Local Love: Latitudes Fair Trade Store
Local businesses are close to my heart, I've owned three and do my best to support them whenever I can. Part of what makes downtown Staunton so awesome are the small businesses run by our friends and neighbors, like one of my favorites, Latitudes Fair Trade Store https://latitudesfairtrade.com Latitudes, located at 16 E. Beverley St., opened in September 2015 and is owned an operated by Anna Schoenduby. There is so much to love about Latitudes, the friendly staff, the chocolates, gorgeous textiles, handwoven baskets, beautiful bags, cozy hats and scarves, fair trade coffee, greeting cards and clothing. Best of all, the wares are Eco-freindly, sweatshop free and you support socially responsible trade! All right here in our little downtown, how great is that!
Last week I stopped in and had a chat with Anna, asked her to share a bit about herself and the store with me.
Tell me how you landed in Staunton: I grew up in NOVA, the DC area and moved to Staunton with my husband 8 years ago. He got a job managing the Mockingbird, we loved it here and purchased a home near Gypsy Hill 5 years ago.
What is your favorite thing about your house: The flat yard, hard to find in Staunton!
Tell me what your experience as a small business owner has been like: It's been a fantastic experience, the downtown Staunton community is unique, supportive and non-competitive. There is a love for community that I appreciate.
How did Latitudes come to be: My mom started Latitudes in Warrenton, VA and I loved what she was doing. I had a full time job but was feeling more and more that Staunton would be a good fit for the business. Three years ago, my husband Brent bought Shenandoah Pizza http://shenpizza.com/ I was miserable at my job and the timing was right. We opened on September 19, 2015.
What is your favorite part of owning your store: It is so rewarding helping artisans in developing nations, being a part of the downtown community and sharing my love of Staunton with tourists.
I then asked Anna to fill in the blanks.
I care deeply about: Helping women and people to empower themselves out of poverty, especially helping women to support their families out of poverty beyond providing just charity.
If there's a recurring lesson in my life, it's: always be flexible and go with the flow!
Today is...Beautiful on many levels. I get to do what I love, it's gorgeous outside, there's not much I can complain about.
Thanks so much , Anna, always a pleasure chatting with you and shopping the store. Folks, stop by and get a head start on your Christmas shopping, the shop is stocked with great ornaments and gifts at affordable price ranges.
https://latitudesfairtrade.com/
Last week I stopped in and had a chat with Anna, asked her to share a bit about herself and the store with me.
Tell me how you landed in Staunton: I grew up in NOVA, the DC area and moved to Staunton with my husband 8 years ago. He got a job managing the Mockingbird, we loved it here and purchased a home near Gypsy Hill 5 years ago.
What is your favorite thing about your house: The flat yard, hard to find in Staunton!
Tell me what your experience as a small business owner has been like: It's been a fantastic experience, the downtown Staunton community is unique, supportive and non-competitive. There is a love for community that I appreciate.
How did Latitudes come to be: My mom started Latitudes in Warrenton, VA and I loved what she was doing. I had a full time job but was feeling more and more that Staunton would be a good fit for the business. Three years ago, my husband Brent bought Shenandoah Pizza http://shenpizza.com/ I was miserable at my job and the timing was right. We opened on September 19, 2015.
What is your favorite part of owning your store: It is so rewarding helping artisans in developing nations, being a part of the downtown community and sharing my love of Staunton with tourists.
I then asked Anna to fill in the blanks.
I care deeply about: Helping women and people to empower themselves out of poverty, especially helping women to support their families out of poverty beyond providing just charity.
If there's a recurring lesson in my life, it's: always be flexible and go with the flow!
Today is...Beautiful on many levels. I get to do what I love, it's gorgeous outside, there's not much I can complain about.
https://latitudesfairtrade.com/
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