Our Story

How it all started

As the Owner and Curator of Janie's Emporium I was inspired to become an entrepreneur by my grandmother, Miss Janie Taggart. Throughout her life, she became a successful business woman in the 1940's by establishing several businesses; a hair salon, selling Avon, and working in real estate. It is her determination and entrepreneurial spirit that still lives within me and encourages me everyday.

Continuing the Legacy

Inspired by my passion for traveling and experiencing new cultures, I wanted to share that appreciation and excitement with others globally. By providing one-of-a-kind artisan made jewelry from around the world that is fair trade, and ethnically produced, I am able to not only share the joy of experiencing new places with others, but can also support the international artisans who are part of those different cultures that I have come to cherish.

Janie's Emporium, named after my hard-working grandmother, opened for business in 2010. I began by traveling to various vending events in Buffalo, New York, selling high-end costume jewelry and small accessories for women. Three years later in 2013, I opened my first retail store in Kenmore, New York and eventually expanded my collection of artisan products to include perfume oils for men and women, mindfulness & meditation products, fair trade home decor & home accents, handcrafted jewelry, clothing, and health and wellness products, as well as other fair-trade imports and products from around the world.

Adapting to Change

Recently, I decided to pivot the focus of the business to be completely online, continuing to deliver amazing one of kind pieces to more hands and homes than ever before! In a world where traveling may seem distant and out of reach, we can still be brought together through international craft and appreciation for different cultures.

-Alisha J. Taggart

Owner & Curator

Take a trip around the world.