Your cart is currently empty!
Author: michael
Off-Setting Our Carbon Footprint
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
“I think that I shall never see a poem lovely as a tree” are the words of poet Joyce Kilmer. Words I have carried with me since childhood. I love trees, I seek their solace, shade and beauty. Recently I grew to love them even more as I listened to the words of Indian scholar and environmental activist, Dr. Vandana Shiva. In an interview with Claire Dubois of treesisters.org Vandana so eloquently stated that if we are looking for the best way to sequester carbon and heal the earth, nature has provided us with the ultimate carbon sequestration machine… trees. They are the complex lungs of the earth and provide a way where all of us can step in to help collectively in the healing of our planet.
Ever since Ganesh Himal Trading started we have worried about the environmental impact of transporting goods halfway around the world. To mitigate this somewhat, we have used only recycled boxes, built a super insulated, energy efficient warehouse on 40 acres that preserves pine and aspen forests and created as little waste as possible. But listening to Vandana’s words I realized we had an avenue by which to do much more. We could plant trees. Through Treesisters we found Eden Projects and are now entering into a partnership with them (read below) to plant trees in Nepal to offset the impact of each of our shipments.
As members of the Fair Trade Federation we are required to “cultivate environmental stewardship” as “fair trade seeks to offer current generations the ability to meet their needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs”. This is our commitment to you, to your customers, to our partners in Nepal and to our beautiful planet. We have been paying to plant and care for 4000 trees/year since 2019 in Nepal going forward and 1000 trees/year going backward. This tree planting, through Eden Projects, will not only help produce beauty and sequester carbon, it will also provide Nepali’s, 70% of whom are forest dependent, with good paying jobs and an ability to stay on the land for years to come. We are thrilled to be a part of this work.
Please check out these websites above and learn more about these amazing movements. It is by all of us joining together that we can move forward through to a more loving, healthy and just world. Enjoy the fall and remember the trees.
Namaste,
Denise
We plant 4,000 each year, equaling 8,000 trees planted in total over the past two years.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Climate Strike / News
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Climate Strike!
On Friday, September 20th, the Ganesh Himal team joined thousands of people around the world and participated in the International Climate Strike. We attended our local event in downtown Spokane WA, to demand action on climate change now.
[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Announcing Our Plan to Off-Set Ganesh Himal Trading’s Carbon Footprint
Eden Reforestation Project is the organization we work with who plants trees in Nepal. Photo Credit: Eden Reforestation Project.Planting Trees
Ganesh Himal generates C02 emissions when we airfreight our products from Nepal. In order to decrease our carbon footprint we are making a commitment to plant 500 tree seedlings in Nepal for every shipment we receive. That’s 3000 seedlings per year. Trees are one of the best ways to sequester carbon which helps limit global warming, providing for a cleaner, healthier climate. (see Project Drawdown-afforestation)
Our Partners in Nepal
To plant the seedlings, Ganesh Himal Trading will donate to Eden Reforestation Projects, a California based non-profit that has been working in Nepal to support poverty alleviation and environmental restoration since 2015. Eden Projects has already planted over 3 million trees in 3 distinct regions across Nepal and aims to:- Alleviate extreme poverty by hiring local villagers, giving them a fair wage, to grow, plant and guard large-scale forest restoration sites,
- Provide a consistent income to poverty stricken communities encouraging economic growth and,
- Restore the environment through reforestation efforts, improving fisheries, agriculture and carbon sequestration.
The Math
We did the math and figured out that each shipment from Nepal weighs approximately 5000 lbs which, when airfreighted creates 13 tons of Co2. In order for us to offset 1 ton of Co2, we need 4 mature trees. So that means 13 x 4 = 52 mature trees per shipment. With 6 shipments a year, we need 312 mature trees total to offset the Co2. Our goal is to to plant 3000 seedlings per year with this reliable project to grow enough trees to maturity to reduce our footprint. The cost to do this is a mere 33 cents per tree or $990 a year and the benefits are huge.
We aren’t Stopping There
Finding Eden Projects in Nepal also means we can begin making up for the Co2 emissions from years past, so Ric and Denise (co-founders of Ganesh Himal Trading) have pledged to donate $330 a year to plant 1000 more seedlings. That means a total of 4000 seedlings per year planted & cared for in Nepal and fair income for impoverished villagers. We think it’s a win win!
A Few Ways You as a Fair Trade Business Leader Can Take Action for Climate Change
- Show up and strike! Find a local march/protest in your community and join them; if you are a business owner, pay your staff to take time off and participate. This tool kit can help you get the word out and encourage others to do the same.
