Our Story

From humble beginnings, Robert and Shanecka gave birth to the idea that beautifully made, fair-trade accessories could drive social change and give people hope. Prior to starting Heads Up Trading Co., Robert and Shanecka worked many jobs which required them to work long hours often working seven days a week. Over the years, they found that focusing on making money left little time for friends, family, or time to enjoy life. Robert says that he got tired of working remedial jobs where he felt that he wasn’t valued. Shanecka says “every year I took a survey where my employer asked if I felt like my job was meaningful and every year myself and everyone I knew answered no to that question. I got tired of it and realized that I wanted my work to really mean something. If I was going to get up and do something every day. I wanted to love it. I wanted to bring happiness to myself and encourage people to find happiness themselves.”

Determined to change this, they decide to step out of their comfort zone and try their hand at entrepreneurship. They bought a van and began traveling throughout the Midwest, offering handmade products at festivals and local events. Through their entrepreneurial experiences, they met extraordinary people and encountered enlightening situations that proved to them that they could make a difference in the world.

Why Shop Heads Up Trading Co.?

Heads Up Trading Co. started as a dream. The dream of being able to do something good in the world.  Robert and Shanecka Bedford started the company with little money and had no idea that they would be able to reach the number of people that they have. All they knew is they wanted to have a positive impact on peoples lives.  

“We knew that we wanted to set an example and prove to ourselves, our families, and our community that you really can do anything you want if you believe in yourself and put in the work. 

We knew we were on to something when customers started emailing us thanking us for sharing our knowledge, telling us how we helped them beat cancer, or how we uplifted them spiritually.

All of our products are made by us or sourced using fair-trade practices. We source our products from trade partners who believe that producers should be paid fair wages for their labor, treated with respect and dignity and are given creative freedom to produce high-quality goods. When you purchase items from Heads Up Trading Co. you are helping us make the world a better place for all.