Dear IN Exchange Family,

After a wonderful 5.5 years on Tulane’s campus, IN Exchange is closing its doors and transitioning into a new model. We will no longer have a retail location, but you will be able to find us throughout the city at various pop-up stores, trunk shows and festivals. To follow us check our Facebook page. We will still remain as a non-profit organization with the same mission: 1) supporting local and global artists through the sale of fair trade products and 2) educating consumers about fair trade and local artists.

I would like to thank all Tulane students, faculty and friends for their amazing support throughout the years. I have heard numerous customers say they are sad to see us leave and we will also miss you! IN Exchange has been a valuable resource as both an educational tool and a great gift store on campus.

I’d like to give a shout out and thank you to our founder Erica Trani. With determination and passion, she was the leader behind the beginnings of this great organization.

As for myself, I am stepping down from my position in order to pursue a new venture, my own wholesale fair trade clothing line that supports the economies of India and the U.S. through fair wages and employment opportunities for underserved individuals especially for women. Given my design background, I am excited to work on my own stylish, high quality and affordable dresses. My visit to India last summer inspired me to incorporate the colorful hand-block prints with Western fashion trends in order to create a unique look that is globally appealing.

IN Exchange is very lucky to have the local jewelry designer, Suzannah Murray of Lark and Lotus Jewelry, begin as the new director in April. Suzannah has first-hand experience with fair trade from teaching jewelry making to a women's jewelry cooperative in Lugazi, Uganda. Suzannah's start in jewelry design began while studying abroad in Niamey, Niger, There she apprenticed with a Tuareg silversmith, and fell in love with the art form. After graduating from NYU with a degree in Anthropology and French, she obtained her Graduate Jeweler Certification from the Revere Academy of Jewelry Arts in San Francisco in 2006. Since 2006, Suzannah has been living and designing in New Orleans, which serves as a constant source of inspiration for her work.

Thanks again to everyone and I hope to stay in touch! I will still have the same email: inexchangeart@gmail.com

Best,

Katie Schmidt

Director of IN Exchange until March 31^st

End of Year Letter From Director

One year and a half ago, I began working with this wonderful organization called IN Exchange. In the summer of 2011, I had just finished my Master's degree and I was passionate about working for a socially conscious organization. Luckily, IN Exchange was ready to have me as their new Executive Director. I am happy to say that IN Exchange has reached many of its goals.

The organization not only marked its fifth year of operations in 2012, but it has been maximizing its mission by increasing the local and global reach while creating new and strengthening existing strategic partnerships both at Tulane and in the New Orleans community.

I am thankful to work for an organization with such a positive work environment. All our socially-conscious customers, are more than a pleasure to serve. They are very faithful to the store and are always happy to support fair trade artisans both locally and globally. Our student interns and work-study are passionate and energetic about fair trade. Their dedication has created a truly engaged learning experience for them. Read More.

Click Here to Donate!

Special Holiday Sales: Available in Store

Trunk Shows: Where Y'at?

What: Green Gifts Holiday Market

Where: The Healing Center, 2372 Saint Claude Ave, New Orleans, LA 

When: Thursday, December 13th from 5 p.m. - 7 p.m.

What: Holiday Energy Efficiency Showcase

Where: 2406 Burgundy St, New Orleans, LA, in a beautiful Marigny home

When: Thursday, December 13th from 5:30 p.m. - 7:30 p.m.

What: Crescent City Lights Youth Theater, Performance of Honk, Sale During Intermission

Where: Gallier Hall, 305 Baronne St, New Orleans, LA

When: December 15th at 1 p.m.  & December 16th at 3 p.m.

Give A Gift That Tells A Story

Thanksgiving is over, the weather is getting colder, we are all dreaming of our next vacation... the holidays are upon us! IN Exchange is celebrating with some great holiday parties.

Retail Therapy Party

Take a breaks from finals and shop some great deals.

When: December 5th from 4pm- 7pm

Where: IN Exchange, Tulane's LBC

What:   * 2 Defend tanks or crewnecks for $45 (a $5 savings)

             * 20% off Jewelry

             * 10% off Holiday Ornaments 

             * Free Fair Trade Snacks

Mission Honduras Benefit

Come by the store on December 7th, make a purchase and 15% of the proceed will go to Mission Honduras. Mission Honduras is a non-profit run through The Catholic Center that supports the education of Honduras' poorest children.

