Natalie Kabasakalian took a “leap of faith” when she decided to open a retail business. Last month, the former attorney, who has a background in human rights advocacy, opened The Kindly Fruits in the Arcade Building at 15 Purchase Street.

By Robin Jovanovich

 

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Natalie Kabasakalian took a “leap of faith” when she decided to open a retail business. Last month, the former attorney, who has a background in human rights advocacy, opened The Kindly Fruits in the Arcade Building at 15 Purchase Street.

 

The store is a wonderful mix of fair trade products — from a non-poverty women’s project in Chicago to an environmental project to save Lake Victoria. “Every one of these products has a story,” said Kabasakalian, who grew up in New Rochelle and recently moved back there.

 

So far, she is relying on U.S.-based suppliers, but the store is a global experience. She stocks ceramics from Vietnam, hand-knit “blabla” dolls from Peru, wooden jewelry boxes, batik serving trays and carved puzzle toys from Indonesia, and wall sculpture made from hammered oil drums from Haiti.

 

The shop is rich in texture, whether it’s organic cotton newborn gifts or an entry mat or cat scratcher.

 

“I am partial to textiles of all varieties and plan to keep building on that theme,” she said.

 

Prices are very reasonable in The Kindly Fruits, she noted, because “no one is supposed to make a killing on fair trade products.”

 

When it came time to coming up with a name for her new venture, Kabasakalian found guidance in The Book of Common Prayer: “That it may please thee to give and preserve to our use the kindly fruits of the earth, so as in due time we may enjoy them…”

 

The Kindly Fruits is a wonderful addition to the Central Business District. Stop by or call 305-5202.