Down memory lane with Katelyn Hollis

“The heart and soul of the artisans came out in every piece they crafted and watching Chandler and Josh not only perfect designs, but work side by side with each team kept me going daily.”

— Katelyn Hollis

Happy birthday HDC!

The memories of HDC are truly endless. I Can’t quite describe in one story how that corner workshop became my respite and home over years of life. The sewing, leather, and jewelry teams became my family and Renel hammering in the yard along with lucknort Marjo and Mona bustling around the house making sure the flagship was operating properly.

I started working with HDC and moved into the workshop and took on whatever role they could give me. Packing orders, emailing shop owners, and then putting together the bear bones of the workshop market along with the smoothie bar cafe, every part of HDC became my home and family.

I got to experience each team uniquely and came to love each artisan intricacy. Watching the jewelry pieces getting strung one by one and then watching the leather team work their magic to hand sew the silky leather products from step to step.

I remember the sewing ladies would sit at their pedal machines while chattering and laughing and sewing everything from zippers to dresses. I was the lucky receiver of the masterpieces as each team would give me their work to pack up to be shipped off to anxious and excited new owners.

The heart and soul of the artisans came out in every piece they crafted and watching Chandler and Josh not only perfect designs, but work side by side with each team kept me going daily. Sitting in the design room talking with Chandler and Fabienne about the collaborations of designs that would soon become entire collections was such a dream for me. The cooking with Mona to the leather buffing, HDC is forever a place that I will call home.

KANAVAL Collection- an introduction letter from our founder

HDC Fam & friends-

I’m so excited to share with you this week the launch of our new collaboration collection with Studio Baboun: KANAVAL!

Studio Baboun is a creative house based in NYC with proud roots in Haiti. Founded by Haitian artist and provocateur Steven Baboun in 2022, Studio Baboun is a world of innovation, color, provocation, and unmatched creativity. Studio Baboun works with artists and brands from all over the world to create meaningful and exciting storytelling through experimental film making, photography, set design, large-scale textile installations, video installations, and more.

I’ve been following Steven Baboun’s work over the years; I’ve fangirled over his strikingly colorful art direction and cried laughing at his hilarious alter-ego @marie.claude.bebi. I’ve also been inspired by his story and the way he vibrantly lives representing all parts of himself- Haitian, Syrian, Queer, lover of Christ, Artist, Performer, and more. His vibrant, signature look of draped bright and bold textiles instantly takes me to the spirit of Kanaval- and hearing about his personal connection with what Kanaval season meant to him growing up made this collection’s theme a no-brainer. Although Kanaval season is technically over, the spirit of what it represents is something we want to celebrate year round. (And I know you’ll find these playful and bright pieces especially perfect for your beach travels this summer!)

One aspect of Steven’s story, being a part of the Queer Haitian community, really echoed many other stories I’ve heard throughout my time living in Haiti. It felt very important to me that this collection supports and advocates for an organization on the frontlines fighting for one of the most vulnerable and underserved communities in the world- the LGBTQ community in Haiti. That is why we chose to partner with KOURAJ- an organization fighting for protection, legislation, and representation of the “masisi” communities in Haiti. They are also working to reclaim the term masisi- a notoriously violent and derogatory term meant to isolate and harm those who identify as queer within Haiti. 

Growing up in America, I’ve seen a huge evolution over the years of representation and advocacy for the LGBTQ communities. While there is a ways to go, especially in the heartbreaking current political climate, I still see cultural acceptance and protections that the queer community in Haiti have never been afforded. What is most striking to me about this is what Haiti’s history represents to the world- FREEDOM & LIBERATION. Haiti’s revolution created a ripple effect of liberation for the world, yet its queer community has never experienced cultural liberation aside from the brief moments of Kanaval. 

Why is Haiti Design Co, an artisan accessories company, advocating for queer rights within Haiti? 

Because I firmly believe as a brand our job is to use our platform, no matter how big or small, to ask questions and start conversations that advocate for, bring justice to, and uplift ALL Haitians- no matter their economic status, what language they speak, their immigration status, their sexuality, or their gender identity. We are here for all. 

And if we’ve learned anything from history, it is that love and good wishes alone do not bring change. Silence does not stop the violence, and my friends, this community is experiencing violence on a daily basis. We cannot look away. From day one our mantra at Haiti Design Co has been the Haitian proverb “Men Anpil, Chay Pa Lou”, meaning “Many Hands Make the Load Light”. The heart of HDC is just that- to lighten the load of our brothers and sisters, and we all are in fact brothers and sisters- no matter race, religious beliefs, status, or sexuality. 

Our new collaboration collection with Studio Baboun is first and foremost FUN! It’s playful, it’s tropical, it’s for everyone! It also has a deeper meaning and further impact. I invite all of you to join us this Sunday (April 24th) at 5 pm EST for an IG Live conversation with the founder of Studio Baboun, Steven, and the founder of KOURAJ, Hetera Estimphil. 

I recognize that for some of you this advocacy may make you a little uncomfortable- that’s ok. I invite you to come with an open mind and heart. Come ready to listen. The most important thing we can do in seeking justice for the vulnerable is to humanize the person, to see past our differences and find ourselves in them. I invite you to come ready to do that. 

To Queer community in Haiti- we see you, we love you, we know you were perfectly and uniquely created just as you are. 

And I thank you for your continued support of our artisans and your allyship with the Queer community in Haiti! Please check out the links below to see more ways you can support.

Limyè ak lanmou pou tout!

-Chandler Hamilton, Founder of Haiti Design Co

Donate to KOURAJ