One year on from the devastating earthquake in Haiti,conditions have gone from catastrophic to deadly diseased. Yet there is some spark of hope emanating from the island: “Twenty five oil drum artisans are able to provide for their families in a makeshift community outside of Port-au-Prince,” says Southern Sonoma County-based One Planet Fair Trade Store's Noelle Marshall. “We are proud to be able to report brisk sales of oil drum art creations in our Petaluma store. Please continue to support Haiti as its people struggle with new challenges.”
When you shop at One Planet Fair Trade Store you are not only supporting local, independent, woman-owned business, you are helping sustain crucial income for hardworking and hopeful artisans throughout the developing world. Launching her own globally-minded business in a time of dire economic stress both overseas and at home took a bold leap of faith for Marshall, as owner-entrepreneur of One Planet.
Now, on the second anniversary of her thriving downtown Petaluma store, an immensely grateful Marshall speaks out to thank her loyal friends and frequent customers for continued support in surpassing sales expectations.
“I would like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my dedicated client base here in Petaluma and throughout the North Bay, I couldn’t have built One Planet to such a rich and extensive resource for quality Fair Trade goods without your support,” said Marshall. “It has been wonderful to witness my community becoming increasingly educated into the tremendous impact of Fair Trade across the world.”
One of the most exciting aspects of establishing a Fair Trade Business has been getting to know international vendors, real people, in real places with a simple, straightforward mission to improve lives in their communities. As One Planet Fair Trade Store moves forward, Marshall’s own personal mission is to travel to many parts of the developing world in order to better meet the needs of Fair Trade customers, build strong and lasting relationships with vendors, artisans and their families while improving their standard of living.
One Planet’s Noelle Marshall recently congratulated Beyond Borders organization in person, as the groundbreaking non-profit celebrates 30 years of focus on the division created by the growing economic disparity in our world. “I attended the January edition of the International Gift Fair in San Francisco,” said Marshall. “It was wonderful to meet and talk with representatives from Beyond Borders to hear of the organization’s work in Haiti and elsewhere in the world.”
Join One Planet Fair Trade for the Store’s 2nd Anniversary Celebration An evening of African music, merriment and early Valentine shopping, 5 Fourth Street, Petaluma, CA 94952 - Friday, February 4th, 2011 at 7pm Don’t miss Afro-Beat Drum & Bass/Funk band Danjuma & Onola from Santa Cruz, with special guest Ms Mandjou Kone, rare female African Xylophone player from Mali, West Africa. Nigerian performance/recording artist Danjuma heads the evening’s entertainment with lead vocals, guitar and talking drums.
Don't miss this special evening if you are in the area on February 4th. One Planet parties are known for attracting a friendly, philanthropic, fun loving crowd - a great place to meet new people, listen to fabulous live music, enjoy a glass of wine and shop.
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