- Use Social Media to show your support for climate strikes, even if you are unable to attend any events. More ideas here.
- Get politically active and vote! We must elect a government that will take bold action to reduce emissions, prepare for climate change and build a strong, diverse, equitable and clean economy.
- Green your commute: try to drive less and choose public transportation, biking or carpooling.
- Consider a workplace energy audit to identify where you can make the most energy-saving gains.
- Promote products in your store that encourage preserving the environment by offering a discount. Get creative and have fun raising awareness of this important issue.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
The 2023 Festival of Fair Trade
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” type=”legacy”][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” border_radius=”” box_shadow=”no” dimension_box_shadow=”” box_shadow_blur=”0″ box_shadow_spread=”0″ box_shadow_color=”” box_shadow_style=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”true” border_sizes_top=”0″ border_sizes_bottom=”0″ border_sizes_left=”0″ border_sizes_right=”0″ first=”true”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_transform=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=”” logics=””]
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hue=”” saturation=”” lightness=”” alpha=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_transform=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_color=”” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_delay=”0″ animation_offset=”” logics=””]
Join us for the 2023 Festival of Fair Trade!
[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]
[fusion_button link=”https://shopkizuri.com/” text_transform=”uppercase” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment_medium=”” alignment_small=”” alignment=”center” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” border_radius=”” border_color=”” border_hover_color=”” size=”” stretch=”default” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Shop the Festival [/fusion_button]
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
The FTF Wholesale Guide
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_separator style_type=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”20″ bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Featured in the FTF Wholesale Guide!
Cotton Dress by Ganesh Himal Trading CD-D-SNMEarrings by Fair Anita, ring by Muichic Natural Jewelry, bag by Baskets of Africa.
Model is Mo Wahome, photo by Michael Rothermel[/fusion_text][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”1_3″ layout=”1_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Useful Links for Retailers
*must be logged in to view
Fair Trade Retail Support Group>
Hosted by Ganesh Himal Trading, this group is set up to provide Ganesh Himal customers with a group forum where people can share ideas and problem solve.Artisan & Handcraft Information>
Sharing their talent and skill with us, Ganesh Himal artisans produce some of the most beautiful and well made handcrafts coming from Nepal. Learn about them & share their stories with your customers.Learn More about Advance Ordering>
Grow your sales by Advance Ordering with us and make sure that you have the stock you need for the holiday season.[fusion_button link=”https://dev.ganeshhimaltrading.com/customer-support-area/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Get More Support[/fusion_button]
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][fusion_builder_column type=”2_3″ layout=”2_3″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_image_id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”left top” undefined=”” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
The FTF Wholesale Guide is now available!
(from the FTF website)
The 2019-2020 Fair Trade Wholesale Guide has been released! Explore verified fair trade wholesalers and their unique products in this gorgeous, visual feast of a guide.If you would like a print copy, please fill out the request form here. Please note if you are an FTF retailer, you will receive a print guide in the mail. For the most up-to-date list of FTF wholesalers, visit the Fair Trade Federation Find a Wholesaler Guide page.[fusion_button link=”https://www.fairtradefederation.org/resources/2019-2020-fair-trade-wholesale-guide/” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_self” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]View the Guide[/fusion_button][/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Artisan Spotlight
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”70911|full” max_width=”” style_type=”dropshadow” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://dev.ganeshhimaltrading.com/wp-content/uploads/Copy-of-Copy-of-Copy-of-Social-Media-–-Untitled-Design-8-1.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”50px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]
Sadle Traders & Ram Bahadur
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”50px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
The Ganesh Himal Trading tailors create a beautiful array of men’s and women’s clothing, bags and headbands. Mostly made from handwoven cotton fabric, the tailors partner with many local weavers to produce some of the highest quality handmade clothing. In addition to handwoven fabrics, they also incorporate recycled and sustainable materials including hemp, recycled rubber, no kill leather, recycled saris and wool.
Ram Bahadur’s Story
Ram Bahadur was born in Chitwan (which is 140 km away from Kathmandu) and he now lives near Thamal in Kathmandu. He has a family of 5, 1 son and 4 daughters who are now all grown. Ram Bahadur is a pattern master and fabric cutting master, but can also act as a tailor if he is called to. Tailoring has been in Rams family for more then 4 centuries. He first began to tailor when he was 15 years old and learned from his father. In turn he has taught this trade to his son and his daughters. Being able to work at Sadle has given him the ability to buy a nice piece of land and build a fair sized house on it. It has also enabled him to send his children to school . In the future he wants to continue to work here at Sadle until he retires. When he retires he wants to live with his family and play with and help take care of his grandchildren. Ganesh Himal Trading has worked with Ram for over 27 years!