When: December 7th, 11am- 6:30pm

Where: IN Exchange, Tulane's LBC

What: * 15% of sales benefit Mission Honduras

          * Plus cookies will be served.

Holiday Decorations

The holidays are almost here and IN Exchange has lots of great holiday decorations, all for great prices. We have stars, owls, doves, birds, angels, natvity sets and garland from many different countries such as India, Philippines, Peru and Indonesia. Available in store by 11/16 and for purchase online soon.

   Made in Bangladesh, $3 each.                       Made in India, $6                               Made in Philippines, $10       

     A handmade paper star.                    Cotton, hand block printed bird.     Handmade from Capiz shell and brass.

         Made in Philippines, $10                        Made in India, $5                                  Made in Indonesia, $6                  

Handmade from Capiz shell and wire.      Cotton scooter, red sequins.               Hand painted batik on wood Angel. 

             Made in Peru, $12                              Made in India, $16                                Made in Peru, $6

Handcrafted ceramic, Andean hat.       Hand embroidered blue sequin garland.         Hand painted, paper nativity.

Help Make the Port of New Orleans THE Fair Trade Port in the Country

Recently, Katie Schmidt, the director of IN Exchange had the pleasure of getting to know Wade Rathke, organizer, fair trade leader and the owner of Fair Grinds in Midcity. He is working on a petition to make the port of New Orleans THE fair trade port. Please take a look at the petition, if you would like to support it please come by IN Exchange to sign the petition or sign it online.

Defend New Orleans started in 2003 as a 'cool t-shirt' printed and worn for and by friends that love New Orleans. It is more of a statement of cultural support than an actual call to arms, Defend New Orleans has developed into a community focused lifestyle brand."We're always working to promote the things we love in our favorite city."

October is Fair Trade Month and in honor of this special month, IN Exchange is hosting some very exciting events. Fair trade is a holistic approach to trade and development that aims to alter the way in which commerce is conducted to create sustainable and positive change in developing countries, which results in empowering the poorest of the poor. The people who produce fair trade products earn fair prices and community development funds. These funds help with women empowerment, education, environmental protection, health care and democracy. With fair trade, your every day purchase can improve an entire community’s lives.

Flash sale on general admission tickets and student tickets! Now until Thursday at midnight

General Admission: $15. Promotion code: fair trade

Student: $8. Promotion code: students

We are so excited to announce this year’s fundraising event, The IN Exchange Fair Trade Fashion Show sponsored byNOLA Fashion Week. 

What: The IN Exchange Fair Trade Fashion Show and Silent Auction

          Sponsored by NOLA Fashion Week

When: October 13^th at 1:00pm

Where: La Thai Uptown, 4938 Prytania Street  New Orleans, LA 70115

Tickets: http://inexchangefairtradefashionshow.eventbrite.com/

Flash sale on general admission tickets! Now until Monday at midnight get the general admission ticket for $20 (a $5 savings). Enter promo code: "fairtrade". Student tickets still $10.

Author Katie Schmidt, Executive Director of IN Exchange

Shree Lalita has been in business for the past 10 years, and during this time the company has provided embroidery work to about 150 village women. The women do the hand embroidery work from home, usually in the evening after they have finished the household duties, and they are paid a fair wage for their work. Most of these women are Muslim and because of their religion, many of the women are not allowed to work outside of the home, therefore the embroidery work is one of the few jobs they are socially and religiously allowed to do.

During my stay in Bhopal, I got to interview these women about their experience, the salary they receive and mainly to see if they are happy with their work and the working conditions. Initially the women are given extensive training, usually one month, depending on how quickly the person learns. This training is free and they are paid in advance or during the training period, if it is needed. After training, normally the women are paid once the product is complete, however, again, if the women are in financial need, they may receive pay in advance or as they are working on the project.

A Blog from the Executive Director of In Exchange, Katie Schmidt

Anyone who knows a little about India, may ask why Bhopal. Bhopal is the capital of the state of Madhya Pradesh, it is known as the City of Lakes and it is about 40% Muslim, but is not a tourist destination. In fact, while I was there I could count on a few fingers the number of foreigners I saw. I was invited there by a an Indian friend, Shveta, who runs a workshop called Shree Lalita which employs the village women to do hand embroidery work.

