The Inspiration
I recently visited a refugee camp in the Middle East where I met a little boy named Fadi. He wore second-hand clothes and a pair of teal soccer cleats he seemed really proud of. A four-year-old at best, Fadi was running around the desolate camp unattended. By American standards, he had nothing. But he was a happy kid who, I learned later, dreamed to be a magician when he grew up.
I was struck by one simple thought, “kids are kids,” and felt a deep desire to help.
I’m not a doctor. I’m not an engineer or teacher. I don’t speak Arabic. And I’m sure as heck not a magician, so I felt stuck as to what I could do to help.
But one thing I DO know, is how to work with kids and bring them joy.
I am a consumer marketing expert, having started my consumer products journey at Mattel Toys in New Product Development and then as a brand manager on the iconic Barbie brand.
I know how to gather insights from children, turn those insights into product ideas, manufacture those products and get them directly into consumers’ hands — going from concept to reality.
And I know that kids in dire situations like these still have hopes and dreams that need to be heard and nourished if they have any chance to move forward successfully in life.
So I conducted a series of “drawing sessions” in a number of UN-run refugee camps and schools. The idea was to give children an opportunity to express themselves, share their hopes and dreams and know they are not alone or forgotten.
And that is how this journey began!
Eye Have Hope is a for-profit social enterprise — a self-sustaining benefit corporation — that does not compete with NGO’s and non-profits for grants and/or donations.
The Eye & the Butterfly
The Eye.
The “eye” character derives from the nazar, a lucky-charm amulet that has offered protection to people all over the world, across all cultures, for thousands of years! Originating in Turkey, it is one of the most famous and easily recognizable designs globally as a representation of good luck. We used that universal image to create a lovable, friendly, mischievously funny little character with magical powers and a kind heart. We call him “Fadi,” after the little boy who inspired the idea for Eye Have Hope. With Fadi, refugee kids will never feel alone. He is a friend forever. He magically appears when kids need him most. He is a protector.
The Butterfly.
The butterfly represents change, hope, transformation and positivity. Which is why we call her as “Amal,” a name that means hope. She flits and flies around Fadi, teasing him in a playful way, as a little sister would a big brother. She has a lightness and joy about her. She can fly high above the landscape or any obstacle to see what lies ahead. But don’t get her mad or she’ll swoop down and protect who she loves most with strength and courage!
