Artisans from the Bambou Chic
Funded by the Big Lottery Fund UK, Aid to Artisans continued its work with artisans in Haiti during Bamboo Workshop 3. This training event was part of the three-year initiative aimed at re-integrating these talented artisans into the mainstream of social and economic life.
ATA Consultant Lyn Nelson had nothing but positive reviews for the work being done in Haiti.
“I think the bangles are probably in the top 3 sellable products in the Caribbean,” says Nelson. “These artisans are ready to go and they’re excited 100 percent.”
A collection of bangles from Bambou Chic at NY NOW™
Though the workshop has faced its share of challenges, this group continues to make their impact in the local artisan industry. Bambou Chic d’Haiti, an enterprise created by the artisans trained during the Bamboo Workshop, has enjoyed recent success with an order for 500 bangles from the Pelican Beach Hotel, Turks and Caicos. Additionally, Greater Good, one of the most important companies in the North American artisan gift industry, has shown lots of interest in the bracelets and are planning a visit to meet the artisans in fall 2015. Bamboo Chic is also set to be 1 of 2 companies featured at the airport in Port au Prince. Looking ahead, Bambou Chic will be building a workshop for their artisans, continue producing bangles as well as designing new products, such as Christmas ornaments and earrings.
