Peyi Lock 2022 - What is going on?

It’s been 3 weeks now since Haiti has been on lock again. Between the gang shootings, having no access to fuel, limited access to clean water to only name these, it is so hard to remain hopeful.

This lock is not the first but it seems to have a stronger impact on our team and on the nation as a whole. Rising up against the kidnappings, insecurity, violence and excessive prices, protestors have been in the streets. The fuel distribution station “Varreux” has been totally blocked following the announcement of gas price increase. While these protests are understandable as we are all tired of the corruption of the government and some private entities causing excess poverty, they are often accompanied by violence that have an even more negative impact on the economy. Streets are barricaded and roads are blocked, forcing people to stay in their homes, unable to sell or go to work, and kids can’t go to school. we can feel the weight of the mental toll this is having on the majority of the population. People are fleeing, some leaving the country to find security and for their kids to be able to go to school.

Nobody feels safe in their own homes anymore. Even behind our walls we can hear the close gunshots, in the news we hear more and more stories about gangs taking over people’s houses.

“It’s been 3 weeks now that we are on lock. It is not the first time that we are in this situation but this time it seems worse mainly because life was already so expensive. We are paralyzed to the point where schools and even hospitals are closed. We barely have any water, we do not have fuel. For us artisans, it has been hell. Most of us cannot reach work. There is no public transport. Everything is completely blocked. It’s been such a long time since we’ve been living these situations in Haiti. I can only hope that things will eventually get better Sigh“ Ismaella

For now, we cannot give our opinion on when things will “calm down”. It’s been such a rollercoaster and it is safe to say that we are ALL fed up. While we do our best to remain hopeful, we cannot stay silent on the horrible things happening on this land. As the government remains silent or seems to act like it is well, we will continue to use our voices to inform and educate on what is happening.

We cannot afford to completely crumble under this weight, as heavy as it is, because we know that our HDC family is counting on us. Many thanks to each of you who keep things going for us no matter what through your orders! You keep us working and give us motivation through the highs and extreme lows. We are so grateful for you.

In order to further support, please consider becoming part of our HDC Family

Men anpil, chay pa lou

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.”

— Holly Webb

Partner Highlight : BONJOU Boutique

September, Higlighting our Partners Month. We are thrilled about this series. Our partners have been such a crucial part of our survival and growth and we don’t have enough words to express our gratitude towards them for their trust. Most of our long term partners have been there from day one or not too long after that, visiting our workshop in Tabarre, spending time with the artisans and getting to know their stories. Beyond the products, we have shared laughter, good times and memories. Throughout the years we have built strong and lasting relationships. We are so proud of them all and are so in love with their work.

Without waiting longer, here are our first guests, Jean-Paul and Alexa from Bonjou Boutique

Jean- Paul and I met in 2010 and, though our communication was minimal + required some charade playing due to our language barrier - we became friends. In 2011 I (Alexa) had the opportunity to be a part of the formation of Wings of Refuge Inc., a non profit that is giving life to families in Haiti through partnering with locally led movements. Jean Paul was then asked to be a part of the Wings of Refuge Children’s Home team a short time later. For over seven years we served alongside Wings of Refuge Children’s Home and were blessed to be a part of the lives of 32 incredible kids (now mostly young adults - which makes us feel old!). Somewhere along the way we fell in love, got married - though we wouldn’t recommend taking the route we took. We faced many uphill battles as a couple due to our cultural barriers, language barriers, opinions of family, friends and coworkers... but we persevered by God’s grace and a few key people in our lives. In 2019 we made the difficult decision to move stateside and in January 2020 we welcomed our sweet baby boy Jayden into the world. To this day, our family still serves as part of the Wings of Refuge Inc. team here in the states with its impact on our lives being invaluable.

We started dreaming up Bonjou Boutique shortly after we got married in 2017.

We knew we wanted to take some of the generosity friends and family showed us at our wedding and invest it back into our Haiti home. We felt the best way to do that would be through a small business that showcased the beauty that comes from Haiti by partnering with social businesses we personally knew, loved and trusted.

Bonjou means “good morning” in Haitian Creole. It’s the first thing we say to each other when we wake up and we love the sense of light and newness it brings! #bonjoucheri

“We created Bonjou Boutique as a space for you to create change through the purchase of socially responsible and ethically made products from this little island we called home for so long. ”

— Alexa

We had been fans of Haiti Design Co. for years - we shopped there, took teams there (for Mona’s famous breakfast burritos and workshop experiences). As our non profit worked towards reunification, HDC gave two of our kids internships. In 2018 I had the opportunity to work for HDC for about 6 months before our family moved. So, of course, in 2021 when we finally decided to turn Bonjou Boutique from a dream into a reality, we had to partner with HDC when we were designing our original collection.

Our Polo Dopp Kit and Lex Toiletry Bag were some of the first pieces I had the opportunity to collaborate with Chandler and the team at HDC on and to this day they are two of my favorite pieces.

Why is shopping ethically important to you?

Shopping ethically isn’t a magical switch you flip one day, they are daily choices we make knowing there are people behind the products we buy. Start small, do your homework and be intentional.

Other ethical brands we love -
@made_global
@papillonmarketplace
@avanticoffeeco

Whether you’re recently engaged, tying the knot, becoming a first time mama, making a house your home, or simply celebrating the season you’re in, we want to bring a little piece of our island home to 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.

A few thoughts on our dear Haïti

Hi friends! Many of you have been concerned about the situation in Haiti. Some reach out and send words of encouragement. We are so thankful for this continuous support and are forever grateful for the family that we’ve acquired through these years.

As much as we would love to write this to announce that things are now better and that all is well at our workshop, it is not yet the case. Right now, kidnappings and gang violence are creating an atmosphere of fear and terror. Countless families have been obligated to flee their homes because of non stop gunshots in the area. More privileged ones have been able to flee and start a new life elsewhere. Gas shortages, burning tires, inflation, and overall uncertainty about the future.

Our summer series is dedicated to bringing light in the midst of darkness this summer. This doesn’t mean that everything is always shiny and bright for us. We often experience discouragement. We often feel like things are moving backwards. We often feel exhausted to have to send you these messages with no real good news.

However, we also cannot afford to give up. No matter how difficult things are, it is not only about the brand and products. It is about families, about people who have been able to build their homes through the jobs your support is still creating. It is about the courage of our artisans who go to the workshop as soon as they can to keep the work going. It is about our responsibility to keep Haïti alive no matter how small our contribution is. It is also about the children watching us and being inspired by the way we face today’s challenges.

Life comes with ups and downs. In Haiti, we’ve experienced more downs lately but this wont keep us from doing the best we can with what we have. We also want to take this opportunity to thank you from the bottom of our heart for all of your support and the faith you put in us. Until we have better news, we will continue to provide quality Haitian made products while sharing the blessings of our day to day.