The Winter Fashion Issue '21

from The Winter Fashion Issue '21

by TrooRa Magazine

Whims Of Love

Empowerment From Ethical Artisan Crafting

HAITI DESIGN CO CONNECTS DESIGNERS, MAKERS, AND CONSUMERS FOR SOCIAL GOOD

Written by Nizie Lokman, FCIM

“Many hands make light work.”

-- HAITIAN PROVERB

I was indeed intrigued by the inward purity of Chandler Hamilton, founder of the nonprofit artisan production and training center, Haiti Design Co. “We are all connected. We need each other.” Chandler made a powerful statement in her interview with Forbes in 2016 about her mission to help lighten

the load of Haitians whom she views as brothers and sisters.

Today, seven years after founding the company in 2014 in Port au Prince, Haiti, Chandler and her husband are still working to champion the people and the planet while creating business opportunities for the local community for social good.

EMPOWERING PEOPLE

Nevertheless, Haiti Design Co sees glimmers of hope in the people making beautiful objects out of stone, metal, wood, paper, and bone with creative artisan. They have opened doors for sustainable development with more job creations, providing training and expression through designs.

Haiti Design Co has initiated two programs, namely the “in-house training and development” for personal growth and leadership. While the “Artisan Entrepreneur Program” will help with business training and resources needed to be successful entrepreneurs. They also take pride in their wellness program which focuses on the health and well-being of their designers and makers.

BEAUTIFUL CRAFTS

With jewelry, handbags, and homewares, every piece is carefully designed for both men and women. They also craft leather goods. You can expect durable, full-grain, and even vegetable-tanned leather that is primarily sourced from a family-owned tannery within the country. When it comes to jewelry, my favorite is the Katya Leather Earrings. Their signature leather earrings express the geometric art for the ears. They are also ultra-lightweight.

BE PART OF THE MEANINGFUL MOVEMENT

Ethical fashion is a recognition that there are human beings behind the clothes we wear. “At Haiti Design Co, the products you purchase are not just made by one individual, but a team of people working together for their future.”

Not only can you express your unique fashion statement for yourself, but you can also make small contributions that collectively give significant value to the local community to

improve their livelihood from struggles. This is the best time to support the people of Haiti by inspiring them to express their creativity to do what they love.

Haiti Design Co believes that the marriage of design and meaningful purpose will give great value in the rippling effect towards the economic development of Haiti, considering the poverty rate of nearly 60% in 2020, compared to the last official national estimate of 58.5% in 2012. About two-thirds of the poor live in rural areas.