The goddess of compassion, Kwan Yin, and a wooden Buddha from Galen's collection.

Distributor of Peace

One woman's journey into the world of Balinese Imports

Galen Friend did not expect to become an importer of spiritual Balinese art.  It wasn't until a handsome wooden Buddha at a street fair literally stopped her in her tracks that Galen had thoughts of adding a new occupation to her busy life of massage therapy and personal growth coaching.   Importing spiritual art completed the trio of the mind, body and soul, Galen was in search of.  "The Buddha's face had such a clam, meditative energy.  I knew I had to have it," she said of the hand carved piece from Bali.  Although she didn't have a dime on her at the time, she convinced the reluctant dealer to hold the piece until she could return the next day. 

            Upon her return Galen not only bought her original first love, but two more pieces with the intention to sell them to friends or clients.  Then came the twist:  the art dealer, who originally did not want to discuss his import business on the previous day, suddenly divulged he wanted to retire and was in need of someone to take over the business.  And just like that a new career was born.   

            Galen effortlessly sold the Buddhas she had purchased to her massage practice clients and saw a natural link between the healing done in massage, and the spirituality of eastern art.  Both of these pursuits could work seamlessly together, which reassured Galen that this was the right path to take.

            Over the next year Galen delved into the world of importing art from Bali through the contact provided for her by the retiring art dealer.  She learned first- hand the unpredictable and often frustrating nature of importing especially, when there is a language barrier.  "It has been a learning experience, but one I am honored to have" Galen reflected. 

For her second shipment Galen decided to actually visit Bali and meet face- to -face the man she had been corresponding with.  While there she established additional contacts and made it a point to meet all of the artist who make the pieces she purchases to ensure their working conditions are humane and ethical, as fair trade is something she is both passionate about and insistent upon.  

One day, while exploring a small, impoverished village, Galen learned it had no drinking well and the villagers had great difficulty finding fresh drinking water.  When she asked how costly it was to build one, Galen's guide informed her 500 American dollars.  She was stunned.  Such a manageable amount in America for a necessity and yet the entire village suffered.  She could not be idle about this.  Galen decided to commit a portion of every sale to a fund for the village well.  On her next trip to Bali she will help facilitate it being built.   Galen says of her experiences in Bali and as an importer, "remember to choose and keep choosing peace, calm presence and compassion…Being part of that message is an honor and to me, makes living much more fulfilling."

Since the beginning of her journey two years ago Galen has imported several shipments from Bali and is quickly learning the trade.  Her mission is to buy pieces that have a spiritual significance such as delicate hand carvings of Buddha, the goddess of compassion, Kwan Yin, wood dragons, and hand crafted jewelry.  These are all "objects conducive to meditation and uplifting the spirit, " Galen says.   Although it can be a difficult business she loves providing peace and compassion through her work.  "I am deeply honored to have the opportunity to impart, and be the midwife of these sacred objects to people who might not be exposed to them otherwise."

Learn more about Galen's unique, fair trade Balinese imports at her website www.soultime.com