This month we celebrate our 10 year anniversary !!! Wow. Feels like just yesterday we were putting everything together. We are so grateful to be able to celebrate this milestone and to have created so many great memories along the way. We have so much to look back to. From our workshop parties, birthday celebrations, overcoming challenges together and more, words are too few to describe what celebrating 10 years mean to us. Especially in the times we are living now. Haiti Design Co would not be here without you so join the celebration friends! Visit our instagram page and show us some love by liking our posts, sharing them and commenting your favorite memory of HDC!
Partner Highlight: MADE GLOBAL
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.”
HDC FAM Kick Off- GIVEAWAY!
We are so excited to be sharing our new program, HDC Fam with you this week!
To kick off the week, we have an amazing GIVEAWAY
with a few of our OG HDC Fam partners!
Check out the goods below to see all that is included!
(valued at over $1100 😲)
Featuring: (from top left to bottom right) The Standard Pocket Tote for Tribe Alive, 8 oz. Everyday Oil: Mainstay Blend, the Wilderness Earrings by Noonday Collection, Leather Card Holder & Ring for The Brooklyn Circus
Featuring (from top left to bottom right): Leather Portfolio & Mini Portfolio, Leather “NOT ONE MORE” Bracelet for Urban Zen, Classic Terra Cotta Bracelet in Pit-Fired by HDC, Leather Key Fob in Chocolate Brown by HDC, Boukman Botanical Rhum.
Featuring (from top left to bottom right): HDC x StudyNY Hand-embroidered patchwork quilt, Gold Go Ring for GoRings, Hammered Earrings for GoRings, The Ana Bag in Tan/Bone for Fait La Force
Featuring (from top left to bottom right): Horn Bangle set of 3 by HDC, Bella Fringe Earrings in Pale Rose by HDC, 3 Cooking Sauces & Recipe Card by Myabèl Haiti, La Kay Earrings in Noir by HDC.
Here’s the scoop on how to enter to win:
1. Make sure you’re following us 😉 and each of these killer brands: @noondaycollection @tribealive @thebkcircus @everyday_oil @urbanzen @go_rings @studyny @boukmanrhum @faitlaforce @myabelHT
2. Click Here to join HDC Fam by becoming a monthly contributor OR making a one time donation (any amount works)
3. Tag 3 friends on our IG post who you think should join HDC Fam
The winner will be announced at end of day on Giving Tuesday (Dec. 3)
Good luck friends!
Coming Home: A Design Fellowship from the Heart
My name is Manoucheka van der Pol. I was born in Haiti and adopted with my older sister by my Dutch family when I was three years old.
Growing up in a big family in the countryside in the Netherlands has really shaped my personality. As I grew older I felt a connection to Haiti grow stronger and I wanted to find out more about it and uncover the Haitian woman inside of me that had been hidden for so long.
I graduated as a major in fashion design at the Willem de Kooning Art Academy in Rotterdam and then worked in different fields in fashion as a fashion designer, visual merchandiser, as well as a freelance stylist for different commercial brands. Working for big commercial companies gave me a firsthand look at how fast fashion develops and the effect was that I found myself becoming more interested in sustainable, ethical craftsmanship.
An aspiration of mine has always been to work in Haiti and to make a contribution to the development of Haitian society. Seeing the ongoing struggles of the Haitian people in the news always had an effect on me. In 2017 I really felt that it was the right time for me to go back to Haiti. I wanted to combine my two passions: to volunteer for a sustainable creative organization and to learn about my country of birth. I wanted to stay in Haiti for a couple of months to really experience life there. An extended stay there also meant more time to get work done. My journey began by researching platforms for emerging Haitian craftsmanship and that's how I found Haiti Design Co.
I worked as a designer for the Haiti Design Co design fellowship for 5 months. For the new collection I tried to stay true to the craftsmanship and style of Haiti Design Co. My inspiration came from the beauty and fibered look of the island in combination with minimalistic and timeless shapes and forms. Using neutral colors and mixing leather and canvas was a key point in the collection. I loved working in the studio where I had the freedom to play around, work on designs and make patterns. The sewing team worked downstairs where the leatherwork and fabrics were back-stocked. As a designer, having all this at my fingertips was really great.
The sewing ladies were very driven and picked up different techniques quite fast. Everyone was so enthusiastic and eager to learn new technique. I was so amazed at how talented and skilled the sewing team was. I wanted to create a collaborative atmosphere where I received as well as offered feedback. The end result was that we all learned from one another.
Working for Haiti Design Co was a life changing experience, it was love at first sight. It was an amazing and natural collaboration. No lengthy meetings were needed to finalize this collection. The designs came together naturally. I learned that overcoming your fears brings you closer to yourself and leads you to places and experiences that your life wouldn't have taken you otherwise.
Moving to Haiti was a big step for me. Returning to the place I was born was deep fear within myself that I never even realized I had. I was preventing myself from realizing the whole of my identity, which finally came into view during the time I spent there. I couldn't have done it without Haiti Design Co, who became my Haitian family. I was back in Haiti for the first time after many years and Haiti Design Co was the family that I returned to. I could never have imagined how important this journey ended up being for me and I will keep this amazing memory in my heart forever.
During her Design Fellowship, Manoucheka designed our holiday line, released last October, as well as our new Summer bag line, released in May. You can shop some of these new designs below, and if interested in applying for a Design Fellowship with our team, you can apply here.
Canvas Circle Bag
Sale Price:$34.99 Original Price:$42.00
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. ”
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.”