My first four days in India were spent in Delhi getting acclimated to the climate, food and overpopulation. On my fourth day in Delhi, I arrived at the train station at 6:30 am to catch the express train to Bhopal. I was shocked by the awful smell and by the sight of so many people, young and old, sleeping on the floor. It made my heart feel terrible. I thanked God for my life, but my sorrows went out to the innocent children, born into this world forced to sleep on a dirty, hard floor with little or no blanket, and no realizations of the comforts we have in the modern world.

The storm is over, school is back in session and it is time for the IN Exchange Back to School Party. Come by this Thursday, September 13th, 2012 from 4pm-7pm to take advantage of some great deals:

20% off ALL Jewelry

20% off All Feelgoodz Flip-flops

Plus we will be serving fair trade tea, chocolate and geo-bars. You may be asking what are Geo-bars. They are the first fair trade granola bars that are produced by Equal Exchange. Don't miss out. We had a similar event last September and it was a big sucess. Get there early to pick up your favorite items, before they are sold out.

A Blog from the Executive Director of In Exchange, Katie Schmidt

This summer, I had a wonderful opportunity to visit India. I decided to go to India to buy fresh new products for the store, to see first hand the work that the artisan groups are doing and how our purchase is benefitting the artisans and their families. I was in India for 5 weeks and the most impressionable thing for me about India was the amount of people. India definitely has a problem with overpopulation from the crowded streets of Delhi to the mountains in the North. At times it was a little overwhelming and after a week over there, I remember hoping to get just 5 minutes of quietness, with no sounds of people or cars honking. But one of my Indian friends said that despite population problems, they are always willing to accommodate one more. And India was without a doubt accommodating to me.

I started my visit...

On June 17th, It is that time of year to celebrate the contributions that your father or a father like figure has made to your life. At IN Exchange, we have some great fair trade gifts for that special father in your life such as footballs from Pakistan, wallets from India and T-shirts made by local designers.

Fair Trade Footballs: $30 Cruelty Free Leather Wallet:$26 Script Wallet: $18

Po-Boy T-Shirt $25 Free Sean Payton T-Shirt: $25 Defend T-Shirt: $25

 There are two very special days that are coming up this weekend that are very dear to IN Exchange: Fair Trade Day (Saturday, 12th) and Mother’s Day (Saturday 13th). At IN Exchange we love our mother’s as much as we enjoy supporting artisans through out the world by providing them with a fair and living wage. Traditionally, in developing countries, handicrafts are mostly a women’s tradition that gives women empowerment, while allowing them to continue with their daily household chores. The coffee industry can be very lucrative for those in developing countries, but for women it is a challenge to be in the coffee fields all day and then have to come home to attend to household duties. Furthermore, it is proven that when the income is in the women’s hands, they are more likely to use that money for food, education and health care for the whole family, since the woman is usually the caretaker of the family. IN Exchange feels that it is important to support both local and global women by providing them with a fair wage for their products and by creating a place to sell their products.

We want to celebrate these two days by offering 15% off all online items. This discount will expire on May 31st, so don’t miss out! Enter “fair trade” at checkout to take advantage of this special offer.

What:   Pop-Up Store with IN Exchange and Paris Parker

Where: Paris Parker

             4900 Prytania Street
             New Orleans, LA

When:  May 10th, 9am-6:00pm  

IN Exchange is excited to announce that in the Summer of 2013, as a part of our new Ambassador Fund, IN Exchange will be giving away scholarships to 2-3 qualified Tulane University students to travel to one of our partner cooperatives and learn about fair trade. Students may be able to gain academic or public service credit while gaining valuable first hand experience. 

For the past several months, I have been the website coordinator for IN Exchange. For those of you who haven’t been checking IN Exchange’s website daily over this semester, you’ve missed out on some very exciting changes – but I’ll catch you up fast.

For the past year, 60 diverse companies in the Greater New Orleans Region have received a full sustainability audit, set goals, and worked hard to improve their overall social and environmental impact in our community thanks to Life City. Building the Green or Impact Economy in New Orleans is not easy- come applaud their effort and recognize those who stand out for their specific accomplishments!

This year IN Exchange participated in Fashion Week New Orleans by putting on a show on Friday, March 23rd featuring some its designs. I currently work as an intern for IN Exchange and was granted the amazing opportunity to accompany four other girls to walk the runway during the fashion show in an original design created by the store Director Katie Schmidt. The dress was amazingly well crafted and especially flattering. Katie styled me with some fabulous jewelry accessory pieces from the store that were created by the artisans IN Exchange supports. To compliment the blue and white dress, Katie decided to style me with silver necklaces, bracelets, earrings, and a ring. Thanks to a local, Massey’s, contribution IN Exchange was also able to style the models in wedge Toms heels that went perfectly with the dresses.

