Our CEO is moving overseas! Now what?!?!?!?
When my husband and I made the decision to accept the call to pastor an international church in Belgium, I wasn’t sure how that would impact Elevat and its work. I gathered our team together and shared the news; carefully explaining the things I felt I could and could not continue doing for Elevat while living abroad. I asked them to take some time to think through their commitment to Elevat and whether they felt we should keep going. Please understand everyone at Elevat is a volunteer. We are committed to sending 100% of our profits back to the artisans in the developing world. That means no one is paid for the time, energy and creativity we pour into Elevat. Bottom line? Without me on US soil, lots of work would need to be handed over to others.
Starting from bottom and working up the stairs, Julie Johnson, Cheryl Kelley, Abigail Reitz, Carmen McKee, Deb Rohloff, Intern Amelia Triller and Tia Wagner
As I contemplated whether Elevat should continue, I thought how much easier it would be for me to let it go and no longer be tasked with planning for its future. I was already feeling overwhelmed at the transitions necessary to move far away from family, friends and my comfortable communities. Maybe Elevat’s life had run its course. Still, I couldn’t get over how the smaller artisan groups would be let down if Elevat was no longer in operation. These are women who have few other opportunities to access the US marketplace; groups already hurting from COVID lock downs and the corresponding decline of sales opportunities.
Young lady representing an artisan group made up of refugees in Kenya
For the most part, Elevat has partnered with two different kinds of groups. First, there are the small artisanal groups I just mentioned. Most are “mission” based and overseen by missionaries with whom I have connections. I communicate directly with these artisans through personal contacts with no “middle man” involved. In each case, I have either personally visited them or know someone who works directly with them. With these groups, products are usually “shipped” to Elevat in the suitcases of missionaries or visiting teams. Second, are the larger wholesalers who have been fair trade certified. We can trust their products are made under fair and safe conditions even though I don’t personally know the artisans or those working with them. These wholesalers usually have websites and US warehouses for ease of ordering and delivery. All things considered, even though I strongly believe in the work that they are doing, I’m not worried about these sorts of groups as they have many retailers with whom they do business.
As I pondered these things, my heart told me that, if the team was willing, we needed to keep helping these smaller groups. We needed to refocus our effort on them even if it meant downsizing our inventory accordingly to highlight their products on our website and at shows.
Julie Johnson with Belize artisan Dolores
I prayerfully waited to hear back from the Elevat team. Finally, as we gathered together for a Zoom call, each of our team members voted to continue with a renewed commitment to our “small group” artisans; a commitment to provide these women in developing countries meaningful and safe work, an opportunity to provide for their families and the hope of enjoying a better, brighter future. Can I brag a bit about my team? Each one of these lovely ladies has a compassionate heart of gold. They contribute enthusiastically and tirelessly to our mission, bringing unique talents, abilities and dedication…not to mention they loved the idea of focusing in on the smaller, mission based groups.
Part of our team (R-L- Julie, Tia, Carmen & Kirsten) on our way to Spain/Morocco
The final piece of this puzzle fell into place when Deb Rohloff, our current Community Events Coordinator, expressed her willingness to take over as Elevat’s “Operations Manager.” She will become the point person for Elevat here in the US, handling things I won’t be able to do from Belgium. I can still remember when I first shared with her the idea of concentrating on the smaller groups that need our help the most. She responded by saying, “I love that! Yes, that’s exactly what we should do”. Deb was the first one to join the Elevat team and has been by my side at most events near the beginning.
Deb and Julie at the first World Jubilee Fair Trade Sale
So friends, Elevat is moving forward even though its CEO will be living overseas! While I will continue to be the buyer and communicate with our artisan groups, we will be working primarily with the smaller “Direct Trade” groups I described above. Elevat will continue to be at fair trade pop ups in and around the Twin Cities highlighting the work of artisans from these smaller groups and on our website www.elevatingtheglobe.org
One last announcement: On Saturday, August 7th, from 10am-3pm, we will be hosting an event at our old stomping groups-Hope Christian Church, 4911 Hodgson Rd in Shoreview-A CLEARANCE SALE to help downsize our inventory and streamline our efforts. We would LOVE to see you at this event! Snag some great fair-trade gifts for your friends and family at superb prices (go ahead and do some early Christmas shopping) or grab some lovely things for yourself. So, please stop by, have a sample of our new Guatemalan coffee and say Bon Voyage to our CEO-Julie Johnson. She’s going to miss being at local shows and seeing you faithful customers. She will, however, continue working to represent Elevat and its artisans and who knows? Maybe Elevat-Belgium might just come along one day.
Saturday, August 7th, 10am-3pm at 4911 Hodgson Rd, Shoreview, MN