Today we’d like to introduce you to Teresa Baxter.
Teresa, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
My epiphany and activist journey began in my 40s when I questioned my impact of making the world a better place during my lifetime and as my legacy. I returned to school at Pasadena City College, earning my AA degree in journalism, and was then accepted to Columbia University in New York City, where I majored in international relations and trade.
My activism is rooted in economic and social justice through fair trade relations in various parts of the world. This led me to my dream of opening the Fair Trade Retail Collective as a brick-and-mortar in the beautifully progressive city of Long Beach, CA.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
As a small business owner, you wear many hats, and there are many times you might be blindsided by unexpected challenges. For example, we opened our collective in 2019, right before the pandemic hit. To say that was a challenge is an extreme understatement. And most currently, in the economic and political uncertainty, we are always on the quest of remaining relevant to our community. We have pivoted by hosting many holistic events and outdoor festivals at our Parkview Village Shops in these times.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
As a small business owner of a socially conscious retail store, we have embedded ourselves in the fabric of our progressive city that we call home. We are uplifted by our political officials that promote our mission of ethical consumerism that can, in turn, uplift global societies through the purchase of their artisan crafts. Our Mayor Rex Richardson visited and endorsed our store on Shop Small Saturday and then brought his family in for holiday shopping on Christmas Eve. It was heartwarming to share with his children that their purchases benefited a Compton middle school business program, a women’s collective in Africa, and a local soap maker.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I’m open to any collaborations that add to our happiness and holistic health. We host sound baths at the retail collective every Saturday morning, and all are invited! Also, find us on Instagram to keep up with other spiritually empowering occasions here too. We have recently partnered with a local muralist, Drea James, for future creative endeavors, such as vision board making and spa days. And we love and look forward to hosting any other types of events that can nourish our collective souls.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.fairtradelongbeach.com
- Instagram: @fairtradelongbeach
- Facebook: @fairtradelongbeach
