A Fair Trade & Ethically Sourced Boutique
story by Jordan Pupa
De Baz, a quaint boutique in downtown Hartsville, is packed with a multitude of eclectic artisan products. Many shoppers don’t realize that there is so much more to this store than the unique items they carry. Dedicated to fair trade and ethically sourced products, they are connected to the livelihoods of others and each sale makes a direct impact on a better world. De Baz is where style and purpose collide.
When De Baz first opened their doors three years ago, they represented 16 countries. Today, the store carries clothing, jewelry, baskets, pillows, gifts and so many other one-of-a-kind items from over 40 countries around the world, including the USA. They recently doubled their size, giving them the room to double their impact. With the store expansion, they have grown to reach 125 artisan groups and small businesses. To date, De Baz has made nearly a quarter of a million-dollar financial impact globally. Owner, Lindsey Dowling says, “When we look at the portraits of the artisans on our walls, we are reminded every day that De Baz is bigger than us and bigger than Hartsville.” Through their partnership with one of their first artisan groups in Kenya, De Baz was able to help bring a ten-year goal of purchasing nearby property to build a school for artisans’ children to fruition in a matter of months.
De Baz’s heart and mission is that of “people over products” and you will only find items in the store from those that operate under shared values- fair trade certified and small businesses who follow fair trade practices. While many believe that fair trade and charity are one in the same, that is not the case. Fair trade is a hand up, not a hand out; it empowers entrepreneurs, both globally and domestically. Lindsey shares, “Really, the goal of fair trade in America is to raise awareness and to explain that it is not limited to third world practices. We stand for ethical standards and for artisans being fairly paid. While charity is usually specific-cause oriented or short-term, fair trade’s goal is self-sufficiency and long-term provision for the artisan or small business owner.”
Because nothing comes from big box manufacturers, every handmade piece carried in De Baz has an extraordinary story of an artisan who made it and with whom it impacts. For instance, Starfish Project, rescues women from trafficking and reintegrates them back into society with sustainable skills and income. Ten Thousand Villages and Elegantees offer similar stories of restoration and hope. These are just a few of many life-changing products proudly carried in-store.
As the holidays approach, it is a great time to consider purchasing from a fair trade dedicated business. Many people have the perception that fair trade items are expensive, but De Baz intentionally prices items so that every shopper can be a world changer. “Our goal is not for you to change your entire lifestyle to fair trade, but to work fair trade into your lifestyle. If even ten percent of everyone’s Christmas shopping was a fair trade purchase, the impact would be massive.”
Shop In-Store at 108 East Carolina Ave in Hartsville, SC
Shop Online at www.DeBazStyle.com
Facebook & Instagram @debazstyle
Phone: 843-309-9643
#PowerInYourPurchase
Owner, Lindsey Dowling
“Because nothing comes from big box manufacturers, every handmade piece carried in De Baz has an extraordinary story of an artisan who made it and with whom it impacts.”