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Succession in Action, Part 2
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”70904|full” max_width=”” style_type=”dropshadow” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://dev.ganeshhimaltrading.com/wp-content/uploads/DSCN4039.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”50px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Co-Owner, Denise Attwood Namaste! Candi Horton and Brian Schmucker of what was formerly Baksheesh Fair Trade are fair trade retail pioneers writ large. If you’ve been involved in Fair Trade you have most likely felt their influence and benefitted greatly from their mentoring and small business advice. Even now, as they transition out of owning their Fair Trade stores they continue to help by shining a light on ways to keep the stores they so consciously created alive.Here, we carry on our conversation about how to intentionally plan for the transition of fair trade businesses to the next generation. In doing so we hope to help build and strengthen the future of Fair Trade by helping fair traders keep the vision of their stores and businesses alive long after they have stopped being their owners. We also hope to create a platform for an open and fruitful dialog around the successes, failures and near misses of those who are or have transitioned their Fair Trade businesses.We are all leaders and learners in understanding how to keep these visions alive so hearing from our community hopefully will serve us all well. We hope these conversations will spark something within you to begin thinking of how you can transition your fair trade business in the future. Your community, the artisans and some young energetic visionary you mentor will be so grateful to you if take the time now to create that pathway.We would love your insight, stories and comments as we continue this conversation.On another note, we are really excited to announce the launching of Conscious Connections Foundation’s new website and the completion of CCF’s 2018 Annual report. This added layer of removing barriers to women and girls in Nepal is meeting with great success. Enjoy!Namaste,Denise[/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”50px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_title hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” content_align=”left” size=”1″ font_size=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” text_color=”” style_type=”default” sep_color=””]
Succession in Action, Part 2: Interview with Candi Horton from Baksheesh
[/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”50px” bottom_margin=”” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Candi Horton and her husband, Brian Smucker, are former owners of Baksheesh Fair Trade in Sonoma and St. Helena, CA. Their work in fair trade spanned almost 20 years. Candi talks about their process of selling their business below.What was your exit plan?As we looked toward retirement from fair trade retailing we had two goals: have the business continue beyond our retirement and retire early enough to pursue other interests. This required a long term plan.Consideration was given to closing the stores. This was counter to our reasons for starting stores in the first place. Our purpose in opening stores was to create jobs. To close the business would affect local staff, vendors and artisans. We wanted those jobs to continue.That left selling the stores. But did we have something worth selling? We contacted an outside business valuation company and contracted with them for an overview of the business. This report provided a selling price and areas of operation that could be improved.How did you decide to when to retire?We wanted to do it early enough so we still had the health and energy to pursue other interests. This is quite a subjective goal but for us it meant retiring in our early 60s. With that benchmark discussed and established we could move on to a plan.How did you plan for a seamless transition?Guaranteeing the business’ long term viability after we were gone was very important to us. If at all possible we wanted to sell to someone who understood our community, had a solid commitment to fair trade and had the retail expertise to keep the stores moving forward. For us, that meant looking to our current staff for interest in purchasing the business.A five year plan was structured. Each year training would be scheduled for a different area of retail management including customer service, inventory control, accounting/payroll, advertising/promotion and staffing/training. As each area was covered the owner-in-training would have on-going responsibility for that area. At the end of each year all parties would meet to review the next steps and confirm continued interest in proceeding. With this plan in place we approached our staff for interest.With the five year plan we also committed to assistance in financing the purchase which would include retaining sufficient cash on hand for operations. To start with we assumed this would mean support in securing a small business loan. In fact, it ended with us holding the ten year sales contracts.Did it work?The plan only failed when we failed to follow the plan – sadly. The first store worked seamlessly. The second store had no one on staff interested in the offer. Instead of lengthening the time frame in order to work with a new staff person who might then be open to the five year plan, the plan was shortened. This proved to be inadequate for proper training and oversight and the store closed. Sticking to the five year plan and adding extra reporting requirements to the sale of the second store may have resulted in a better outcome.[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Q & A with Austin Zimmerman
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”70486|full” max_width=”” style_type=”” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”none” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://dev.ganeshhimaltrading.com/wp-content/uploads/UNADJUSTEDNONRAW_thumb_10b2.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_separator style_type=”default” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”#ffffff” top_margin=”” bottom_margin=”20px” border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
What brought you to Ganesh Himal Trading? I’ve know Ric and Denise most of my life as family friends. My work at Ganesh Himal first started as a nanny to their son Cameron, and continued each summer when I would return home from school to work in the warehouse. It was in those early exposures to Ganesh Himal and their business practices that the seeds of Fair Trade and responsible small business were planted.
