About Trunc.

We believe making waste-free choices should be easy. That’s why our mission is to offer products that not only enrich your life but also protect the planet. Every item we curate is designed to inspire small, daily changes that strengthen your connection with the environment.

Where We Started

Where We Are

Our Story

Founded in 2018 by Dorothea Gamble and Dagmar Mitchell, Trunc is a gift shop rooted in the heart of Northern Liberties, Philadelphia—an area rich with history, once home to Edgar Allan Poe and a vital stop on Harriet Tubman’s Underground Railroad.

With over 30 years of combined retail management experience, Dorothea and Dagmar created Trunc to offer handcrafted, sustainable, and functional goods that are both affordable and meaningful. Their mission: to enhance daily life through beautiful, purpose-driven products while delivering exceptional customer care.

At Trunc, we believe that sustainability, quality, and affordability should go hand in hand. While the handmade business is often seen as unsustainable, we’re challenging that mindset. By curating ethically made goods with cultural and historical depth, we aim to shift how organic and handmade products are perceived and valued.

Representation is core to who we are. Recognizing the lack of support for underserved communities, we intentionally partner with artisans of diverse backgrounds—Black, Latin, Asian, Indian, White, and LGBTQ+—to reflect the richness of human experience through our product selection.

More than a store, Trunc is a platform. We equip makers with the tools to succeed—offering mentorship in pricing, retail strategy, and product presentation. In turn, customers gain more than a product—they support a story, a craft, and a person.

We believe living sustainably should feel natural. Every item we carry is chosen to inspire low-waste, conscious living and to help nurture a healthier relationship with the planet.

Philosophy

People
Over 90% of Trunc’s products are made by women from diverse backgrounds. Many are created in small batches by businesses founded and staffed by Black, Latinx, LGBTQ+, and veteran entrepreneurs. Every item we carry is intentionally curated for its ethical integrity and sustainable impact.

Packaging
We reuse nearly every piece of packaging material that enters our shop. When you receive a package from Trunc, the box and filling may look reused—and that’s intentional. It reflects our commitment to zero-waste practices. We prioritize low-impact materials such as post-consumer waste paper, compostable packing peanuts, and other recyclable or reusable components.

Purpose
We actively support artisans and vendors from diverse communities, especially those involved in social justice initiatives or community giving. We do not carry products that reinforce harmful beauty standards or perpetuate cultural appropriation.

Our Mission
We believe sustainability, quality, and affordability should go hand in hand. Whatever you purchase—and love—should embody all three. Our mission is to challenge outdated ideas about what organic and sustainable products can be, while celebrating their cultural and historical roots.

Consignment

We’re always excited to discover new artisans and makers. If you're interested in having your work featured at Trunc, please email us at Trunc929@gmail.com with photos and a brief description of your products. If your work aligns with our vision, we’ll be in touch to schedule a meeting.