One thing I'm starting to realize as I get older is the importance of making smart purchases. Really researching and thinking about what I'm buying and why.
Recently I heard about
Heart of Haiti at
Macys. Our local Macys Home store carried a beautiful selection of home goods that were hand crafted by Haitians who, instead of receiving handouts, have started to trade goods for income and support.
I also learned of the gorgeous selection of handmade jewelry from the Heart of Haiti. From necklaces to bracelets to rings, these items are absolutely stunning!
I received a gorgeous black and ivory horn stretch bracelet made in Haiti. The detail and craftsmanship is just amazing. And the bracelet paired perfect with my new eShakti dress as I got ready for a night on the town with my husband.
About Heart of Haiti
Heart of Haiti was launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, and Macy’s. Haiti is the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere and despite the devastating earthquake, people there are filled with hope and a desire to improve their lives through employment.
The Heart of Haiti initiative provides artists with an opportunity to make a living feed their families and pay their children’s school fees. Already, The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 5,000 people in the country.
How it's Helping
With the devastating earthquake of January 2010, Haitians have found it very difficult to make a living. Raw materials were wiped out and the lack of sanitary and safe conditions conditions makes it impossible to move on and begin again. There is no funding to support economic relief.
By purchasing one of these handcrafted pieces, you are directly aiding Haitian artisans by allowing them to support their families with dignity and purpose. Each artisan receives half the wholesale price of each item in the Heart of Haiti collection.
Heart of Haiti also offers the connection and interaction between artists in Haiti and designers in the US to allow a strengthening of artisan associations. By bringing together both US and Haitian designers and artists, Haitian communities are inspired and energized to move forward and create a new way of life. Instead of leaving their home, they are choosing to stay and teach the next generation of artists their way of life thus preserving the Haitian traditions and culture.
By purchasing a piece from this collection, you are not only helping the Haitian artists who have made these gorgeous items, you are helping the generations of Haitians to come.
Stay Connected
To learn more about the Heart of Haiti please visit the
Heart of Haiti website. You can learn about the artists, where you can purchase these pieces locally, and other ways you can help.
To stay up-to-date with news and announcements, follow
@HeartofHaiti or like the
Heart of Haiti Facebook page.
The Simmworks Family Blog will be participating in the Fall Fashionista
Giveaway Event, the web's exclusive "All Fashion Only Fashion event running from October11th through the 17th.
Macys will be graciously including
a Heart of Haiti Horn Stretch bracelet into the Simmworks Family Blog prize package
(a $30 value). So remember to head back on October 11th to enter to
win!
Disclaimer: I received a Macy's Heart of Haiti horn stretch bracelet for review purposes only.
Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally
and believe will be good for my readers.
