"It is hard to believe that Vi Bella has been in existence for 11 years! It is even more difficult to share in just a few short sentences the blessings, challenges, lessons, and growth I have witnessed and experienced through Vi Bella in that time. 

At the forefront of everything is PEOPLE! Essentially, Vi Bella is about connecting with people and empowering individuals, families and communities to live their best lives. I have had the amazing opportunity to connect with many wonderful people. From artisans and their families to ambassadors, Vi Bella retail partners, customers, and supporters of our non profit, I have seen so much goodness, kindness, and wisdom. Many thanks are due to each and every person who has contributed over the years to help provide jobs and more through Vi Bella.

I am immensely impressed by the development of Vi Bella artisans’ skills and new or enhanced international artisan group partnerships that have created a gorgeous, high quality and expanded product line that I could not have imagined when we began 11 years ago.

Finally, one of the most significant changes we have worked on in the past few years is a shift to a management model that allows for more ownership and decision making in the communities where our artisans live and work in both Haiti and Mexico. We’ve worked especially hard on this objective in the past 12 months. I am proud to say that there is strong leadership, a drive to succeed, and a commitment to love God and love people in both countries. We will joyfully continue to support Vi Bella in both Haiti and Mexico as they become more independent." - Julie Hulstein, Founder

"What we have created and who we have become over the last 11 years has been one of the greatest stories and achievements of my life. Being part of Vi Bella has given me a sense of purpose, increased optimism and hope. 

I am so proud of how far we have come as a company and as a family. Against all the odds and challenges we faced year after year, together we were able to find the force within us to push through and continue our mission of transforming lives in Haiti, Mexico and the U.S. 

I am proud to say that I will continue to create an atmosphere where every employee feels empowered and can thrive despite their physical, personal and professional challenges. Vi Bella will continue to build mountains of change and we hope to inspire the world through our vision." - Mia d'Adesky, CEO