Today we’d like to introduce you to Ann Niederehe.
Hi Ann, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
One Fair World began as a dream by a group of resourceful people excited by the idea of bringing a non-profit fair trade shop to Salem. The group was inspired by the mission to transform lives in developing countries by providing a marketplace for the work of artisans who get paid fairly and work in decent conditions.
The Salem community gave us a warm welcome in our first seasonal shop. This led to opening our shop at 474 Court St. NE, Salem in 2002 where we have operated ever since.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
*The initial group (the founding mothers) had dedication and were willing to work hard but lacked retail and business expertise. Many steep learning curves ensued!
*The store changed from a Ten Thousand Villages affiliate to an independent store.
*Staffing turnover led to times when volunteers managed the store.
*Surviving the pandemic!
*Social trends to more online shopping
*Harder to get volunteers now
*Local changes in downtown core.
Positives:
*Wonderful volunteers committed to success of store
*Lucky breaks such as finding a low rent initial location for seasonal store
*Supportive landlords
*Long term highly capable manager who came at time of greatest need and now her trained successor carries on!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a non-profit fair trade shop we provide a market for goods made in developing countries. The makers get paid fairly ad work in decent conditions with environmentally sound materials. Many of the goods represent the cultures of the makers in design and materials. We can assure our customers of these standards by buying through certified fair trade companies.
About 75% of the artisans are women. Their work improves the living standards of their families, allows children to go to school and transforms the role of women in these societies. One artisan said that the work allowed her and her children to eat more than once a day. So many success stories!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://onefairworld.org
- Instagram: onefairworld_salem
- Facebook: one fair world
