Getting to Know Pachamama Market's Lindsay Woodruff

Lindsay & Nancy at FTF Austin

Dunitz & Company has been around for a long time now. And over the years, I've worked with loads of different store owners. Lindsay Woodruff, the owner and brains behind Pachamama Market is one of the most passionate fair traders I've encountered.  And if you follow the Pachamama Market Facebook page (recommended), you'll discover why I say this. But don't click that link just yet! Lindsay and I are both verified and proud members of Fair Trade Federation. I asked her if I could interview her, so all of us reading my blog could learn a bit more about what drives her. She graciously said yes. Read on.




NANCY: I've known about your fair trade store for quite some time, and we've been working together these last two years.  Can you tell me when you opened your store? Are you originally from Troy, OH? (where Lindsay's store is located)

LINDSAY: I opened my store in November 2015.  I'm originally from a smaller town just outside of Troy and had been working in Troy for about 5 years so I already knew and loved the community and knew it was where I wanted to open my brick and mortar.









NANCY:  Was there a pivotal life experience that encouraged you to work in 'fair trade'?

LINDSAY: I was raised in a very social conscious household. Other kids had a pool, we had a compost pile.  Other kids shopped at the mall, I got lectures from my mom on how the brand name stores were misogynistic in their advertising and didn't deserve our money. I shopped at thrift stores from that moment on. Other kids ate whatever their parents cooked. We boycotted rice to protest the way US subsidies were hurting small scale rice farmers in Haiti.

I didn't really have a name for my values until I was in college, where I worked for the school newspaper. I was attending my first editorial staff meeting and walked into the wrong room, where I stumbled into the Fair Trade Club meeting. I didn't really know what they were doing, but I saw a few friends and decided to stay. I was hooked from that point on.

I think I knew that I wanted to open a fair trade store someday after visiting Peru during grad school and spending a few weeks with the indigenous community in Pisac.  Seeing the way that colonialism still impacted the people there was eye-opening; I knew I needed to do something to help end the colonial economic systems that keep people in poverty.

NANCY: These are such unsettling times with the Covid-19 pandemic and Black Lives Matter protests. First, can you tell me how you've had to change to accommodate the heath risks associated with the coronavirus?  How have you and how are you adjusting?

Facebook Lives

LINDSAY: We decided to close our brick and mortar pretty early on in the pandemic, around the middle of March. I have always been a very tactile shopper and don't personally enjoy shopping online, so I always focused 95% of my time and energy on our brick and mortar and 5% on our online store.  Suddenly shifting my efforts to 100% online was a huge change for me personally in how I marketed my business and communicated with my customers.  But it paid off!  We were able to find and connect with several new customers, and I learned that chatting with my existing customers in a Facebook Live isn't quite as fun as chatting with them in person at the shop, but it is the next best thing.  We've slowly started to reopen in the past few weeks with limited hours and it definitely feels weird. We are requiring masks for staff and customers, and limiting our capacity to 4 shoppers at a time. It sounds strange but I miss smiling!  We are easing our way back towards operating at our regular hours and are happily bringing back our staff, but there are definitely still days where I don't change out of my sweatpants or leave the house.

NANCY: Creating justice throughout the world is one of our missions at Fair Trade Federation, an important organization to which we both belong.  Have you been encouraged to do anything differently in your store or online since the Black Lives Matters protests have populated all over our country?

LINDSAY: We personally don't do anything differently at Pachamama Market. We have always been very outspoken about justice issues including racial justice, economic justice, and environmental justice which are all incredibly interconnected and central to our mission as a fair trade store.  We did take a week off from creating any of our own content on social media and spent the week reposting and amplifying Black voices, which several people seemed to take note of.  We had a few cranky people throwing their coffee cups at our Black Lives Matter sidewalk sign at the store or trolling us on social media, but all I could think was, "You must be new around here, because we have always been and always will be this way."

NANCY: When not faced with specific current events, is there an activity you enjoy most about your business?

LINDSAY: Relationships are a key part of any fair trade business, and have always been my favorite part.  Meeting and talking with customers, chatting with my suppliers, and traveling to visit our artisan partners are what fill me with joy and purpose.  There has never been a single day since I opened the store where I woke up and thought, "I don't want to go to work today."

