A Green Vision for Lakewood: Mary Evans of Green Smart Gifts Named Lakewood Observer Downtown Businessperson of the Year
Green Smart Gifts is located in a typical unassuming Lakewood storefront between Belle and Marlowe on Detroit Rd., but owner Mary Evans is proving that with the right mission, and a lot of hard work, even a small business endeavor can accomplish big things here in Lakewood. A transplant from Buffalo to the Cleveland area due to a job transfer, Mary ended up in Lakewood almost by accident. “I had three weeks to find a place and was looking to downsize my life. Friends mentioned that there were lots of places to rent in Lakewood and so here I am,” said the now four year Lakewood resident.
She immediately saw similarities between the Lakewood mindset and her own values. “I knew for a long time that I needed something with meaning beyond the direct benefits to myself,” Mary said, but deciding what that could be was a challenge. So, in the meantime she volunteered and even accepted a job as an English as a second language teacher. But before leaving for Costa Rica to teach English, it was suggested that instead of leaving the country to give back, she could stay in Lakewood and combine her dedication to sustainability in her own life and her aspirations to open a gift shop. The arrangement seemed so obvious that just seven weeks later, Green Smart Gifts opened its doors for business.
In reflecting upon the last year, Mary noted, “Lakewood has exceeded my expectations. The receptivity of the residents has been incredible.” Mary’s excitement about Lakewood is linked directly to the success of Green Smart’s mission. Mary easily found outlets to build awareness about stewardship to our planet both in the store, as well as out in the community at large.
Mary focuses on pursuing local and sustainable business practices. Currently local artists provide all of her art and jewelry. She also carries a local bath and body line, and work directly with a local soy candle maker. “By buying locally, I can both reduce emissions from shipping, and support local artisans at the same time,” said Mary. She also carries four charity product lines, with 100% of the purchase price benefiting charities both locally and globally, depending on the merchandise.
Out in the community, Mary is proving herself to be a real team player for all of Lakewood. In just one year she established a “Green Lakewood” coffee group, which has now evolved into action oriented “EcoLakewood.” By making connections with the Chamber of Commerce, the Lakewood Earth and Food Community, Lakewood Alive, and the Lakewood Observer, Mary has become an exceptional volunteer and leader of the green movement in Lakewood. Earth Hour, Junk-2-Funk, the newly decorated recycling bins, and Rutabaga Nights, are just a sampling of Mary’s selfless contributions of time, talent, and treasure for Lakewood events.
In the future keep an eye out for a Green Smart Gifts online shopping cart. Mary also hopes to use her big business background to teach companies how to “green” their events and conferences. So far, people have been receptive to Mary’s teaching approach. For her, it isn’t about telling other people what to do, but why their actions matter and how they impact the planet. As Mary said herself, “I’m not an expert, I just care.”
The past year is truly a testament to just how much the owner of Green Smart Gifts does care; care about her customers, her vendors, the community here in Lakewood, and of course, the earth on the whole. Maybe the key was timing; maybe the key was the “green” movement gearing up here in Lakewood. But clearly, the passion and dedication Mary Evans pours into her business and the Lakewood community, makes her the obvious choice for the 2009 Lakewood Observer Downtown Businessperson of the Year.
Look for Green Smart Gifts’ First Anniversary Celebration all day on Saturday, May 23rd. Stop in for special sales and a chance to meet many of the artists with merchandise for sale. The first 50 customers will receive an organic Green Smart Gifts t-shirt with their purchase. There will be a henna artist on hand during the day, as well as an evening organic wine reception.