Vi Bella's mission is centered on providing a path out of poverty. Vi Bella, which means "beautiful life," began in 2011 as a way to provide steady work for Haitians that would assure food, shelter and education to families in communities where jobs are scarce. In partnership with FMSC partner Mission of Hope, Vi Bella now employs more than 50 artisans, and offers a way for individuals to join the workforce and find dignity in their work. Thanks to the income they receive from the beautiful, handmade items they create, the artisans now have HOPE!
HAITI
ARTISAN HIGHLIGHT | GUERLINE
Guerline works at Three Cords. She lost her right arm in the earthquake. For the next five years, she would stitch cloth items using her one arm to stabilize the cloth and her teeth to pull each stitch through. In 2015, Three Cords was able to secure a prosthetic arm for her. She has continued to sew beautiful items with her new, prosthetic arm.
HANDMADE IN HAITI
ARTISAN HIGHLIGHT | MARIE DENISE
Marie Denise is lovingly considered a mother figure at Vi Bella. She brightens the whole room with her big smile. As a seamstress, she makes the totes and headbands we sell in the FMSC MarketPlace. She loves this work and is grateful for how it helps her pay school fees for her five children.
HANDMADE IN HAITI
ARTISAN HIGHLIGHT | MARIE-MARTHE
Marie-Marthe works as a seamstress for FMSC MarketPlace partner Vi Bella. Because of this work, she can now send her kids to school and provide food for her family. “My dream is to have my own business,” she said. “Jobs bring hope.”
HANDMADE IN HAITI
ARTISAN HIGHLIGHT | SANDRA
Sandra lost her leg when her home collapsed during the 2010 Haiti earthquake. FMSC’s food partner Mission of Hope helped her get a prosthetic leg and introduced her to Vi Bella, where she began learning how to sew. With her income, she provides for her family and pays tuition to attend nursing school in order to “help others who have greater needs than herself.”
HANDMADE IN HAITI
