At Simsbury's Inka Arts: Shop Local and Support Artistans Around the World

At Inka Arts consumers can practice the art of buying local and still support economies all over the world.

The store, which recently moved from Simsmore Square to the Simsbury Town Shops, features a variety of practical and decorative items from local crafters as well as artisans from Peru, Uganda, Haiti and elsewhere.

Sales from many of the international items also help non-profit organizations, said company president Mercedes Esposito

“Inka Arts has expanded and helps the local crafters and third-world countries,” Esposito said.

Among the items in the store are clothing, greeting cards, natural skin care products, jewelry and art.  Many of the decorative pieces from Peru, Africa, India and elsewhere allude to rich culture and history. Some feature natural items found in those countries while others are more symbolic in nature.

“Every piece has a meaning,” said Esposito.

Many items also contain organic fibers or repurposed items saved from trash heaps. 

Some of Esposito’s jewelry, for example, uses Huayruro seeds from the rainforest, which both gives economic benefit to the forest and people and are a traditional symbol of good fortune.

Esposito herself is a native of Peru, having lived there 34 years.

“I came here to look for the American dream, which I got,” said Esposito, who lives in Avon with her husband Scott.

After coming to the states, Esposito studied accounting at Norwalk Community College. Juggling various jobs at the time, she finished the equivalent of three years. She hopes to complete her degree at some point but in 2009, she began selling at craft shows and about a year later opened the store.

She’s applying some of the knowledge she gained in college courses as well as practical skills.

“I like it,” she said of running the business. “It’s not only personal achievement, it’s also helping other groups. It’s a fulfilling profession.”

Inka Arts

• 928 Hopmeadow St., Simsbury
• (860) 658-4558
• www.inkaartsllc.com
• info@inkaarts.com
• Monday - Friday: 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.    
• Saturday: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.