 E. 47th St.

When: 7pm Shop at the fair trade marketplace

8pm Musical Program

Shop for fair trade gifts during our Marketplace (beginning at 7:00 p.m.) before the musical act goes at at 8:00 p.m. Yes - http://www.world-shoppe.com/ will be there!

Music by The Hurricane Reggae Band led by Cleve "Hurricane" Jean Jacques. AND...Inti Raymi,“Festival of the Sun” , a musical group that promotes the music and culture of the Andes.

Tickets are just $25.00 in advance ($35.00 at the door) which includes tasty appetizers and a drink ticket.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit http://www.chicagofairtrade.org/. See you there!

-Megy

Free Trees and Plants - what a great way to "recycle"

2008-01-25T13:49:00.000-06:00

This posting isn't exactly about fair trade in the strict sense, but it is about treating people fairly and being good to our earth.

Cheryl Richter began a little Web site called www.FreeTreesandPlants.com because she realized that when large catalog companies or nurseries don't sell out there trees and plants, they are destroyed. Yes, that means that healthy, live plants that could have been planted never make it in the garden or space where they can be enjoyed.

Cheryl is a gardener and horticultural photographer and felt there had to be a better way to distribute these trees and plants. She's also a strong supporter of sheltered workshops. So, she meshed her interest and passion and launched www.FreeTreesandPlants.com.

Yes, the trees and plants are free, but you do have to pay for shipping and handling which runs about $7.95 per unit. This cost covers not only the shipping but part of the "handling" which includes digging, washing, inspecting the items, size sorting, packing, labor, addressing, labeling...you get the picture.

Regardless of the nominal fee, the fact is that you'll not only receive beautiful trees and plants for your garden, but you'll be saving these trees and plants from destruction and creating work for hundreds of thousands of disabled persons.

Fall bulbs are already sold out but you can order perennials, trees and shrubs.

Visit http://www.freetreesandplants.com/index.html for more information.

Happy shopping!

Until next time, stay warm!

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

Women of Islam - Photographs by Rania Matar

2008-01-24T10:24:00.001-06:00

The Chicago Cultural Center hosts an exhibit of photographs by Rania Matar this month and through the end of March. I checked out the exhibit this week and found the images interesting, exciting and haunting.

Matar is a Boston-area photographer but she was born and raised in Lebanon where she repeatedly returned in pursuit of images of her war torn homeland and its people. The photos at this exhibit are all in black and white and they tell the stories largely of women in Lebanon today, with a specific focus on Muslim women and the very volatile issue of the head scarf in Islamic society.

Matar’s striking images combine an unusual skill at composition, very strong contrast in tone, and a sensitive approach to her subjects that brings their humanity into sharp focus by getting up-close, “intimate” shots.

There’s a photo called “Playing with the Doll” that really made me stop. You can see the photo on Matar’s Web site: http://www.raniamatar.com/portfolio/warAftermath/index.html. It’s the picture of a little girl playing with a little doll. The girl can’t be much older than 3 or 4 years old. A woman, perhaps her mother or someone taking care of her, sits idle along the wall – she just sits there. She sits next to this large gaping hole in their home. The hole was most likely the result of a rocket bomb. What struck me was the fact that this family just went on living - despite the fact that they had this big gaping hole in their home and a war is going on. The girl just wanted to play with her doll.

If you have a chance to check out the exhibit at the Chicago Cultural Center, I highly recommend you take the time and look at the images. It definitely makes you stop and wonder what life is all about.

You can also check out the images on Matar’s Web site: http://www.raniamatar.com/.

Until next time,

Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

Creating a World Without Poverty Is Possible

2008-01-23T10:11:00.000-06:00

Yesterday evening I had the opportunity to attend an event hosted by the Chicago Counsel on Global Affairs. The organization invited Muhammad Yunus, winner of the 2006 Nobel Peace Prize, founder and managing director of Grameen Bank, to speak to us about what prompted him to start Grameen Bank, what his challenges were, and what he has seen happen so far.

What if you could harness the power of the free market to solve the problems of poverty, hunger, and inequality? To some, it sounds impossible. But Nobel Peace Prize winner Muhammad Yunus is doing exactly that. As founder of Grameen Bank, Yunus pioneered microcredit, the innovative banking program that provides poor people—mainly women—with small loans they use to launch businesses and lift their families out of poverty. In the past thirty years, microcredit has spread to every continent and benefited over 100 million families.

