Women's History Month: Nancy Dunitz is Interviewed by Fair Trade Winds

I was honored to be interviewed recently by Fair Trade Winds. Evidently every March, to commemorate Women's History Month, they choose to feature women on their blog who lead the way in the fair trade world. This year's theme is #InspireInclusion and for that they chose to highlight Dunitz & Company and have a chat with me. With their permission, I am reposting the interview here.

FTW: When did you begin your company, and what inspired you to get your start? How as it grown since then?

Nancy & Alisa

NANCY: It’s such a long time ago. I actually left a good corporate gig, where I was not happy back in 1989. I was already a seasoned traveler, loved learning about other’s crafts and have always been a bit of an artist myself.  At the time I didn’t know if I might start a retail or wholesale business. And while I was exploring what I might do and how to do it, I went to Guatemala which was relatively close to home. I managed a few trips there while I was still working corporate. I was young and innocent and had not processed that Guatemala was in the midst of civil war and not entirely the safest place to be traipsing around. I could write a book about all this, for sure. What I found were so many struggling artists without opportunity. I had absolutely no idea what I was doing, but I just jumped in. I knew there had to be a market for the beautiful work I discovered there.  In the beginning my product mix was quite diverse. I offered textiles, pillows, glassware, wood products, traditional painted boxes, you name it. Back in 1989, “fair trade” wasn’t even a concept people were familiar with. One thing I can say about me is I’ve always lived by the golden rule, do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I mean Fair Trade Federation wasn’t even founded until 1994, and it’s not overnight that consumers have a light bulb go off.  I knew other wholesalers at the time who browbeat artisans for the lowest possible prices which I’m certain were below what would have ever been remotely fair.  I think it was always in my nature to listen and be fair.

To be honest, it took a handful of years before I think I really made a difference. Buying some goods at what seemed a fair price from this family or that artist in the beginning was really just a bandaid for those artists. I was living on borrowed money and personal savings myself.  It wasn’t until I specialized in only offering jewelry did my business grow.  That’s when I was able to provide consistent work for a group of artisans, mostly women. Beaded jewelry is not indigenous to Guatemala. Back in the early 90’s, I collaborated with (separately) two  women who had moved to Guatemala from elsewhere and taught Mayan woman to bead.  (Sadly one of those women passed away last week.) Together we collaborated on jewelry designs which I successfully wholesaled in the USA. I was one of a very few companies offering seed bead jewelry and the business took off.  Since many of the artisans were used to creating wonderful embroidery and woven textiles, beading jewelry was a natural thing to do.

FTW: What's the workplace like and what is a typical daily schedule? Do artisans work from home or collaborate together in a workshop?

NANCY: You have to understand I’ve been at this for a very long time. In the very beginning a small group of artisans used to work at a table at the homes of the women that first taught them how to make beadwork. Then there were workshops with several tables. The women would bring their lunches and snacks and giggle all day with one another while they worked. Whenever I was working with them, we’d collaborate and experiment making all sorts of designs. Thankfully many of our designs were successful. Trust me, I offered a lot of new designs I loved that totally flopped at the trade shows. Sometimes they flopped because they cost too much to make. Sometimes they just weren’t loved as much as I loved them.

You asked if artisans work from home? There always were women who worked at home if they had children or had to care for elderly parents.  They’d come to the workshop every few days to collect beads and string, and return the following week to deliver the work they’d made.  For our beaded jewelry, all of the artisans currently work from home. Other than having a hub, there is no longer a bead workshop.

Over the years our world changed. Guatemala became more politically stable and people felt more comfortable traveling there and starting businesses. We had office managers that stole materials and left and set up their own workshops. When one of the women I worked with (who taught women how to bead) had a small retail shop in Guatemala, the manager of that shop who had been taught to bead by us, would send customers to her son, who was managing a workshop they had started on the Q.T.  The women that had been taught by us, were now teaching others how to bead.  With increased demand for beadwork, our designs were  popping up in street stalls everywhere. Sadly, most of what you find on the street is sold very inexpensively. Over the years, this growing competition made it impossible for me to survive solely on our bead business. One thing I can say is since we always focus on creating new designs, we’re almost always a step ahead. For wholesale, many stores (definitely not all stores) are willing to pay more for original work, work where they also know the artisans earn living wages.

Nancy & Rosa

In 2011, I forged a new relationship with a Guatemalan woman I met who was beautifully making glass jewelry. Originally it was a bit garish for my taste, and the colors sometimes a bit quirky. Together we simplified designs, removed cheap Chinese findings that could be bought in Guatemala and followed fashion trends to create color combinations that would appeal to those wearing it here in the US. We’ve also recently launched a ceramic jewelry collection. And with her  husband, we’ve developed our laser cut jewelry which includes our famous painting earrings. A small group of artists come to work every day and work together to make these designs. 

