Hi everyone!

It’s finally May, the sun is shining brighter, and we have entered graduation season. Whether you’re a soon-to-be graduate, yourself, celebrating one, or long graduated, this is certainly a time to celebrate!

According to the New York Times, as of April 30th, 2021, over 100 million Americans have been fully vaccinated against Covid-19: a number that represents almost 40% of the US population. As this number continues to rise, we have seen the beginning of a return to normalcy, including with respect to in-person events. Amidst chaos, there is something serenely peaceful in tradition–and graduation is no exception. It is a ritual that we can take comfort in, especially after the pandemic put so many on pause.

Last year, as everyone felt the devastating effects of the pandemic, college students were sent home from school, remote learning quickly became routine, and graduation ceremonies were cancelled. This year, while we still won’t see the usual packed stadiums with proud family members, students will begin to be able to celebrate their academic accomplishments together again. After over a year characterized by extreme uncertainty, let’s take comfort in seeing the 2021 graduates dress in their caps and gowns and proudly move their tassel to the left.

And what better way to honor these graduates than with handcrafted, social impact products from HHPLIFT.

Whether you’re looking to help move a high school graduate into college, or a college graduate into the world, our social enterprise partner, Smateria has it all. Made in Phnom Penh, the artisans at Smateria crafted a beautiful line of bags from recycled nylon fishing and construction netting. The Courier Bag, Scout Purse, Weekender travel bag, Trek Bag, and Zippered Portfolios are just a few examples that will LIFT™ any graduate’s look in their transition to college or the workforce.

That’s not all! Made from recycled industrial packaging, the Groovy Messenger Bag, Flyby Laptop Backpack (shown above), Refresh Wash Bag, Peppy Pochette, Clarity Eyeglass Case, and Treasure Pouch, from Smateria’s IKI line, are sure to be the boost needed during this time of transition.

And finally, our ecoLIFT™ line of unique, eco-friendly accessories– eyeglass cases, wallets, drink sleeves, and huggers–will give you the perfect opportunity to Buy What You Believe In™ for your graduate. Refugee women from RefugeeOne’s Sewing Studio sew the products and LIFT™ production associates overcoming barriers to fair-wage employment assemble them at the LIFT™ Workshop.

As we collectively move into a post-pandemic world, let’s be sure to take a moment this spring to celebrate all that the 2021 graduates have accomplished, especially during this time. Congratulations!

Until next time,

The HHPLIFT team