By Caitlin Rothermel
Walking into Giraffe, located in the heart of town, always gives me that peaceful feeling of entering a special place. Every corner is so carefully arranged. The store’s warm tones are so inviting, making me feel both restful and attentive. When I visited most recently, soft yet peppy Malian music was playing in the background.
The shelves of Giraffe are lined with unique goods – olive oil from the West Bank, jewelry made from new and reclaimed materials, and – more recently – blankets from Sackcloth & Ashes, a company that donates a blanket to a shelter for every blanket purchased.
Each item has a story and was made with intention. At the heart of it is Priscilla Schleigh, Giraffe’s founder and owner. Her journey to opening this Fair Trade boutique began decades ago.
A Path to Fair Trade
Priscilla’s interest in global communities began in her childhood – she was influenced by her parents, who were active in international outreach. After college, Priscilla lived in Haiti. She taught sewing at a trade school and later worked for three years at a children’s hospital.
At the hospital, Priscilla established a little shop called “Hand in Hand,” to sell local artwork to visitors. Priscilla credits this to “having an entrepreneurial spirit from my father, and recognizing the amazing talent of the Haitian People.” That early experience planted a seed.
Back in the United States, Priscilla found an unexpected, long, and formative career with Nordstrom as a wardrobe consultant. She also became involved with a 10,000 Villages Fair Trade store, first as a volunteer, and later as a board member. Priscilla eventually came to manage the 10,000 Villages store in downtown Seattle, solidifying her connection to the Fair Trade movement.
After some time in Alaska, Priscilla found her way to Vashon Island, where she managed the Heron’s Nest and a home-based hat-making business. Encouraged by a friend to take an “Artist’s Way” class, Priscilla voiced a long-held dream: to open her own Fair Trade store.
Within weeks, an opportunity presented – an affordable space to rent, thanks to a local friend – and with the support of Priscilla’s husband and the community, Giraffe opened in 2006.
Unique Goods with Unique Stories
Today, Giraffe carries products from 40 to 50 countries, each one carefully sourced. Here’s Priscilla’s priority: “Every product in the store has to have a good story, balanced with being a good-quality product.”
This includes jewelry made from reclaimed bullets in Ethiopia, and multicolored, intricately carved animal figurines from Kenya – these were crafted from discarded flip-flops collected on beaches. Giraffe also carries Thistle Farms bath and body products, which support women survivors of trafficking in Tennessee. Every purchase contributes to a meaningful cause.
Among Giraffe’s other standout items are handwoven table linens and hand-block-printed textiles, organic cotton sheets and towels, and a food section that includes a selection of spices and signature salt blends (the salt is curated by Priscilla’s husband).
Many of these goods come through trusted Fair Trade organizations. Priscilla also travels when possible – most recently to Guatemala and Kenya, where she met artisans she has worked with for years.
What is Fair Trade?
Priscilla explains Fair Trade as a system of ethical commerce that prioritizes fair wages that reflect local living standards; gender equity in employment; safe working conditions; and respect for cultural heritage.
Vashon Island has embraced Giraffe from the start. “A lot of people here have traveled and understand Fair Trade,” Priscilla says. “Hand-crafted home and personal goods create beauty and change for good in the world.”
Visit Giraffe
As the seasons change, stores adapt. Right now at Giraffe, winter clothing is 30% off, making it a great time to invest in some well-made foundational items. Priscilla focuses on slow fashion – high-quality pieces that last and are a pleasure to look at and touch. “I don’t believe in fast fashion,” she says, referring to landfills increasingly filled with inexpensive clothing that may not have ever even been worn.
Budget doesn’t have to be a barrier. At Giraffe, any shopper can find a meaningful and reasonable gift, like small, handcrafted painted hearts or clever miniature animals painted on seedpods – perfect for a child wanting to buy something special.
Again, at Giraffe, every item has a story. So, when you visit, say hello to Priscilla and her staff and let them know what you are curious about. You may find that exact thing that you never knew you needed.
You can also visit Giraffe online at https://giraffehome.com.
