About

My name is Katrina Ulrich. I'm the sole owner of the business Red Persimmon Imports, a socially conscious business offering Fair Trade and hand made gifts and accessories for sale in the DC area and online.

I was born and grew up on the Island of Madagascar. My childhood forever made me a nomadic citizen of the world and imprinted me with a love of travel and love of third world tropical countries with all of their beauty and sorrow.

Since adulthood, I've lived in the United States. I did a couple of years at St. Olaf College in Minnesota with a self-designed major I called Functional Art. I must confess I was resistant to the requirements of a liberal arts education and only completed two years. I think I would have done better at an art school. Little did I know then that a degree in Business would have helped me in the future!

I completed a 1 year formal apprenticeship in Minneapolis with Master Weaver Mary Pawlcyn and went on to live in Maryland, working for 8 years at G Street Fabrics as a Quilt Designing Consultant for customers and continuing to work on weaving and art in my home studio.

I had two successful businesses before Red Persimmon Imports - one selling my own fiber art and another importing baskets from Madagascar. And now here I am, home at last with you and Red Persimmon Imports. Just where I want to be.

My Business Philosophy

I am committed to being a social entrepreneur, following such principals as fair trade, transparency, honesty & integrity.
I am committed to selling high quality products, company growth, exceptional customer service and giving back to my customers and my community.
My passion and focus is on women's empowerment at home and overseas.

Thank you to all of my family and friends, especially my daughters Cecilia, Zoe and Lily, Russ, my parents Carole & Carl, my sisters Sharon and Tamar, my brother Bob and brothers-in-law Grant and Bruce and my partner John. My thanks also to my good friends Susan, Chris, Kate, Sola and Patsy. You continually help me keep my dreams alive.