NANCY: When did Pachamama Market become part of Fair Trade Federation? Do you have any thoughts about your partnership with FTF?

LINDSAY: I attended my first FTF conference about 4 months after we opened, and applied for membership as soon as I was eligible at 6 months old. The FTF has been critical to my success as a business.  I would have closed my doors a long time ago without their workshops, mentorship, and other educational resources. But more importantly, they are my family. Knowing I have this huge network of people I can call or text any time and ask for help or just vent to a sympathetic ear has been a lifesaver for me.  I was just texting another FTF member at 10:30pm last night about my social media and we promised to be accountability partners in speaking out on racial justice. I don't know any other kind of business community where you find relationships like that.

NANCY: Can you share a story that makes you smile? A story where you and/or Pachamama Market were integral in making a positive change?

LINDSAY: Oooooh my. I had so many moments at the shop that have made me smile. Narrowing it down to just one is so hard.

I think probably one of my conversations that had the greatest impact on me was last year when I was getting ready to close up when a middle-aged gentleman walked in. I greeted him with a smile and he walked around for about 10 minutes, just silently taking everything in.  Finally he turned to me and said, "In 50 years, I never thought a place like this would be in Troy."  I thought, oh here we go again. Someone is mad about something.

But he went on to tell me about growing up in Troy as an indigenous, Latino mixed-race man.  About the racism and discrimination he faced. Then as an adult working in mental health, he tried to start a support group for LGBTQ+ teens in the area, which was quickly shot down by other members of the community.  For him, our presence in the community was a sign that progress was being made. Our little shop could be a safe space for youth like him who struggled to find acceptance growing up. He finally just smiled and said, "Thank you for being here."

There are times like last week when my Black Lives Matter sign couldn't make it an hour without being vandalized that I wonder what I'm doing here in such a small, white town. But I think back to that conversation and I know that we are here for a reason and will continue to be here and use our voice for change.

NANCY: I know when you're self-employed you tend to work a lot. At least I know I do. When you can steal some time for yourself, what do you do? Do you have any special hobbies?

LINDSAY: Yes, we work A LOT! Thankfully my family keeps me grounded and they aren't too polite to tell me it's time to close my laptop and walk away.

I still have little kids (11 and 9) and we love baking, hiking, and watching movies together. I think when your kids are that small it's a bit easier to balance work and play because they pretty much demand your attention.  They have been known to just stare at me over the computer screen like creepy owls until I take a hint and turn off the computer. My partner will either open a beer and slide it over to me or just grab my shoulder and say, "time to walk away" depending on how subtle he is feeling.

When I do have a minute to myself, I am a reader. I probably read 3 or 4 books a week because when I start one, I can't stop. It leads to a lot of sleepless nights but it is worth it.  I read everything, but mostly mysteries, romance, and sci-fi/fantasy. We actually started a book club this year at the store which has been on pause for a few months due to Covid-19 and I'm looking forward to reviving. (Can I be a remote member?)

NANCY: Of course, I'm thrilled that Pachamama Market is selling Dunitz & Company jewelry. You know I had to ask. Do you have a favorite design you like pointing out to customers? Or something you personally enjoy wearing?

Dunitz & Company Jewelry

LINDSAY: I really love the fused glass studs for days that I just want a small pop of color. I also love sharing the art images earrings and the vintage botanical print earrings because they are small and lightweight but so fun and visually interesting. Customers love to look through them and identify the artists or flowers.

NANCY: Is there anything else you'd like to share?

LINDSAY: Just that we love Dunitz & Company and we love Nancy! Thank you so much for all you do to support other fair trade businesses. (melts my heart.)   

 --end of interview--

Tell me. After reading Lindsay's responses, are you impressed with her or what? Now, I encourage you to check out and follow Pachamama's Facebook Page. Can you tell why I find Lindsay from Pachamama Market so inspiring? I'm thrilled she let us understand just a little bit more about what makes her tick.

Dunitz & Company has been selling fair trade jewelry for a long time. And we value our fair trade partners so so much. Without them we wouldn't be.  I am always honored to share a bit more about about the people who are so important to me and what I do. -ND      

Paisley Designs In Fair Trade

If you are anything like me, you might be crazy for paisley. When I was a kid, I always picked out the paisley tie for my dad. Later, when I wore neck scarves, I always chose those with the iconic paisley. And even later, when I became concerned about being a bit more eco-friendly, I'd create gift wrap by drawing paisley patterns on previously used paper. Perhaps that is why I've chosen this symbol often when designing fair trade jewelry for Dunitz & Company. And why now, in the times of Covid19, I wanted to also explore products with paisley design from my Fair Trade Federation colleagues.


