3 ways the HDC Makers Box is making a positive impact right now

Hi friends!

Amidst all of the chaos happening in our beloved Haiti, we’d like to give you a little update.

So far this year, there has been both some good and devastating news. The good news is that, we have joined forces with 2nd Story Goods! (Link 2nd story goods retail site here) The Haiti Design Co mantra is the well known Haitian Proverb, “Men anpil, chay pa lou” or “many hands make the load light”. We’re combining the strengths of both companies and putting our many hands together to continue to serve our customers and to continue bringing the makers of both brands to market!

The most devastating news is that, the week of March 11th, our horn and bone partner Boss André’s shop was vandalized. Most of their equipment was stolen and their main source of income was taken away from them. Many are asking for ways to support. We encourage you to give through https://www.gofundme.com/f/sos-haiti-solidarity-with-artists-artisans?fbclid=IwAR3ttujE-4kzLLzjHFj-gy7Qd4FUwvz5wgGVMGox2_s56SUrKmM4mG5Yd30, a collaborative effort that will go to support Boss André Paul as well as several other artisan workshops who are facing the same tragedy, to help them replace what was lost and rebuild their livelihoods.

In addition to this, we highly encourage you to support through our Makers Box! The Makers Box is your chance to get to know the team members better and receive an exclusive collection at a discount. Every 3 months, our subscribers receive a box spotlighting an artisan partner. The box includes 5-7 handmade products, a note from the artisan and a beautiful proverb card from our team. Now, more than ever, the artisans need our support and the Makers Box is one of the best ways to offer continued support.

1. The Makers Box is an effective way to sustain those who already have existing jobs that they depend on.

It unfortunately would not be realistic to say that we can create new jobs in Haiti right now. However, we can definitely empower those who already have their own businesses. So many talented artisans all around the country are not able to work because of lack of equipment, gang violence, lack of tourism in the country and more. By placing orders, we empower those who already have their businesses and workshops to keep going.

2. The Makers Box is a way to make sure Hait’s beauty is shared with the world.

In a time where the news is flooded with images of violence and disaster, it can be hard to hold on to the beautiful. When you subscribe to the box, each quarter, you will receive beauty right at your doorstep. You can share the handcrafted items you receive with your family and friends and post photos on social media to show a different side of Haiti. What a wonderful way of promoting the beauty of Haitian-made goods, at a time when it is so needed.

3. The Makers Box is an easy way to keep a piece of Haiti in your home and heart.

How many of you carry Haiti in your hearts even though you might not be able to travel there at the moment? The box includes 5-7 handmade products that each represent Haiti and tell a story. The Makers Box helps you keep Haiti alive in your heart through jewelry, leather, and other handmade pieces, and can serve as a reminder to think about and pray for her often. We hope this serves as a reminder that even when tragic things we see in the news feel out of our control, there are still things we can do that make a very real difference. We invite you to sign up for the Makers Box and support Haitian artisanal work! Men anpil, Chay pa lou. (Here we need to insert information about the makers box, how many times a year you get it and how much it costs and then a button to the page to sign up)

Wading through the storm: Louis Henri Mars from Lakou Lapè

“You must also understand the root causes of why Haiti is the way it is and have a clear vision of how to contribute to change. You need to understand the effects of slavery and colonial trauma....Haiti is a very deep and complex country but once you come to understand what is going on you can get to work and have deep purpose and hope in your life in Haiti.”

— Louis Henri Mars

The Wading through the storm series has been nothing but a breath of inspiration. Seeing how so many Haitians are deciding to stand tall in the middle of the storm and take action reminds us all of the strength that lies within us all to not only face difficulties but create new and beautiful things from them.

We had the pleasure to virtually sit down and be inspired by Louis Henri Mars, the heart behind Lakou Lapè, a community engaged in conflict transformation through dialogue and mutual understanding. We left this interview inspired and motivated to do our best within our circle of influence.

How did Lakou lapè come to existence? What is the story behind all of this?

Lakou Lapè is a community of people from various walks of Haitian society, engaged in conflict transformation and peace building through dialogue. It is organized as a Community Association legally recognized by the Ministry of Social Affairs. Lakou Lapè was formed as a result of the peacebuilding activities in Haiti of Irish NGOs, The Glencree Center for Peace and Reconciliation (Glencree) and Concern Worldwide (CWW) between 2006 and 2011 with funding from the European Union (EU). In 2006 those organizations started a dialogue process modeled on the peace process in Ireland in the disadvantaged neighborhood of Saint Martin. One of the lessons that came out from those dialogues was that violence in the neighborhood had external actors identified by residents as the Private Sector and the Political Sector of Haiti. As I was friends with the Deputy Director of Concern in those days and she knew that I had spent 20 years running businesses and owning businesses in Haiti she asked me to connect the dialogue process happening in St martin to the private sector which I did. In 2007 following a very successful mixed sector retreat we came to understand that it was possible to create “community” between different sectors of society through dialogue. 5 years later, after multiple exchanges and experiences together, including the food riots in 2008, the 2010 earthquake, Lakou Lapè was born.  From Saint Martin, the dialogue extended to Bel Air, Martissant, Cite soley, the political sector, young people, other towns and areas such as Canaan, Miragoane and Archaie

What has been the most touching story for you during your job?

