The following entry was written by Devon Braunstein, student leader in comm.UNITY. Devon interviewed Kevin Dabit, owner of Around the World Imports (find them on Facebook here).
As the consumer world becomes increasingly chain and corporation oriented, one large community of citizens in central New York choose to take their dollars elsewhere: to Around the World Imports.
Around the World is the only fair trade store in CNY, owned by Kevin Dabit. Dabit started Around the World three years ago when he recognized shoppers’ increasing desire for unique gift items different from mainstream products sold in large chain stores. He began by selling fair trade chocolate imported from several countries around the world. As his store increased in popularity, he expanded his product offering and decided to sell other handmade items from across the globe.
For two to three months every year, Dabit travels abroad to different countries to investigate the interesting types of items artists are creating that might interest his customers. He says that working with these artists from across the globe improve their level of living, in addition to the quality of the CNY community. He highlights the love and creativity the gifts he sells at Around the World are made with by the dedicated international artists. Every year he adds more countries to his travels. He points out his two favorite destinations to work with as Thailand and Laos because of the down to earth and loving people. While several of the countries are located in Asia, Dabit notices unique distinctions between each nation.
Around the World imports is a proud member of SyracuseFirst, promoting its buy local campaign. Dabit’s business thrives amidst a community of people who dislike going to the mall, and instead like their purchases to be natural, organic and fair trade. He says his customers enjoy hearing the stories behind each product and knowing that they are affecting someone’s livelihood in another part of the world. Dabit says, “It helps people recognize the connection we have to each other in this world.”
Dabit said over the past few weeks, customers have been going crazy over the recently imported handmade handbags from countries including Thailand and Nepal. All of the bags are made of natural resources, such as rice. Around the World also currently offers an extensive jewelry selection from countries all over the world. Dabit said that the pieces differ from anything that can be found in local mainstream malls because each item is hand-produced. The jewelry is also inexpensive, priced from seven to 22 dollars.
Overall, Dabit is thrilled with the support Around the World has received from its surrounding neighborhoods. Dabit plans to continue with Around the World’s mission to provide unique, worldly goods to the CNY citizens and enhance the quality of the local community.
**Photos courtesy Around the World Imports Facebook page**
SyracuseFirst Member Inks Book
One word leads to another — and pretty soon you have a book.
At least that’s how our friend Paul Kocak puts it (sounds like it should be a bit harder than that). We’d like to offer hefty congratulations to SyracuseFirst member Kocak Wordsmiths Ink on the publication of “Baseball’s Starry Night.” Owner and Chief Creative Magnet (this week’s title) Paul Kocak has penned a critically acclaimed book that relives one dramatic night at the conclusion of the 2011 Major League Baseball season.
Kocak’s first book is chiefly available via Amazon.com, although he is striving to work out arrangements with local booksellers. Paperback: http://amzn.to/H4pSof Kindle eBook: http://amzn.to/H1hGnG Say hello to our local author via Twitter @kocakwords or send your local love by buying a copy of the book.
www.BaseballStarryNight.com