But first, some history. Last year, I attended a wonderful exhibit at Los Angeles County Museum of Art, "Power of Pattern, Central Asian Ikats."  I didn't realize until then, that this teadrop-shaped motif with a curved tip originated in Persia and was brought to Central Asia in the fifth century BCE.  During the late eighteenth century beautiful shawls with this pattern were exported to Europe from Kashmir, India. And only after workshops in Paisley, Scotland began mass-producing imitation woolen shawls was this shape called 'paisley.'  In the Uzbek language, this shape is called bodom, which means almond.



OK - so here we go. After searching items showing off the paisley pattern in my fair trade community, I've discovered these fabulous finds.  And these may be perfect for you (we all enjoy buying for ourselves) or make a perfect gift.

Dunitz & Company - Yes, that's me!  You know I had to feature something from my collection. These earrings are new this season and are available for wholesale or retail. Dunitz & Company's Tiny Paisley Drops are always offered in many colors each season. Click to find the perfect color for you. These small earrings are crafted in Guatemala and made with Czech & Japanese glass beads. $20.00

HoonArts  - Are you looking to update your bedroom decor with something spectacular?  This Ikat & Suzani Bedspread Set handcrafted in Tajikistan might be the perfect thing. Check out those wonderfully embroidered large paisley shapes! Rikki Quintana, the muscle behind HoonArts recently wrote a blog post about paisley. Click here to read it.  Rikki has also provided a discount code to encourage shopping on her site. (No, I am not taking any kick-backs.) Use CODE: DUNITZFANS35OFF - BTW, this bedspread set is regularly $425.00, so the code makes it a steal at $276.


Sevya Handmade - If you're looking for the perfect summer top, I have found it for you! Right on trend is this embroidered tunic that prominently features the paisley design. Sevya's Karishma White Tunic is fabulous, absolutely fabulous. Loose and comfie too. Embroidered by women artisans in Northern India on soft cotton. $55.00

Global Gifts - I've discovered the most adorable coin purse, and so affordable too. This Paisley Art Deco Coin Purse sparkles with beads and sequins. Doesn't it feel like a 1920's classic? Crafted in India. Only $18.00








Zee Bee Market - You can never have too many Paisley Earrings!  Click now and you'll find these fabulous earrings available in several colors. I'm particularly proud of these because I designed them. They are hand-crafted in Guatemala and created with wire and Czech & Japanese glass beads and crystals. I love this color combo shown. And I know it's Julio's favorite too. Julio is the brains behind Zee Bee Market. $29.95







Passion Lilie - Is this the most adorable and lightweight scarf ever? Made of 100% cotton in India. You already know it's right up my alley, because I adore paisley.  This Pink Paisley & Orange Stripe Scarf will be great on you this summer. Or why not purchase it for someone you are thinking of? It's so affordable. $22.00









Fair Trade Winds - Looking for tablecloths, runners or napkins? Then look no further than Fair Trade Winds. They have some wonderful paisley designs from India, and better yet, many of them are currently on sale. I'm partial to earth tones and I have a very big dining room table. That means my choice is the Block Print Tablecloth that is 60" x 90". But seriously folks, roam around their site and find the perfect thing for you. You'll definitely feel as if you won big time. This piece shown took 7-10 days to make and, crazy, it's only $47.60

Pachamama Market - Are you familiar with Kashmiri paper mâché? Or perhaps you've seen beautiful items made with this technique and didn't know what it was. These pretties start with wooden eggs which are then covered in recycled paper and painted. No two are ever the same. Lindsay, the mastermind behind Pachamama Market told me that of her stock, at least a third features swirling paisleys. All of the Kashmiri Eggs are fabulous. But, if you're partial to paisley, just let her know. These come in two sizes, Petite and Regular. Buy a few and put them in a bowl. $7.00-9.00



