A Decade of Difference in Downtown Staunton
Latitudes Staunton Celebrates 10 Years
Latitudes Fair Trade in downtown Staunton, Virginia, is celebrating its 10th anniversary. Join us as we take a walk down memory lane and see how the store has been a hub of hope for both artisans abroad and the local community.
In 2015, Anna Schoenduby was ready for change. Latitudes was her answer. She was one of six business owners that year who were awarded a grant from the BRIGHT ReWired Business plan competition. She left an unfulfilling work environment and followed in her family's footsteps. Only five years earlier, her mother had opened the first Latitudes in Warrenton, VA, and not long after, her dad opened the Fredericksburg location.
Witnessing the work of her parents, Anna had a passion for fair trade and saw the need for a store like Latitudes in Staunton. After only two years in business, in 2017, the Staunton store expanded into the next-door space, allowing for an entire storefront dedicated to fair trade clothing.
Talk to any of the employees at Latitudes, and you'll hear about the joy of fair trade and how they have found a place at Latitudes. Like Anna herself, much of the staff left their previous jobs due to stressful and unsupportive work environments. Latitudes has been a place of both healing and meaningful work.
A Community Created
Sarah Snow was the first manager of the store. She now lives in Mississippi with her husband and two children. Sarah shared her experience with us in honor of the 10th anniversary:
“This milestone is extra special for me—I had the joy of managing our store for 7 of those years before stepping into my new role as a stay-at-home mom. During that time, I traveled to Guatemala and met an artisan whose handmade basket orders (from our store and many others) allowed her to buy her very first stove for her home."
"That moment showed me what fair trade is all about—beautiful products creating real change. From setting up displays and managing inventory to countless conversations with customers who shopped with purpose, it’s been such a gift to be part of this mission. Here’s to 10 years of impact through Latitudes, and to everyone who has supported fair trade along the way—you make stories like hers possible. ”
Local Love
Customers describe Latitudes with an echo of joy and gratitude. When it comes to fair trade, customer Ann writes, "it's an important component in my choice of places to shop."
Constance writes, “I love having the opportunity to support fair trade endeavors. Knowing the stories of the people you are supporting is a blessing.”
If supporting better lives for global artisans isn't enough, many customers also enjoy the perks of Latitudes, like being part of the birthday club.
Latitudes Fair Trade isn't just a retail store. Every single day, customers are making a difference. Every purchase makes an impact. Whether in Guatemala, India, or beyond, every transaction helps provide stable, dignified work and fair pay to skilled artisans. It's an amazing opportunity to share with our local community how their local actions can make a global difference.
The Fair Trade Movement
Latitudes Fair Trade in Staunton wouldn't be possible without you, dear reader. Your support, whether through reading blog posts, making a purchase, or sharing about fair trade is what makes each day possible for us and for the artisans we support.
Current manager, Jac Winters, reflects on what this milestone means to her today, "10 years of Latitudes Staunton means the world to me!"
"It's so heartwarming that we have such awesome and loyal customers who not only care about supporting local business but have stuck with us through so much... I feel like a huge THANK YOU doesn't come close to the extreme gratitude I feel for our Latitudes family- both staff and customers alike!"
Join our team to celebrate 10 years of fair trade at 16 E. Beverley St., Staunton, VA, on Friday, September 19, 2025. More details are available on the Facebook event page and on our social media @latitudesstaunton. Shop online anytime right here at latitudesfairtrade.com. Thank you for your support!
