Artist Feature – Heart of Haiti

This Mother’s Day, I’m working with Clever Girls in support of Macy’s Heart of Haiti to shine a light on the “trade, not aid” program, which provides sustainable income to Haitian artisans struggling to rebuild their lives and support their families after the 2010 earthquake.

Mothers Day is approaching, and  I always struggle to find the perfect gift for my mom. She is an amazing humanitarian who is always serving and thinking of others. She has taught me the importance of not just being a wonderful mother, but also recognizing my talents and using my creativity in my home and life. So this year I am giving her the necklace above.  It was made by amazing women (and men) who have found strength and courage through their artistic abilities with the Macy’s Heart of Haiti program.

What is Macy’s Heart of Haiti? Heart of Haiti is a “Trade, Not Aid” initiative launched by artist and social entrepreneur, Willa Shalit, The Clinton Bush Haiti Fund, and Macy’s. Already, Heart of Haiti has led to employment of 750 artists in Haiti, providing financial benefits for an estimated 8,500 people in the country.

Each item is a one-of-a-kind design and handmade by a Haitian master artisan from raw materials such as recycled oil drums, wrought iron, papier-mâché and stone. The collection features more than 40 home decor items including quilts, metalwork, ceramics, jewelry, and paintings.  They’re made almost entirely from recycled and sustainable items such as old cement bags, cardboard, oil drums and local gommier wood.

The purchase of Heart of Haiti product helps artists preserve their cultural history, restore their homes, and rebuild their communities. It also helps the artists send their children to school because public education in Haiti doesn’t exist.

Here is just a small sampling of the many amazing products that can be purchased:

Aren’t they beautiful?! I love and want them all!

Thank you to Macy’s Heart of Haiti for sponsoring my participation in this “Share Your Heart” promotion. I was selected for this sponsorship by the Clever Girls Collective. All opinions expressed here are my own.

Heart of Haiti products are available online at Macy’s.com.