The Summer Maker's Box is one to behold - beadwork and aluminum casting artisans bring you the best of their workshops, and you get to learn more about their lives, in turn. By ordering your Maker's Box, you lean into the connection that we all have with the makers of every product we buy, and step closer into the Haiti Design Collective family.
Meet Maggie: Beadwork
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. I want to see VAK grow and make progress, and I want to help my children to receive a good education so that they can go far in life. I’m very proud of the work I do at VAK, and am proud of the way our team collaborates together.
What is your favorite……
- Haitian proverb: Yon sel dwet pa manje kalalou: You can’t eat okra with only one finger
-Haitian artist: worship artist- Libenson
-Haitian food: Plantains with beef
-Place to visit in Haiti: Port-au-Prince
Didier Fernand: Aluminum Casting
I’m Didier. I am 31 years old and am from the city of Port-au-Prince. I am a Christian and am the oldest in my family, so a lot of responsibility rests on my shoulders. I have been an Artisan for three years. I grew up in the same neighborhood as my team manager and he taught me everything I know when it comes to creating pieces out of aluminum. I love creating our aluminum animals and bangles, and I enjoy stamping and creating different patterns in our products. I have come to feel really comfortable doing this kind of work. My team interacts like a family does. We are always joking around, encouraging each other, and making sure to keep lifting one another up when someone is feeling down. I’m really thankful that my team is a dynamic one that is continually enthusiastic about what we are creating, and is always there to help the next person out when needed. As a Haitian, I am so proud of the history of my country and of how we started a revolution to gain our independence. I feel so proud when someone purchases our products and sees that there a lot of beautiful things that come from Haiti.
What is your favorite……
- Haitian proverb: Kabrit ki gen twop met mouri nan soley (A goat with too many masters dies in the sun)
-Haitian artist: Ritchi
-Haitian food: Rice with bean sauce and Haitian vegetables
-Place to visit in Haiti: Jacmel
