Newcomers are the starting point and the core of Makers Unite

“How can we create a business that offers opportunities to these talents?” This was the question that Thami asked himself in 2016 when many refugees in the Netherlands were not getting a chance to use their talents. Thami himself was born and raised in Brazil, studied Social Design in France, and had worked in Kenya. It was there that he learned to solve social problems with commercial solutions, as he is doing now with Makers Unite.

Thami: “Now we are an internationally recognized production company that has mentored almost 200 newcomers and – together with major international brands such as Ben & Jerry’s and Filling Pieces – we are making fashion more sustainable and society more inclusive.”

After an intensive six-week talent development programme, refugees with residence permits can start working in the Makers Unite studio. There they work with locals on special circular textile projects, such as a collection of bags made from old life jackets from Greece. Companies looking for responsible merchandise can turn to Makers Unite.

Thami: “For example, if Ben & Jerry’s is looking for a designer for a new collection, we pass this request on to people in our community. In this way, we win a nice assignment, and we also give our community an opportunity and provide our clients with valuable help.”

“We started with upcycling life jackets from the Greek islands. Now that an increasing number of organisations want to become more sustainable or even circular, we can help them,” explains Thami.

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Makers Unite made tens of thousands of protective suits and facemasks. As unpleasant as the crisis is, it also brings good things, says Thami. For example, he was invited to join Amsterdam City Council in discussing opportunities that the crisis might offer for sustainability. “This would never have happened without the pandemic. There is much more positive energy and willingness to work towards a sustainable, fair and socially inclusive society.”

As a social enterprise with a commercial model, it was difficult to get support at first, but Thami believed in his decision. “If you don’t deliver in a commercial business, the company will immediately get into difficulties. This gives everyone a feeling of solidarity and creates a positive dynamic of collaboration instead of just providing assistance.”

The DOEN Foundation was the first party to believe in Makers Unite’s plans. “At that time, DOEN’s grant was really crucial for us,” says Thami. But DOEN’s support is more than just financial. “The partnership is extremely valuable. DOEN’s employees are engaged, interested and flexible. They help us to stay close to our impact objective. That is very nice.”

With a solid base in Amsterdam, Thami now wants to give newcomers in other countries a chance as well. Thanks to an investment from DOEN Participaties, Makers Unite can increase its production capacity and consider making an international impact. “We have a number of start-up projects in Italy and also want to start manufacturing in the Middle East, to provide opportunities for newcomers there.”

If like Thami, you intend to make the world a better place, his tip is: “Just start, just do it. So many people have good ideas, but don’t dare to start.”