Ya gotta love paisley. And are these some great gift ideas for you or others, or what?  I can't stress enough how your purchases from Fair Trade Federation, fair trade verified members like me, Dunitz & Company and those listed above make a big difference. This is not charity. We all work closely with the artisans that make the beautiful pieces we offer. We assure that the artisans are treated with respect and earn living wages. And, we need to eat too. (Just saying.) Your purchases make a big difference for all of us. And you can see from all the stunning things offered here, we all will make a difference in your life too. -ND

Fair Trade Gifts Perfect for Mom

I was always told every day is Mother's Day.  And officially it's coming up on May 10th.  So, why not surprise mom with a fair trade verified gift.  You certainly can send her the gift of fair trade jewelry from Dunitz & Company. hint hint!  And/or my Fair Trade Federation colleagues offer all sorts of luscious goodies that will put a grin on mom's face.  Keep reading for some great gift ideas.

Let me know if you order any of the following for your lucky mother. For this post, I asked my FTF colleagues to suggest some of their best sellers perfect for moms.

Global Gifts - has several fabulous brick & mortar stores in Indiana and Ohio, and their staff lives and breathes fair trade. I of course, appreciate the work they do, so so much, because they sell Dunitz & Company jewelry in their stores.  Global Gifts prepared their own Mother's Day Guide which offers up several great gift ideas. And I'm thrilled they're offering our Embroidered Corte Flower Pins. I know first-hand, how moms will love adorning a scarf, hat or lapel with one of these. $20.00







Global Gifts - looking to send mom a card that will surely make her smile and help others too? Global Gifts sells several cards including this one, "Crushing it Mom" which benefits artisans from the Philippines who are survivors of sex trafficking. Definitely peruse the Global Gifts site to find other options. $6.00









HoonArts - Completely drool-worthy. HoonArts collaborates with the Seven Sisters artisan group of Kyrgyzstan to create these amazing scarves that combine silk with wool felted flowers. My favorite is the Red Poppies on Light Grey. Everyone will stop in their tracks when they see your mom wearing one of these. $115.00









Just Tea - If moms around the world are anything like me, they enjoy eating and drinking tasty things.  That leads me to believe that Just Tea's Little Berry Hibiscus will make a perfect gift. Caffeine-free and organic. Each tin comes with a hand carved spoon from Kenya. $15.00

Women's Peace Collection - Have you seen the Women's Peace Collection website before? If you haven't, it's time you do. And they carry Dunitz & Company's fair trade jewelry too. (Yes! This makes me very happy.) I can verify that these Long Almond Glass Earrings are great sellers. And in shades of purple, what would be more perfect for mom? Crafted in Guatemala. (If you search their site, you'll find some other shapes and colors too!) $20.00

Mayan Hands - I'm crazy for Mayan Hand's bags made from recycled plastic. If you didn't know what they were made from, you'd have no idea. Why not surprise mom with a colorful cosmetic bag that is also good for our planet? These are fully lined and have a zip closure. And they are crafted in one of my favorite places, Guatemala. $19.00 




Dunitz & Company - Our (yes, this is my company) Famous Painting earrings are some of our most popular. And we KNOW you love Starry Night and Van Gogh Irises. These are crafted in Guatemala and use stainless steel ear wires. $14.00




 
Maggie's Organics - If you don't know Maggie's, you should. They have some of the best socks. And now, they have a buy 1, get 1 deal going. Surprise mom with a bunch of fair trade socks.  10% of sales from their cotton Biodiversity Footies will also go to help the Center for Biological Diversity. Check out the cute dragonfly design too. $8.25






Dandarah - You'll be amazed by the beauty of Dandarah's offerings from inner cities and rural areas of Egypt. And for Mother's Day, I know your mom will squeal with joy over a 100% viscose Helyat Handwoven Scarf. Several rich colors are available. Ships from Canada with a price tag of approximately $42.00 USD.