Why have you decided to build your livelihood around Fair Trade?
I think it was always in the back of my mind that I wanted to replicate their business model. The concept of long term business relationships built on trust and operated at a small but impactful scale was very inspiring to me. That concept combined with the opportunity to work each day towards making the world a more equitable place is what excited me then and continues to excite me today. Having worked in the Fair Trade Federation community now for eight years I’ve learned so much more about the movement and it’s change-makers. I am so grateful to work with the incredible people I do–in Nepal, at Ganesh and throughout North America.
What has it been like to move into a co-owner position with a business that prioritizes an intentional succession process?
During several trips to Nepal and eight years of employment, I’ve observed Ric and Denise at the helm of an incredible company –guiding it through natural disasters, threat of economic recession and more. Through all of that they’ve been very gracious, allowing me to voice ideas, make mistakes, observe and ask questions. The network of relationships and systems required to run this business are extensive and the wealth of knowledge gained through thirty-four years of experience is priceless. Our hope is that through the succession plan, I’ll be able to continue to learn and navigate the business while still receiving input from Ric and Denise. I recognize that there is still SO MUCH for me to learn, but I’m grateful to have two incredible mentors guiding me. Ultimately, because the transition will happen over time, Ganesh Himal will continue to operate uninterrupted–which is something we felt we owed to our producer partners in Nepal, our dedicated employees and our customers.
What are you most excited about in your new role?
Brene Brown defines a leader as “anyone who takes responsibility for finding the potential in people and processes and has the courage to develop that potential”–I feel that Ric and Denise have approached their business relationships in this manor and that I have benefitted greatly from their approach. To that extent, I hope to continue this approach and further nurture a team mindset which I find both empowering and inspiring. Together, I hope we continue to hone our strengths and potential to meet the needs of our customers and producers in a constantly changing market.
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_imageframe image_id=”70493|full” max_width=”400″ style_type=”none” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align=”center” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]https://dev.ganeshhimaltrading.com/wp-content/uploads/IMG_1250.jpg[/fusion_imageframe][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
What a long, strange and rewarding trip it’s been!
But thirty five years is long enough, at least for me so it’s time to pass the torch, to hand over the keys to the executive washroom, to let someone younger if not wiser, someone who has the youthful energy and enthusiasm for fair-trade and Nepal take over my place in Ganesh Himal Trading. But before I introduce Austin a quick historical rundown is in order.
The year 1984, Denise and I take an extended trip to Asia and the S. Pacific. Nepal was our first port of call and after two months we totally fell in love with the country the people and the sweaters, not to mention the myriad other handcrafts. Our sweaters, provided by a Tibetan refugee couple, proved to be our introduction to the business end of Nepal. After a month trekking we returned to Kathmandu enamored with our purchases and were persuaded to set up shop in the states selling Lobsang and Dolkar’s sweaters. Bare in mind this was before the advent of fleece. The sweaters were beautiful and well made, the perfect winter item for the Northwest.
As one thing leads to another, one trip to Nepal lead to more trips to Nepal, more great treks, more great products and more great people. We met Nhucche who being quite the Newari entrepreneur fronted us 100 sweaters on consignment. We paid when we sold them and returned to Nepal. How’s that for trust! Today we work with Nhucche’s son Amit. We met Meera Bhattari, who was starting the Association of Craft Producers,”Dhukuti”, which is a skills development and income earning project for low income women. Many of you know we still work closely with Meera and ACP and now the Conscious Connections Foundation provides support for the education of the children of the producers. We started working with Tibetan carpet weavers and although we not longer sell carpets this was a further introduction into Tibetan culture. Which lead us indirectly to finding our late friend Namygal and his wife Pemala. A couple that turned out to be crucial to both ending our shipping nightmares and to supplying us with consistent well made products. We still work closely with Pemela and her daughter Kesang. Kesang has helped set up a workshop on the border of India which provides income for women who are in danger of being trafficked, have lost husbands or have been abused. She also is a driving force in helping CCF with the menstrual pad project.
