This unusual word is a combination of two names-Devin and Tanner! I had a terrible time coming up with a name and by combining two of our children's names the problem was solved.

     Devtan is many things but first it is a local "Fair Trade" business that began in 2004. Devtan could of reached its 10th year without the help of family and friends and of course "YOU" our valued customers... I need to also thank the management of North town Mall as well because they were and are sensitive to the special needs of this type of store. In November of 2004 we began in a kiosk and two months later we opened our first mall store! Then, in February of 2006 we remodeled and opened our beautiful store.

     In 2001, I began as an importer/wholesaler and was largely unaware of the huge problems associated with labor and wages and how this affected women and children around the world. Looking back i must have not wanted to see the problems... When a labor intensive item costs one dollar it should not take a rocket scientist to see that there is a huge inequity. To my shock I also realized that i was helping to perpetuate this. These practices by becoming a ling in the chain called "Greed", It was at this juncture, that i decided that i had to do my part in education and promotion of goods that helped with a step up for millions in need.

     I found that I was late to join the huge Fair Trade movement but undaunted I was going to use the last third of my working years to make a positive difference. So, with my many contacts from wholesaling and my meager savings, I opened "Devtan". My goal is to offer quality, fairly priced, non-sweatshop goods and to teach as many as will listen why they should support the effort as well! As we begin our 10th year I'm still waiting for a paycheck but perhaps i should accept my non-profit status and make it official.