Let's build a house together! I'm serious...

Friday, July 22


Part of the reason I love this blog is that it connects me to the most genuine people who are working to make the world a better place. There is nothing I love more than hearing stories of people who saw a need, dreamed a dream, and are now seeing that need met! 

Colin Johnson is one of those people. I'll let him tell his story in a second, but first, let me introduce him. He is the founder of Whole Story Hammocks, a very sweet non-profit that sells hammocks and chairs (like the one pictured below). But the coolest part about these purchases, is that after he sells 100 hammocks or chairs, he takes the profits and literally builds a house for a family in need in rural Nicaragua! 

HOW COOL IS THAT?!?!?!

So…I'll let Colin share how he was inspired to start this great organization…

"WholeStory Collective was founded on the belief that every family deserves a safe place to call home. This belief took me to Nicaragua, the second poorest country in the western hemisphere where 46% of the population lives on less than two dollars a day.

 I was blown away at the lack of safe living conditions in rural Nicaragua and wanted to help. While I was in Nicaragua I met with a lot of amazingly talented artisans in the city of Masaya. The talent and craftsmanship that existed there was truly incredible. One product seemed to stand out among the rest; the handwoven hammock. The detail, design, comfort and craftsmanship in each product was remarkable and than BOOM, I saw the opportunity. 

I decided I would start a business where for every 100 hammocks I sold, I would fund a home to be built for a Nicaraguan family in need. I partnered up with the Suazo family who have been making handwoven hammocks for over 80 years, and found a grass roots nonprofit organization called The 4 Walls Project who was doing an amazing job building home for families in El Sauce, Nicaragua and the rest is history. 

We are currently working on building our 5th home for a family in needed and are expanding our product line to consist of handmade relaxation goods. Our first product expansion was our Wanderlust Chair" 

And, as a side-note, the Wanderlust chair is what Colin sent me, and as you can see from the photos, i'm absolutely smitten with this dreamy chair. It's a perfect pair of classic handmade quality you just don't get from a chain store! The chair was super comfy, and it will have a permanent spot on our patio. I also am kind of obsessed with this hammock (isn't it a perfect blend of boho chic mixed with comfort? those crochet doilies!! Swoon!). 

So, what do you say you and I pool our money and build a house together in Nicaragua?? Think of your giving as a donation to a very deserving family in Nicaragua, and out of it you are getting a sweet chair or hammock that will remind you of the people your generosity has helped provide for! Think we can do it!?!? Spread the word to the family and friends, and let's do this! To read more about Colin and Whole Story Hammocks, click here. 



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