Latitudes: Weaving a Way to Empower Women Worldwide

Latitudes: Weaving a Way to Empower Women Worldwide

By Anita L. Sherman

Latitudes offers customers a selection of items representing worldwide artisans.

Kelsey and Lee Owsley

Photos courtesy of Latitudes

Nestled in her airplane seat on a trip home from Guatemala, Lee Owsley had an “ah ha” moment, one that would change her life and that of thousands of women and men around the world.

The year was 2009 and Owsley had completed a weaving class in a small highland village innorthwestern Guatemala. She made a beautiful scarf from the experience, but the threads of inspiration had also been woven into her psyche.

“I’ve always wanted to do something about the poverty I’ve seen when traveling to Third World countries but, like most of us, never known quite where to start,” said Owsley who was already helping a missionary friend sell paper beads made by women in Uganda. Why not add products made by these Guatemalan women? That and her own love of weaving, quilting, sewing and smocking created her vision to help others help themselves by promoting their work.

“It was a calling…a passion…I knew what I wanted to do with the next chapter of my life,” said Owsley who, beginning with a pop-up location in Warrenton now has three brick and mortar locations and offers a growing and thriving online shopping experience.

With stores in Warrenton, Fredericksburg and Staunton, Latitudes offers customers a plethora of goods from dozens of countries worldwide. The items are varied, colorful, unique and represent so much more. Purchasing a piece of jewelry, a furry hat or serving dish from Latitudes assures that it was made by artisans who are paid a fair wage and that consumers are adding to the dignity of their lives.

Dealing with the pandemic has been a challenge particularly for small businesses.

“We were closed for two months and then re-opened with some trepidation as we really do want to do the right thing and not spread the virus or endanger ourselves, but it’s actually going well,” Owsley said. “Customers have been great about wearing masks and socially distancing and we have all stayed healthy.

Popular with new moms, aunts and grandmothers, Latitudes has several soft outfits for infants and toddlers as well as fun crib mobiles and plush toys.

Business has been down, of course, but we ended the year in better territory than we would have predicted.

“We got the Fauquier Cares grant and PPP (Paycheck Protection Program) money, which helped a lot. We were able to still keep up with good orders for our artisan partners for the most part and pay our staff as usual. Quite a blessing!”

Running Latitudes is a family affair. Daughter Kelsey Neal isthe assistant manager at the Warrenton store. Lee’s husband Terry operates the Fredericksburg location and daughter Anna oversees the Staunton shop.

With two young daughters of her own, Kelsey Neal not only enjoys working with her mother but furthering her vision. “I like the uniqueness of our products, our mission and also opportunities to travel,” said Neal.

“We’ve been able to take about 15 different trips during the last 10 years to visit and learn from our artisan groups. We’re looking very much forward to getting back to this when it’s safe and possible again,” said Owsley clearly excited about their clothing line and new additions coming for spring.

“The first Friday of December, the fourth, was 10 years to the day that we opened our very humble pop-up store at 104 Main Street,” she said. “It’s crazy to think of all the people, places, events, and relationships that have been birthed and grown during that time. I can honestly say every day brings a new surprise or something to learn.”

Be the Change Foundation is a local nonprofit with a mission of empowering, strengthening and inspiring women who want to start or build on an existing business. They offer a 12-week series of business classes and Owsley, a firm believer in entrepreneurship, volunteers as a regular speaker.

When she begins her presentation, she holds up the scarf made in Guatemala years ago with a knowing smile. It’s the symbol of her vision that has become her reality and the dream isn’t over.

“Yes, yes, yes, it’s still fun and challenging and rewarding,” said Owsley. “I can’t think of anything I’d rather be doing. I am ever more grateful for our community and my staff.”

Latitudes in Warrenton is located at 78 Main Street. Visit www.latitudesfairtrade.com. Phone 540-349-2333.

Latitudes carries a bright and cheery selection of masks.