Business of the Week: The Herban Garden

15 Bolinas Ave., Fairfax

(415) 453-1709; www.theherbangarden.net 

What do they offer?

features a diverse selection of ethically-sourced goods. Each unique treasure is selected and marked according to its sustainability qualities. Owner Kari Anne Robert said, “We are particularly attentive to how things are being made and where they come from in the world.”

You will find pieces by local artisans and goods made in the USA. Items from around the world are Fair Trade, a product certification system designed to allow consumers to identify products that meet agreed upon environmental, labor and developmental standards.

“This system involves independent auditing of producers to ensure the agreed standards are met and promotes social well-being by preserving culture, local and global economics, and job security, while helping to prevent environmental and social exploitation,” said Robert who promotes "mindful giving," which she describes as “gifting yourself or others with functional items that have a positive ripple effects in the world.”

She wants to be part of the growing shift toward a more sustainable and fair economy that considers the well-being of our planet and people, not a retail store owner motivated by profit.   

The shop carries vintage textiles, quilts hand-made in India from recycled women’s sari fabrics, green kitchen and home decor, decorative wall art handcrafted in Haiti from recycled oil drums, ethically-sourced jewelry, organic fashion including bags such as those made from native grasses in Africa or from recycled textiles in Guatemala, socks, gloves, hats, natural bath and body products, organic bedding, and a sweet baby section that features wooden toys and clothes made from organic cotton.  

Who are they?

Native Californian Kari Anne Robert, who lives in West Marin, has her hands full with the new store and also with her young children - son Ami, who is two, and one-year-old daughter Kalaya. “I would not have been able to create what we are doing here without the amazing help from my family and great team,” she said.

“I have been passionately working in the sustainability movement for the past decade,” said Robert. “I received an undergraduate degree in culture, ecology and sustainable communities and went on to get an MBA in sustainable enterprise facilitation from Dominican University in San Rafael.”

“One of the driving factors that helped manifest The Herban Garden was that, as a new mother interested in natural living, I recognized a need in our community for a resource like the one we created. When I cannot be in the store myself, I am blessed to have Melissa Leech as the store manager,” she said.   

How long have they been there?

The Herban Garden had its grand opening on June 11, 2011, the anniversary of the launch of the , Fairfax's local currency, and the day of the Fairfax Eco-Festival. The store is open a very convenient seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.

Why are they business of the week? 

The store is among a new crop of refreshing alternatives to "business as usual" in the retail world. It is not just about what looks cute or is stylish, there is depth and thought behind what is offered. Robert chooses to support intrinsic beauty as well. “We are a unique reflection of what our community values,” said Robert.

”We are always happy to contribute to local, educational and ecological projects, as we are able,” said Robert. “We feature , Fairfax's local currency. We are also working on ‘Watershed Wednesdays,’ where a percentage of our sales profit goes towards local watershed preservation. As a new business, we are excited about supporting our community in different ways,” said Robert. 

“The Herban Garden is a reflection of my passion to help promote a different way of doing business,” she said. “The best part of my job is the feeling of satisfaction when I watch a customer walk away with a hand crafted gift they love. Knowing that we just helped to build  a more sustainable economy by supporting an artisan who creates beauty in the world gives me a great sense of purpose.  

“We are also very mindful about pricing. We do not want quality, sustainably crafted goods to be something just for the elite,” Robert added

What's your favorite local business?