Muichic - Muichic works with women in Colombia to create some really cool Tagua jewelry. Tagua - you know that stuff that looks and feels like ivory, but it isn't. I adore their Amma Tagua Necklace which is quite a fashion forward design in bright pink and orange. Maybe your mom will too. $55.00










Awamaki - Now here's a great idea for mom's who do yoga and meditate. (Covid19 has resulted in my own, more regular TM schedule!) Filled with lavender and flaxseed, Samay Meditation Eye Pillows are sure to allow mom to enjoy some peaceful downtime. Crafted in Peru. $20.00







Sevya - Let's talk about gorgeous! I know your mom would adore and enjoy wearing a Rajika Embroidered Shawl. Perfect for a cool evening just about anywhere. And perfect for making a big fashion statement.  Handmade in Northern India of a wool/viscose blend. $79.00










Goex  - Here's a novel idea. Perhaps you're a dad reading this. And you want to find the perfect thing for mom. How about Mommy & Me matching T-shirts?  One for Momma. One for youngster. You can see this set features an adorable illustration of a fox. These shirts are sewn in Haiti. $25.00 each.










Zambeezi - You probably know about Zambeezi's fabulous lip balms. But did you know they also offer Lavender Soap Bars?  These bars are crafted in Zambia, Africa of sunflower oil, organic beeswax and palm kernel oil which will make you feel soft and provide great lather. If your mother is anything like me, she'll adore this soap. I know I'm totally nuts for handmade soap. At this price, you should purchase a few bars! $6.00 








Mata Traders - Does your mom possess some Boho style? If she does, she might enjoy a comfie Montrose Tie Dress (with elephants)! Hand crafted in India. Click to read more. $82.00 











  
Passion Lilie - Passion Lilie calls this one "Mom's Favorite Scarf."  And I can see why. This blue floral hand block printed and light-weight cotton scarf feels a bit vintage and a bit ethnic at the same time. I love it. I think your mom will too. $22.00 

Kamibashi - of string doll fame has come up with "Mom of the Year" in many versions. Brown body. Tan body. Red hair. Grey hair. (that's me!). Super cute. $10.00 









Aid Through Trade - Well, you know I'm crazy for beads! Obviously. Aid Through Trade has been working with beaders in Nepal for just about as long as I've been working with beaders in Guatemala. Damian, the owner of Aid Through Trade has always been one of my favorite Fair Trade Federation colleagues. In fact, he's one of the people that wrote a recommendation on my behalf when I joined FTF.  Perfect for Mother's Day from Nepal are Mommy & Me roll-on bracelets. How about bright pink in the shade they call "princess"? $24.00





Sol Jewels - Sol Jewels is a recent member of FTF, working with women in India. They've suggested this coral colored bead bracelet would be perfect for moms. I agree. And it's super affordable too. $9.99

Catalyst Collections - is working with women in Iraq to bring you fairly made and beautiful jewelry.  Their Aya Bracelet combines dyed bamboo coral beads, dyed lapis lazuli beads, glass seed beads, and gold-plated beads. All finished off with a toggle clasp. $45.00 (matching necklace is available.) 







MZ Fair Trade - MZ's Stormy Skies Crossbody bag is sure make your mom the most stylish one in her crowd. MZ's purses are made using traditional Zapoetec designs and created in Oaxaca, Mexico. Their work is really quite stunning. $99.00










Seeds to Sew - And now that you've browsed the list, you'll need the perfect gift wrapping. Seeds to Sew's Enkiteng Bags are lovingly sewn in Kenya and are made with recycled and upcycled fabrics and ribbons. And they can be used over and over again. Why not try their assortment pack? Regularly $32.00, and on sale for Mother's Day!








These are tough times. Most of us are social distancing. There's a good change you and your mom are separated and won't be able to hug in person this year.  I suggest you send some virtual Zoom or FaceTime love and send her a fair trade verified gift.  She'll love being remembered.  And your gifts chosen from this list will result in you doing double and triple duty good. You'll be helping artisans in faraway lands that create these beautiful items by assuring they've earned living wages for their work. And you'll be helping all of us, (that includes me at Dunitz & Company) the fair traders that make bringing their work to North America possible. -ND

Music in the Time of Corona - Feel Good Links

It's been quiet at Dunitz & Company, to say the least. Most of our wholesale fair trade jewelry orders have been put on indefinite hold and, with stores shuttered, new orders are not coming. If you're looking to purchase any fair trade jewelry direct, you can. (I'm packing orders!)  During some of my idle time, I've watched and listened to so many feel-good music offerings. I thought I'd share some of my favorite discoveries here.

Chucho Valdes - and what an amazing jazz pianist he is.  I first saw him perform when I went to Cuba in 2000 for the Havana Jazz Festival. Years later, I saw him perform in Los Angeles. And now I've been watching him 24/7 on Facebook. Valdes has been super generous with his almost daily presentations.  I think you'll enjoy the video performances he has shared with the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.








