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When her career in computers came to an end, Lu Spaine, owner of Zumi Collections LLC, turned her love of fabrics and vibrant colors into a local shop filled with merchandise from around the world.

“I have a love for other cultures and the world in general,” Spaine said. “I have a love for different textiles and bright colors. And you don’t get that in computers.”

Inventory from Africa, Southeast Asia and South America fill Spaine’s store, representing those regions’ cultures and bringing the color and patterns that she loves.

Born and raised in Des Moines, Spaine has always had an interest in business; she said, “business has been a part of my goals in life.” Spaine attended Des Moines Technical High School, now the Central Campus, to study computers after showing strength in mathematics early on in school.

After graduation, she attended Drake University, where she later received a master’s degree in public administration.

A career with IBM Corp. took Spaine to Texas, Los Angeles and on international trips. But after being downsized by the company, which Spaine calls “a liberating experience,” she started Zumi in 1992 in Los Angeles.

Business in Iowa

“In 1995 I moved back (to Des Moines) to help take care of my mom and brought the business with me, not knowing whether or not Iowa was ready for it,” Spaine said. “But it was well received.”

As Central Iowa residents and city leaders have recognized the need for increased diversity in the population, Spaine said, Greater Des Moines has created a good environment for a business like hers.

“The climate is more friendly then it was when I was a child,” Spaine said. “When I was young, there was not a lot of diversity at all.”

When people from other countries and cultures move to Central Iowa, stores like Zumi, Spaine said, provide a familiar setting and a place to shop.

She developed her local start at Des Moines’ Downtown Farmers Market, in-home parties and through support from friends and family.

I have a love for other cultures and the world in general. I have a love for different textiles and bright colors. And you don’t get that in computers.
Lu Spaine owner of Zumi Collections LLC

“I have found (being a business owner in Des Moines) to be rewarding,” Spaine said.

Later, after many suggestions from clients and friends, Spaine opened a shop near Drake University, at 1141 42nd St., in November 2001. Spaine said, “The neighborhood has been very receptive and supportive.”

Before Zumi occupied the shop, it was the home of Global Gifts.

“People were accustomed to having a similar shop in this location,” Spaine said.

With ample parking and close proximity to the freeway, Spaine said, the 42nd Street storefront has worked well.

The permanent location allowed Spaine to expand her product line. Her inventory now includes clothing, jewelry, accessories, trinkets, home décor, chocolates, coffee, tea, music and musical instruments.

“(Patrons) are looking for things that they do not find in other places,” she said. “They want to dress with style, kind of funky and offbeat, but still stylish.”

The majority of Zumi’s customers are women between the ages of 25 and 55, but Spaine said her clients range from teenagers to those in their late 70s. Sarongs, jewelry and clothing are her most popular items.

Fair trade

Spaine receives the majority of her merchandise through importers, but her selections have been inspired by her travels. She has taken several trips since opening her business, including visits to Ghana, Indonesia and Thailand.

“I go and buy what I like … but to some extent you have to keep the clientele within the context and buy well-styled items,” Spaine said.

Not only does Zumi provide Central Iowans with goods from around the world, but Spaine is able to help support the international businesses that make the products.

Many of the importers Spaine works with give money back to the communities where the products are created. This includes aid organizations NetAid, an initiative of Mercy Corps, which works to educate, inspire and empower people to fight global poverty, and Ten Thousand Villages, a fair trade organization that works with more than 100 artisan groups in more than 30 countries, building relationships with artisans that are based on understanding and respect.

“I want to help other people in other countries,” she said.

Spaine is an advocate of fair trade that enables artisans to earn a decent wage and work in safe conditions, provides the opportunity for a better quality of life and helps break their products into other retail markets.

“The Fair Trade Federation is not big enough yet to hire everybody, so I try not to be too much of a purist about that,” Spaine said. “(The other vendors) have to eat, too.”

Visit www.zumi.com to learn more about Lu Spaine and Zumi Collections.