Jan 19, 2009

Shopowner proud to sell art from homelandBy Joy MarquardtUSAToday.com

Merrill — Esther Schulz of Merrill always knew she wanted to open her own business someday. She just never dreamed it would be so far from home.

Schulz, a native of Peru, opened Star Folk Art, a Peruvian gift shop, in August 2008, two months after arriving in the United States.

She grew up in the small community of Huantan at the base of the Andes Mountains and moved to the capitol city of Lima at the age of 15. After completing high school, she took a job in a local restaurant, and later sold apartments for a construction company. She learned English by working with the missionaries at her church.

Her journey to America began when she met Craig Schulz of Merrill while he was on a mission trip in her homeland. The couple were married four months later, and Esther Schulz began the two-year immigration process.

“People told us when we moved to the U.S. we should open a store,” said Schulz “That’s how the business got started.”

Schulz works with seven vendors from various regions of Peru who create everything from carved earrings to ceramic pottery. The artisans use methods passed down from generation to generation and their work is handmade in homes or small shops.

“Peru is known around the world, and I can see when people appreciate the art, and that makes me proud of my culture,” Schulz said.

Read complete article.