 

FTW: The theme this year for International Women's Day is 'inspire inclusion.' How are women artisans supported and made to feel empowered and part of the team? What positive changes have you seen in the communities where the artisans work and live?

NANCY: There is no question in my mind that working within our communities, workers have been able to consistently learn new techniques while being able to pay school fees for their children and live proud lives. What is better? Doing janitorial work, which is what some of our artists used to do? Or learning to make jewelry and then train new artisans to make it too?

I might also like to add, that when you meet the artisans that make Dunitz & Company jewelry, you can feel good that they are treated with the respect and paid the fees they deserve. We don’t run an “under the table” business as many workshops do.  I remember some years ago, another Fair Trade Federation member asked if she could visit our bead workshop. I made the arrangements. She spent a lot of time there taking photos and observing the women working.  What did she find? She found a happy place where women were wearing their beautiful traditional clothing. What did she share on social media when she returned to the States? Photos from other workshops she visited where the women seemed a bit more sad and their clothing a bit worn out. I can only guess she thought tearing at customer heart strings might bring in more business. To me that isn’t want fair trade is about.

FTW: What advice would you give girls who are interested in getting involved in causes they are passionate about?

NANCY: I know you’ve heard this before. I say follow your heart. And if you never try, you’ll never know.  I didn’t have a clue what I was doing when I first started Dunitz & Company. Be a bit stubborn and be determined. And be flexible. Nothing is as how you first guessed it. You have to be willing to make changes along the journey.  What is most rewarding to me is leading by example. I know I’ve been instrumental in changing so many lives in Guatemala. But, I know I’ve changed lives here at home too. At least two women I knew from my corporate days, who watched me quit a fast-track corporate job to start my own business told me years later that I was their inspiration to start their own businesses.  I had an employee for a few years, a single mother who told me it was my perseverance that convinced her she could go back to school and finish a nursing degree. And she did. What could make you feel better than that?

--end of interview--

Again, I'm so appreciative Fair Trade Winds asked to interview me. I rarely "talk" about my fair trade business. I'm most often on auto-pilot packing orders, getting orders made, collaborating with artisans, answering emails, taking product photos, updating our websites and walking dogs :). Did I mention that Fair Trade Winds sells our designs in their Boulder, Seattle and Bar Harbor stores? They also sell many of our designs on their website.

Thank you for reading and supporting Dunitz & Company. You definitely make a difference. -ND

Why is Supporting Fair Trade Important to You?

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

What Motivates You to be a Fair Trader? These Stories Answer that Question

 Nancy (left) & colleagues

I know why I work in fair trade and why I established Dunitz & Company as a vehicle to sell beautiful handcrafted jewelry. I've traveled the world over. And too often I'd seen (and see) wonderful artisans who live in poverty with no access to sell their creations. I adore designing. I adore collaborating. And I wanted to find a market for artisan goods that would allow many to have a better life.  This is my story in a nutshell. I was curious what motivated other fair traders, so I decided to ask.

I reached out to several colleagues of mine who are always the most collaborative and supportive. This seemed a good place to start.  Several are Fair Trade Federation members. Others are not, but live by fair trade principles.  Here's are my questions and their answers.  I asked them to be concise in their responses and interpret my questions as they saw fit.

What motivates you to work in fair trade? Did you have a life experience that changed the way you see and work in the world?

Nina with artisans

Nina Moukova - Seeds To Sew International - It's the women and girls who participate in our programs, and knowing that by doing what I do, I can help create a lasting positive change in their lives. Every time I come across a customer who wants to hear about our artisans and is touched by the difference they can make in someone's life buy buying a product handmade by them, it touches my heart. It helps me realize that there are a lot of caring people out there and our work is meaningful - for both the artisans and the people who are happy to share with the less fortunate.

Julio at his store

Julio Zegarra-Ballon - Zee Bee Market - I was born in Peru and saw first-hand the lack of opportunity countless artisans face daily. I then built a career in retail working for large US corporations and realized I wanted to launch a Fair Trade business that would give market opportunities to talented artisans and makers the world over.

 

 

 

 

 

Rikki with Husband, Jim

Rikki Quintana - Hoon Arts Fair Trade - Art grabs people's attention. Through Fair Trade, I can use beautiful and unique Central Asian handicrafts to build long-term collaborative relationships and open the doorway to this unknown part of the world so that people in the West can see our common humanity and appreciate our beautiful diversity. It's my contribution to building a more peaceful, connected world.