As our business grew, we realized that in order to provide consistent quality in the handcrafts and close relationships with the producers we needed someone to essentially manage the day to day operations in Nepal, to field questions about products to insure labels are correct, to make sure the products are finished and shipped on time and to keep everybody happy. Then by both a fortunate and unfortunate turn of events Chunta came into our lives. Chunta is Pemala’s younger sister who with her family had fled Tibet in the early seventies leaving everything behind. The fortunate part is obvious, we could not do what we do today without Chunta. She is respected by all the producers, speaks numerous languages and is so hard working, diligent and creative that it puts me to shame. The unfortunate part is that we actually came to know Chunta because Denise’s mother broke her leg while on a trip to Nepal with us. Chunta was the one who really provided Joy with care and companionship during her convalescence in Nepal, and later as Joy brought her to the states to help out and repay her kindness.
Of course we put Chunta to work while she was in Spokane, helping us with sales at fairs and festivals. Which leads me to the next part of this narrative. That of how we managed to sell all the sweaters and other products and really establish our business. When we got back to the States after 7 or 8 months of traveling our little box of Nepali handcrafts was waiting for us, much to our surprise. Denise’s Mom and Dad set up a show for us at a local theatre where we did a slide show of our trip and displayed what the items we’d send back. By the end of the evening we’d sold almost everything and our fate was sealed. We borrowed a little money, I went back to Nepal, Denise when to law school and we embarked on the journey. During the three years Denise was in school I spent my time plying the college campus’s doing what we termed “guerrilla vending“ and on the weekends we’d set up our booth selling at various random festivals, actually anywhere they would have us. Which, by the way took us to some very colorful events, everything from Trout Creek Montana Huckleberry Festival, to the Folk Life Festival in Seattle with a hundred thousand people.
By the time Denise finished law school Ganesh Himal Trekking and Trading was taking off. One or both of us had gone back and forth to Nepal numerous times and had great contacts with the producer groups and a market. The market however demanded that we be on the road some 200 days a year hauling 50 pound bags of sweaters in and out of various events. But it was a good time and allowed us to talk about the producers in Nepal and how we based our business on an equitable partnership, a model that we learned later was the core of Fair Trade.
In hindsight the next progression seems fairly obvious but at the time I thought it was both a stroke of brilliance and a more than a bit of luck. The luck part was the formation of the Fair Trade Federation, which Denise tuned into right from the beginning. We participated in some of the first Fair Trade Federation conferences which gave us the opportunity to network with retail stores which were members of the FTF. The obvious part was our slow transition from retail to wholesale. I mean how long could our bodies hold up hauling sweaters around plus wholesale gave us the opportunity to provide more work and support to the producers in Nepal. Also shortly after this our son Cameron Norbu was born. He was immediately indoctrinated into Nepali culture and fair trade by taking his first trip to Nepal at the tender age of five months. He subsequently has spend much of his young life going back and forth to Nepal and not only helped form CCF but spent most of a gap year in Nepal after the 2015 earthquake leading projects that CCF was involved in.
Which leads me back to where this all started, with my retirement and the introduction of Austin as Denise’s partner. The transition from retail to wholesale required that we find employees to work with us since it rapidly became more than the two of us good handle. Denise and I would still be on the road throughout the Northwest showing and selling products to fair trade stores. Cameron would be packed in with the goods. At home however Cameron was in need of someone to hang with him sometimes during the day. So enter Austin at age 14. In a way Austin was also indoctrinated into fair trade at a young age. She slowly began doing projects for the business during her summer breaks and when she was home from college. She actually helped us collate our first paper catalog which was a demanding job at the time. It was obvious from the beginning that Austin paid a great deal of attention to detail. Denise could give her a task and it would be done and done well. So after Austin finished college and spend a couple years playing professional volleyball in Europe she returned to Spokane, contacted us and asked if we had any work she could do. Again the timing was perfect, our customer base was growing our products were increasing and the opportunity to have Austin even part time was too good to pass up.
I remember Denise asking Austin what she wanted to do after returning to Spokane, she replied that she really wanted to work in fair trade. OK, how’s that for fate! I’m not sure we thought about it at the time, but Austin’s enthusiasm and commitment to Ganesh Himal, which included a self funded trip to Nepal, proved to be the perfect transitional opportunity for both of us.
