As you may recall, the MIF partnered with the Artisan Business Network (ABN), to empower Haitian artisans by improving their business skills and assisting them in the production and marketing of their creations. Over 1,000 artisans throughout Haiti are now members of ABN, in places including Port-au-Prince, Croix-des-Bouquets, Jacmel, and the Plateau Central.
The MIF uses a value chain approach, and in the case of the handicraft sector, this means strengthening all the stakeholders involved, including artisans, small businesses and production companies. Stronger links in the value chain mean not only better quality, but also greater capacity to reach higher production volumes, and it seems the MIF-ABN partnership is beginning to bear new fruits: ABN recently completed a 10,000-piece order for Macy’s, and is gearing up for the next New York Gift Show with new items to display and meetings lined up with potential buyers.
Reaching scale also means taking advantage of new opportunities: In the fall of last year, the International Folk Art Alliance got in touch with ABN through the Hand/Eye Fund to do an artisan tour of Haiti. As a result, IFAA picked 14 artisans to participate in the Santa Fe International Market, the largest exhibition of folk artists in the world.
Another exciting opportunity will be at the aforementioned New York Gift Show, to which ABN will bring a Haitian small business owner and an artisan to be mentored by ByHand Consulting for small business and entrepreneurs’ training programs. Both will have a chance to meet with potential buyers.
A stronger, better business network
ABN now benefits from the help of international consultants specialized in handicrafts, who train various artisan groups up to 12 hours a week on production, marketing, finishing and business management skills.
Since the project began, the foundation has tripled its initial staff to better respond to its members, meet large orders in time, and prepare for events that can increase the visibility and opportunities for the artisans.
Here’s an inspiring film that was made during the Macy’s executives’ visit to Haiti in May this year.
Coffee and crafts
ABN is undergoing renovations to improve its showroom in Pacot, Port-au-Prince, maximizing space and lighting on the sales floor. There will be a coffee counter, and a small bead workshop where visitors can create their own necklaces and bracelets themselves. Come see for yourself whenever you visit Haiti!