Summer is almost here! Celebrate the end of the year at IN Exchange, the fair trade store in the LBC, on April 24th from 5:00pm-7:00pm. Free coffee, tea, chocolate and special discounts. 2 Defend Shirts for $45 (V-Neck $50), 20% off Flip-Flops, 20% off Jewelry, 10% off dresses and $10 bags! Contact: Katie Schmidt- inexchange.org

The prices have dropped on our beautiful feather fascinators from NOLA's own Birds of a feather to a low price of $26. Birds of a Feather NOLA is a grass roots company which all hand-crafted and hand-sewn pieces. They're all individually made by Collin Ferguson, who works using the finest quality feathers to produce one-of-a-kind products. In an effort to be as green as possible, eco-friendly materials are used whenever possible. The felt backing is made from eco-felt, a felt made from recycled plastic bottles, the thread used is made from recycled cotton garments, and many of the findings are up-cycled parts of vintage jewelry, appliques, and costumes.

Ever wanted to hear more about where our products really come from? One of IN Exchange's suppliers, Ana Art Group, put up this wonderful video of them talking with some of the artisans that have created the products in our shop:Ana Art Group: Metal Jewelry Artisans. Want to support these artisans as well? Just stop by our store and purchase one of their beautiful wire web rings. They're on sale for $10 for a limited time!

Fashion Week New Orleans will have runway shows featuring designers, boutiques, models, and an amazing glam-squad. Come mix and mingle with the New Orleans fashion community. IN Exchange will be showcasing Spring fair trade fashions with other ethical and recycled clothing boutiques of New Orleans

March 23, 2012: 6:30pm at The Sugar Mill

Student tickets are available online at http://fashionweeknola.com/tickets/

Also, this is your last chance to apply to model IN Exchange's fashions at the show! If interested, submit 2 photos (head and full body), height & resume to Katie Schmidt at inexchangeart AT gmail.com Models must be available on March 23rd from noon - 10pm and for 2-5 hours at some point between March 1st-21st. Volunteers are also needed March 22nd-24th, 5pm-10pm. You'll be given free tickets for your time! Email if interested.

If you're interested, please submit the below information by March 1st to Katie Schmidt at inexchangeart@gmail.com:

• 2 Photos:Head Shot & Body Shot

• Height

• Resume

Models must be available from March 21st - 24th for the fashion show and have a flexible schedule prior to March 21st for fittings. IN Exchange will be showcasing brand new fair trade fashions during one of the nights of fashion week. Fashion Week Nola will be held from March 22nd- 24th with a kick off party on the 21st.

For more information about the show please visit

http://fashionweeknola.com

Student tickets are available online at

http://fashionweeknola.com/tickets/

On February 14th, in honor of Valentine's Day,we will be selling fair trade flowers in the store and at a booth in the hallway of the LBC.

• 1 Rose for $3.50
• 1/2 Dozen Roses for $18
• Dozen Roses for $32

Plus We Always Have:

• Fair Trade Chocolate: $2.50- $5.50
• Fair Trade Tea: $10 a Tin
• Fair Trade Jewelry: $10- $25

So be sure to stop by to pick upall the items you need to treat your Valentine or yourself! [gallery columns="4" orderby="title"] And of course, if you haven't got your Mardi Gras outfit together yet, we've still got great low prices on everything green, gold and purple til the end of Carnival Season!

Be Fair Trade this Mardi Gras.INExchangehas great Mardi Gras gearin purple,greenandgold:

• Leggings for $20

• T-shirts for $25 - $28

• Scarves for $15 - $24

• Arm warmers, mittens and leg warmers for $20

• Dresses for $30

• Shorts for $15 and

• Jewelry for $10-$25!

Due to the enthusiastic response we've received so far, we decided to extend our After-Holiday Sale to the end of January! Be sure to take advantage of these low prices while you still can. We have:

• 20% off select jewelry & Feelgoodz

• 15% off select bags & Defend tops

• 50% off certain t-shirts, purses, waterbottles & sweatshirts

We've placed some pictures of the sale items below so you can start window shopping right from your desk. We'll be open Monday - Friday from 11am - 6:30pm, so stop in, say hi, and save!

