Meet Becca Dunn: Leading the Way for Fair Trade Los Angeles

It is hard to believe how quickly time flies. Back in June 2021, I interviewed Elisha Chan, who was the then Executive Director of Fair Trade Los Angeles. Fast forward to June 2024, and the organization welcomed Becca Dunn as its new leader. Whenever I attend local get-togethers—like roasting s'mores with fair trade chocolate at Dockweiler State Beach—I am reminded of how far we've come. The foundation of this organization was built by Joan Harper, FTLA’s co-founder and longtime leader who rightly gets recognized at every turn. While I haven't interviewed Joan myself, I've loved watching her vision blossom. I recently sent Becca a few questions to learn more about her leadership journey and what keeps her motivated. 

Nancy (me) & Becca Dunn

 

NANCY: First off, can you tell me a bit about you? How did you discover “fair trade” and pursue a career in this realm?

BECCA: My interest in fair trade grew out of experiences I had when I was younger. I spent six months studying in Kolkata, India, and later lived in Antwerp, Belgium, where I supported women leaving the sex industry. Those experiences made me think much more deeply about exploitation, poverty, and the impact our everyday choices can have on people around the world.

I was first introduced to fair trade during a university service trip to Greece and Italy. I loved that it offered people a practical way to support dignified work and create change through something as simple as what they buy. Over time, that interest grew into a career focused on helping people understand fair trade and making it more accessible in their own communities.

NANCY: How did you learn about Fair Trade LA? Can you tell our readers a bit about FTLA?

BECCA: I first became involved with Fair Trade LA through its community and events. I was immediately drawn to the way the organization brings together fair trade businesses, advocates, volunteers, and everyday shoppers.

Fair Trade LA is a nonprofit organization working to grow the fair trade movement throughout Los Angeles. In 2020, Los Angeles was officially recognized as a Fair Trade City, making it the largest Fair Trade City in North America. Our work includes public education, community events, business partnerships, advocacy, and helping people discover products and companies that put people and the planet first.

Largest Fair Trade Dinner ever. Joan Harper & me on the left.

NANCY: You’re now the Executive Director of Fair Trade LA. What are your main responsibilities and what might readers like to know?

BECCA: As Executive Director, I wear a lot of hats! I oversee our events, partnerships, fundraising, communications, podcast, membership, and community outreach. I also represent Fair Trade LA in conversations about responsible sourcing and procurement, including serving on an LA28 Community Business and Procurement Working Group.

One thing readers might not realize is that Fair Trade LA currently has a very small team, so much of the day-to-day work comes directly through me and our dedicated volunteers and board members. It is busy, but I love getting to connect people who care about fair trade and finding creative ways to grow the movement.

Fair Trade gathering with Silent Auction

NANCY: I know I’ve enjoyed attending some of FTLA’s special dinners and events. Is there anything in particular you’re most proud of, something you planned or you were involved with during your tenure as Executive Director?

BECCA: One of the things I’m most proud of is creating events that make fair trade feel welcoming, interesting, and tangible. Our World’s First Fair Fan Zone brought fair trade together with football during the 2026 World Cup. It featured 20 fair trade vendors representing products connected to 18 countries, along with live screen printing, crafts, activities, and giveaways.

The event also gave us an opportunity to demonstrate how fair trade could be incorporated into major sporting events as Los Angeles prepares for the 2028 Olympic and Paralympic Games. It was exciting to see people connect with fair trade through sport, community, and something genuinely fun.

I’m also very proud of our Fair Care Package project following the Los Angeles wildfires. With the help of our community, we provided thoughtfully assembled packages to 100 people affected by the fires.

Fair Trade LA meets 2026 World Cup

NANCY: Oh yes! The FTLA Podcast. I’m impressed with all the interesting people you’ve interviewed. Any sneak peeks for what might come up in the future?

BECCA: Thank you! The podcast is called Fair Talks, and it has now reached listeners in more than 65 countries. I love having honest conversations with the people behind fair trade businesses, certifications, and organizations.