 

Cael with artisans

Cael Chappell - Baskets of Africa - I suppose it's in my nature that I love helping people. So it's very rewarding for me to affect change in Africa by providing transformational opportunities for a person, family, community, or region...simply by treating them with respect and paying them a great price for their beautiful creations. I grew up very poor myself, sometimes homeless, and have lived without running water, indoor plumbing, electricity, or any modern amenities. When I first went to Africa almost 30 years ago, I realized that the majority of the continent lives in those difficult conditions and i wanted to do what I could to provide economic opportunities.

LeeAnne wears fair trade

LeeAnne McCoy - Change the World By How You Shop - Around 15 years ago, how I shopped was forever changed when I watched a video about Chinese pastors, imprisoned for their beliefs, forced to work 16 hours a day making Christmas lights. Though I initially changed my shopping habits to avoid exploitation, what motivates me now to support fair trade is the stories of how lives have been impacted in a positive way.

Karen with artisans

Karen Sparacio - Project Have Hope - Having traveled to Uganda in 2005, I saw the talented craftsmanship of a group of paper-bead making artisans. They had the skills; they just needed someone to help them bridge the gap to the marketplace. From day one, it was imperative to me that these artisans should have a voice as powerful as their talent.

Rosa with Peruvian colleagues

Rosa Chang - Blossom Inspirations - After living abroad from my home country of Peru - studying then working, I was looking for ways to reconnect with my home, our culture and traditions. I started bringing handicrafts fro my friends when visiting Peru, which eventally grew into a small business. Running the business under the tenets of fair trade was a way of giving back. Self-reflection made me realize that our humanity often gets overlooked in the profit & loss statements and that there are more stakeholders than those who hold shares in any given business.

Akhmim artisan

Hala Scandar - Dandarah  - Having grown up in Egypt, I have always appreciated Egyptian crafts and the highly talented artisans who create these treasures. Dandarah was born from a desire to empower marginalized artisans and help them sustain their age-old crafts. I so want to share their exquisite products beyond the boundaries of their home country and in a way that they are treated ethically.

 

 

Creating Opportunity in Haiti

Michele Adams - Village Country Store -  I strongly advocate ethical brand shopping, purveyors and supporters of fair trade who are working towards the good of us all.  I have met so many incredible people working in fair trade who little by little and piece by piece are making a difference. By launching my fair trade store, I'm able to spread social good, awareness, hope and help others less fortunate than me.

 

 

 

 

Designer, Kovida at work

Joan Rasch - Sevya  - Through this work, we are inspired each day to grow in our contentment and compassion. When we se the women artisans we work with blossom into their empowered selves, always giving of themselves with care and joy in their hearts, it motivates us to keep our hearts open and to give our ourselves without inhibition.

 

Caryn(right) & Sandra

Caryn Maxim - Mayamam Weavers - Volunteering with undocumented immigrants in my community of Morristown, NJ opened my eyes to the horrible realities that force so many people to migrate from their homes leaving family behind. I collaborated with a group of migrants from Guatemala that had organized themselves to look out for each other while in the US which lead me to apply my years of business experience to organize a weaving cooperative back in their community in Guatemala. By following the fair trade principles, the women of the cooperative are able to stay in their country, earn fair wages, support their families and reinvest in their community.

 

Anne with artisans

Anne Kelly - Mayan Hands - At its core, fair trade is about honoring shared connections. Nothing motivates me more than working alongside our artisan partners. I'm inspired by their creativity, strength, and their willingness to take on risks like learning new techniques or business skills. I believe the women are powerful agents for change, ad it's a joy to be there, through all the ups and downs, with our artisan partners as they work to create better futures for their families and communities.

 

Eldonna with artisans

Eldonna Fernandez - Baskets & Beads Kenya - As a military veteran who lived a life of service for 23 years, I have traveled the world and been to many different places and countries. I am motivated by the Air Force Core Value that still stays with me, Service Before Self.  I did have a life changing experience when I visited Kenya for the first time and met the women there. I knew working with them was the next "Service before Self" event for my life.

 

 

 

Nancy (that's me) with artisans

After reading my colleagues responses, it seems there is a common thread among us. Most of us have traveled the world or were born in a third world country. In those places we've spent meaning chunks of time, we've discovered and met countless artisans who need opportunities to sell their craft. And all of us live by the golden rule and expect that all workers should be treated with respect and earn living wages. I'm so happy to share these sound bites from my colleagues who live life in the same lane as me and Dunitz & Company. If you have a story from your experiences, I'd love to hear it. Please email me. -ND

Instagram Accounts You'll Want to Follow | 2020

I've been at it a long time. And I've been working the Dunitz& Company social media for a long time too. Sometimes I refer to it as a giant time suck.  I'm not sure all my efforts pay off. Being the rather stubborn person I am, I keep at it. And I dream that my endless energy promoting our ethically made and fair trade jewelry is making a difference. Are you on Instagram? The Dunitz Instagram account definitely steals plenty of my waking hours [Follow us. Hint. Hint.]. Creatively featuring our designs and mission, so as not to be too pushy and in your face is an ongoing challenge.  

