Entrepreneur globe trots for art, decor

Entrepreneur Roni Jaco prefers living out of a suitcase, traveling the globe exploring other cultures, and collecting art and textiles that speak to her through their organic beauty and artistry.

She shares her finds with customers through a new online business, The Loaded Trunk, which she launched in July. The Web site, www.loadedtrunk.com, offers a multicultural world of art objects, textiles, artifacts, jewelry and rare finds for the home.

“I like the idea of recycling art, keeping history alive,” she said. “I’m so turned on by that.”

Jaco, Kansas City, Mo., developed her passion for unique house wares as a child.

“I grew up an Army brat and wherever we lived, my mother filled our home with the art, crafts and home furnishings that captured the essence of local culture,” she said. “I developed a lifelong appreciation for the feeling you get when you’re in a room that reflects your life’s experiences through the treasures you’ve gathered along the way.”

After retiring as a fine wine manager for 19 years and finished with raising her family, Jaco wanted to make a change. She spent several months traveling in Asia and when she returned, friends encouraged her to market and sell the worldly art and treasures she collects and adores.

“I was totally encouraged,” she said. “That’s how this was really born.”

Jaco said she does not consider herself an artist.

“I’m a lover of art and culture,” she said.

Jaco’s house reflects an eclectic mix of old and new, vintage and contemporary. Ask her about a pitcher, ceremonial mask, sculpture or religious print and she is happy to tell you the history, significance and country from which the piece originated.

“Everything has a story,” she said.

Jaco traveled to a half-dozen countries in Asia, procuring unique items for her business. She said the local people were friendly, frequently welcoming her into their houses and happy to help with connections.

“When I visit Asia, for example, I wander off the well-worn path of tourists so I can truly immerse myself in local culture,” Jaco said. “My products are for lovers of the quirky and unusual, collectors of rare art and ethnic objects, anyone who looks at the world with a sense of wonder and curiosity.”

In addition to art and textiles, Jaco sells one-of-a-kind necklaces made from beads, stones and pieces she collects individually from countries like Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Mexico, Guatemala, Turkey or Indonesia, that are strung into jewelry by local artists.

“I know where every piece comes from,” she said.

Through her Web site, Jaco said she wants to offer an alternative to the superstores who manufacture thousands of everything.

“I’m not looking for what everybody else has,” she said.

Kelly Ludwig, Kansas City, Mo., graphic designer and author of “Detour Art,” helped design Jaco’s Web site.

“She’s just got some great stuff on there for sale,” Ludwig said. “It made it very easy.”

Ludwig said Jaco’s leap to the Internet business was smart, adding that Jaco can forgo rent and employees necessary to brick-and-mortar retail where merchants must move large amounts of merchandise to profit.

“This way she can have much better quality and unique pieces,” Ludwig said.

Ludwig said Jaco’s business is a successful culmination of her life experiences, traveling throughout the world and collecting beautiful things.

“It all just came together,” Ludwig said. “I’m very impressed and very proud of her.”

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