Over the years the most important moment of understanding, the day the light came on, was when rich people from the business community and poor people from different sectors of the hood of Saint Martin, including gang members , were able to come to see each other as valid human beings, come into “common humanity” through a process of getting to know each other deeply over the course of a weekend. This is what has fueled our quest for peace since then.

What do you do when you feel discouraged?

When I feel discouraged, I go for a walk in my neighborhood. I breathe, I inhale, I feel the air come into my lungs, the breeze on my skin.  I look at the flowers, at the trees, I try to name them. I look at people in the street, how they walk, the expression on their faces, at the diversity of God’s beauty all around me. The blue sky, the clouds. I breath and I see how much of a wonderful world God has created and I am part of it still. It’s a form of full awareness meditation. It never fails to put me back on track and back to work. 

This work requires so much mental and emotional energy. How do you refuel and rest ?

Besides meditation (not enough of it) I pray (not often enough). I am learning to pray non formally, just by breathing, just by “being”.  I go for walks; I do yoga as often as I can although it’s not yet a real discipline for me. I watch a lot of soccer on tv (too much). I go to concerts, and art exhibitions (even in the hardest of kidnapping times). I try to travel out of the country as much as I can to get out of the craziness at every opportunity.  I love old metal pieces, so I accumulate junk metal in my home and in my yard. I promised myself to make metal sculptures out of them but have not gotten round to it yet. I also very much try to keep contact with my family which is dispersed in the States and in Europe. 

As someone making a direct impact on the country, what encouragement would you give people who feel hopeless about Haiti right now?

You must focus on your circle of influence and not on your circle of concern. You must look at the small victories around you. You will be surprised at how you are influencing things and people in ever larger circles. Take a step back and enjoy the people. Those you have impacted and those impacted by others. Both the “good” and the “bad”. People are key to Haiti. Getting them to work as a team regardless of color, social background, ethnic origin, economic status, cultural and spiritual anchoring is, for me the goal. When you look at English soccer teams sometime there is only one Englishman in the team, all the other players come from diverse nationalities, yet they play as a team. That is how the Haitians should be playing also. They can’t even see that need yet. There is “work” to be done to get there.

You must also understand the root causes of why Haiti is the way it is and have a clear vision of how to contribute to change. You need to understand the effects of slavery and colonial trauma. The transmission of trauma and colonial heritage. For that you must get away from the ersatz of cheap journalism or books written by former marine corps colonels or French colonists and their spiritual descendants. Haiti is a very deep and complex country but once you come to understand what is going on you can get to work and have deep purpose and hope in your life in Haiti.

we are more than grateful to louis henry for taking the time to pour his heart and knowledge out. we hope you finish reading this feeling inspired and empowered to make a difference in your community. do not forget to check out lakou lapè on all platforms where they are present and encourage how you can.

Wading through the storm: Ismaella

The jewelry team started with over 17 women working in mini-teams to produce many different jewelry making techniques. They specialize in fabric beads, leather sequin jewelry, beadwork, and assembly. They strongly believe in reducing waste as much as possible at our workshop, so all leather scraps are saved and handed over to the jewelry teams to be turned into beautiful new creations. 

Ismaella is currently working with 5-8 women and is now wading through the storm by working together with Haiti Design Collective to launch her own locally made jewelry business called LAKOU ATIZAN. This firecracker is the definition of courage and positivity despite sometimes feeling worried.

“Of course we worry about our future but of course I am someone who lives with confidence, I hope change can take place at any time even when it is uncertain. It is clear that the situation we are experiencing affects me morally but I do not want to give up, I have faith. When I fall, I always get up!”

She also continues: "I dreamed that one day I would open my business but I didn't see it happening any time soon. I give thanks to God for allowing this to start taking form. My biggest motivation is people! I believe in people, in talent, in their ability to do unimaginable things. I love people, I love my country and I want to walk with  its children.”

As she shares her vision for the new venture, she goes: “We will start first with what we already know how to do well: beautiful jewelry for women and also some feminine accessories and other items that can be useful for both sexes such as a key ring because we often hear men complain that we do not make enough items for them. We would like to make more products for them too! We aspire to great things, we would like our company to grow in order to help our community socially and economically. We want to diverse ourselves as artisans. I want to give opportunities to other categories of artists such as the physically handicapped and give them the opportunity to feel useful, make them understand that they have a lot to give and whatever their situation, they are blessed!

