Summer 2022

Mopane in Carmel carries products from more than 22 African countries and also supports Elephant Havens Orphanage, a sanctuary for baby elephants in Botswana. SHORT CUTS BUSINESS M opane is an African word for “Tree of Life,” and is the name of a Carmel business dedicated to selling fair trade products from Africa. The shop also supports local causes and the Elephant Havens Orphanage, a sanctu- ary for baby elephants in Botswana. Store owner Susie Bauer’s best friend, Debra Stevens, co-founded the orphanage with her husband Scott Jackson; Susie’s husband Richard adds financial support. The store carries products from more than 22 countries in Africa, which include woven baskets, wood instruments, carved animals, felted products, beaded jewelry, bags, rugs and more. “My husband Richard and I fell in love with the African culture,” Bauer shares. The elephants at the sanctuary have been orphaned due to various circumstances. In the case of 4-year-old Lerumo, which means “bullet,” she was shot by poachers, along with her mother who was killed, but due to an extreme rescue sponsored by the sanctuary, Lerumo survived. Recently Bauer hosted a drumming event and plans on continuing other events based on African traditions. “‘Djembe,’ a type of African drum, means gather in peace,” she says. Mopane is located at 200 Crossroads Blvd. in Carmel. For more information, or to “adopt” a baby elephant, please visit www.mopane.org and www.elephanthavens.org or call 831/250-7202. Carmel Shop Suppor ts Elephants and Afr ican Craftspeople B Y B R E T T WI L BUR 82 C A R M E L M A G A Z I N E • S U M M E R 2 0 2 2 Photo: Manny Espinoza Photography