KENBE LAGE: GOING INTO 2023

2023 is almost here which means it’s time for another Kenbe Lage. This tradition that is so dear to us consists of vocalizing what we want to keep for 2023 and what we are letting go of and leaving in 2022. Here is what some of our artisans are saying:

Abraham

What I am keeping: A positive spirit, Love, Joy, Creativity, Team spirit.

What I am leaving behind: Negativity, stress, timidity/shyness, feelings of inferiority, discouragement

Ismaella

What I am keeping: Encouragement, patience, Team spirit, Self-control, Love, The spirit of sharing, Motivation

What I am leaving behind: Doubt, fear, negative spirit, laziness

Maxane

What I am keeping: Faith, Positive spirit, Hard work, Team spirit, Patience.

What I am leaving behind: Hypocrisy, bitterness, jealousy, limited mindset, fear.

Mona

What I am keeping: Wisdom, Love, Self-control, Hard work

What I am leaving behind: Anger, impatience.

What a year this has been! The most difficult one no doubt but also the one where we learned the most about our strength and power to overcome.

On behalf of the whole team,

THANK YOU!

What summer means to Herby

Today, we are sharing what summer means to Herby who is such a bright light in our team. Herby is the king of smiles and dance moves and we never had a dull moment with him.

As we reflect on our summer series Lavi an Koulè, we cannot help but feel grateful for all of these summer memories that you shared with us. Keep reading as Herby also shares his memories and what summer means to him.

What does summer mean to you?

Summer season means a lot to me. Ever since I was a little kid, it has been the season where I go to the beach with other kids to swim and eat mangos. This is a time where I really feel like I am enjoying my vacation.

What is your best childhood summer memory?

My best childhood summer memory is going to Haiti’s countryside . I played a lot with my cousins. We ate tons of sugar cane and mangos and enjoyed the beach. It felt so good to be in such an environment with great people. That’s the type of ambiance I love.

How do you feel this summer with everything going in in Haiti?

I don't feel good about it at all. It affects me emotionally and mentally.

How are you planning on keeping your joy alive this summer?

The best thing for me to keep my joy this summer is to watch a soccer game as soon as I get off work. This is how I relax.

THIS OR THAT! SUMMER EDITION

Port-au-Prince or Countryside?

Countryside

Beach or river?

Beach

Mango or soursop?

Mango

Kenèp or sugarcane

Sugarcane

Thank you for reading! Click below to join the family and learn about great ways to support Haiti Design Co.

More than just a box...

There are no words to describe the situation here in Haïti. In the last few months, things have taken a turn for the worse and we find ourselves constantly needing to find new ways to keep going, to keep hoping. We do this by remembering our “why”, by encouraging each other mutually and making sure we do everything in our power to keep business going.

Ever since Haiti Design Co has been created, our goal has been to not only create unique and quality products, but also to connect to buyers to the stories and faces behind each piece. The maker’s box has been our way to do just that. Each season, we curate products you will love in collaboration with Haitian artisans to help develop and grow their own businesses. Through initiatives like the maker’s box, we have been ale to keep artisans employed and hopeful by not only providing jobs but also by reminding them that people are still thinking about Haïti and still value our art and talents.

My name is Maggie Joseph and I started working with HDC when we began the VAK branch in O Cap. Before getting this job, I was always in a situation where I was constantly obligated to take out loans, but since having a steady job with VAK, I have never had to borrow money- which is very empowering. I would love that our customers know and realize what a difference they are truly making. There are so many women in my neighborhood that watch me go to work every day, and they often come to the workshop looking for a job. Every product our customers have purchased have given so many people steady jobs that help support their families, and every product they will buy in the future will give even more steady jobs.

Maggie - Spring Maker’s box 2018

To us, it is more than just a box. It is a way of keeping the hope alive in a time where it is so easy to get discouraged. Our moto has been the same from the start, “Men anpil, chay pa lou” and will remain the same till the end because we firmly believe that it takes many many hands to keep going.

“Working with HDC betters our lives, and I want everyone to see how we represent our country in the products we create.” GERALD - LEATHER TEAM

Spring, for many, is the symbol of hope and we believe that this spring 2022 maker's box is a great way to empower Haitian entrepreneurs and support Haïti in this dark time. As we ship out this season’s boxes, we want to invite you, friend and supporter, to learn more about these boxes and join our many other faithful subscribers.

We strive to keep the light on even in this season. We have faith that, with hard work, positivity and love, we can move mountains.

Getting to know Abraham

My name is Abraham Rivage. I was born in Les Cayes, Haiti. I moved to Port-au-Prince in 1999 with my family to go to school.

Through the years, I always made sure I could make some money either through selling goods or else. I had a sense of entrepreneurship from a young age.

I joined the Haiti Design Co. team in 2017. Before this, I worked in mechanics from 2014 to 2017.

Adelson, one of the leather team members referred me so I could also work at Haiti design Co. At first, Madame Fabienne and Madame Chandler were the ones who trained me. I was part of of the “Tèt frèt” team where we did packaging and shipping. I was so happy to be able to learn quickly. I also had a lot of support and help. Now in 2022, I have grown a lot and am now in charge of the packaging and shipping. I manage the quality control of products before they are shipped out as well.

I have a 4 year old son and we are best friends. He is my main motivation in everything I do

His mom lives in Brazil and he lives with his grandma but we see each other often. He is in second year of kindergarten. His name is Schneider Rivage. He is incredibly smart and shows me so much affection. Whenever I go see him in Miragoane, he is always sad to see me leave. I unfortunately cannot take him to Port-au-Prince because it is not safe enough for him.

Besides working at HDC, I love doing business. I sell fresh drinks. I love reading books in English so I can learn the language and also romantic books.

I am looking forward to everything 2022 holds. Growth in my work and more time with my son.

GETTING TO KNOW ISMAELLA

My name is Ismaella and I am 30 years old. I was born in Port-au-Prince Haiti in 1991. Before I started working for Haiti Design Co. my mom was working there as part of the sewing team. When she spoke to the administration about me, I was able to get hired in 2016. At first, I was a regular employee but then I grew and was integrated in the committee before being promoted manager of the jewelry team called FANM DJANM. This is my position today! I supervise the ladies, I create jewelry samples and keep production going

If I could say more about me, I would say that I am a foodie. I love a lot of dishes! But if I could list just a few things I would say rice and beans, Haitian legim , Eggs and plantain with a fresh salad. My favorite colors are: brown, coral, bordeaux and mahogany.

As a child I always had many ideas and dreams. I wanted to be a veterinary. I wanted to learn many languages. I also loved painting and drawing. After high school I entered law school where I spent 4 years but I do not practice right now. I still have many things I want to accomplish. I am learning English. I do not draw anymore but I use my creative side to make the jewelry which gives me a lot of joy.

My biggest motivation in life is definitely my mom. She gives me strength and motivation for everything that I do. She pushes me to keep going. I always think of our future and this gives me courage to work well. My mom is artistic like me and very good with her hands so we work together. The banderole in the picture above is one we made together for the church. The best lessons I have learned from her are wisdom and humility.

When I am not working, I love being on social media. I love talking to my friends on the phone. We do not physically see each other often but we stay in touch. I consider myself as a peaceful person. I love observing before talking or reacting. I love listening to music: Konpa, Gospel, French songs, English songs…you name it. One of my favorite songs is : “When we were young” By Adele..