8 Social Impact Brands Focusing on Products Made in Haiti
If you’ve been following along for a while you probably remember that I did a study abroad trip to Haiti a couple years ago.
It was a great opportunity because we didn’t go to build houses for anyone, save anyone, or teach anyone…we went to learn as students.
We visited social enterprises, learned about Haitian culture, the economy, the health care system, and all. It was truly a life changing experience.
These people have the kindest souls and are incredibly hard workers.
Why It’s Important to Buy Products Made in Haiti
Unfortunately this past month in Haiti there has been a lot of suffering and rioting. One of the ways we can help from America is by supporting businesses that empower Haitians and work towards positive impact by valuing these beautiful people.
These businesses don’t just provide employment opportunities in Haiti, they invest in the people and the community which is key. If you’re interested in learning more about my time in Haiti check out 3 Ways to Empower Haiti.
This post does contain some affiliate links which means The Honest Consumer may receive a commission if you decided to purchase. Our commission is at no additional expense to you!
Singing Rooster Coffee: Haitian Coffee
Singing Rooster works with small producers in Haiti to ensure farmers are fairly paid, treated respectfully, and to provide resources for Haitian suppliers to grow their businesses.
Through their partnerships Singing Rooster is able to supply U.S. markets with gourmet Haitian coffee and provide Haitian farmers with the opportunity to expand and reach new markets.
Deux Mains Designs: Ethically Made Shoes
Deux Mains Designs is a social enterprise creating shoes and accessories using locally sourced leather and recycled tires. Employees are paid fairly and treated with respect.
Deux Mains Designs pays 220% of the minimum full time Haitian wage and has employed over 25 full time employees. I got to visit Deux Mains Designs while in Haiti and their work is incredible. You can read about my experience visiting their ethical work space.
GOEX Clothing
GOEX provides fair wage jobs in Haiti through their garment factories. Their t-shirts and apparel are made with eco-conscious materials such as recycled and OEKO-TEX certified options.
GOEX is also a certified B Corp, the Fair Labor Association, the Social Enterprise Alliance and the Social Enterprise World Forum.
ShareHope: Ethically Made Leggings
ShareHope is a people oriented activewear brand empowering garment workers in Haiti.
Profits from their ethically made leggings are reinvested into educational and health focused social programs, furthering the growth of garment workers and creating bright futures for Haitian workers.
2nd Story Goods: Upcycled Goods
2nd Story Goods focuses on creating recycled, ethical, authentically designed goods. Haitian artisans working with 2nd Story Goods are paid fair wages, approximately 135% the minimum wage in Haiti.
These fair wages encourage artisans to support their local communities by being able to invest in schools, churches, and supporting other local businesses.
Haiti Design Co.: Home Decor & Accessories
During my study abroad adventure to Haiti, we visited Haiti Design Co. Haiti Design Co. is a social enterprise bridging the gap between American consumers and artisan goods, creating steady employment and opportunity for Haitians.
Haiti Design Co. is an incredible community with co-founders Chandler and Josh going above and beyond by focusing on the well-being and advancement of the whole person.
Through multiple initiatives they train, house, and employ Haitian artisans. Since opening in 2014, Haiti Design Co. has employed over 150 artisans.
Partnering artisans are trained in leather working, jewelry making, sewing, metal working, and other specialized skills allowing them to craft the goods Haiti Design Co. sells in America.
Haiti Design Co. provides artisans with steady work and an encouraging an environment, empowering their employees to rise out of poverty.
Papillon Marketplace: Artisan Made Jewelry
This was another impressive social enterprise we visited during my time in Haiti. Papillon Marketplace is working to keep families together through job creation.
Papillon Marketplace artisans are trained, fairly paid, and craft beautiful accessories & home goods. Papillon Marketplace even has daycare on-site to allow parents to work and keep families united.
Lazarus Artisan Goods: Leather Bags & Accessories
Lazarus Artisan Goods works in Haiti and Honduras to ignite generational change with employment and vocational training through their non-profit Mission Lazarus.
Mission Lazarus' three year program trains and equips young men and women in a trade, increasing their eligibility for employment and heightening their potential development, an impact beyond the individual to that family, community and the country as a whole.
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MEET THE AUTHOR
Emily Waddell is the founder of The Honest Consumer. She has always been passionate about business for good and has a Bachelor degree in Social Entrepreneurship. She currently lives in Seattle where she practices imperfect sustainability. When she’s not writing, Emily enjoys supporting small businesses, clean eating, & practicing slow living. Learn more about Emily’s journey starting The Honest Consumer.
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