Traditions Fair Trade is a shop and cafe located directly across from Capitol Lake. Originally opened by (Richard) Dick Meyer, it’s now owned and run by Jody Mackey, who worked closely with Meyer when the concept of fair trade was first taking off in the 1980s.
From Biologist to Traditions Fair Trade Owner
Originally a biologist, Jody, also known as Zhu-Zhu, never expected to be a shopkeeper, but she found a love for her position through seeing the impact of the fair trade movement on a global scale. “Being in front of people wasn’t what I was looking for,” she says. “But this place helps create community and, worldwide, it helps ensure that people have enough. So I’m very lucky to have been here all these years.”
In the United States, the concept of fair trade is defined through nine key characteristics. Traditions Fair Trade especially emphasizes environmental sustainability; ensuring no child labor was involved; and building long-term working relationships with the artists they feature in the shop. For someone dedicated to fair trade, only going in once or twice a year doesn’t allow them to get the full picture about how the people are being treated and paid, so it’s an incredibly hands-on and sustained endeavor to make change.
For example, Jody highlights their leaf lamps from the Philippines, where there is a large wealth gap. “There’s very little middle class,” she says. “And so the company, Eangee, has been working on creating a middle class in part of the country. That’s who I want to be associated with and promote.”
An integral part of their philosophy is ensuring they only offer goods that have been ethically sourced. Many of the items have small tidbits about the people behind them for customers to appreciate and read about.
Expanding The Storefront Through Soul Cafe, Music and More
Traditions Fair Trade used to have a thriving cafe atmosphere directly connected to the storefront, but that aspect unfortunately had to be shut down after the COVID pandemic. Jody would put together snacks here and there for certain events, although the cafe itself was not running at the time. Recently, Soul Cafe has moved in to occupy the empty space, and the two organizations work closely together to provide a multifaceted experience for those who might favor a meal or drink alongside looking through the vibrant selection at Traditions Fair Trade.
“It’s been such a blessing to have Soul Cafe here,” says Jodi. “Really kind people who want to do good in the community also. And the space is just getting cooler with them.”
The shop also frequently offers public events for the community to partake in, including live music, book readings and other artistic workshops. Despite Traditions Fair Trade being the smallest venue many bands will play at, it’s one of the few where there is a crowd intent on listening to and valuing the music, as opposed to larger spots making it difficult for bandmembers to connect with the audience.
Additionally, Jody highlights how, while they have a student and low-income option for ticketed events, most people won’t claim it even though it is available to everyone. “I hear about others taking advantage of it in this world, but it’s like the people who come through know their money’s going to support something,” she explains. “And even some people who don’t feel wealthy rarely do it just because they get to support the artists.”
She emphasizes how the intention behind the shop is to provide an intimate setting for people to enjoy and gain exposure to other cultures, as well as realize the impact they can have on others.
The Next Step For Traditions Fair Trade in Olympia
Ideally, Traditions Fair Trade wouldn’t be a small shop where only select items are available for purchase. Given the value in shopping ethically, Jody hopes that there will be larger establishments in place offering goods that meet the conditions for fair trade, although she does not plan on pursuing that herself. There isn’t a successor for the shop right now, so she is keeping her eyes open in case anyone with an interest comes along.
Jody has expressed a personal interest in moving towards end-of-life work and aging, but her love for fair trade hasn’t faded after the number of years she has spent advocating for it and providing a spot for people to engage with the movement too. She is always inspired by seeing people shop organically and care about the welfare of workers.
“I’ve been saying I’ll be leaving for a long time, but I do still love it,” Jodi says. “It makes me happy and I have a lot of great connections to people who come here. There’s both the idea of maybe I’m supposed to be doing this other work and I sure love what I’m doing right now.”
Moving forward, the shop has been trying to increase its digital presence with an online shop that is accessible via their website, and they also have been integrating more functional items alongside the decorative pieces. To support the cafe and shop, check out either their in-person storefront in downtown Olympia or browse on the Traditions Fair Trade website.
Traditions Fair Trade
300 5th Ave SW, Olympia
360.705.2819