Now, Yunus—in partnership with some of the world’s most visionary business leaders—has launched the world’s first purposely designed social businesses. From collaborating with Danone to produce affordable, nutritious yogurt for malnourished children in Bangladesh to building eyecare hospitals that will save thousands of poor people from blindness, he offers a glimpse of the amazing future with a planet transformed by thousands of social businesses. Yunus puts forward a pioneering model for nothing less than a new, more humane form of capitalism.

What I found most interesting (and inspiring) is that most of the people who have loans from Grameen Bank are women – women who are illiterate and often have never held money in their hands before. These are the same women whose husbands have felt don’t know about money or business. These women are now starting their own businesses and paying back the loans. They are contributing to the economical development of their communities. They are an integral part of their community and seen as such – and that’s powerful.

I’m so happy Dr. Yunus was able to visit us in Chicago and share his experience. It’s exciting to see so many great things happening all over the world to help reduce global poverty – and all because he and his bank are giving tiny loans to people who need it most.

Until next time…

Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

What Counts?

2008-01-17T09:39:00.000-06:00

I recently read a blurb in this month's Conscious Choice magazine that I wanted to share with you. The information was compiled by Jenny Rough and she sources the Potentia Foundation, International Women's Health Coalition. I thought the stats were particularly interesting and thought you might like to read them:

67% of the world's work is done by women
10% of the world's income is earned by women (Megy's note: so where does the other 57% go?)
1% of the world's property that is owned by women
15 - age by which 1 million of the world's girls will be forced to marry
15-19 - the typical age of brides in Sub-Saharan African (the average groom is 10 years older)
76 million girls in the world who have never received a single day of schooling
$35 is the cost of sending an Afghani girl to school for one year
$10 billion is the amount it would cost each year to send all the world's children to school by 2015 (less than the annual amount the world spends on ice cream)

Makes you stop and think, doesn't it?

Until next time...make it a fair trade day!

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

www.World-Shoppe.com's New Year's Resolutions

2008-01-16T12:34:00.000-06:00

As we ended 2007, we were thankful for all of the support and kind words of our customers, friends and family. Since 2004, when we launched our e-boutique, we’ve been seeing sales increasing annually which is a wonderful testament to how far fair trade has been growing.

I wanted to share some www.World-Shoppe.com New Year’s resolutions with you so you can become more involved in our company’s growth, too!

1) Reach out to more customers to communicate the importance of fair trade
2) Educate more American consumers about our artisan partners and their handmade products.
3) Better merchandise and tell the story of our artisan partners at our new retail shop at the Andersonville Galleria (5247 N. Clark Street in Chicago’s popular Andersonville neighborhood).
4) Post blog entries more regularly so our customers and friends can hear and learn about things happening in our www.World-Shoppe.com community.
5) Continue to be involved in our local non-profit organization, Chicago Fair Trade. As an active board member, I feel we’re stronger as a team and we can do so much when we involve others! You can learn more about the group by visiting www.ChicagoFairTrade.org.
6) Continue to find great, high quality, handmade items from more artisan groups all over the world for our customers.

Think we’re missing something? Please let us know. Fair trade is more than just great handmade items from artisans – it’s about living. It’s about sharing our neighbor’s cultures and heritages with others. It’s about sharing. It’s about giving and receiving more than just physical and tangible products.

I’m excited to be a part of this movement and hope you’ll be right there with me this year.

Until next time…

Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com

Fair Trade Fairs - 2007

2007-10-24T16:23:00.000-05:00

Greetings fair trade supporters!

Many of you have been asking where you can buy products from www.World-Shoppe.com in person. Well, we're happy to report two exciting developments:

1) www.World-Shoppe.com will be opening up its first retail space in the Andersonville neighborhood in Chicago, Illinois! We'll be opening in a few weeks and will make sure to let every single person we know about it - in the meantime, share the info with your friends and family! We'll be at the Andersonville Galleria at 5247 N. Clark Street (for those of you familiar with the area, it's Foster and Clark streets). Yippee!

