Scarlett Begonia

Scarlett Begonia was founded 32 years ago by owners Jack and Kyle Elias. After marrying in 1976, they lived and traveled in Colombia, Ecuador, Peru, and Bolivia. Inspired by their love of South America and its native cultures, with fair trade first and foremost, they began to dream of opening a shop. On October 1, 1981, their dream came true as they opened Scarlett Begonia at 2805 West End Avenue in Nashville, TN. Their original objective remains the same today, to provide an outlet for struggling artisans from around the world and expose native cultures through their folk art and clothing. Over the next 10 years they experimented with a second shop in Franklin, TN and a franchise shop in Greenville, S.C. In 1988, a decision was made to consolidate the business into the original location on West End Ave, and the store was expanded from 500 sq ft to 2,300 sq ft. and remains today. Inspired by Scarlett Begonias success, Jacks sister, Nancy, opened Orchid Lane in Ann Arbor MI, in 1985 and have since opened La Bodega in East Lansing, MI, and Sugar Magnolia in Raleigh, NC. She, her husband, and her daughter are direct importers from India, Indonesia, Nepal, Guatemala, and beyond. In 2004, the two families began to work more closely together, allowing both shops to expand the array of merchandise available and further assisting artisans around the world. The family business continues to grow as Jack and Kyles children are now an integral part of the business. John Cooper is overseeing the sister store in Raleigh, and Gabriela is managing Scarlett Begonia. She is buying more contemporary lines of clothing, complimenting the ethnic collections and keeping the business young and fresh. Scarlett Begonia has something for everyone, young and old, male and female, stylish or ethnic with an emphasis on environmentally friendly goods and, as always, fair trade.