The ending of one chapter was the beginning of another for Lindsay Woodruff. Woodruff launched Pachamama Market in Troy in 2015. Over the last few years, the business has evolved and Woodruff is giving the concept a fresh breath of air in Oakwood in January 2022 as Maraluna.
“Maraluna is a consciously curated neighborhood shop in Oakwood that is dedicated to connecting global communities through ethical and sustainable goods that nourish the soul,” says Woodruff.
Woodruff spent years studying, working, and volunteering for non-governmental organizations (NGOs) around the world. In doing so, she fell in love with the rich colors, textures, and flavors of the world and communities around us.
“I began to dream of ways to bring those bright, beautiful goods back to my community,” she says. “I wanted to create a marketplace where my friends and neighbors could authentically connect to the makers of these goods and we could become a part of a maker-led movement building a circular economy by transforming trade into a force for good.”
Woodruff is supported in her new endeavor by a dedicated staff as well as the markers who craft the products carried in the store. “I don’t see myself as a ‘boss’ as much as a member of a family that makes Maraluna possible,” she adds. “From the makers who craft the products we carry to my Momager (that’s my mom and store manager, Patty) who keeps the shop running day to day to my inventory manager Samantha to my visual manager Ethan, we are all essential parts of this crazy machine and necessary to keep things running smoothly.”
When you shop Maraluna, you’ll find consciously curated handcrafted goods for the home and self including jewelry, clothing, baskets, ceramics, home textiles, and decor items. The shop carries handwoven market baskets from Ghana, zero-waste apparel from Tonlé Design, and earth-based clay jewelry from Rover & Kin.
Woodruff says that what makes Maraluna unique is the belief that what is sourced is as important as how it’s sourced.
“Maraluna consciously curates handcrafted goods for the home and self,” she says. “We are part of a maker-led movement, building a circular economy by transforming trade into a force for good.”
Maraluna is on a mission to make ethical and sustainable goods more accessible. “We recognize that challenging global inequities requires addressing systems that harm people and the planet, which is why we believe in transparency through nurturing community and relationships, sourcing each product we carry thoughtfully,” adds Woodruff.
Currently, the team behind Maraluna is focused on getting to the new location in Oakwood. As that process continues, she says she hopes to revive the Book Club that launched just before the pandemic while bringing back other events. The possibility of additional subscription boxes is still on the table and customers can currently sign up for the Earring of the Month Club.
Maraluna is currently located at 116 South Market Street in downtown Troy until January 8, then the original location will close and the new store will open its doors at 2504 Far Hills Avenue in the Shops of Oakwood on January 21.
You can learn more about Maraluna and check out the online market at www.shopmaraluna.com. To follow along with Maraluna, visit them on Facebook and Instagram.