Gloria McConnaghy 22 years of The Little Mahatma

Gloria McConnaghy is the singular vision and driving force behind The Little Mahatma.   For twenty-two years, in various locations downtown, The Little Mahatma has been our region’s premier source of jewelry, folk art and artifacts from over 30 different countries. The store is small but holds a wide variety of hand-made jewelry ranging from antique, vintage ethnic to the brightest, most current costume jewelry, prices range from a few dollars to hundreds of dollars. Hand-crafted masks, puppets and textiles are also available.  In her previous career in public health, and in her two tours with the Peace Corps, she traveled all over the world. This experience encouraged her to bring the beautiful work of the artisans from various areas of the world where she lived and worked, (as well as other countries), back to Cincinnati.  She now has a long-standing relationships with many of the most respected wholesale dealers of specialized goods in the U.S. and is a proponent of the “fair trade” movement.

We thank Gloria for taking the time to answer our 5 Questions.

1.  What do you do in Over-The-Rhine?

I own and manage a retail jewelry, folk art and artifacts shop at 1205 Vine St. For 22 years The Little Mahatma has been specializing in authentic cultural items from over 30 traditional countries.

2.  Why did you move The Little Mahatma to Over-the-Rhine?

Over-the-Rhine is a bright, chic area with other specialty retailers, restaurants and new residential housing. The neighborhood is one of the most interesting in Cincinnati with a diverse mix of residents and concerns. People are again sweeping the sidewalks and keeping the neighborhood sparkling. This neighborhood is an arts area with Music Hall, the Art Academy, Know Theatre, Ensemble Theatre and new School for Creative and Performing Arts. I wanted to be a part of that community and the excitement.

3. Is there anything that has surprised you about working or having a business in OTR?

That the rest of the greater Cincinnati area’s perception of OTR is very different than it actually is (their information often is very old).

4. Do you have a favorite place you like to go in OTR?

Park + Vine, MICA, Venice on Vine
The OTR/Gateway merchants association

5. If you had a magic wand what would you change in OTR?

more foot traffic, updated perception (last Sunday Enquirer is a good example). . .more retail shops

Thanks Gloria for taking the time to answer these questions and thanks for bringing Cincinnati a wonderful store full of options that cannot be found anywhere else in our city.