As long winded as this narrative is it but a brief encapsulation of thirty plus years of working with wonderful and amazing people both in Nepal and across the US. We’ve gone from selling sweaters out of the back of our truck to selling to some four hundred stores around the country. Granted it’s been a fair bit of work, pun intended, but we could not have done it without everyone involved, the producers in Nepal, the stores committed to fair trade and of course our terrific staff. So I feel grateful to have had the opportunity to make this work my life and I now feel grateful to have the pleasure to past this legacy onto Austin. Namaste, Ric
[/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Planting Seeds
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Planting Seeds
Nature is and always will be my best teacher. The wealth of wisdom that she shares in the simplest things astounds me. And so I ask questions and she responds in my dreams. When I asked the question of “What is the nature of a healthy business?” her response, “think of a seed”. And so I have been thinking a lot of seeds!
So often in business we look only at today, the blossoming of the flower, occasionally dipping back into the past for lessons learned and rarely planning for the blossoms to happen years from now. Seeds have a lot to teach. They hold the wisdom of the strength of past practices but they also hold within their tiny breadth the complete package for the continuation of generations of blossoms to come.
To continue our vision of Fair Trade we need to be like a seed. We need to plant the seeds now that will allow our businesses to thrive long after we are gone. We owe that to the producers, to the movement and to the customers that have grown to love, support and depend on us to provide fair trade goods. And we owe it to perpetuating the wisdom that we have garnered along the way.
Ric and I started Ganesh Himal Trading as youngsters, 35 years ago. Throughout the years we have cultivated a warm and compassionate staff here in the US and an amazing group of partners in Nepal that have made it their life’s work to make our collective vision a reality. That was the first seed planted. But leadership has to evolve away from founders and into the hands of those who have been mentored. Eight years ago we started to cultivate the soil for the planting of the seed that would allow for the continuation of our dream far into the future, encapsulating the Fair Trade values and relationships cultivated over these 35 years.
And so on June 1, Ric retired and Austin, who many of you know, became my business partner. This transition has been a long time in the making and has been cultivated with the same care as the rest of Ganesh Himal Trading. Read on to hear their thoughts on letting go and moving forward.
If Fair Trade is to grow and prosper we need to engage in what it takes to transition and to do it now. We have seen many great businesses continue on because of this planning and far too many fail. Take care that the seeds you planted are well tended and ready to blossom again and again, without you, into the future. Our Fair Trade partners and movement deserve that care.
Making the transition legal! [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]
Fair Trade Collaborative Partnerships
[fusion_builder_container hundred_percent=”no” hundred_percent_height=”no” hundred_percent_height_scroll=”no” hundred_percent_height_center_content=”yes” equal_height_columns=”no” menu_anchor=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” status=”published” publish_date=”” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_position=”center center” background_repeat=”no-repeat” fade=”no” background_parallax=”none” enable_mobile=”no” parallax_speed=”0.3″ video_mp4=”” video_webm=”” video_ogv=”” video_url=”” video_aspect_ratio=”16:9″ video_loop=”yes” video_mute=”yes” video_preview_image=”” border_size=”” border_color=”” border_style=”solid” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=””][fusion_builder_row][fusion_builder_column type=”1_1″ layout=”1_1″ spacing=”” center_content=”no” link=”” target=”_self” min_height=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” background_color=”” background_image=”” background_image_id=”” background_position=”left top” background_repeat=”no-repeat” hover_type=”none” border_size=”0″ border_color=”” border_style=”solid” border_position=”all” padding_top=”” padding_right=”” padding_bottom=”” padding_left=”” margin_top=”” margin_bottom=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” last=”no”][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=””]
Dawn Patel is an artist and business owner in Door County Wisconsin. Her business “Brilliant Stranger” found its name in a dream, and reflects a sincere belief in the potential we all have to shine. Wearable Art has become a focus in her creative business, and working with Ganesh Himal in the production of some of her most popular designs has made it possible to experiment even more with original dye processes and surface design. Her processes include but are not limited to machine, hand stitching, painting, block printing, plant dyes, low impact dyes, and hand beading. Each piece of clothing is unique and full of personal expression.Dawn’s art and business reflect a constant striving to honor the earth and all living creatures. She works with materials that are ethically sourced and/or repurposed whenever possible and is always trying to learn and improve. The artistic visions come from a spirit and a place that cannot always be explained, but honoring that creative spirit is the single most important part of her process.You can find her items on www.brilliantstranger.com and etsy: https://www.etsy.com/sho p/brilliantstranger [/fusion_text][/fusion_builder_column][/fusion_builder_row][/fusion_builder_container]