My name is Melek Petak, and I am the founder and owner of Petek Trading Co.
In 2015, I moved to the US to begin my graduate studies at the University of Notre Dame. I brought with me a small Turkish kilim, one kilim pillow cover, and a stocking as reminders of home. What I thought was going to be a 2-year program turned into settling in Saint Paul, MN after I met my husband.
As I started building a life here in the US, I realized that most people don’t know much about Turkey, or Turkish culture. I began to think about starting an initiative modeled after fair-trade organizations: Bringing ethically-sourced Turkish goods to the US to support artisans in Turkey. I reconnected with the man who sold me my first kilim and bought my first batch of coasters from him. I started seeking artisans and small businesses in Turkey so that I can give them a wider audience and provide them with a form of financial stability. This is an ongoing process — and I am excited beyond measure to dive into the cultural wealth of the country I grew up in.
Through this little company, I hope to create space for new conversations, change the way we think about and shop cultural heritage products, and take part in bringing a Turkish-shade of beauty to your worlds, if you’d be so kind as to let me. Thank you for being here.
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Location
Petek Trading Co.
24 West 7th Place
Saint Paul, MN
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ICYMI
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