Generosity of spirit: fair trade, relationships the focus for Algoma company.

• Author: Kelly, Lindsay
• Position: NEWS

Her extensive travels had shown Minna KoskelaWild the world in all its beauty--and, in many cases, its poverty. But it was a trip to Nicaragua seven years ago that set her on her current career path.

While travelling with her infant daughter, Anika, she encountered a woman who had few material possessions, but generously gave Anika gifts to celebrate her first birthday. The kind gesture impacted her deeply.

"This woman, Rosa, just touched my heart, and I thought, T need to do something more meaningful for me,'" Koskela-Wild said. "And the idea started there."

In June, leaving behind a career in human relations, Koskela-Wild launched Blue Mar 4 Change, which sells unique, handmade, and sustainable products sourced from artisans in the Algoma region, Nicaragua, and British Columbia, where Koskela-Wild currently resides.

The company represents 10 artists from Algoma, two from B.C., and one from Nicaragua, as well as the Nicaraguan nonprofit organization Casa Verde, which, through its Formacion Fenix scholarship program, helps young women develop artisan microbusinesses.

All of the artisan partnerships in place grew out of a personal connection or relationship with Koskela-Wild; some are friends or acquaintances, some created work loved and purchased by Koskela-Wild, and some, like the Nicaraguan artisans, she's met in her travels.

Each collaboration is guided by the company principles, which advocate for fair trade; sustainable products and practices; the creation of unique, handmade products; and personal relationships.

"I work with each artisan on an individual basis to decide what is a fair price, taking into account their time, the materials, and everything else," Koskela-Wild said. "We do some research together as to what things retail for, and then we come up with a price that both they and I can sell at successfully."

Algoma-area artisans include Kelly Brooks Ranni, who is making organic soaps using honey and herbs picked from the Algoma area. Kim Braverman makes reusable lunch bags and wraps, and Nancy Sachro creates fabric art.

Blue Mar offers the artisans access to a wider audience and takes care of the marketing and selling of their wares. Many just don't have the time to do it themselves. There are also opportunities for cross-promotion between markets, as some Algoma-created items are being promoted in B.C., and some B.C. products are being sold in Algoma, Koskela-Wild said.

"It enables (the artisans) to have non-traditional...