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Small world productsAustin’s bustling East Sixth Street shop has many pedestrians.
Not just for the enviable place between the Austin Culinary Institutions Suete and Ramen Tatsuya (Although that certainly helps). It also contains rare stocks from shops, such as treasures not commonly found in the city, or even on this continent.
Small World Goods is located at 1630 E 6th Street, Austin, Texas 78702
The small shop is packed with an eclectic selection of handmade apparel, gifts and crafts at far-reaching destinations. Each piece is carefully selected by owner and world traveler Vivi Kemper. Vivi Kemper has been discovered by women and independent artisans in South Asia, Southeast Asia and Africa.
“Most of what we have from overseas can’t be found anywhere else in the Americas,” Kemper says. “We will prioritize cooperation with manufacturers that do not have access to the Internet or larger markets.”
The story behind Small World merchandise
Small World products have been open for three years, but their stories have been created for decades. The story begins in 2001, when Kemper fell in love with his first trip to India. From India, the fast-growing Vagabond continued in Europe, Asia and Africa.
To support herself during the trip, Kemper taught English as a Second Language (ESL) and theatre. After years in the classroom, she knew it was a time for change. Kemper was struck by the idea of starting her own business when her therapist asked her what she would do if money wasn’t her purpose.
“I immediately thought about my love for a small import factory,” says Kemper. “I was always incredibly inspired by the people, cultures and crafts of the countries I travelled to, and I wanted to support those artists and traditions.”
Once she found out what she wanted, Kemper got caught up in the action. Kemper, who settled in Austin in 2017, opened his shop on the East 11th with a small blue truck. She named it Business Gadavout Goods and filled the colorful retail trucks with products from where she went.
“I wrote a friend to India and sent me something beautiful to start selling,” says Kemper. “I’ve learned to run every aspect of my business, from social media to finances and legal compliance.”
Then, in 2020, the pandemic hit. Like many small businesses, Gadabout Goods has been forced to close.
“The pop-up market was closed and people were unable to invite into the small spaces of the truck,” recalls Kemper.
Through the long and lonely pandemic, Kemper has continued to commit to her dream of selling crafts from all over the world.
“My dream has always been to open my own brick-and-mortar store,” says Kemper. When things seemed to open after the pandemic, I decided to take the plunge. ”
To a gentle note, the vibrant East Sixth Avenue storefront in Austin unexpectedly empties. Kemper went for it.
What you find inside
Three years later, Small World merchandise is already a vibrant East Side fixture in Austin. The sun-lit shop features colorful shelves, Turkish towels and quirky mugs. Each piece comes with a handmade card with an explanation of its origin.
“Small world products are like small treasure chests,” says Kemper. “Most people walk around the store three or four times because they see something new each time.”
Earlier, we shared some outstanding things from the store:
Dear friend’s clothes
Dear friend is Kemper’s unique, ethically made line of clothing. All of the pieces are designed by Kemper and handmade by a fair trade women’s group in Kathmandu, Nepal.
“I work with a great group of women who will let go of all the cotton fabrics first and then hand-craft each piece,” says Kemper.
The collection includes cozy, flattering pieces made from natural fabrics designed to last a lifetime. The piece is designed to make the wearer feel beautiful, comfortable and confident, just like his beloved friends, Kemper explains.
“They’re perfect for Austin’s long, hot summers and perfect for layering during the cold season,” says Kemper.
Top sellers include Krishna Button Up Top ($78), a multi-purpose breastfeeding-friendly top with natural bamboo buttons, and There is no unnecessary shuri Made from remaining hand-woven cotton scraps.
South and Southeast Asia Gems
Small World Goods offers a collection of rings, bangles and earrings handmade by artisans from Bali, India and other Asian countries. Top sellers are Spiral Cuff Hill Tribal Earrings ($24) was carved by a silversmith from the Karenhill Tribe in northern Thailand.
Dhoni powder
Dhuni Powder is a fine powder of herbs and spices that burn like a scent with a clear, uplifting aroma. Traditional powders are rarely found in the US. This is one of the rarest items in the shop, Kemper says.
Dhuni Powder is a fine powder of herbs and spices that burn like a scent with a clear, uplifting aroma. Traditional powders are rarely found in the US. This is one of the rarest items in the shop, Kemper says.
“We have some dhoni powder on a shelf made by a great group of women in India,” says Kemper. “I can’t see much dhoni powder in Austin!”
Take a look at a small world product community
Kemper herself may have lived all over the world, but she has a special place in her heart for Austin.
“I’m an avid gardener and I’m always inspired by the Ladybug Johnson Wildflower Center,” says Kemper. “I like spending the day there and relaxing and walking through the different ecosystems they’ve created.”
On the way to become an East Austin icon, Small World merchandise is a lively and valuable part of a colorful neighborhood community. Every Sunday, Small World Goods joins other small businesses on East Sixth Avenue at a block party celebration. At the monthly festival, local vendors release drinks, exclusive products and other merchandise.
“East Sixth Avenue is a vibrant local part of Austin and it’s amazing to celebrate with other small businesses,” Kemper says.
How to shop small world products if you don’t live in Austin
Do you live in Austin? You can still shop online for small world products smallworldgoods.com. The shop’s digital counterparts ship to destinations around the world and offer free domestic shipping on orders over $75. The site is thoughtful Gift Guide “An eccentric mind” and “Self-care enthusiast“Kemper himself curated.
Of course, the best way to experience small world products is to visit in person. If you are planning a trip to Austin, don’t forget to stop by the store and say hello to Kemper. Need restaurant or activity recommendations? Kemper has you covered:
“My favorite Austin restaurant is Suelte. “They get the most luxurious textures in their masa dishes and I always save space for their homemade chocolate taco desserts.”
She suggests walking your chocolate taco Ladybug Johnson Wildflower Center.
“I like spending the day there and walking relaxedly through the different ecosystems they’ve created,” she says.
Looking ahead
Kemper travels far and works hard to build goods from a small world, but the challenges remain. President Trump’s drastic tariffs mean local businesses are costing imported products more.
“It’s a pretty scary situation for small businesses, especially for me, working with small batch makers overseas,” Kemper says. “A large part of my business is keeping prices ethical, even for shoppers, so the last thing I want to do is raise prices.”
It is more important than ever to think about shopping locally globally. With independent ownership and globally sourced inventory, small world goods are the perfect place to start.
Visit the Brick & Mortar Shop at 1630 E 6th St Unit 101, Austin, Texas. Instagram and Facebook.
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The Post Local Gem: A small world product in Austin in Texas was first introduced in Real Deal by Retailmenot.
Source: The Real Deal by RetailMeNot – www.retailmenot.com
