One of the things I love about trade shows and conferences is the chance to network. It seems I always come away with new ideas and feedback on ways to improve. They leave me feeling encouraged and inspired.
I also have been doing a fair amount of travelling in my efforts to visit store owners and managers. I thought you might appreciate hearing from some of the people I visit. I hope to continue this section and I very much hope you find it helpful.
First off, I just visited Sandy Ramsey in Sarasota, FL. I always have such fun talking with her. I think you'll see why:
How long have you been the manager of Artisan's World Marketplace?
My "official" title is President and I have been that for the 13, almost 14years (end of June) that we have been in existance. Basically, for a non-profit organization that's just a glorified title for someone who sweeps the floor and cleans the bathroom!
How'd you get started?
With six people sitting around our dining table here in Sarasota in February of 1995. We formed a non-profit corporation, and opened in the basement of the First United Methodist Church in June of 1996 with 600 sq ft, $800.00 cash and a $25,000.00 inventory loan.
What got you interested in fair trade?
I would watch the nightly news and think what can I do about all the poverty in the world...I'm only one person. (Mother Teresa was one person and she had quite an impact on the world) I found that my shopping dollars through fair trade could make a difference in the world. To me that was very powerful...it put the ball in my court, so to speak.
What is a frustration or struggle you face at your job?
That I can't change the world yesterday ;-) There is so much need, I often wonder if we will ever be able to do enough.
What keeps you passionate?
When customers come in and are so excited about the mission of the store. It warms my heart when a customer will bring in a friend...walking around the store sharing the stories of hope that we have shared with them.
What do you most enjoy?
Sharing the hopes and dreams of our artisans with our customers.
Do you have a favorite product from Venture Imports?
I try not to have favorites and love all the work all my artisan "children" do. But, I do love the shona stone carvings. They are so rich and beautifully done.
Do you have a favorite product from another company?
Again, it's so hard to narrow down a favorite. I fall in love with each new item that comes into the store! I think one of my many favorites would be the Kenana Knitter Critters from Dwelling, LLC. Gloria has worked with Aid to Artisans for years, and these little knitted critters have powerful stories of the women who do the work.
What is your hope for the future of fair trade?
That more people would embrace the vision of fair trade. That there will come a day when you say you are a fair trade store people would know what you are talking about instead of looking at you like you've just spoken a foreign language!
Here's a youtube video of Sandy and her store.
http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=artisans+world+marketplace&aq=f
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