We have several exciting conversations planned that explore the future of fair trade across different sectors. I’m especially interested in looking beyond the products people traditionally associate with fair trade and exploring its role in areas such as sports, beauty, fashion, food, travel, hospitality, entertainment, and major events. I want the podcast to show how fair trade principles can help shape the future of business and responsible sourcing, while continuing to bring a wider range of voices and experiences into the conversation. 

FTLA Podcast, Buy Fair & Live Fair

NANCY: One thing I’ve noticed about you with respect to FTLA is how personable you are. I’ve been around you while you deal with other members and attendees at events. You seem to make everyone feel important and heard. I also am impressed with your public speaking. Is there a trick to doing this so well?

BECCA: That is very kind of you to say! I don’t know if there is a trick, but I genuinely enjoy learning about people and hearing their stories. Fair trade is built around the idea that every person matters, so I try to carry that into the way I lead and communicate.

With public speaking, I try to focus less on giving a perfect performance and more on helping people connect with the message. When I care about the subject and speak in a way that feels natural, it becomes much easier. I still get nervous sometimes, but I think warmth and sincerity matter more than being perfectly polished.

Becca speaks to a group of fair traders

NANCY: I know you work tirelessly to support fair trade. Do you have any suggestions for people who’d like to get more involved in promoting fair trade other than only purchasing ethically made goods?

BECCA: There are so many ways to become involved. People can ask their favorite stores, workplaces, schools, restaurants, and places of worship to offer fair trade products. They can attend local events, volunteer, share information on social media, invite friends to support fair trade businesses, or become a member of Fair Trade LA.

People can also advocate for responsible purchasing within their workplaces or local government. Institutional purchasing can make an enormous difference because a single decision can affect thousands of products. You do not have to be an expert. Asking questions such as “Who made this?” or “Could we find a fair trade option?” is a meaningful place to start.

FTLA organizes holiday sales at local churches

NANCY: When you’re not working on FTLA issues, what do you do for fun? Do you have a favorite hobby?

BECCA: I love traveling, exploring new places, and spending time outside with my husband, Kris, and our three-year-old son, Callen. I also enjoy discovering independent businesses, restaurants, and markets, which often overlaps with my fair trade work!

My family is British, so we spend time in the UK whenever we can. I love learning about different cultures, meeting people, and finding the stories behind the places we visit.

NANCY: Is there anything you’d like to add?

BECCA: I would encourage people not to feel that they have to make every purchase perfectly. Fair trade is about taking meaningful steps and recognizing the power we have when we act collectively. Start with one product you purchase regularly, learn more about the people who make it, and go from there.

Fair Trade LA is also a community, and we would love for more people and businesses to become involved. You can learn more through our website, follow us on social media, attend an event, listen to Fair Talks, or become a member.

# end of interview #

Fair Trade LA friends at a Dockweiler Beach bonfire

As a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation, Dunitz & Company is proud to be one of the founding business members of Fair Trade LA. My days are completely consumed by running Dunitz, so I’ve always been more of an active participant in FTLA than a behind-the-scenes planner. That makes me appreciate leaders like Becca even more! Speaking of the Fair Talks podcast —years ago, Elisha invited me to be a guest. I shied away because public speaking makes me nervous. Today, I actually have a few ideas I'd love to chat about if Becca ever invites me on. First, I just need to conquer my stage fright! I highly encourage everyone to check out the FTLA website, listen to the podcast, and join us at the next local event. - ND

Inspiring Displays: How Retailers Showcase Dunitz Jewelry

I absolutely adore seeing displays of Dunitz jewelry. Recently, I sent out an email asking our retail partners to share photos of how they showcase our pieces in their stores. I am so incredibly grateful to everyone who sent pictures over! Sharing these stunning setups allows me to highlight our wonderful stockists while giving you some inspiration. My hope is that by sharing their location details and links, local customers will find their way to these shops and help clear off their shelves! Our retailers' styles run the gamut from clean and classy to vintage boho. If you are a shop owner, perhaps these creative visual merchandising ideas will spark some inspiration for your own store.

Zumbido (Eureka, CA)

Zumbido is chock-full of amazing gifts, and we are absolutely thrilled they have made room for an extensive collection of Dunitz earrings and bracelets. They sent over a few photos demonstrating how to beautifully manage inventory. Even with oodles of choices available in-store, their clever arrangement ensures that no single piece gets lost in the crowd.

