Why We Created This Online Store

The Young Entrepreneurs Program at Helping Hands

Every product in this store was created by a boy at Helping Hands Orphanage in the Dominican Republic. These aren’t just unique products found only on our site; they’re also the first business ventures of kids learning skills that will change the course of their lives.

Our graduating class and mentors July 2026

How It Started

Helping Hands is home to 30–40 children in the Dominican Republic. In 2026 we launched a hands-on entrepreneurship program to teach a small group of students how real online businesses work, from product design, basic e-commerce, marketing and managing money.

Fifteen students were in the first class. The products you see here are theirs: their ideas, their designs, their work.

How the Products Are Made

Our boys create their products the way modern makers do. Some designs are made entirely by hand.   Others are designed using tools like Canva and AI-assisted design software, the same tools professional designers use every day.  Because of the challenges of shipping products out of Barahona, we decided to outsource the production.

Every product page tells you a little about the kids who made it.

Where Your Money Goes

When you buy a product, the proceeds are split three ways:

• 10% goes directly to the young entrepreneur — money they earned, that they decide how to use. For many, it’s the first money they’ve ever made.
• 40% goes into a savings account in their name — building toward their education and their future after they leave Helping Hands.
• 50% funds the orphanage — food, education, and care for all 30–40 children who call Helping Hands home.

So every purchase does double duty: it rewards one child’s hard work, and it supports every child at Helping Hands.

Why Entrepreneurship?

Kids who age out of Helping Hands Orphanage face many challenges. This is especially true for our Haitian children who are many times restricted from working in the Dominican Republic. This program teaches the boys design, marketing, customer service and finance, giving them skills that they can use throughout their life to earn an income.

Meet the Makers

Each product page features the young entrepreneur who created it, a short bio and a quick video where they introduce themselves and share their dreams. We think you’ll fall in love with these kids the way we have.

Want to Do More?

• Share this store with friends and family — every new customer is a real-world lesson in marketing for our students.  We've added a button at the top of the page.  Just click it and share this site!

Even if you're not shopping today, you can still make a difference by sharing our store with friends and family.

• Leave a review after your purchase — the kids read every one.