Sojourns Fair Trade brings “beautifully fair” products to the Birmingham area. We sat down with the owner to hear why she brought Sojourns to the Magic City 18 years ago—here’s what we learned.

18 years of Sojourns Fair Trade

When we spoke to Melissa Kendrick about bringing Sojourns to Birmingham, she kept going back to one point: be the change.

If I want Birmingham to be more globally-aware, then I need to help make Birmingham more globally aware. A good way to tell stories is through art, music and food—these things are a good insight into other cultures.”
Melissa Kendrick, Owner, Sojourns Fair Trade

Melissa learned about fair trade while living in West Africa. She made the move back to Birmingham to be closer to her parents and thought that selling fair trade products could be something she could do short-term. Yet, here she is 18 years later.

Fun fact—today, October 25 is Sojourns Fair Trade’s 18th anniversary. Join us in celebrating this locally-owned business!

Sojourns brings products from 61 countries to your door

With 2,500 square feet of 8,500 items representing 61 countries, Sojourns is 99% fair trade.

What about the 1%?

“If it’s not fair trade, it operates within similar values. We work with a woman who employs homeless women in her community to make bath bombs.”
Melissa Kendrick, Owner, Sojourns Fair Trade

Melissa believes that if her customers can learn about the makers of the products as they’re shopping, they can find something to relate to and in turn, hopefully make the world seem a little less scary.

Of all the unique pieces you find in the store, 70% of the products are made by women artists, and 30% of these women have been liberated from sex trafficking.

At Sojourns, you can find dozens of unique items ranging from:

Accerssories
Candles + incense
Clothing
Coffee + other foods
Kitchen utensils
Outdoor items

Ready to support a local owner and shop artists from all around the world?

Location: 5520 Crestwood Blvd, Birmingham, AL 35212
Hours: Monday + Saturday 10:30AM-5:30PM | Tuesday-Friday 10:30AM-6PM | Sunday 1-5:30PM
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