 

Latitudes (Staunton, VA)

The team at Latitudes told me they fondly refer to their setup as the "Dunitz Door." My jaw dropped when I saw how they converted an antique door into the perfect hanging earring display. To maintain visual symmetry throughout their entire store, Latitudes places their own custom price labels on our earring cards. I was also tickled to see a special sign mounted on the door sharing our fair trade story with their shoppers.

 

 

North Fork Craft Gallery (Wading River, NY)

North Fork Craft Gallery has often told us that our Joanie M glass earrings are a consistent best-seller for them. Over the years, they have shared photos of their display, which uses an updated picture frame to hang our earrings. Sometimes, when placing a reorder, they even send us pictures of their current stock. This allows us to curate a fresh assortment that avoids duplication—a brilliant strategy for any retailer!

 

 

Fair Trade Decor (Coronado, CA)

Fair Trade Decor is another wonderful, long-time customer of ours. They recently debuted a brand-new display for their Dunitz earrings that I absolutely adore—and hadn't actually seen until they sent over this photo! Take a look: they have our earrings hanging on white shutters. Or are those air conditioning grilles? Whatever they are, it sure makes it easy for shoppers to see what is on offer. Fair Trade Decor prefers to use earring cards without any logo at all, and we are completely okay with that. What they are doing obviously works, because they are always reordering!

 

 

The Canvas Patch (Milford, CT)

The Canvas Patch has been a loyal vendor of our Joanie M glass earrings for a long time. This season, they expanded their selection by adding our famous art earrings to the lineup. I was told their display is placed right up front on the checkout counter, making our earrings impossible to miss. What I find most charming is that the owner is wonderfully "old school." She always picks up the phone to place her reorders. I truly miss the days when we all used our phones to connect with customers by voice!

 

 

A Few Displays Discovered "On the Road"

I recently skipped town to Michigan to attend my high school reunion. What a blast that was! This trip not only provided quality time to catch up with my sister, nieces, and old friends, but it also allowed me to sneak in a few surprise visits to our customer stores.

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park (Grand Rapids, MI)

Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park was absolutely amazing. My sister, nieces, and I took a road trip there from Ann Arbor. I had never been before, and I knew I wanted to catch the special summer Chihuly exhibit. The gardens are exquisite! The cherry on top was stopping into the gift store, meeting the store director, and seeing Dunitz jewelry proudly on display. They typically have two setups: the one shown below featuring our ceramic jewelry, and another that was sadly depleted at the time. They also sell our little Joanie M glass studs. I was told they had just received a fresh reorder that hadn't even made it onto the floor yet!

 

 

Schuler Books (West Bloomfield, MI)

Schuler Books is a long-time customer with beautiful locations in West Bloomfield, Ann Arbor, Grand Rapids, and Okemos. I love how consistently they support fair trade vendors for the unique gifts and sidelines they carry. This ethos is completely obvious when you visit their bookstore, which, by the way, is absolutely incredible. I dropped in with a couple of old friends who just couldn't stop shopping! As for me? I had a wonderful chat with the assistant manager and their staff. I was absolutely thrilled when they told me they don't even need to "sell" my jewelry because it completely sells itself. Their significant display of Dunitz earrings absolutely knocked my socks off!

 

 

Want to See Your Store Featured Next?

Did I mention how much I enjoy seeing displays of Dunitz jewelry? Oh, yes! I believe I mentioned that in the very first paragraph.

If you are a retail partner, I would love to highlight your shop next! Please send me a photo of your current Dunitz display. Not a retailer but love our jewelry? The next time you spot our designs in your favorite local shop, snap a quick picture and tag us on social media! Share. Tag. Link. Is there anything better?— ND

More Than a Souvenir: Why Museum Stores Are the Best Place To Shop

If you're anything like me, when you head out to visit a museum, you might spend as much time in the gift store as you do in the galleries. I've always said that museum stores are one of the very best places to shop!

Have you ever stopped to think about what makes a museum store fundamentally different from a standard retail gift shop?

