Mechanicsburg resident Susan Fotos must be doing something right because the little jewelry store located at the West Shore Farmers Market is as popular as ever. Named after the Japanese word for “east,” Higashi has been providing shoppers with a variety of jewelry and accessories for 13 years now.
Fotos took a circuitous route to end up in the place she now calls home, having resided in Minneapolis, New York and eventually Tokyo, where she worked for Syracuse University in international recruitment. You could say serendipity paid her a visit while she was in Japan because she became friends with a major pearl exporter who suggested she sell pearls in Pennsylvania when he learned she was relocating.
And that’s how it all began.
Fotos started with pearls and expanded the business to include jewelry, gifts, eyewear and accessories for both men and women. The former art major, who holds a master’s degree in counseling, says her background comes in handy in running her shop.
“I have a love for art and a good eye,” she said. “Counselors help people solve problems. I help people select gifts for the ones they love.”
Business acumen, a discerning eye for the unique and unusual and a willingness to take risks have all contributed to her success. “I approach the jewelry business differently than most,” she said, explaining that her lack of retail background kept her from being constrained. “There were no rules, so I was always ready to say, ‘let’s try it.’”
Fotos prides herself on carrying products for a wide range of budgets. She sells some of the finest gold and diamond jewelry crafted by an array of talented designers, alongside items tailored to the more budget-minded. “We offer the best gifts you can find in the $50 price range; it’s not stuff you can just pick up at the mall,” she said.
Traveling the world to select merchandise is one of her favorite tasks as owner of Higashi, and her eyes light up as she expounds on her travel itinerary.
“I just brought back clutches from Spain and they’re fabulous, and I’m currently importing a line of jewelry from Italy. Next week, I am going to Paris for a big, international accessory and jewelry expo, and, in September, I’m traveling to a show in London,” she said, adding that she stays on the cutting edge of what’s happening with fashion in New York as well. “I keep a little apartment there and walk around SoHo and the Upper East Side to get the scoop,” she said.
Lemoyne resident Debra Yates is a regular customer. “’I’ve collected a lot of jewelry pieces throughout the years, and she always has something new and exciting. I’m not far away, which makes it dangerous,” she said with a laugh. Yates also said she enjoys the wide range of eyewear available at Higashi.
“We have the best selection of frames in central Pennsylvania. Eyewear is the most fun product there is,” Fotos said.
Customer Suzanne Love agrees. “Her selection of eyeglasses is head and shoulders above all others in the area. Choices range from elegant to funky, to those with a European flair. The range is wonderful,” said the Camp Hill resident who also shops for jewelry there. “It’s the only jewelry store I shop in this area,” she said.
Fotos’ love of the region is obvious as she talks about her customers, small town life and her favorite charity—the YWCA, which fits in well with her passion for serving women. “We fundraise and participate in the Power of Style Fashion Show,” she said, referring to an event that raises money for domestic violence intervention.
When asked about her plans for the future, she said she is looking forward to remodeling her shop and adding to her collection of merchandise. “I will be bringing some exciting new brands to the area in the fall,” she said.
Higashi Jewelry & Eyewear
West Shore Farmers Market, 900 Market Street, Lemoyne
717-303-0336
https://www.higashijewelry.com
