Page 48 - Waves Magazine July 2019

DOWN TOWN CUR RE NTS | BY CHR IST Y MON ROE

Local Shops

Bel Pri

SHOPPING WITH A PURPOSE

Written by Christy Monroe

Galveston Island takes care of her residents, in many ways. It’s often said that the island has shown the greatest of resilience and
strength over the decades of disasters. That spirit of survival results in an empathy that is gained by most and in turn makes for
a spirit of giving and helping those that are less fortunate. Some island businesses have found unique ways to tap into the giving
spirit and spread their helping hands across the globe and right here on our own island.

treasures from around the world. Lifelong in cleanup of the artisans’ homeland such
friends and now business partners, Denise as the floods in Haiti which produced tons
and Shara realized a need for helping the of trash.
citizens of Haiti, other third world countries
and the underserved of America, after Sha- Bel Pri’s vision
ra’s daughter lived in Haiti for two years and emerged from the
they were introduced to Papillon, a fair-trade artwork of the
company. Papillon employees’ parents and beloved villagers
relatives of the children who are turned over that Shara‘s daughter
to the orphanages, of Haiti, when families had taught during
do not have the means to feed and support Bel Pri her stay. Metal, clay
from the surrounding
Bel Pri the children. Earth materials, and other natural materials
2301 Strand Street Papillon’s founder, Shelley Jean sums up are used to create stunning pieces of metal
Galveston, TX 77550 the mission of their company, stating, “we artwork and jewelry. Papillion artisans create
P: (409) 443-5200 don’t employ people to make jewelry, we wall decor from 55-gallon oil drums that
Facebook/belpri.net make jewelry so we can employ people.” To become hand stamped cut and torched wall
medallions and jewelry with words of hope
become a fair-trade company, distributors
go through a lengthy process of proving or shapes from nature. Each piece is unique
ith their only storefront location sustainability of their employees’ income and one-of-a-kind.
situated at 2301 Strand Street in and their business. Sustainable income
W downtown Galveston, owners ensures the employees and artists can get Some of the other companies that Bel Pri
of Bel Pri Jewelry and Gifts, Denise Kan- basic needs fulfilled and the end products represents include World Finds, a women’s
toris and Shara Hanley, offer one-of-a-kind, are comprised of materials that have been empowerment organization out of Ne-
Fair Trade, ethically and responsibly made recycled or repurposed. This will often aid pal, Project Have Hope, another orphan

48 | Waves Magazine | July 2019 Issue