Family-Owned Social Enterprise | Handmade in Haiti | Fair Trade Federation Member | 30+ Years Creating Jobs & Opportunity
Beadworx is where art meets mission—a grassroots social enterprise dedicated to developing community uplift by creating jobs where there are none. The journey began 15 years ago when artist Kristen Depante and her partner Judy Liu brought an African wire bending craft technique to the rural villages of China, teaching teams of artisans to create whimsical wire and glass bead sculptures. Originally developed in South Africa—where Kristen's mother Roseann lived 15 years earlier, collaborating with local artists to develop the distinctive Beadworx aesthetic—this intricate street art craft of bending and wrapping wire frames with vibrant glass beads created beautiful folk art that captivated the world. As China's economy evolved and jobs became abundant, Beadworx recognized they were no longer needed there—but the extensive retail market they'd built (including Disney World, Atlantis, San Diego Zoo, Salvador Dali Museum, and countless zoos, aquariums, galleries, and garden centers) meant the demand for their one-of-a-kind sculptures continued to grow.
In 2015, everything changed with a chance meeting between two extraordinary people whose life missions centered on helping impoverished nations through job creation: Lance Durban and Roseann Vitassa. Their separate stories converged to create a network of opportunity for over 50 Haitian artisans who would learn to master the demanding craft. That same year, Extol Accessories Ltd.—a family-owned company that has steadily provided jobs, education, and even emergency shelter in Haiti for over 30 years—acquired the rights to Beadworx from production to sales. This wasn't just a business transaction; it was a purposeful alignment of values, bringing together decades of manufacturing expertise with a deep-rooted commitment to empowering Haitian communities. The mission was clear: to empower people to help themselves so they may proudly and steadily support their families, educate their children, and create a better life.
Every Beadworx piece is entirely handmade by Haitian artisans who have spent years mastering the intricate process of wire bending—an art requiring extraordinary strength and skill. Using galvanized wire that offers no second chances (its lack of pliability means artisans get only one shot to bend it correctly without weakening), master framers create the sculptural structures by hand. Then, master beaders painstakingly weave rainbow-colored glass beads wire by wire around the frames in a complex, time-intensive process that gives each piece its signature sparkle and whimsy. Because every sculpture is handmade by individual artisans, each piece carries its own individuality—slight variations from one to another are not flaws but proof of authenticity and human touch. From 4.5-inch ladybugs and miniature animals perfect for fairy gardens, to stunning 4-foot peacocks and custom 7-foot giraffes for museums, Beadworx sculptures range across every scale imaginable, bringing color, brightness, and a touch of magic to any space.
What makes Beadworx truly special extends far beyond the art itself. As a verified member of the Fair Trade Federation committed to principles of People and Planet First, Beadworx ensures ethical production and fair wages while actively helping other Haitian artisans and ateliers access the world market through freight forwarding services—currently supporting over 30 groups and organizations with shipping needs from Haiti to anywhere globally. Each Beadworx purchase directly supports education initiatives, provides sustainable income for families, and preserves Haiti's rich artistic traditions while creating pathways for continued growth. Whether displayed in homes, businesses, gardens (all pieces are weather-resistant with epoxy-coated frames), or children's rooms as whimsical nightlights and lamps, these sculptures do more than decorate—they tell stories of resilience, celebrate craftsmanship, and prove that beautiful things can change lives. By choosing Beadworx, you're not just acquiring unique folk art; you're choosing to make a tangible difference and contribute to a greater cause that transforms communities one handcrafted sculpture at a time.