Chick Corea - staying with the jazz theme.  Chick Corea has also been sharing lengthy Facebook live performances recently.  Sometimes he calls them his practice sessions.  He welcomes us to his workshop with lengthy performances. If you like jazz piano, get lost in his presentations.








NY Philharmonic - With this performance of Ravel’s “Boléro,” musicians of the New York Philharmonic send a message of gratitude to the healthcare workers on the front lines of the COVID-19 crisis. You might cry when you watch and listen. 




Patrick Stewart - #ASonnetADay  It's definitely is a type music. Stewart's voice and Shakespeare's words are a joy for the ears. He has recorded quite a few for us to enjoy during these trying times. And more are coming.











Dennos Museum Center - at Northwestern Michigan College has started the Live & Local Music Series which you can watch on, what else, but Facebook live. First up on April 6th was a wonderful show by May Erlewine. Definitely check out these wonderful performances. And when we're all out of quarantine, go visit this wonderful museum. And - well, I have to say, they also sell Dunitz & Company fair trade jewelry in their gift shop.

 





Keith Urban - No more a secret. I sort of dig Keith Urban. He has shared a few lengthy performances you can access from his Facebook page. You might enjoy watching and listening too. And his wife, Nicole Kidman makes us know that she is definitely around.  










Norah Jones - one of the must sultry and beautiful voices of our generation. Check out her Facebook live videos. Gosh she's great.










Zoe B Zak - is the rabbi from Temple Israel of Catskill. Her voice is angelic and beautiful. And she is performing and recording regularly during these challenging times. On one recent Sabbath, she sings songs some of us know, and some we don't. She sings and educates. A client and friend of mine turned me onto these recordings. On this and others, I am so thrilled to see Zoe B Zak wearing kippot from Dunitz & Company. Click here if you want your very own. You can also experience her virtual 2020 Seder.

Dave Mathews - I was lucky enough to see him perform at the Hollywood Bowl a few years back. Now you can watch his concert online which is part of Verizon's Pay It Forward Live series. Matthews performed on March 26th. But as I type this, you can still watch it. Other concerts are scheduled for Tuesday and Thursday evenings during Covid-19 days. Click the link above and you might find something else that interests you.





 

California Women's Music - Their Facebook page and subsequent Live performance was a fun discovery for me.  On Saturday 4/18/2020, a group of talented ladies performed for all of us, in an effort to raise donations to aid musicians who don't qualify for Cares act funds. ETHER Fest 2020. One of our favorites, Alexx Calise, an often model and positive voice for Dunitz & Company fair trade jewelry, sang a terrific set that you can find about 2-1/2 hours in. Enjoy.



John Fogerty - How fun to catch Creedence Clearwater Revival's frontman take us down memory lane in Rolling Stone's IGTV series, In My Room. In My Room is and will be featuring artists we know and love singing from their homes. How fun to see Fogerty's acoustic versions of  “Have You Ever Seen the Rain" and "Bad Moon Rising." His dog is pretty cute too.




Saturday Night Seder - Looking for a little Seder fun? Watch this compilation of performances from actors, comedians and musicians, many of them you'll recognize. Some share heartfelt stories from their youths. You're sure to identify with some of them. Others will have you in stitches. (Dan Levy had me on the floor laughing.) Ultimately this group hopes to raise money for CDC Foundation's Coronavirus Emergency Response Fund. My favorite performance of the Seder was Ben Platt's rendition of Over the Rainbow, with a wonderful explanation of the song's origins from Judith Light.


Andrea Bocelli - It's truly amazing that on Easter morning, I enjoyed Andrea Bocelli's Music for Hope - Live from the Duomo di Milano with more than 2.8 million other viewers. How powerful is that? I couldn't snag a ticket to any of his past performances at the Hollywood Bowl. I feel lucky to have caught this performance. You can still experience it if you click here.



Are you starved for some good sounds? Perhaps you'll enjoy some of my favorites posted above. One thing is certain. There is no shortage of performances for you to experience online while you self- quarantine.  I'm so grateful to enjoy so many types of music. It gives me lots of options. Let me know what you discover online. Perhaps your favorite will become one of mine. -ND