Various Secret Shopper Photos from the National Gallery DC

As a long-standing member of the Museum Store Association (MSA), Dunitz & Company has had the privilege of collaborating with some of the most thoughtful retail buyers across the United States. Through multi-decade relationships, I have learned firsthand that a museum store isn't just a place to buy a souvenir. It actually functions as the "final exhibit" of your museum experience.

That's me! That's our MSA trade show booth.

Purpose Beyond the Display

When you purchase an item from a museum store, you aren't just taking something beautiful home. You are actively keeping an institution's mission alive. Unlike commercial big-box retailers, the revenue generated by museum stores is directly funneled back into the operating budgets of their parent cultural organizations. The money you spend on a gift for yourself or a friend directly funds:

• Public education programming and school field trips
• The preservation and maintenance of historic galleries and collections
• Ongoing community cultural engagement and accessibility initiatives

The Art of Carefully Curated Gifts

Museum buyers are incredibly discriminating. I can surely attest to that! They don't just order random inventory from massive global catalogs. They meticulously scout for pieces that extend the educational stories of the collections on display within their walls. They look for authentic craftsmanship, unique well-made goods, and strong ethical standards.

This is exactly why Dunitz & Company has felt so aligned with the MSA community and museum stores for many, many years. When a museum gift store features our Famous Art Earrings (which translate masterpieces into wearable mini-exhibits), our handmade Joanie M Fused Glass Jewelry, our intricate Beaded & Embroidered Jewelry or our Ceramic Designs, they are choosing items that have a purpose beyond their display. They are connecting a visitor's emotional experience in the museum with a tangible, verified fair-trade story of artisan empowerment.

Next Time You Visit, Shop with Intention

The next time you spend an afternoon exploring a local (or not so local) cultural institution, art museum, or botanical garden, I highly recommend you slow down when you reach the gift store. Take a close look at the cards next to the displays. Read the stories behind the products. When we choose to buy from these beautifully curated stores, we are voting with our dollars to keep art, history, and community culture thriving.

Looking for Dunitz jewelry at a museum store near you? You can search our Store Locator, and we hope you'll find a museum store nearby that carries our fair trade designs. We're always thrilled to ship our jewelry to museum stores, and there are too many to list. We recently shipped ceramic jewelry to the Denver Museum of Nature & Science, embroidered and beaded designs to the Bowers Museum (Santa Ana, CA) and Henry Ford Museum (Dearborn, MI), and our iconic Famous Art line to the Portland Museum of Art (Portland, ME) — all of which are hosting wonderful exhibits this season well worth checking out.

Are you an MSA member or boutique buyer looking for museum-quality, verified fair-trade jewelry? If you're new to us, visit us on our site or, if you prefer, please use our Faire Direct link. (Don't veer off the link while placing your order. I confess, this will save us commissions. And since you found us here, that would help us tremendously.)

Are you a museum store enthusiast? What is the most memorable treasure you've discovered at a museum store? I would love to hear your stories. Feel free to email me at nancy@dunitz.com. In the meantime, enjoy your next museum visit. -ND

Met Gala 2026 Looks: Wearable Art Earrings You Can Actually Afford

The fashions at the Met Gala 2026 were, as always, completely over the top in the best and most jaw-dropping ways. These Met Gala 2026 looks blend creativity, artistry, and extravagance that most of us will never have a reason or budget to wear. But this year’s theme, “Fashion is Art,” raises a fun question—why should art only live on museum walls or million-dollar gowns? At Dunitz & Company, we believe you can wear art every day for about $17 retail. So I paired some of our fair trade wearable art earrings with standout Met Gala 2026 looks.

1. Emma Chamberlain | Mugler | Van Gogh Starry Night Earrings

Emma Chamberlain’s Mugler look echoed Van Gogh’s Starry Night. And this definitely was my favorite look of the night. I paired it with our Starry Night wearable art earrings.

2. Naomi Watts | Dior | Frida Kahlo Earrings

Naomi Watts in Dior feels completely inspired by Frida Kahlo. I mean, look at her headdress! I paired it with Frida-inspired art earrings.

