Five years ago, I started Made after seeing the incredible impact that social enterprises (like HDC) were having in Haiti by providing people jobs with fair pay + many other provisions. They were people first businesses, understanding that if a business can only survive by unfair payment and treatment of employees, the business model is not working. Even further, it was after realizing that over half of the world’s orphans still had parents who were unable to afford raising their children, even though many had full-time work that I started to dig further into how we can be a part of creating work that opens the door for families to stay and thrive together.
The more I became exposed to the important conversation of ethical fashion, the more I dreamed of bringing something to my city —Williamsburg, Virginia. I wanted Williamsburg to have a place to purchase fair trade and ethically-made goods while getting to know the people who made what they’re buying. I wanted people to realize how connected we are and to shop in a way that honors our connectedness and celebrates the stories.
So, I bought a few pieces from talented artisans I knew in Haiti, and I hosted our first pop-up at my favorite local coffee shop. Then, we started selling online, continuing to partner with new groups all around the world who were making quality and stunning pieces, sharing their stories and inviting people to shop differently —considering the story that started before them. From the beginning, we have wanted to open our own brick and mortar shop, but I knew we needed to grow slow and take our time. I had a lot to learn, as I had only non-profit experience and hardly knew anything about running a business. A few months ago, we signed a lease on our first space which will hopefully open by next spring. My goal with the shop is to create a space that invites people to consider the stories behind what they buy through purchasing, our workshops, book clubs and other educational opportunities. It has been a journey and I am loving it.
There are three thing I love most about what I do: One, I love getting to tell good stories — and I get to do a lot of that. I absolutely love sharing with someone about who made what they are considering purchasing, helping people to see the story that started before them.
Two, I love watching people change their shopping patterns and habits to make space for better living for others. When a customer tells me they are buying less so they can buy better, it is a good day.
Three, I love seeing what people make and celebrating it. Buying, selling, sharing, and getting to support good employment is an absolute joy.
I met HDC years ago through the non-profit I work for, Wings of Refuge, Inc. We would bring groups to visit and a few of the teens in our program interned for HDC during the summer months. Over the years, Chandler, Josh, and Fabienne have been amazing at connecting me to the work
A few of our current favorites — my whole team has and loves the Julienne bag. A few customer favorites — the black essentials crossbody bag, keyfobs, the Cheri necklace, and the scrunchie fanny pack.
Why is buying ethically important to you?
Simplified, because people matter — more than anything. I want my decisions to make life better for others, those I rub shoulders with here in Williamsburg, and those I may never meet. Shopping ethically is not a luxury; it’s believing that people are worth fair wages no matter the cost.
One of the reasons I started made is because I want to be a part of creating a world where fair and safe employment is the norm — where a child doesn’t have to grow up in an orphanage because their mom can’t make enough at her full time job + where child labor really is something of the past (not just in this country).
I think sometimes we think fighting for justice requires huge grand gestures, and while it might sometimes, most days it can look like choosing to be intentional about where we spend our money. Because EVERYTHING has a story that started before we bought it, and we get to choose what stories get worn, represented, and told over and over.
Brands I love at the moment:
I am a huge fan of Known Supply and all that they stand for. I love their commitment to sustainability in every sense, from fair wages to organic materials. Anchal Project in India is another favorite that I will carry more of in our shop. I love the way the women combine traditional methods with fresh design. As far as what I wear, it is mostly all secondhand, thrifted around town or from Poshmark, with some ethical brands woven within.
“Shopping ethically is not a luxury; it’s believing that people are worth fair wages no matter the cost.”