2) Holiday fairs are an important part of our business as it not only allows us to communicate the message of fair trade, but also allows us to interact with customers one on one and to share the stories of each of our products. I'm very excited to share that we've increased the number of events by DOUBLE this year. So, no excuses, Chicagoans, you can definitely find us somewhere to purchase your fair trade holiday gifts this year!

Here's where we'll be in the coming weeks:

November 3-4; 10:00 – 4:00
Notre Dame for Boys
7655 W. Dempster Street
Niles, IL 60714

November 4, 8:00 - 3:00
St. Paul the Apostolate
320 South Washington Street
Park Ridge, IL 60068

November 10-11 (Saturday; 12-5 and Sunday, 9:30-1:00)
St. Giles in Oak Park, IL
1045 Columbian Ave.

November 11 (Sunday), 8:00 - 7:00
St. Alphonsus at Southport & Lincoln Ave in Chicago

November 11 (Sunday), 10:00 – 2:00
Hanukkah Bazaar
Jewish Reconstructionist Congregation
5800 N. Kimball

November 12 (Monday), 11:00 – 1:45
DePaul Atrium, Lincoln Park campus (1st floor atrium of Student Center, corner of Sheffield and Beldin)

December 1, (Saturday) 10:00 – 4:00
Berry United Methodist
4754 N. Leavitt, Chicago

December 1-2 (Saturday and Sunday)
Saturday, December 1, 2007 12:00 pm – 6:00 pm
Sunday, December 2, 2007 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
LYCÉE FRANÇAIS DE CHICAGO Holiday Bazaar
613 West Bittersweet Place
Chicago, Illinois 60613

December 5 (Wednesday); 11:00 – 4:00
Loyola University Student Center – Centennial Forum Student Union (CFSU)
1125 W. Loyola Ave in Chicago

Thank you, everyone! I can't wait to see many of you at our events!

Megy Karydes, Founder
www.World-Shoppe.com
312-560-2715

Why Our Artisans Are My Role Models

2007-07-27T08:48:00.000-05:00

We have so much to be thankful for and we sometimes forget. But when I think of what we're doing with http://www.world-shoppe.com/, I remember to be thankful for all that we have.

Many of our artisans are women. It's no surprise - women make up the majority of those who live in poverty. Through our purchasing power, and other fair trade groups around the world, these women now have hope. Hope that their skills and passion for their work will not only get noticed, but someone will actually buy their work! Now that's pretty powerful.

Women everywhere (and men, too) just want to experience new things, explore what life has to offer them. It shouldn't be an option to eat every day or be able to have a roof over your head when you sleep at night, or to sleep in silence and not hear bombs or guns going off outside. But for many of our artisan groups, this isn't odd - it's more commonplace than not.

I've said this before but I think it begs to get mentioned again - I'm not naive enough to think I can save the world alone, but together we can make a real difference in our artisans' lives. And even if we can change the world for one person - isn't that a start?

Thank you again for your ongoing and relentless support. We're excited to be bringing you our new pieces just in time for back to school and the holiday season. While it's really early for us to be debuting the pieces right now, they've started coming in and many of you have been asking to see "what's new" so we'll show you some pieces!

Enjoy the rest of summer!

-Megy

Blog on our Web site!

2007-07-23T14:31:00.000-05:00

Finally - after months, we finally figured out how to post our blog on our Web site! So, anytime you check out www.World-Shoppe.com, please visit our Blog, too, to hear of upcoming events and news about fair trade, our new producer groups, or just new information about the world of conscious consumerism.

One of the things that was reinforced to me recently is the way fair trade is intertwined with the eco-friendly movement that seems to be taking over the marketplace like a crazy storm. Mind you, fair trade has been involved in recycling since fair trade became a concept since many artisans have very little to use in way of "raw" material, so they often use what is readily available whether that is old old drums in Haiti (which make beautiful wall decor when "carved" into designs), or old soda pop cans (which are transformed into fun pins in the shape of cats or people), or water hyancith that clogs the waterways in Bangladesh (which become gorgeous and practical stationery).

The point is that while we're excited that people are beginning to take a closer look at global warming and taking action, we're even more excited that people are finding us as another resource for eco-friendly products that have been designed to minimize our footprint but have also been designed as a way of life for many of our artisan groups.

