Sometimes I find myself asking, “why the heck is this SO HARD?!” And then I remember, this thing we’re doing, this little company we’re building, it’s literally one of the hardest things we could possibly choose to do. A phrase that I try to remember when I’m being challenged is simple “We can do hard things.” You can do hard things. What are some hard things you’ve done in your life that you’re so proud that you did, or even if you failed, that you tried?

According to the World Bank, out of 190 countries, Haiti is ranked as number 181 in ease of doing business. And building a social enterprise, as opposed to a traditional business or non-profit, is commonly recognized  as difficult territory. We are “competing” in a global market, next to things that you as the customer can get for much cheaper, all while trying to do things the right and just way, constantly asking hard questions and putting the well-being of our employees first. 

But nothing worth doing is ever easy. And we believe with every fiber of our being that this work is so worth it. Building an ethical business in a place that surely needs it, and providing beautiful fair trade products for you. So now you have the power to say yes to this, to these dignified business practices, and no to that, the cheaper things that might not be made under the same circumstances. Thank you for being in this with us, thank you for believing it’s worth the few extra dollars paid, thank you because you continue to say yes to this.