the story behind sēd’s packaging

Bet you’re wondering about the story behind the sēd packaging, which highlights Haitian art and sēd’s partnership with Vassar College’s The Haiti Project.

sēd founder and developer Joelle Sayed, was inspired by the iconic Barbancourt Estate Reserve rum box, which features a beautiful marketplace painting by famed artist Félix Jean, when designing sēd's outer packaging. She worked with Vassar Haiti Project to select and purchase a piece of artwork that would celebrate her heritage and culture. Sayed chose a painting of a market scene by Jean Louisius, a carpenter-turned-painter who was born in Haiti in 1952. According to VHP, Louisius initially painted landscapes and still life, but began focusing on market scenes in the 1980s. He is renowned for the unique style he has developed over the years.

Part of VHP’s aim is to promote Haitian art and the nation’s narrative through its art, which is revered for its powerful themes of culture, history, and heritage presented in vibrant colors, according to the Myrian Nader Art Gallery. Haitian artists are known for employing humor and irony to draw attention to social and political concerns. VHP directly supports the welfare of hundreds of Haitian artists and artisans through the sales and auctions of Haitian art. These art deals also provide funding for the project's five other initiatives surrounding education, healthcare, water access and purification, reforestation, and a women’s co-operative. Vassar Haiti Project is a collaboration with Vassar College students, and a percentage of sēd sales will go to the nonprofit organization.

Art can be found in unique places like on the packaging of your favorite clean skincare brand, and we wouldn’t blame you if you got lost in Jean Louisius’s market as you do your skincare routine.

Written by: Annika Harris