![At the bottom of the third inning, the Lions are still scoreless. Rowe stands at home plate, preparing to bat, while Vandenbrink stands off to the side as the next batter up. Despite having the bases loaded, the team was unable to score any runs. “It’s just the beginning of the season. We’re just going to be playing out best by June, [and] that’s where champions are,” Rowe said.](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/IMG_3077-1200x900.jpg)
![All smiles. The group poses for a photo with last year’s book, “This is Our House,” along with their award for third Best in Show. Meikle, who was an Editor-in-Chief for the yearbook last year as well, holds both and stands at the center of the group. “That was an amazing feeling, going and grabbing the third place award,” Meikle said. “All of it paid off. I cried so much over that book, being able to receive [the award] was one of the highlights of my high school career, it was like the coolest thing ever.”](https://wlhsnow.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/8bookpose_philly-1200x800.jpg)
From selling beaded earrings made in Guatemala to robes from India, World of HeARTs is a local fair trade boutique dedicated to supporting marginalized communities and artists. The business sells handmade pieces crafted by individuals from over 30 countries, which are made completely from recycled, repurposed, or sustainable materials.
It started as a pop-up in 2017, making appearances at local markets and festivals. The owner, Robin May, then opened a brick-and-mortar store and eventually relocated to a shop on Willamette Falls Drive in 2022. Before starting her business, May worked in retail.
“I saw good and bad manufacturing practices and negative impacts on the environment and workers,” May said. “I decided I [was] fed up with the corporate world, but I always dreamed of having my own little store and wanted to do the business in the most ethical way I could. Fair trade puts people [on] the planet before profits.”
Everything in the store has been certified by Fairtrade, an organization designed to connect artists with buyers and emphasize cultural creativity. Each product must go through a verification process to ensure it meets all the fair trade principles and values, such as the intolerance for child labor. The store features over 300 artisan cooperatives.
“I am impressed every single week when I open a new box that comes from someplace and see the craftsmanship, vision, and imagination that goes into it— things that our culture throws away,” May said.
The art classes offered at West Linn High School are potential paths for students interested in artistic careers to take. From ceramics to digital arts, several courses focus on creativity and personal interests. Businesses such as World of HeARTs support artists by outsourcing their work.
World of HeARTs is open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. every day and offers in-store pickup and delivery through its website.
“Getting more people aware about us is going to allow us to continue to build the volume that we do with all these different groups,” May said. “We’re focused on keeping our relationship with the makers sustainable and bringing the customers in the area something different and unique and giving them a reason to want to come here because they are helping make a difference.”
To learn more about the stories behind their products and what they have to offer, visit their website or the boutique in person and check out their Instagram (@worldheartsfairtrade). They have discounts for special occasions, such as holidays, and host events. Recently, they ran as a nominee for Best Customer Service of the Year, Business of the Year, and Business Person of the Year by a voting system run by the West Linn Tidings and Lake Oswego Review. The results will be announced in February.
