Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeanie Hinsman.
Hi Jeanie, 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?
For many years as I travelled the Midwest I would seek out fair trade shops. I visited shops in Madison, Wi, Cedar Falls, IA, Vermillion, SD, the Twin Cities. My feeling was always—“I wish New Ulm had a shop like this.” I appreciated the support fair trade provides to crafters in disadvantaged circumstances who need a market for their wares. I also appreciated knowing that crafters and small scale farmers received a fair wage and decent working conditions and opportunity for advancement. It is important to me to make conscientious choices in my spending and fair trade is exactly that. Farm communities are supported with long term contracts, guaranteed minimums that are above regular commercial pricing, and additionally receive a premium to benefit the community.
I clearly remember my visit to World’s Window in Cedar Falls on Feb. 15, 2016. Again wishing New Ulm had such a shop, I realized it did not because I was supposed to create it! After establishing a board, a non-profit status, doing trial sales in local churches, we opened the door on May 10, 2017. The theme of the national Fair Trade Week was Opening Doors. How fitting! It has been over eight years that we’ve been located at 212 N. Minnesota Street and each year has been most gratifying.
Since we were bringing most merchandise from fair trade producers we felt the shop need a local tie-in. We decided to add local artists work which now includes pottery, fused glass, jewelry, wall art, books, notecards, stained glass, twine baskets and more.
Our mission is to support marginalized women globally and locally. The majority of fair trade products are made by women trying to support their families. And as a completely volunteer staffed non-profit we use our resources to contribute to local charities that support women and children in need. We feel our story is a win-win for everyone, volunteers included, as they are committed women who choose to share their time and talents to keep New Ulm’s Own a viable business in downtown New Ulm.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
The bumps in the road have been small ones. I wish I’d kept a journal of all the serendipitous blessings that came our way because those have far outweighed the challenges. Marketing is always a challenge. Dealing with credit card processing was a considerable learning curve. Recruiting volunteers is a continual need. Despite these challenges the community members and the tourists who find shopping fair trade gifts to be an enriching experience make all the effort worthwhile. The volunteers and board members are tireless in supporting our mission.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My passion is to build connections in my local community but also on a larger scale with those outside my close knit sphere. I have enjoyed relationships with refugees and refugee families. I have enjoyed experiences with foreign exchange students. My husband and I have friendships with many individuals from other cultures. I believe a broader world view fosters understanding and expands our perspective. It focuses my attention to what really matters. We really are a small planet. I believe caring for each other is the best path to peace and a good life!
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I like the friendliness and caring that New Ulmites share. There are so many helping organizations that receive great support from the community. We have great city parks, library, museum, art center, and an active downtown. New Ulm treasures its history and heritage but is becoming a welcoming community to newcomers from different cultures.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://newulmsown.org
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/Newulmsown
Image Credits
Artisan pictures provided by SERRV International.
