Jul 3, 2011

Fair-trade focus: New shop features African baskets, international decorBy Lynnette HintzeDailyInterlake.com

Seven years ago, Irene Zuehlsdorff set out to start a “giving” business that would personally benefit those making the products she sells.

It took some work, but the Kalispell woman eventually tapped into a women’s cooperative in Ghana, West Africa, that makes baskets to help break the cycle of poverty in that country. Those baskets and the personal stories they represent were the springboard for Zuehlsdorff’s business, First Choice Decor.

After spending several years making the rounds at arts festivals and quilt and fiber-art shows, Zuehlsdorff has opened a shop at the corner of Fifth Avenue West and Idaho Street in Kalispell.

It’s filled with not only African baskets but also handbags, batik wall hangings and other African gift decor made with fair-trade guidelines.

“I was so taken by their ministry,” Zuehlsdorff said about Patex Enterprize, the West African women’s cooperative. “Every product has a story.”

The co-op was started by Patience Bawa Abakuri, who saw a need to help women provide for their families by using their talents in weaving or making pottery, beads and other products. The weaver or craftswoman is paid half the price and the other half is used to buy necessities such as food, utensils and clothing, Zuehlsdorff explained. Each woman is asked to prioritize her needs.

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