I will start with a team of 8 women. My team and I want to bring something new, for example, decorative items, banners, etc. Things that can show our talent, we want to use pearls, threads and other materials. We want to push our limits and get the recognition that we know we deserve internationally.”

As we are standing with Ismealla, we are putting in place easy ways for you to also be able to give that push. You can donate to the launch of LAKOU ATIZAN by clicking below.

Anpil lanmou pou nou

Wading through the storm: Boss Renel

Wading through the storm is our Motto for the rest of the year. Because storms have passed and are still passing but the strength and perseverance of Haitian entrepreneurs remains a source of inspiration to us all. We want to take the time to highlight some of our friends, artisans and partners who have, through all the ups and downs, decided to keep going, change the game and stand firm. Today, let’s talk about Boss Renel

First, a little back story on Boss Renel.

We partnered with Boss Renel and his recycled steel metal art business in 2013. Hurricane Sandy wiped out his workshop in 2012, and since then he was trying to build his business back up. Through new design collaborations, quality control training, and business management training, Renel was able to increase his abilities and capacity by creating jobs for other men in his community. His process begins with an old oil drum purchased at the port. He then flattens this oil drum and carefully hammers out the mold of the product he is creating. From there Renal will intricately hammer in the design by hand and sand and polish until the product is complete. This form of crafted metal art is one of Haiti's traditional and most well known artisan crafts. 

Today, after years of economical and political instability in Haiti, Boss Renel and his team are currently stuck at a crossroad.

“Nobody is currently working because we do not have any orders” He says. He feels sad and powerless facing this situation because by himself, he is not able to keep his employees working.

He continues: “My vision is to rebuild and also to widen my strategy. Right now we have the skills and talent but no concrete means such as tools and of course clients. The two main things I envision are first, gathering enough money to be able to get proper tools, which will allow us to produce more efficiently, but also help through partnerships with boutiques and stores in order to get orders. Right now, the only way for me is to regain my team’s trust is to have work to give them. No words of motivation will do right now and to be honest, I sometimes find it hard to remain hopeful myself but cannot afford to give up”

Boss Renel is also currently thinking of a new location where his team can produce. Their current one is not in a safe environment and the HDC workshop is where he stores some of his material. As we are wading through the storm with them, we want to offer concrete and direct ways of helping.

Right now, there are 2 concrete ways to lift Boss Renel’s team up

The first one is to contribute through our HDC FAM program, which will directly gather funds for Boss Renel’s team and their immediate business needs. If you are comfortable with that, you can even screenshot your confirmation after donating (amount can be hidden) and tag us in your instagram stories or Facebook posts saying “I contributed for Boss Renel!” This will help us tremendously in spreading the word.

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The second way is to place a significant order for items that his team produces. We offer 50% off our retail prices to wholesale buyers. Through this link, you can enter the password HDCWHOLESALE and purchase if you spend a minimum of $350 (If the order is less than $350, it won’t be able to be processed).

If you have more questions or want to inquire about a possible partnership, you can fill this form in order to get more details on how to buy wholesale.

You could buy and fill the shelves of your boutique or small business, host gatherings and small parties where you resell the items, buy them for goodie bags and more.

See some of Boss Renel’s team’s work below

Fabiola Earring

$21.00

Leather Rivets Bracelet

$12.00

Sending you lots of love

Letters from our artisans - Boss André shares his experience

We all know how the crisis in Haiti is affecting the population in general. Gang violence, gaz shortage, barely any tourism, people having to flee their homes, kidnappings and more. While these things are all over the news, there are thousands of individual stories that also deserve to be heard. We have taken the time to check-in with our artisan leaders to know how their team is holding on. We will be sharing some of their responses here on this journal to invite you in and give you a better idea of how our teams are doing.

Today we are sharing Boss André’s response on how the situation is affecting him and his team.

How has the current situation in Haiti affected your business? Are people still able to come to work daily? How have you had to change how you do business?

Most of our customers have left the Country, especially foreigners who were our biggest supporters. We do not have much demand. Some craftsmen and I live very far from the workshop. The main road we have to take to get there is under the control of gang leaders so we have to watch when there is a clear road (of course it depends on the bandits) to take advantage of going to the workshop. We are forced to separate into two groups: those who live around my house work in my house and those to whom the workshop is more accessible work in the workshop. In this case I always leave the workshop open in case I can't get there myself

We have almost reached our goal for the amount needed to keep offering shelter to some of our artisans. Every gesture counts in helping us move towards that goal. Thank you! Anpil lanmou pou nou!