Since I was a child I always loved going to craft fairs with my mother and my aunt, seeing people's creations, and meeting the people who made the products.  I also liked knowing that the money I paid for the products went directly to them.  That was income that would go directly to their family.

In college, I studied in Costa Rica and met with women entrepreneurs and people making paper products from leftover waste from the banana plantations. I loved this idea of reusing materials to create new products. I also loved seeing the direct impact that purchasing from women made on their self-worth and on their families and communities. 

The rapid change we have seen in the past decades and an increase in big box stores, fast fashion, expedited deliveries, and a total lack of transparency in where our products are made, what they are made of, and how they are made have many people like me concerned.

The lack of education in where our products are being made and where they end up is detrimental to our health and environment. After the Industrial Age and an increase in global transportation, we have experienced mass production and overconsumption. It is now recognized that buying local, reducing our footprint, being sustainable, concern over what materials go into our products, where they are being produced, quality over quantity are all important to our communities and our environment. 

I am pursuing now what I have always wanted to do and what I believe in - as a collective group of liked minded consumers and producers we can make a difference with our purchasing power. When the political climate and the macroeconomy feel beyond our control, we can make a difference in how we buy.  

In this marketplace you will find a curated selection of products and vendors that have a shared commitment to design, quality, the environment, social impact, and transparency.  We are just getting started so if you wish to be part of our marketplace as a vendor please let us know.

Best wishes,

Stephanie

info@hatchliving.com