In 2007 I and my family took a getaway trip to South America that changed our lives. Between visits to our friends and relatives, we went to visit local craft markets and were amazed by all the beauty of the handcrafts we saw. As we traveled through South America we met many families of artisans and saw how hard they lived. Many lived in total poverty working day by day to survive. To try to help them, we bought as many crafts as we could pay for.
Upon returning to the United States we began to exhibit in small fairs and festivals. The response was fantastic! In a couple of shows, we were sold out and everyone got amazed and asked for more. We quickly went back to South America to meet again with those artisans to buy more inventory. We never expected so much success and quickly we became major runners in festivals and markets throughout the East Coast.
After a few years of trading with these families of artisans, we decided to open a workshop where we hired families of artisans that produced many types of handicrafts, such as wood and stone carvings, painters, clothing, jewelry, ethnic gifts, and collectibles, etc. so they would have a save place to work, better types of equipment, an area for their children to play and be supervised. In addition to that, I started designing my own products, and together with them, we worked to produce these wonderful products. Every beginning of the year I travel to South America for around 3-4 months to be there working happily with them to bring my ideas to reality.
When we are there we learn to appreciate more life, learning with them that life is much happier when lived with simplicity and slowing things down. Even though been so poor they chose to live life to the fullest. We enjoyed being with them, eating and having long talks, and celebrating things together, almost like family. Besides being our partners they have become our great friends and taught us a new philosophy: "Money isn't everything, happiness and friendship are!".
During the time we are in business we learned that many people waste their time trying to make money. More they have more they want, so they forget to enjoy their life.
Ethnic and Groovy unites the love for handmade crafts with having the most of life. That is the meaning of our Trade Name.
We believe in having a good time while doing what we love and we do love what we do. We have a passion for traveling, making friends, adventure, talking to people, and learning about other cultures and places. Also, we believe in Spirituality and all we do is not for the money but to advance ourselves and help others to reach a higher level of life.
IN ADDITION TO SUSTAINABLE SOCIAL CHANGE, WE BELIEVE PASSIONATELY IN TRAVEL, NAPS, GOOD FOOD, GREAT FRIENDS, LONG TALKS, BROADENED HORIZONS + A SPIRIT OF ADVENTURE.