ALTHOUGH tucked away on tiny Angle Street, the Queen of Sheba Trade Post No. 4, is a treasure-trove of items designed for healthy living. Operated by members of the Ethiopian World Federation Inc., the Trade Post has been up and running since 2000.

Items such as authentic African black soap, organic baby foods and an array of health and beauty products can be found at the Trade Post.

The Federation is an international organisation conceived for the attainment of social betterment. It was formed uring the Fascist invasion of Ethiopia; blacks in the West united and set up the organisation to help liberate their counterparts living in Africa. It has existed since the First World War.

Members David Chapman, Mark Bean and Kyle Bridgewater sat down with the Mid-Ocean News at the North Hamilton store.

Mr. Chapman, 28, a science teacher at the Berkeley Institute, explained the meaning of the shop's name: "The Trade Post is an extension of our organisation. It is envisioned that each local (chapter) worldwide will have a trade post and this one is number four. The spirit of the Trade Post is to trade. Ethiopia, under the Queen of Sheba, was one of the largest cross-sectors of trade." And according to Mr. Chapman, the Trade Post has evolved in recent times.

"The main mediation wasn't as a Trade Post," he said. "It was a centre for members of the Federation to create products for enterprise, but then we started exploring other areas such as trade, transport and finance.

"As we explored these areas, we wanted to try to alleviate disparity; the idea of trading with the continent (Africa) came about," he said.

All three men have travelled to Africa where their vision began to form. Along with fabrics, the Trading Post also imports herbs and spices, soaps and medicinal creams. Two other businesses also operate out of the building: the African Liberation Bookstore and OMP Wholesale Distributors.

"Trade with Africa is not profitable (for Africans), but has the potential to become so. The continent provides a great opportunity for trading, but unfortunately, Africa is exploited by all owners of the world," Mr. Chapman said.

Mr. Bean, a 29-year-old licensed aviation pilot, said Bermuda could play a vital role in the African trade market.

"Bermuda is an off-shore jurisdiction. If used wisely, it can be used for Pan-African trade. It can be a link for the African community in America. Trade and commerce is the pillar of an economic environment," he said. "The trade market is one of the key components for elevation and empowerment."

Along with an array of frankincense, body oils and African-aspired goods, the most popular items sold in the Trade Post are its natural foods and its health and beauty products. All-natural chips and pastas are also available.

"The products we sell are the most natural available in the marketplace, they are are an extension of the way we can live," said 29-year-old Mr. Bridgewater, a plumber by trade. "In Bermuda, it's hard to eat right. The demand is high, but the supply is low. We believe if you're going to trade, then you should deal with products which are reflective of a progressive healthier lifestyle."

"(By providing these goods) we collectively see solutions to rectifying some of the ills that Bermudians face both mentally and physically," Mr. Chapman added.

WHEN asked how the proprietors located the brands sold at the Trading Post, Mr. Bean said: "We discover through travelling and research. We only sell what we use ourselves. We realise that our way of life always encourages us to seek to improve. We try to find out what's better for one's well-being. That is the most satisfying feeling - providing a product that is purposeful."

In an effort to branch out and place its products throughout the island, the OMP Wholesale Distributors is now selling their products to mainstream stores such as People's Pharmacy, White's and Lindo's.

"I already had a relationship with some of the vendors after working in the grocery retail sector for four years," Mr. Bridgewater said. "(Wholesaling) is a nice market in itself."

While the men say business is steady, they hope to spread the word of its existence and garner greater support from the community.

Being a small business, the men agree it has been difficult to utilise the marketing tools available to advertise. Those who work in the Trade Post often do so on a voluntary basis to cut down on overhead costs.

"Entrepreneurship in Bermuda is a struggle," Mr. Bridgewater said. "Yet because our business model is culturally based we know that our success will be a reflection of our customers' consciousness."