3. Lauren Sanchez | Schiaparelli | John Singer Sargent Madame X Earrings

Lauren Sanchez’s Schiaparelli gown looks so similar to Madam X's. I paired it with our art earrings inspired by the same painting.

4. Jisoo & Alexa Chung | Dior | Monet Water Lily Earrings

Both Dior looks had qualities reminiscent of Monet’s Water Lilies. I paired them with our Monet-inspired earrings.

5. Colman Domingo | Mondrian Earrings

Colman Domingo’s outfit screamed of colorful geometry. That totally reminds me of Mondrian's artwork.

6. Charli XCX | Saint Laurent | Van Gogh Iris Earrings

Charli XCX’s Saint Laurent look was subtle and classy. I think the iris focal point of the gown was absolutely inspired by Van Gogh.

7. Kris Jenner | Dolce & Gabbana | Japanese Inspired | Utamaro Earrings

Kris Jenner’s look had Japanese-inspired elegance. I loved it. If this vibe is yours, our Utamaro earrings will be perfect for you.

8. Laura Harrier | Di Petsa | Botticelli Birth of Venus Earrings

Laura Harrier’s gown reminded me of  Botticelli’s Birth of Venus. I think it was the colors and mood.

9. Eileen Gu | Iris Van Herpen | Degas Ballerina Earrings

Eileen Gu’s Iris Van Herpen short bubble dress felt inspired by Degas’ dancers and tutus. Who doesn't love Degas?

10. Ben Platt | Tanner Fletcher | Seurat Earrings

Ben Platt’s look borrowed iconography straight from Seurat's La Grande Jatte painting. Check out our earrings inspired by this wonderful artwork.

11. Gracie Abrams | Chanel | Klimt Kiss Earrings

Gracie Abrams’ Chanel look shimmered with Klimt-like richness. For a small price, Dunitz & Company offers earrings with a similar feel.

The Met Gala 2026 once again proved that fashion can be pure art—bold, imaginative, and sometimes completely over the top. I loved exploring how these unforgettable looks connect back to the artists and paintings that continue to inspire so much of what we do at Dunitz & Company. If you’d like to explore more of our fair trade wearable art earrings, you can shop our full collection. We also work with select fair trade focused retailers, museum gift stores, and boutiques across the United States and Canada. For wholesale inquiries and to learn more about Dunitz & Company, visit www.dunitz.com. There’s always something new being added—whether you’re discovering us as a shopper or as a stockist. -ND

Fair Trade Beaded Earrings Under $30.00 - What a Deal!

Dunitz & Company's beaded jewelry was introduced to market in the early 1990's. We've offered oodles and oodles of ethically made designs over the years in oodles and oodles of colors. Costs continually go up and we've done our best to keep our designs affordable and accessible. Use our store locator to find a store near you, or find something wonderful on our retail site. Looking for a beaded boho style for you or a gift for someone on your list? Here are some wonderful ideas under $30. You can't beat that!

 

 Crystal Beaded Stud Earrings - click for color options. $20

Diamante Earrings - on sale for $8 from $18. Take advantage of this!

Quilt Pattern Earrings - Now $18 (from $24)

Round Bead and Wire Earrings - definitely a best best seller $25

Six Point Star Earrings - now $18

Beaded Wire Teardrops - These sell and sell. A perfect gift! $25

Striped Teardrop Earrings - When our stock is gone, they're gone. Great deal at $20

Embroidered Flower Studs - A favorite of ours while they last $16.50

Deco Hoop Earrings $28

And honestly, If you log into shopdunitz.com you'll find so many other great fair trade deals to whet your appetite. We offer glass, ceramic and laser cut designs too. Looking for your store? Please register at or log into dunitz.com to find so many fair trade jewelry designs for your customers. We can't wait to work with you! -ND

What We Can Do to Save our Planet - At Home & At Work

I suppose some of these suggestions are business-wise, and others personal.  I try to do what I can to save our planet and also save a bit of money. I know many of you that read my blog posts, are a bit like me. I'm a small business owner and do my best to keep Dunitz & Company "above water." These days with rising labor and product costs, software rentals, website maintenance and on again off again tariffs, it's getting tougher.

