changing lives for the better
YOUR HAMMOCK CHANGES LIVES
In an ancient fishing village life followed a rhythm unchanged for generations. The men went to sea to fish while the women wove and repaired the fishing nets that sustained their families and community. Then progress arrived. Automated net-making machines replaced hand woven nets, and almost overnight the women lost not only their work, but a craft passed from mother to daughter for centuries. In 2003, while traveling, I visited this village. Seeing the impact on these women was heartbreaking. Their skills, pride, and sense of purpose had been left behind by technology. I couldn't stop thinking about how I could help.Having already built a business making handcrafted hammocks, I realized these remarkable women had exactly the skills our craft required. Their patience, precision, and artistry deserved a new purpose.Today, 99% of our workforce is made up of women from these communities. They hand-weave our hammocks from their homes, earning an income while staying close to their families. In the finishing workshop, they gather each day to share stories, laugh together, and proudly talk about their children and grandchildren. What began as a simple idea has become far more than a business. It is about preserving traditional craftsmanship, creating meaningful employment, and proving that commerce can be a force for good. Across cultures and continents, our lives are connected by the same hopes: to provide for our families, take pride in our work, and build a better future for the next generation. In the end, we are not so different.