 

What I've learned most, is in order to succeed with Instagram, you must be willing to watch, learn and engage with other brands and people. Yes, I watch my Fair Trade Federation colleagues, and I do have my favs.  And, I watch Fair Trade Federation too. Some of the most fun is when  I put on my detective hat and discover people and brands that except for this random connection on Instagram, I wouldn't have known. With this blog post, I wanted to share, in no particular order, some of my new favorite Instagram accounts I enjoy following. You might enjoy engaging with them too.

Tatty_moo - From across the pond, this account seems to inspire me with each of her posts.  The woman behind this account is innovative and environmentally conscious. She tears apart old clothing and pieces scraps from various items together to make new wholes. She designs wood-cut stud earrings that are super cute too.  And you know it takes a lot for me to say that. If this account doesn't inspire you, I don't know what account could. 

 

fredrika_and_the_apricots - Don't ask me how I stumbled upon Sarah the illustrator. What I do know is I have fallen in love with her aesthetic.  Her drawings are beautiful. Her presentation on her Instagram posts is perfection.This woman is so talented. 

bonniestauch - Bonnie is an amazing costume designer who has been responsible for the look of many a famous actor and actress in many films you might have seen.  She also has a wonderful IG feed you can absolutely get lost in. I haven't a clue where she discovers so many wonderful images. You'll love the fashion shots and artful photographic compositions she posts.

rosiemae27 - Rosie Mae, apparently from Brooklyn, or living in Brooklyn has swagger.  I'm partial to wall and graffiti art and she posts a lot of it. She's ethically minded and describes herself as a slow fashionista. What's not to like? And I'm certain she is drinking fair trade coffee.

sustainable.kay - I've been watching Kayla for a bit, and I'm often impressed with her suggestions for low waste living. OMG she is studying sustainability. Of course, she gives us tips on composting  and how to use less plastic around your home.  Please check her out. I know you'll get some good info that may change your life. And help our planet.

tussenkunstenquarantaine  - This account certainly doesn't need my help in obtaining followers! Clearly there is a reason this feed is so popular. You know those images you've seen from time to time with people imitating fine art? Well this feed is just that on steroids. It is so fun to watch this feed. And the reenactments come from people all over the world. Case in point, the image to the right I've featured hails from Iran.

coacoa13 - Don't even ask how I stumbled upon Colette Tucker's account. But I did. And every day this veterinary tech posts photos of cats and dogs from behind the scenes at the clinic where she works. They keep me smiling. Yes. Yes. I'm a dog person. Have you seen mine? If animals live in my house, they go by Dunitz mascot! 

mabeldorr - This resale shop located in Binghamton, NY actually is a client of Dunitz & Company's. They sell our fair trade jewelry there. I adore watching their IG feed because the owner, Heidi has a keen eye for fashion. Her selections and posts of luscious vintage clothing has resulted in my drooling. If you love fashion and you love vintage fashion, you must must must follow this account. I've warned you. You'll definitely find some pieces you'll want to have in your closet.

jillian.isabel - Yup, she's very far from me. Jillian is Down Under as we say. She reports from Australia. She has such a great eye with her camera shots.  I love that she posts oodles and oodles of street art photos. She doesn't know it. But I know if we were actually acquainted in person, and could walk around town together, we'd be attracted to much of the same.  I too love snapping pics of outdoor murals. If I find painted utility boxes, even better. Wait wait. That reminds me. I saw one on the way into work today. (Yes, I'm working on Saturday.) I must go back and take the shot.

 

racheladelicia - And finally, I had to make another shot-out to Rachel Adelicia. My pointing out her IG account is not new. I've actually interviewed her before.  I still love following her feed as much as I did when I first started. She's sassy and she has great style. She knows designers and she is crazy for thrifting. I'm sure I would have a pile of fun if I could actually ruffle through her closet and dresser drawers. This is a great account if you are into vintage fashion.

So there you have it. My current recommendations for Instagram accounts I think you'll enjoy following. While you're clicking away, don't forget to follow the Dunitz & Company Instagram account.  I promise, I don't just post pics of our fair trade jewelry. I also include travel pics from Guatemala, model shots, artisans at work and inspiration quotes.  If it wasn't our account, I'd still suggest you follow it! Thanks for reading. And if you have some suggestions for me, please let me know. - ND

Perfect Pin