New Sisters shop offers Asian wares

Elizabeth Hasskamp and her sons, Jarred and Jaxon (middle). Photo by Shawn Strannigan

When Elizabeth Hasskamp decided to open a new shop in Sisters, she drew inspiration for "Bambuumi" from her Filipino roots.

Bambuumi offers a wide variety of products with an Asian flare. Hasskamp imports items from the Philippines, Korea, China, Singapore, Japan, Indonesia and Viet Nam.

"I was born in the Philippines," said Hasskamp. "I lived there until I was seven and didn't know a lick of English until we moved. As I've matured, I've been drawn back to my roots."

Hasskamp, who moved with her family to Sisters from Portland eight years ago, came up with the idea for Bambuumi two years prior to opening the shop.

"Sisters is such a western town," she said. "I wanted to do something different. There was a lot to learn before we opened. I had to get my nursery license and took importing classes. I visited a bamboo nursery and Japanese gardens."

The "Money Tree," one of her more popular wares, is an exotic-looking plant crafted from intricately woven bamboo shoots. These are imported from Singapore.

"They are also called Lucky Bamboo Trees," said Hasskamp. "During the Chinese New Year, the Chinese give each other bamboo stalks. The stalks all have different meanings. They give the Money Trees to people -- and businesses -- they care about. The Money Tree is supposed to bring people good fortune."

Besides bamboo stalks and the intricate Money Trees, Bambuumi has orchids and a variety of other tropical plants. Hasskamp also sells fountains and other garden-oriented items.

"We tend to have a more Asian emphasis during the winter," said Hasskamp. "We market more tropical goods and gardening things in the summer."

Bambuumi also gives shoppers a taste of Asia. Sushi and sake sets, teas, rice candy, and cookbooks abound. Other items include: jewelry made from capiz and cowrey shells, fen shui candles, and abaca (banana leaf) products.

Hasskamp is assisted at the shop by her mother, Marina Drohman, who gives special care to the orchids.

"I take them to her when I kill them," said Hasskamp. "The bamboo you can't kill."

"I talk to the plants," said Drohman. "They like that."

Hasskamp has two sons, ages thirteen and four. She hopes to take a family trip to Fiji this year to meet the local artisans and find new wares.

Bambuumi, located at 161 E. Cascade Ave. will be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. during the winter season. The shop will be closed on Mondays.