Laura Camp and Charlyn Fargo Ware from Springfield are the store owners.

"We were interested in starting a retail business that would offer quality handmade items from artisans around the world at prices that reflect a fair and just profit for the people who made them," said Camp. "We spent time researching this, traveling to other cities to check out Fair Trade stores."

The two selected their stock with an eye as to what might appeal to consumers in central Illinois. There are unique handmade gifts, jewelry and personal accessories, home décor, fair trade coffee, chocolate and more.

"I think maybe the biggest thing that appealed to me is the sustainability that Fair Trade represents — lifting a family, a town, or a group of people. It isn't just $100 that you hand somebody. They are creating a product. We are paying them a fair market profit for that. They, in turn, are able to afford medicine and schooling."

"Catholic Relief Services has long advocated Fair Trade as a morally responsible way of doing business in the global market," said Vicki Compton, director of the diocesan Office for Missions. "When people are able to provide a peaceful life of dignity and full human freedom for themselves and their families, CRS no longer needs to provide relief and development for them."

Simply Fair store hours are 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday thru Saturday. It is closed Sunday.

"When you buy something here, you are helping a family in another country," said Camp.

"We appreciate the encouragement and support we have received from so many people who have heard about our store. When you buy something here, I tell people it makes you happy twice. You can enjoy wearing the earrings, scarf, shawl — or admire how an item looks in your home — and know by purchasing it, you helped somebody out."