A Long-Awaited Trip to Pignon
Earlier this month, Julie Hulstein, Vi Bella Founder and CEO, and Jadeyn Schutt, Vi Bella Project Manager, traveled with US staff from Many Hands for Haiti to their center in Pignon, Haiti. Since starting our partnership with Many Hands last year, we have hired twelve individuals on their campus to help us produce handmade jewelry and ornaments. Through this program, we are strengthening this rural community and offering individuals employment opportunities where jobs are scarce.
This sign welcomed Julie and Jadeyn to the workshop.
This was Julie and Jadeyn’s first opportunity to meet and get to know the new team members they work with every day, and it was truly a heartwarming experience. Through a translator and the pair’s increasing Creole vocabulary, they were able to express our appreciation for their good work and attention to detail! The artisans shared their gratitude for good, steady employment; which many of them had been praying for for years. Said Elirose, mother of three and new Vi Bella artisan, “I haven’t ever found a place to work to help provide for my family. This is one thing I have sought for a long time. But I couldn’t find a job. My family has suffered a lot. We know how it is to go without food. On this day, today, I can say by God’s grace, I have the means to have money for my family.”
Elirose (middle) works on the new hymnal pinecone ornaments.
Julie was able to train the artisans on new skills for our hymnal ornaments, which they picked up quickly. In fact, these ornaments are available on our website already. Not only was this trip extremely gratifying for Julie and Jadeyn, it rejuvenated them and strengthened their resolve to push on in Haiti, one of the hardest countries in the world to do business. Said Jadeyn of the experience, "It was incredible to meet our artisans in person! I was inspired by hearing their stories of resilience and enjoyed working alongside them."
Pignon artisans work on hymnal ball ornaments.
Want to support more opportunities in the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere? We’d love it if you consider shopping for your Christmas gifts and decor with us. Each piece of Vi Bella is lovingly made by hand and provides opportunities for marginalized individuals and communities. Thank you for helping us make positive change.
