At My Fair Trade Lady In New Jersey, Shoppers Can Support The Global Fair Trade Movement
By Kim Magaraci|Published August 17, 2021
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Kim Magaraci
Author
Kim Magaraci graduated Rutgers University with a degree in Geography and has spent the last seven years as a freelance travel writer. Contact: kmagaraci@onlyinyourstate.com
Nowadays, more and more people are putting thought into their shopping choices. Whether it’s a decision to seek out sustainable products, ethically-produced clothing, or fair-trade consumable goods, it’s becoming evident that individuals can make a difference with more carefully considered purchases. In Haddon Heights, New Jersey, one small shop is making a difference around the globe by providing an inventory of goods, crafts, clothing, and gourmet foods that are all products of fair trade. Take a look at this remarkable shop and pick out a gift for someone you love, or a treat for yourself! At My Fair Trade Lady in New Jersey, shoppers can support the global fair trade movement, one sale at a time. Beautiful, handmade products that support a global cause? Now that’s truly a win-win.
My Fair Trade Lady is a one-of-a-kind shop in Haddon Heights, New Jersey.
Donna Gottardi, an anthropologist by trade, always knew she wanted to work with handmade goods. Her first job was as a clerk in a gift shop and gallery, and when she began to travel the world for her anthropological work, she found meaningful connections with artisans in the communities that she visited. While teaching in Ecuador after college, Donna began collecting textiles and other artist-made goods. She quickly found herself learning about how intertwined certain artwork and styles were to the Ecuadorian culture. Shortly thereafter, Donna worked as a college professor and found herself introduced to the notion of Fair Trade on international outings with her students. As she began to realize the importance of Fair Trade opportunities, she knew she wanted to continue to support the movement back in the United States.
This charming shop is more than just a cute boutique - it's an impactful one, too!
Donna opened My Fair Trade Lady in Haddon Heights, New Jersey. This charming small town is adjacent to Haddonfield and Collingswood, two of the small towns that are continually lauded for their small business communities, historic charm, and lively main streets. Haddon Heights is an equally charming town that sits in the shadow of the two and My Fair Trade Lady is located on Station Avenue off the White Horse Pike, one of the main byways in Camden County. The store's location near Route 295, Route 42, and the Walt Whitman Bridge make it easy to get to from the greater Philadelphia region, all points in South Jersey, Delaware, and all of New Jersey.
Well, it's the only retail shop in the state that focuses solely on fair trade goods. The store stocks ethically produced eco-friendly goods and clothing from all over the world. Donna Gottardi hand-picks everything that she stocks, and most of these pieces are truly unique. Whenever you walk in, you'll find a new selection of one-of-a-kind products handmade by artisans around the globe.
Whether it's for the artist, the environment, or for her customers, the genuine intent of every interaction is evident. One of the reasons Donna is so proud of her inventory and her mission is that each product in the store is a snapshot of a moment in time - a reflection of culture, and a peek into another life.
By running her own small business in a supportive town, Donna has found the ability to support other small businesses from halfway across the world.
So, in a shop of one-of-a-kind handmade goods, what's the crowd favorite?
The clothing is always a hit. Upcycled and carbon-neutral processes result in clothing that doesn't damage the Earth while providing a unique look to the wearer.
Another popular item is fair trade chocolate, which comes from growers in West Africa.
In an industry that's notorious for terrible labor practices, being able to support sustainable efforts for higher wages and finance education for growers and their families just makes every bite sweeter.
Haddon Heights truly benefits from having My Fair Trade Lady as a shop in the vibrant downtown shopping district. Shoppers get to browse beautiful and affordable gifts while giving back to the greater community, and supporting growers and artisans working to create stunning art and gourmet goods. When asked what Donna would like her customers and fellow New Jersians to know, she stated that she “feel(s) like the luckiest small business owner there is,” since she’s able to give back with her work and run her shop in a supportive South Jersey town.
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