For those of you who are students, I know you will be busy studying, but it's time to take a break. Come relax at IN Exchange and do some holiday shopping. And for those of you who aren't students, take advantage of our great sales! Available only for the event.

2 Defend Shirts for $45

(a $5 Savings)

20% off Jewelry

Defend discount on regularly priced crewneck & tanks for men & woman

When:Wednesday, December 7th, 5:30pm-8:00pm

Where: IN Exchange

What: Free Food!

We all know that the holidays are a time for reconnecting with family and friends. They are also a time to connect with our global community. When you support Fair Trade, you become part of a network of people dedicated to facilitating change for disadvantaged artisans and farmers. The gifts in this guide empower women, provide education for children, heal the earth, and so much more!

Holiday Sale: 15-50% off Select Items

Gift Certificates Also Available For Any Amount­

In celebration and commencement of the newly-created partnership between IN Exchange (a 501(c)3 not-for-profit fair trade store located on the Tulane University campus) and Artfully AWARE, (global nonprofit, 501(c)3 in the United States with a branch in New Orleans's...

October has been a very exciting month. Mainly because my two favorite events take place: Fair Trade Month and Halloween. But as the new executive director of IN Exchange there is another exciting event that is happeningon Tulane campus. In conjunction with homecoming, Paul Rice, CEO of Fair Trade USA will be speaking on campus on Friday October 21^st from 5:00-6:00pm in the Woldenberg Art Center! I am a little star struck, nervous and exciting to meet him in person on Friday. He will personally be visiting the store in the afternoon and then coming to an in-store reception that IN Exchange will be having after his speech, from 6:00pm 9:00pm. We will be serving some yummy fair trade desserts and we will raffle off a pair of fleur de lis earrings and the Rebirth Brass Band CD. We will have special hours that Friday, 9:00am-9:00pm. We will also been open Sunday, October 23 from 11:00am-4:00pm. Also, if you happen to be in the LBC on October 21^st, you just may get a 10% off coupon.

And for Halloween. I bought my pumpkins and I am going to dress up as Marie Antoinette. My costume design background has become alive as I work on my costume. Come trick- or treating at IN Exchange on Halloween day, we will be giving out fair trade candy from 4:30pm-6:30pm. Also, come pick up one of our new brochures that tell all about IN Exchange. Thanks Hop & Jaunt for doing such a great job on the design!

And I almost forgot here is a picture of our product of the month.

Natural bath and body products from Thistle Farms. Founded in 1997 by Becca Stevens, an Episcopal priest in Nashville, Tenesse, this social enterprise works with a residential program for women who have survived lives of violence, prostitution and addiction. These women are given the opportunity to make a new life for themselves. For the first two years the organization gives the women housing, food, medical and dental needs, therapy, education and job training, all without charge or taking any government funding. After the women are able to make a living and sustainable wage that empowers them.

Travel Kit: $24

Wow, what a busy month!

Dear Friends, We are very excited about our first on-campus event for the 2011/2012 academic year! Event: You Fancy, huh? Come get fancy with IN Exchange and Paris Parker salon!

• Free Mocktails (non-alcoholic Champagne and drinks)
• Free Food (cheese, fruit and other finger foods)
• 20% off IN Exchange Jewelry
• Free Salon Services: Style Refresh, Brow Waxes, Make-up Touch Up

When: Thursday, September 8, 2011 Time: 5:30 pm -7:30 pm Where: Tulane University, Lavin Bernick Center 29 McAlister, Suite 107 New Orleans, LA 70118 Beginning September 6, 2011 we will have NEW STORE HOURS. NEW HOURS: Monday-Friday: 11:00 am-6:30 pm

• We will no longer be open on Saturdays except during the month of December

During the month of December we will be open 7 days a week! We will also have extended hours during homecoming as well as many exciting events that will be unveiled next month. Look forward to seeing you in the store and at our event! Katie Schmidt Director of IN Exchange

Now, it's Katie's turn...

Hello, everyone. The first of August, I will be officially taking over as the Director for IN Exchange and I couldn't be more excited. You may be asking, 'Who is Katie Schmidt?' Well, I could write a book on that, but I think I will just keep it short and sweet. I am originally from the sunny state of California, but a couple years ago I visited New Orleans and I fell in love. I knew I had to live here and now thanks to IN Exchange, I can!...