Heart of Haiti – a concept that creates the energy of Trade as Aid

 When I help somebody out, I like to be sure that I’m really helping someone out, not just making myself feel better or the other person by giving them a quick fix (some money), but by paying it forward in a constructive way.  As somebody who has studied the world of energy and energy medicine for over 16 years, I know that how I feel about giving something is just as important as the gift itself.

The Heart of Haiti Trade not Aid project through Macy’s achieves these aims admirably, and with great products too that are designed and handmade by skilled Haitian Artisans.  You can choose from 40 different hand-tooled or handmade items including metalwork mirrors, wall plaques, picture frames, hand-painted trays, vases, serveware, sculptures, placemats, pendants and prints.

The pieces are unusual, colorful and also demonstrate the resourcefulness and skill of the Haitian artisans, since the collection is made entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

Who makes the products for Heart of Haiti at Macy’s?

Metal artisans creating hand cut and tooled frames from recycled oil drums

Heart of Haiti is an extension of the Macy’s ‘Shop for A Better World’ initiative, born out of a partnership with Fair Winds Trading (founded by Willa Shalit) and Brand Aid Haiti.

Young people have been apprenticed as artisans who learn an art and the ability to earn a living wage.  One of the people training the artisans is Serge Jolimeau, a world-renowned metal artist.

How is Heart of Haiti helping people in Haiti?

Sloane Berrent from The Causemopolitan lists the following quick facts.  Read the rest of her article here.

• The Heart of Haiti collection has led to employment of 450 artists in Haiti providing financial benefits for an estimated 4,000 to 5,000 people in the country
• Each item is one-of-a kind, designed and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier mache and stone.
• The collection showcases 40 different home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, and paintings. Accessories include vases, candle holders, serving trays, picture frames, mirrors, coasters, necklaces, clutch purses and more.
• Heart of Haiti products are available at 25 Macy’s stores around the country and on Macys.com(Most items fall in the range from $25-$60)

 Latest spring product line for Heart of Haiti at Macy’s

Now for the really fun part, what the products look like!  You can see the full collection online at Macy’s through this link or just google Heart of Haiti at Macy’s.

I especially like the trays, bowls and candle holders.  You can also buy pendants which are also very different and attractive – you’ll literally be wearing the Heart of Haiti on your heart!

Follow Heart of Haiti on Twitter and Facebook

You can follow Heart of Haiti on Twitter, message @HeartofHaiti  and on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/HeartofHaiti

Note: I was selected for this opportunity by “BeEverywhere”, through Business2Blogger.  All opinions my own.