It dawned on me that Dunitz & Company fair trade jewelry is sold in many stores that are not specifically and exclusively fair trade stores. Yet, many of our customers clearly support fair trade and ethically run small businesses. I wanted to give some of these buyers and store owners I know an opportunity to tell us why they support fair trade. I asked the question and here is what some of my retail partners had to say.
Lyn Cooperman,
North Fork Craft Gallery - Wading River, NY says "Supporting Fair Trade is important to me because I feel my customers and
I are helping artisans in developing countries break the cycle of
poverty. One of my favorite experiences with a Fair Trade wholesaler was
soon after I was able to
reopen after the pandemic. I placed a large order and the owner of the
company called to personally thank me and shared that because of that
order 3 women were able to provide food for their families. It goes
without saying that the goods I purchase from
Fair Trade vendors are unique, well made, beautiful and representative
of their unique cultures."
Susan Hayes,
Lima Bean Glassworks & Gifts - Danville, IL says "It is very important for us to support fair trade organizations to
ensure we’re engaged with those who share our goal of ensuring people in
every aspect of the creative and manufacturing process receive fair and
appropriate compensation for their contributions."
Jennifer Scott,
Eclectic Calico - Madison, NC says "Supporting fair trade is very important to me and to my small business. First and foremost, I love people, ALL of them. I can't think of a better way to show that love than to purchase products that are made by people around the world. The fair trade requirements help ensure that these artisans are treated fairly and earn a fair wage. Secondly, it is important that we reach outside of the day to day world we know. Most Americans have all their needs and many of their wants met and have little idea of how the rest of the world lives. It is important to me to have these products in my small business in small town America. I enjoy sharing about these products and the artisans that craft them. I hope what my customers hear, see, and purchase makes a lasting impression on how they view others."
Patti Opel, Kook's Eye Gallery - Pentwater, MI says "I came about owning a business because ultimately personal
responsibility is a keystone to my personal philosophy. With that comes
making good choices for myself, my customers and the globe. The more
ethically a product is produced everyone involved in the process
benefits. Ultimately, I place a high value on handmade hand crafted
products. There is a strong humanitarian appeal to hold on to an object
that someone has spent time and energy to produce. Knowing that fair
wages, good working conditions and a sustainable future are part of that is why fair trade is important to me. Supporting fair trade simply is the right thing to
do."
Lea Osby, Animas Trading Company - Durango, CO says "We always jump at the opportunity to work with vendors that support and
provide for struggling communities. So many corporate companies today
turn a blind eye to developing countries' struggles and how they are
contributing to those struggles. We have always believed that a lot of
small steps taken by small businesses can make a world of a difference.
At Animas Trading, we pride ourselves on carrying fair trade products
because we believe it is incredibly important to source from and support
ethical and sustainably run businesses. No community should be
exploited and businesses should hold themselves accountable for the
environmental and ethical effect small decisions can make. We believe
that fair trade is an amazing way to start affecting positive change in
the world!"
Bernadette Goudelock, Virginia Museum of Fine Art Shop - Richmond VA says "The Virginia Museum of Fine Art Shop
searches the world to provide a diverse selection of merchandise including
unique jewelry. Fair trade vendors like Dunitz & Company fill the niche of
handmade pieces that are unique and it provides our customers a selection of
well-crafted jewelry that is not commonplace or can be found just about
anywhere. The VMFA Shop strives to support
fair trade vendors and artisans. By promoting their jewelry and sustainable
material used we provide opportunities that artisans may not have had
otherwise. We hope to gain a wider awareness for these artists that are
creating great wearable art.
Amy Scipioni,
Floral & Hardy - Skippack PA says "I purchase from Fair Trade sources because I believe in ethical
business practices that take into account the environment and at the
same time support the actual producers whose hands create the
wonderful products."
Dan Ayers-Price,
Key West Art & Historical Society - Key West, FL says "
In the world of museum stores, we want our merchandise
offerings to represent our mission, exhibits and artifacts as best we can in
order to extend the guests experience from the museum into the museum
store. While this often includes a lot of custom made/bespoke items, I
have always felt that Fair Trade, in all forms, is equally as representable
within our offerings. The trend of shopping smarter, shopping American
made and shopping Fair Trade is something that everyone is embracing and
seeking out, especially the younger generations, and will continue to grow as
we embrace a global mindset. The sheer creativity and resourcefulness of
Fair Trade items is art within itself."
Kathy LaCorte, Kathy's Kove & Kafe - Washington, NJ says "After seeing first hand how people who are living in poverty try so hard
to earn money, I felt the need for an organized and cooperative effort
to give these people an opportunity to earn money by providing their
crafts to people who appreciate them. In this way, they feel pride in a
job well done, are working in a safe environment and earn a living to
provide housing and education to their families. Through fair trade they see real
possibilities for their future."
I know the
Dunitz & Company collection is pretty and well made, and for that alone, many stores will sell our designs. For me, it is just as important that our jewelry is verified fair trade by
Fair Trade Federation. In my eyes and heart, this is the only combination that works. I am so thankful for my retail partners who share the same beliefs we do at Dunitz & Company. Together we all make a big difference. Tell me. Why do you support fair trade? -ND
