By Amy Batista, Special Writer
ALLENTOWN — The Old Mill has been leased to new owners who provide unique, handmade products which promotes fair and ethical trade and reflects generations of proud artisans from around the world.
“The One Eyed Turtle started with a passion for handmade products from around the world by Maria Carreno and me,” co-owner Mary Schwab wrote in an email Monday. “Weary of the clothing styles found in department stores, we searched for artisan communities from around the world that make unique products that we loved.”
The One Eyed Turtle, which opened in September, is inside The Old Mill, at 42 South Main St., along with other shops. The store is open Monday is by appointment only, Tuesday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 3 p.m.
“After searching high and low for the right kind of storefront, we were delighted to come upon The Old Mill, only two days after Corky, the owner, put up a ‘For Rent’ sign,” she said. “We immediately knew The Old Mill would be a perfect fit for the unique, handmade products that we carry.”
She said they learned about Fair Trade principles, which included creating opportunities for economically and socially marginalized producers, supporting safe and empowering working conditions, cultivating environmental stewardship, ensuring the rights of children, respecting cultural identity, and most importantly, paying fair wages up front.
“Once we started working with the men and women who make our products, we were determined to help them in their efforts,” she said. “We opened an online store a few years back and as our business grew it became challenging to figure out whose house held a specific product. We knew we had reached the point where we needed a brick and mortar store,” she said.
Since opening in September, the owners have expanded their store to the second floor of The Old Mill, where we keep their home décor, accents and toys, she added.
“We call it Turtle Home,” she said.
She told the story of the One Eyed Turtle.
“Many years ago there was a one eyed turtle who swam close to the bottom of the sea,” she said. “One day he decided to seek a sandalwood log in which to place himself perfectly to have the sun warm his back and cool his tummy. He went to the ‘wise one’ to seek advice on how to find such a log. After searching without any luck, he went back to the ‘wise one’ and wanted to know why he failed. The ‘wise one’ said: ‘Happiness must come from within; you have been seeking something which you carried with you all this time.’”
She said this story has Buddhist origins and one can be reminded of this great wisdom every time you enjoy the products from these innovative and creative artisans from around the world.
She said that their business is unique because it provides inspiration and satisfaction of knowing that the clothing you are wearing, or the tablecloth used at your gathering is helping others.
“No one else will be wearing the same thing,” she said. “We have lots of colors and patterns that are unique to the countries from which they originate. The intricate details of embroidery and fabric-making, makes our clothing special.”
All of our products have unique designs that are traditional to the country from they come, she said.
“Our tablecloths brighten up a room, like nothing you can find elsewhere,” she said. “The special colors and pattern mixes make us distinctly a non-big-box store.” She provided an example of how their Kullu fabrics are made using traditional drop spindles to spin various types of fibers into yarn.
“They are then rubbed together with silk to create stunning ruanas, scarves and shawls,” she said. “Every day we learn more about traditional methods of making our products.”
The store carries a wide range of products and clothing which appeal to people of all ages and sizes.
“Eco-friendly products are an important part of our product lines,” she said. “Shirts and handbags made of bamboo appeal to vegans, who may shun wool.”
We have toys that parents can use to teach their children about other cultures. Dolls and stuffed animals from Tibet are loved, as are our puppets, she said.
She said they would “love to have our customers ‘feel’ the difference in wearing a handmade product or decorating with pops of color and unique design.”
“Most importantly, you are helping the workers and small businesses that truly appreciate your purchase, offer assistance with your ‘look’ and style and will treat you like a guest,” she said. “The One Eyed Turtle has been very well received by Allentown and the broader area. We have customers who are delighted to find a store like ours in the area.”
Shoppers no longer have to go to New Hope or Philadelphia to find unique clothing, jewelry, accessories, home décor, gifts and toys, she said.
“We have already established a loyal customer base and now that we can assist our customers in person, it is so rewarding to help them find the perfect outfit or gift,” she said. “It is so rewarding to experience the joy of the customer finding a piece of clothing that she loves.”
