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.
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
Sending you lots of love