You Can’t Get Anymore Bahamian Than Bahama Hand Prints

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NASSAU, BAHAMAS – In 1966, Bahama Hand Prints started bringing unique, handmade, colourful prints to The Bahamas.

The late Helen Astarita and Berta Sands started this small manufacturing business, and now nearly 60 years later, it has passed through the ownership of several Bahamian women.

Alannah Van Onselen is carrying on a tradition that is uniquely Bahamian.

“I don’t think you can get any more Bahamian than the prints from Bahama Hand Prints. It just speaks so much to the culture, to the people, to the colors, to the islands,” Onselen said.

A young Leslie Williams joined the company back then after seeing an ad in the papers for a screen printer.

He joined just before they moved into the famous Mackey Street location.

As the new machines were being installed, he learned the technique needed to bring these vibrant prints to life.

Leslie Williams – Printing and Art Department Supervisor

“We’ve come a long, long way because this company change hands about 3 or 4 times. We were down out west at the Government Industrial Park, [then] we moved back up to Earnest St. and now we here, with Alanna.”

“Alanna is very genuine in what she’s doing, and she took the company to another level,” he said.

Another level indeed. These days, the main Harbour Bay location is an experience unto itself, with an expanded showroom style boutique adjacent to the printing room where Williams does his magic.

“So [we’re] bringing something to market that’s going to sell, as soon as you set your eyes on that, it’s like oh I like that, because I like it, I have to like it first,” Williams said.

However, one thing that hasn’t changed in the years that Williams and others have been here, is the authentic Bahamian experience of the fabric.

“When we come up with collections, it’s all about identifying as a Bahamian, that’s the whole story of it…,” Onselen said.

Today, tourists and Bahamians continue to show up for the one-of-a-kind hand-printed fabrics that feature bold vibrant designs inspired by Bahamian culture and natural beauty due mainly to the care and attention given in the creative process.

“We all feel very passionate that it is made here, and that that is the story of Bahama Hand Prints,” Onselen said.