I fell head over heels for Chandler, the founder behind Haiti Design Co, on my first visit there nearly 3 years ago. A whip-smart woman with boots on the ground, I was endlessly impressed by her ability to empower the women she employs in a nontraditional, holistic way.
She runs her Port-au-Prince studio with grace, treating her local staff as people – not projects. She believes in the potential of others, and in doing so, teaches others to believe in the potential of themselves. She does not mince dreams. She does not settle for average. And when she says her artisan partners hold immense value and incredible talent, she backs up her claim with an initiative to fly two of her team’s most promising leathermakers to a Master Leatherwork training in Florence, Italy.
In short: she invests in her Haitian community, and she’s in it for the long haul.
Today, for #GivingTuesday, you can join Chandler’s efforts and contribute to her newly-launched Artisan Incubator Program here. All giving is welcome! And if you contribute over $50, you’ll be gifted with a handmade leather cardholder, bracelet, and personal note from the artisans.
Here’s to gifts that give back, gifts that call forth, and gifts that fly two makers straight to Florence (and beyond).
To Buy: Leather Card Holder ($23) at Haiti Design Co, or FREE with a $50 contribution here.