Ti Pa Ti Pa Women’s Collective

Ti Pa Ti Pa, meaning “small step, small step”, is an oft-used phrase in Haiti that speaks to how great things can come from patient and incremental progress. The Ti Pa Ti Pa Women’s Collective in Petit Trou de Nippes embodies this concept through their advancement and learning of sewing, stitching, and textile work.

Beginning as a sewing school in 2011, Ti Pa Ti Pa gradually evolved into a cooperative of seven full time members who are skilled in crafting a variety of apparel and accessories, from purses and quilts to keychains and school uniforms for local students. Each of the members, all of whom are mothers, have graduated from a state accredited sewing program; their membership provides an opportunity to income that supports their families.

Meet the team:

Marimat: The matriarch of her family of three daughters and many grandchildren who is the creative director of TiPa TiPa.  Besides her work as a seamstress, Marimat has a small boutique outside her door. 

Jorana: A busy mom of a third grader and high schooler who is the amazing embroider of TiPa TiPa. She is very involved in her local market.

Magalita: Magalite is a mother and a grandmother who runs the sewing machine for TiPa TiPa.  She is a vital member of her church. (St. Paul's)

Stephani:- A young mother with two toddlers who works in her sewing with TiPa TiPa while raising her little ones.

Osta: A mother of two, Osta is the one who organizes production for TiPa TiPa. 

Rica: Rica is a mother of three and as wife of a pastor very involved with her church. She is the communications director for TiPa TiPa.