“I joined a wild-food foraging group, which started me making things with foraged materials,” says Norris.

“Years later, speaking about this at a non-profit, I met an unemployed, recently resettled refugee tailor, and I wanted to help.” That refugee was Remmy Kasongo, who, with his family, had spent 15 years in refugee camps. Resettled in Lancaster County, Kasongo found himself with minimal English language ability, limited physical strength, and a lifetime of tailoring skills. Powerfully motivated to find an outlet for Kasongo’s talent, Norris also founded the Refugee Makers Project, which provides skilled refugees with meaningful work commensurate to their experience.

Shown at left above: The Refugee Project Studio. Shown at right: Handmade hats created by local Amish crafts people Shown above: The Refugee Project Studio. Shown below: Handmade hats created by local Amish crafts people

The two projects — Forager and RMP — are separate but philosophically intertwined, not least in how Norris collaborates with another community — Lancaster County’s Amish and Mennonites — for Forager products, which include zip-up denim chore vests, stitched leather wallets, and selvedge-denim utility bags.

For Bloomist, Norris has created an exclusive set of home accessories: a wood and leather dustpan and a hearth broom, both produced in collaboration with Amish craftsmen, using centuries-old techniques. “I’ve wanted a way where I could share more of the Plain Peoples’ craft, and I am thrilled Bloomist was interested in our wares. These pieces share a deep connection to the land, which resonates through many Amish-made goods. Their slow, hand-crafted production and natural resources embodies Bloomist ethos.” See Bloomist X Forager Co. goods here. And learn more about the Refugee Makers Project here.