Inspiring Conversations with Connie DeJong of World Peaces

Today we’d like to introduce you to Connie DeJong.

Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
I started in Fair Trade operating Global Gallery after traveling to several countries for study and service. After 15 years of leading the non-profit organization, I started World Peaces as a social enterprise to directly source goods and support community development focused in Bolivia, Ghana and Lesotho.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has been a constant learning process- pivoting during political turmoil, global pandemic turmoil, and facing the many challenges stemming from inequality. We have grown as a community, as individuals and as an organization through the trying times. We keep motivated to adding more peace and joy to the world despite the setbacks.

As you know, we’re big fans of World Peaces. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Most of our trading partnerships aren’t transactional — they’re relationships built over decades, not sourced through a catalog. I’ve spent years living and working alongside these artisan communities in Bolivia and Ghana, which means our sourcing is rooted in trust and long-term commitment rather than a one-time wholesale order. We also go beyond “fair trade” as a label: we actively support organizations like Fundación Ayllu’s economic development work for women in Quillacollo, Bolivia, and we’re working to formalize volunteer and internship programs so more people can experience these communities firsthand, not just buy from them.
World Peaces isn’t just a gift shop — it’s a living relationship between Columbus and artisan communities around the world. Whether you’re shopping our jewelry and home goods, taking a workshop, ordering wholesale for your own store, or eventually visiting Bolivia or Ghana yourself, every interaction supports real economic opportunity for the women and girls who make what we sell. We believe peace is something we build together, one handcrafted piece — and one relationship — at a time.

In terms of your work and the industry, what are some of the changes you are expecting to see over the next five to ten years?
I believe people will continue to be drawn to handmade gifts and decor with meaning. As people grow in spiritual awareness, they will also seek connection through community. Together we will grow wiser and kinder.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://Www.worldpeaces.com
• Instagram: WorldPeacesFairTrade
• Facebook: WorldPeacesFairTrade