1. Take your reusable bags to the grocery store. Why buy bags or use the paper bags that are given to you?  I shop Trader Joe's more than any other grocery store.  The cashiers often seem surprised when I provide my own bags.  They've told me many times that a majority of shoppers no longer bring in their own bags, and use the (double bagged) paper bags they provide. Do you think this is inexcusable? I hate to pass judgement. But, it bothers me. While I'm at it, here's a shout-out to the Dennos Museum of Traverse City, MI. They sell our earrings!

2. Recycle and reuse cardboard boxes whenever you can. I've asked many of my neighbors to provide me with the small boxes from their online orders.  I know some can't be bothered. But there are a few that are dropping off boxes by my back door fairly often.  I still need to buy boxes for my business, but the ones they provide make a difference.  Why put these boxes in our blue bins when they can make another cross-country trip?   I can't stop my neighbors from shopping on Amazon. But I can use their boxes! Do you use recycled boxes?

 

 

3. I don't stop with the recycled boxes. There's loads of clean packing materials available out there. That includes kraft paper, air bubble packing, peanuts and clean newsprint paper. (The one thing I don't like to use is shredded newsprint or other small shredded paper. It's too messy.) My neighbors bring me some. I collect some with my own online shipments. (Think chewy.com - I have two big dogs.) But this is never enough. When I'm close to nil on packing materials I look to Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up. There are lots of people who have just moved and choose to find people who will use the boxes and packing materials they acquired versus dumping it all in the city's blue bins. What I like best is many of my wholesale customers, including museum stores tell me that they are not offended by recycled packing materials and even prefer it. Do you recycle packing materials?

 

4. Ink. Bins. Art Supplies. Online marketplaces are a good source. It doesn't stop with packing materials. Facebook Marketplace and Offer Up have been excellent sources for other things I use for my business, and for me. I've found these marketplaces to be excellent for finding computer ink, storage bins and art supplies. Many of you know I've taken up portraiture. A few months ago I found a woman selling her ink because her HP printer crashed. We made a deal and I drove to meet up with her. When I tried to pay her, she refused and actually gave me even more ink, all the partially used cartridges she had. We didn't know if they'd work, but they were genuine. Lucky me they all have worked.  I've saved a bundle by finding loads of drawing materials this way. What have you purchased lately from this way?

 

5. Saving "Grey Water" in the Shower. Whatever possessed me to do this? I have a small fountain in my garden. The 'pond' below it fairly large. The water evaporates over time. My dogs drink from it. I am always "watering" it to prevent it from going dry. I randomly bought a 5 gallon pail and decided to catch excess water when I shower. I only have a 30 gallon tank at my home which limits long showers. But, even with short showers, I've been catching a lot of water.  I've been carrying it to the garden and typically dumping it in the fountain pond. Sometimes I use it to water my flower pots. I think I'm saving a lot of water. That makes me happy. Would you consider doing this for your own garden?

6. Speaking about Gardens. I have a small composter. Many years ago, my friend Nicki recruited me to attend a seminar sponsored by Los Angeles Department of Water and Power. At the time we purchased composters and other tools at the discount LADWP provided. I've been using mine ever since.  Unfortunately my garden is very shady. Things don't compost quickly. But - I do managed to get enough to feed many plants and small trees along the way. If you're in the Los Angeles area, you could take a class too. Smart Gardening classes are available. Do you compost?

7. Thrifting. I asked several of my small business colleagues what they do to "make a difference." I was floored that all of them told me they rarely buy new clothes anymore. (A couple told me they occasionally purchase something verified fair trade at their local fair trade store. Good to know.) They all told me they prefer shopping at second-hand stores, thrift stores or shopping online for vintage finds. Me too. For fun, I'll share my latest vintage find I purchased on eBay. Do you know the artist Kenny Scharf? He hung out in the 1980s with the likes of Jean-Michel Basquiat and Keith Haring. (We're the same age which means he was painting in New York's East Village when I was attending NYU business school. Who followed who?Evidently he lives in Los Angeles now, although we've never crossed paths.) 

Can you add to my list? Share with me what you do to help save our planet and I'll add it to this post. Thanks for reading. And please keep supporting fair trade. -ND