Topanien Global Gifts

Specialties

Topanien offers Global Gifts with a concentration on Fair Trade, Artisan and country local information, social justice issues and multicultural gifts and home décor. We offer Fair Trade baskets from Ghana, hand-​embroidered pillows by men of India and hand-​appliqué pillows by woman of India, angel ornaments, figurines and pins, self imported sterling silver jewelry from Mexico along with outstanding Fair Trade Mexican folk art, prayer flags from Nepal, 100% Cotton Comforters, eco-​friendly Hemp Bags, Purses & Wallets, Fair Trade hand-​painted candles, scarves, hats, sushi dishes, Japanese Tea Sets, bracelets, belts, sock monkeys, banners, butterfly strands, Polish boxes and Cat Pillows. Visit our website for less reading and more viewing at Topanien Global Gifts.

History

Established in 1989.

Nadine opened Topanien Gifts as a way to connect different cultures and peoples. Originally the store began at the edge of Multnomah Village but quickly moved to the center of the Village as the neighborhood appreciated the colorful, multicultural atmosphere this small store lent to their SW Portland neighborhood. Shelves were filled with pillows, boxes, folkart and jewelry all imported from Ghana, India, African, Nepal, Peru, Japan, Poland and even pieces from our own Pacific NorthWest.

Nadine began making annual treks to Southern Mexico for folkart and jewelry. Family ties were established with Mexican families and Nadine’s family and the trips continue to this day.

In about 2002 a website was established for the store and was a huge help in guiding the business through the recent economic recession. Topanien Gifts is a regular on facebook and twitter and offers Portland locals regular events such as ‘Free Rice,’ ‘Burmese Refugee Benefit’ and ‘specials’ on First Fridays.

Meet the Business Owner

Nadine L.

Business Owner

Traveling in Costa Rica and Nicaragua during college was the event that probably had the greatest affect on Nadine’s career choice. After college Nadine rose quickly and easily in the ranks as an insurance Medial Malpractice Adjuster but her heart was being pulled in an entirely different direction. She began traveling with her husband in the late 80’s and began toying with the idea of establishing her own multicultural gift store in an effort to bring distant cultures to Portland. After classes through the Small Business Association (SCORE), drawing up a business plan and switching to part-​time insurance work, Nadine opened Topanien Global Gifts. «The really great thing about my job is that it is actually my life. My family often travels overseas with me. My children enjoyed a Spanish speaking babysitter. We have lifelong friends in Mexico and i am trying to support and offer information about fair trade, social justice and issues of global concern through my store & website.»