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.

Introducing the Decolonization Series

Dear HDC Fam-

I am probably most proud and excited about this project than anything we’ve done in a long time.

After the tragic murder of George Floyd, the world erupted with a long overdue racial awakening that has set the stage for honest & hard conversations around race and racial justice. Some of our network may think that the Black Lives Matter movement is one of controversy and limited to the United States. They may miss how the movement happening right now affects many countries and cultures across the world. The truth of our history is that white supremacy and colonization have formed the world as we know it.  This conversation will inevitably look different for every country and culture. 

In 1804 Haiti became the first Black Republic, as it was home to the first successful slave revolt in the world when she defeated the French. This revolt had a ripple effect as it pushed other nations to fight to end slavery as well. Haiti’s history is a worldwide symbol of Black liberation. 

However, today much of Haiti’s societal norms are entrenched in a mindset enforced by colonization, one of white aspiring, euro-centric ideals. This is not representative of every Haitian experience- because the Haitian experience is one that varies greatly. With that being said, a common experience for many of Haitian descent IS the journey of decolonization, one of unlearning the lies handed down by each generation that were enforced by the oppressor. 

While I am not Haitian, these conversations are ones that are near and dear to my heart. Since making Haiti my home in 2012, I’ve wrestled with the topic of decolonization so much within my personal life. I am thankful for the way that living in Haiti and many amazing friends have pushed me along the way to challenge what I knew to be true and ask the hard questions. On my journey, the work of decolonization, and unlearning a white centered foundation are hand in hand. Unlearning the false narratives and rebuilding with authenticity stronger than before. 

If you are white and follow along through this series, I ask you to engage with an open mind and intent to learn and understand from someone else’s perspective.

If you are Haitian or BIPOC, I hope that you at some point during this series feel seen, heard, and encouraged that you are not alone in your experience, while also knowing that your experience is going to vary from the person sharing. 

During this series you will be hearing from individuals with varying life experiences. Everyone involved is going to have different truths and perspectives. What you will hear is not the experience of myself, of Haiti Design Co, or of anyone else. It is the experience of the person sharing. So if at any time you feel uncomfortable, I ask you to sit in that discomfort before being quick to defend or debunk. This space is a space for unfiltered, honest conversations with Haitians and Haitian Americans. 

Lately we have received some pushback on vocally supporting the movement of Black Lives Matter. We’ve heard things like “You’re a fair trade accessories company, why do you need to talk about this?”. But the thing is, we exist FOR the PEOPLE behind the products. If we are not actively engaging in shifting the moral compass of our society, of breaking the colonial chains of white supremacy, or creating a world where our community can be fully SEEN, HEARD, and FREE, then we are not being true to why we exist at all. 

Thank you for being here! 

N’ap dekole! 

-Chandler Hamilton Busby

Founder, Haiti Design Collective 

Fashion Revolution Week: PART 3

“Fashion never unnecessarily destroys or discards but mindfully redesigns and recuperates in a circular way. Fashion is repaired, reused, recycled and upcycled. ”

— #7 from the Fashion Revolution Manifesto

We have a very strategic “Waste Not, Want Not” mindset when it comes to designing our products. Our team members are not only talented craftsmen and women, but have an eye for design and resourcefulness. From leather remnant jewelry to up-cycled aluminum- our artisans can turn what once would have been discarded into new treasures. To check out pieces from our Remnant Jewelry Collection, click here.

Meet Sandy Dulorier from the Jewelry Team-

“My name is Sandy, I’m 22 years old. I live in Petite Place Cazeau, and I love my neighborhood because it is calm and peaceful. My bedroom is painted salmon pink because it makes me feel comfortable. I’m a believer that men can still be manly if they wear pink.

I like to swim, go out to eat with friends, and dance, especially to African music. When I am having a bad day, I like to listen to music and tell jokes. Something that always makes me laugh is when people fall or trip, it always gets me.

This might be weird but I really like the dark. People complain when the electricity goes out, but this usually makes me feel happy because it’s dark out. When I’m at home I spend a lot of time styling hair, and trying to create new styles out of clothes that are too big for me. I love the summer time because it’s hot and there is a lot of stuff going on, which usually makes people happy, and I love getting to see people smile. I wish I had a superpower that would give me the ability to unify people, so that I could remove discrimination and fighting. I just like when things are peaceful, when I can laugh, and see the stars when it’s dark out.”

Photos above were taken by Kelsey Cherry Photography

Fashion Revolution Week: PART 2

Our team members are the heart of what we do at Haiti Design Collective. Aside from a commitment to creating stable jobs, we provide what we call “holistic employment”- benefits that support the overall well-being of our artisan communities, addressing much more than financial need. To learn more about our Wellness and Education programs, click here.

“Fashion measures success by more than just sales and profits. Fashion places equal value on financial growth, human wellbeing and environmental sustainability.”

— #9 from the Fashion Revolution Manifesto

Meet Berlain Saint Cyr from the Leather Team-

My name is Berlain but I earned the name Abella after mispronouncing the spanish word “abuela” (meaning grandmother) in Spanish class. I live in Bon Repos, and really love my neighborhood because you could literally dig a well anywhere and find water.

Apart from being an artisan at Haiti Design, I am a mechanic and love cars. My favorite is the Nissan Frontier- I love the new model; it’s as close to perfect as a vehicle can come. I have always loved fixing things, whether its cars, or sewing machines, or a broken toilet. I love watching how-to videos on youtube and teaching myself how to do things. I’ll fix anything. I don’t have my own car, but I do have a motorcycle- I call her Ti ble, which means Little Blue. Ti ble never loses in a race, and rides as smooth as butter. I taught myself how to drive, and I wasn’t afraid, even at first.

I remember not being afraid during the earthquake too, even though I was at school and the building was shaking and falling down. When it started shaking, I was running trying to get out, but one of my friends got trampled under the crowd and was yelling for me, so I went back for him and got him out. That was probably the bravest I have ever felt. Maybe this is why Superman is my favorite superhero- because he is the bravest, and let’s be honest, all the other superheroes had to bring him back to life because he was the only one who was powerful enough to win. He also wears red and that's my favorite color, because red is a color that feels vibrant and alive. It makes me feel strong when I wear red.

Photos above were taken by Kelsey Cherry Photography