Until next time, thank you for your ongoing and relentless support...

-Megy

Like this blog? Mark this as one of your favorites!

2007-07-13T15:57:00.000-05:00

I’m not sure if this will work – but here’s the code to help readers of my blog mark this blog as one of their favorites!

Claiming my Blog

2007-07-13T15:53:00.000-05:00

I just learned of technorati and "claimed" by blog. This whole blog thing just fascinates me - I hope you're enjoying the postings!

Technorati Profile

Items Coming in for Busy Holiday Season

2007-07-10T20:31:00.000-05:00

Right now, most of us (including us at http://www.world-shoppe.com/) are doing everything we can to stay cool. It's been pretty hot in Chicago lately. But, we're also finalizing our orders and starting to receive shipments for the busy holiday season!

We're so excited to see what it coming our way. BEAUTIFUL jewerly just dripping with gorgeous beads. Deep reds, golden oranges, rich purples...we can't wait to get them on the site!

We're also gearing up for our annual media campaign letter the national media know about the great work our artisans are doing! If you know of any great media outlets that would be interested in covering fair trade, please let us know!

Looking forward to introducing our new items soon - in the meantime, feel free to email me at Megy@World-Shoppe.com with any comments!

Description Cards - why they are important

2007-02-05T12:25:00.000-06:00

One of the difficult things about launching a Web site to promote fairly traded items is that you do not always have the chance to talk about the artisan producers with customers one on one. One of the ways we get around that is by including a description card with each and every item we ship out. The description card describes not only the item, but we're usually able to include information about the artisan group as well.

Nonetheless, a description card can only include so much information. That's why we're going to start using this forum to introduce new groups we're working with and to give a little more info on others.

Our first one - which we'll cover in a few days - will be The Corr-Jute Works group from Bangladesh. It's a beautiful story of how these artisan groups have made a livelihood for themselves by creating pretty jute fiber market bags among other items. We've started featuring their bags this past weekend and, as usual, we've already begun getting orders despite the fact that our shipment isn't due until later this week.

I hope you enjoy the regular artisan focus stories! And keep your comments coming - they are refreshing to hear!

www.World-Shoppe.com Participating in GreenFest in Chicago

2007-01-19T14:39:00.000-06:00

Greetings, everyone! Well, I'm not blogging daily yet, but I am hoping to get there soon! There is just so much to share and so little time. Running around two little ones under the age of two takes up most of my "free" time! Nonetheless, I did want to start getting the word out that www.World-Shoppe.com will be showing our amazing, beautiful, awesome artisan-made products at GreenFest in Chicago! It's the first GreenFest in Chicago and we're hoping our Chicagoans will make us proud by coming out and supporting the Fest! We'll be sending out notices in our upcoming e-newsletters but we also wanted to get the message out, too!

Thanks again, everyone, for helping make 2006 our best year ever. But that title won't be held for too long - as we're going to top that one in 2007!

See World-Shoppe.com in Person in Chicago!

2006-11-21T21:52:00.000-06:00

Although we're a Web-based organization committed to promoting fair trade online, we do have the opportunity to get to meet our customers in person in the Chicagoland area (which is where we are based). We've done a few events throughout the city and the response has been nothing short of amazing. Not only have we had great conversations with customers and supporters of fair trade, whether at a movie showing for Black Gold in Chicago's famous Siskel Center, but we've also nearly SOLD OUT of all of the items we bring to these events, which is pretty awesome.

We still have a few events scheduled between now and the end of the year so if you happen to be in the Chicagoland area, please check us out! We'll be at Unity Temple in Oak Park, Illinois, on December 3, from 1:00-4:00 p.m., at Loyola University's downtown campus on December 5 & 6 and at two more events which we're finalizing this week for the weekend of December 9 & 10.

Thank you again for everyone's support! And have a beautiful Thanksgiving!

-Megy

Megy's New Blog about Fair Trade!

2006-01-20T18:00:00.000-06:00

This is my very first blog entry. I'm so excited to share news about fair trade, new developments in third world countries and our artisans specifically. If you'd like to learn more about anything fair trade, simply send me an e-mail!

-Megy