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Gift Shop Goodies: Supporting Belizean Artists & Small Businesses

Blog » Hamanasi Happenings » Gift Shop Goodies: Supporting Belizean Artists & Small Businesses
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The Great House at Hamanasi is a bustle of activity. From relaxing on the veranda with a tropical drink or enjoying a delicious meal in the Singanga Restaurant to lounging in the library or taking in breathtaking views from the rooftop Lookout, the Great House is the central hub of the Hamanasi.  

Tucked into a nook beside the reception you’ll also will find our boutique. Amidst essential sundries you may have forgotten to pack and Hamanasi t-shirts, you’ll find a collection of locally produced crafts and gifts.  These items are ideal to take home as a memento or as a gift for a loved one, while also supporting the local economy, artists and small businesses. 

When you visit the Gift Shop, a Front Desk concierge will happily show you around and answer any questions you may have.  Photo by Byron Vasquez. 

Check out a few of the gift shop goodies you can take home with you! 

Rubba Dub Soap

Did you enjoy the handcrafted soaps that you used while staying at Hamanasi?  Check out Rubba Dub soap in our gift shop and bring home the smells of the tropics and rejuvenating qualities of pure essential oils and natural herbs!  A thriving Belizean business since 1997, these soaps are 100% natural and made from locally sourced ingredients.  There are several scents to choose from such as Cinnamon Spice, Ginger Burst, Lemon Lavender, Caribbean Cool and Orange Swirl, to name just a few.  These soaps make a perfect and useful gift for your friends and family.

Rubba Dub Soap uses local and natural ingredients to produce a variety of tropical soap scents. 

DML Straws

DML Straws are a win-win gift for all! Developed and created by award winning bartender Mark Jacobs, and piloted at Hamanasi in 2016, the DML straw is a functional and truly sustainable alternative to plastic straws.  Using a fast growing variety of bamboo called Foxtail, the source for the straws is able to regenerate quickly.  It’s also a durable variety of bamboo that is the perfect size for straw making.  The gift  pack of straws comes with a variety of straw sizes, canvas bag and a cleaning brush. Hamanasi uses this product for drinks and cocktails in our Singanga restaurant and bar.  In fact, Hamansi has not used a plastic straw since Mark first introduced DML Straws in 2016!

From producing the straws to crafting the cocktail, Mark can do it all! 

Idolly DEE- Sunscreen and Bug Repellant 

A proudly Belizean produced product, Idolly DEE reef safe sunscreen and natural bug repellant gives you an tropical aromatic symphony while repelling the sun and bugs.  Founder and CEO of Idolly DEE, Beverly Dawson, started her business in 2019, using essential oils plant based ingredients, including some plants straight from her garden. She uses traditional plants and herbs taught to her by the generations before.  These products are sure to do the trick in protecting you from the tropical sun and repelling those pesky insects.

Check out her other products such as after bite care, anti-aging serum and hair growth lotion at https://skincarebelize.com/

Lebeha Drummers- ‘BIAMA’ CD

Lebeha Drummers are brought to you right from our very own Hopkins Village.  Founded in 2002 by Jabbar Lambey and Dorothy Petterson, Lebeha Drumming Center is a cultural center for Hopkins youth to drum, dance and socialize.  It’s also a place for visitors to stop by and learn about the Garifuna music and culture.  Lebeha Drummers recently released a new album titled, “BIAMA”, which means ‘two’ or ‘second’ in Garifuna. You can bring home the sounds of the Garifuna drums when you purchase your copy of BIAMA by the Lebeha Drummers in the Hamanasi Gift Shop.  

Consider streaming BIAMA from https://lebeha.com/ to support Lebeha Drummers. 

Rudolf Coleman – A Brief History of Hopkins Village

Rudolf Coleman is a village elder, historian, traditional drum maker, Justice of the Peace and active community member in Hopkins Village.  He recently published the book A Brief History of Hopkins Village, which gives an insightful look into the history of Hopkins Village and the community members who made it home. This easy to read, colorful book- which contains many images from local artists and Mr. Coleman himself, is a perfect item to learn more about Hopkins, as well as support the local artists and author who contributed to this project. 

Rudulf Coleman holds the book he wrote and the drum he made.

Kaj Expressions

Khadija Assales, known as Kaj, is the designer and owner of the well-known jewelry brand, Kaj Expressions. Her business began in her small kitchen, steadily becoming Belize’s preeminent jeweler. Kaj has been creating jewelry for about twelve years, including her famous lionfish jewelry.  Being a single “mompreneur” fuels Kaj’s desire to empower other women to be self-sustaining. The love for creating drives her to inspire others to follow their dreams and work on their passions.  Check out some of her beautiful jewelry that is not only sustainable, but also fashionable. 

To learn more about her jewelry, and conservation efforts, please visit Kaj Expressions Instagram page or visit https://www.kajexpressions.com/

Maya Bags

MayaBags is a handmade, design-driven accessories collection, featuring handcrafted bags, purses, coin pouches and wallets.  The designs are inspired by nature, crafted with artisanal skills and incorporate the spirit of the Maya. Mayabags’ mission is to empower indigenous female artisans of Belize, while creating a fashionable, high-quality product that can be enjoyed by yourself or a loved one.  When you purchase one of these beautiful, one-of-a-kind bags you are supporting not only a small business, but also a community of talented female artisans. 

Learn more about Mayabags by visiting https://www.mayabags.org/

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Shelly Redden - Social Media Manager

Shelly Redden, our Social Media Manager, moved to Belize in 2015. Originally a teacher for over nine years, she joined the Hamanasi family in 2020. She is passionate about art and teaching art classes, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors.

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