The Fossil Cartel: Established in 1989
About the Owner of The Fossil Cartel, Susan Landa
Susan Landa was born in Brooklyn and raised in Long Island, New York. She studied fashion design at the University of Delaware and fine art photography at the International Center of Photography in New York City. Her first career was designing, crafting, and selling beaded jewelry all over the U.S.A. Through her travels she chose her favorite city, Portland, Oregon, as her base. Susan’s work progressed into a marriage of bead and gemstone. Enamored with the gem/fossil kingdom, she opened The Fossil Cartel in 1989 to share her passion.
Now a family business, Susan’s husband works part-time in the store and is essential on buying trips. Their kids, Jem and Jule help out during the holidays.
Testimonials About The Fossil Cartel
“My fabulous son and his wonderful wife love your store; they always come away with beautiful treasures that everyone cherishes. They also are teaching their children to appreciate fine art and all that is natural and precious in our world, this is why your shop gives so much to those who visit and receive all your thoughtful wisdom and information that makes the gifts purchased special and unique.”
-Betty Tietsort
“You’ve really got a great store. I’ve been to a lot of “rock shops” in my travels and most of
the time you have to brush the saw dust off your clothes when you leave. Or, the store is like the one we visited in Aspen this fall…everything’s behind glass and you have to take out a second mortgage to buy anything! You’ve got a great location too (lots of foot traffic with it being in the connecting tunnel) and it’s not an intimidating store. Nor is it a kooky one either – there are some mystical ones out there that make you think twice before entering them!”
-April Dunn
Heard From Customers in our Store:
“When I walk in here I feel like I’ve died and gone to heaven.”
“There’s so much in your store, you need a tour guide!”
“This is my favorite store in Portland.”
“It was quite a memorable experience” – said by 8-year-old boy
“I thought the Lennon exhibit was something, but this!”
“I have traveled the world and shopped everywhere. The Fossil Cartel is the best shop I’ve ever seen.” – retired teacher from Texas
“We are in heaven. What a perfect store.”
“I love shopping here. It is like finding hidden treasure.”