by Carole Pearson

Sidney merchant Chris Downing isn’t really a  “crazy woman.” While the name of her Beacon Avenue shop, Laloca, does mean exactly that in Spanish, it’s only coincidental. Downing says she wanted the name of her store to reflect the the variety of places her products come from. Thus she decided on “La” for Latin America, “lo” for local artisans, and “ca” for Caribbean countries but customers will find there’s merchandise from all over the world.

What makes Laloca different from most is only fair trade products are sold here. “I have a real commitment to fair trade,” Downing says. “The artisans deserve fair pay. We expect it for ourselves and we should expect it for others as well.” 

What is fair trade? The Fair Trade Federation says, “Fair trade supports farmers and craftspeople in developing countries who are socially and economically marginalized.” They receive a fair price for their work which allows them to improve their standard of living and money also goes to support vital community education and health projects. It also means every item has a story to it. 

Downing first became interested in fair trade issues through the work of the Artesania Sorata when she was in Bolivia. Artesania Sorata began as a co-operative of villagers and rural artisans and has grown into a business that provides work to over 150 indigenous families. They produce high quality woven wall hangings plus sweaters made from hand-spun wool. 

“I really like the tenacity of the women there,” says Downing. “They’re up in the high Andes and produce this amazing art but face a real challenge to get their works to the international market.” 

On her return to Canada, Downing continued to import items from the Artesania Sorata, storing them away. “I was just holding on to them, trying to figure out what I was going to do. You can only sell to your friends and family so many times.” 

In November 2013, Downing booked a table at the annual Victoria International Development Education Association (VIDEA) Fair Trade Fair.  She discovered there was great interest in her Bolivian crafts. Bolstered by this response, Downing decided to open a store. 

In deciding what products to carry, Downing says, “They either have to be a member of the Fair Trade Federation or can show the things have a fairness attached to it and a good percentage goes back to the community.” 

Downing also carries products made in BC, from fairly traded materials. “There are also struggling artisans in Canada so I believe we can throw the net wide.”

Laloca offers solid fragrance pots made in Kaslo, chocolate from Cumberland, and skincare products produced in Mill Bay using handmade raw shea butter from Ghana. There’s coffee that is imported directly from farmers and roasted and packaged in Central Saanich. 

It’s all about supporting artisans, small businesses, and making a difference in the lives of others by where we spend our consumer dollars.

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