Just a little note that this weekend the first ever Women in Production will be at the Miami Beach Convention Center. This program showcases Haitian entrepreneurs, designers and artists from Haiti. You can meet the actual makers of the wonderful things you see on our site, and possibly buy something as well.
I hope to see you there!
Friday, June 24, 2011
How it all started (Part 3)
Last time we chatted I explained how we started with the idea of this business, so now I will tell you how we made it happen.
First thing I did was reach out to my partner in crime (who is presently MIA!) DameHaitianista and asked her to take a leap of faith with me on this business venture. She not only leaped, she did a cartwheel and back flip like an Olympic gymnast! Needless to say she too was at a low point in her career. I think it's in the air. Everywhere I go and everyone I meet lately are dissatisfied with their career.
Anyway, we did our research to determine what type of company to start-up? the name? how e-commerce business works? Let me tell ya'll there is so much information out there that it is mind-boggling. But it is also too much sometimes so we filtered the best we could the information. Let me give you some useful links, blogs I have found and read religiously.
April Bowles of www.Blacksburgbelle.com is a wonderful resource. She helps people find their creative niche and how to capitalize on it. She offers free classes and also some courses for a fee.
www.practicalecommerce.com. Great resource for people wanting to start an ecommerce.
www.profounder.com. Great resource on financing your project.
The other thing we did was look at all the websites of our favorite stores, Nine West for me! and pulled out all the best features we liked.
Then we drafted our first business plan...
Here are some pieces from our photoshoot. Hope you like them. Also check out our Etsy store for new items.
First thing I did was reach out to my partner in crime (who is presently MIA!) DameHaitianista and asked her to take a leap of faith with me on this business venture. She not only leaped, she did a cartwheel and back flip like an Olympic gymnast! Needless to say she too was at a low point in her career. I think it's in the air. Everywhere I go and everyone I meet lately are dissatisfied with their career.
Anyway, we did our research to determine what type of company to start-up? the name? how e-commerce business works? Let me tell ya'll there is so much information out there that it is mind-boggling. But it is also too much sometimes so we filtered the best we could the information. Let me give you some useful links, blogs I have found and read religiously.
April Bowles of www.Blacksburgbelle.com is a wonderful resource. She helps people find their creative niche and how to capitalize on it. She offers free classes and also some courses for a fee.
www.practicalecommerce.com. Great resource for people wanting to start an ecommerce.
www.profounder.com. Great resource on financing your project.
The other thing we did was look at all the websites of our favorite stores, Nine West for me! and pulled out all the best features we liked.
Then we drafted our first business plan...
Here are some pieces from our photoshoot. Hope you like them. Also check out our Etsy store for new items.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
Haitianista @ Big Night in Little Haiti
Haitianista will have a booth the Big Night in Little Haiti event, on Friday, June 17th, from 6:00pm to 10:00pm. We will have wonderful items for sale, especially for Father's Day or Just Because Day!
So come by at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 260 NE 59th Terrace, to experience some Magnum Band, Haitian food and drink and buy buy buy from us!
So come by at the Little Haiti Cultural Center, 260 NE 59th Terrace, to experience some Magnum Band, Haitian food and drink and buy buy buy from us!
Sunday, June 12, 2011
Mademoiselle Stephanie Dartigue
Stephanie Dartigue is not only a beautiful, and intelligent young woman, she is also extremely creative and talented. If you’ve been to Haiti and have gone to holiday fairs at Union School or Kay Atizan to name a few, you will have seen her beautiful contemporary pieces: pendants, chokers, bangles, and sandals. I had the pleasure of meeting her back in February during my last visit to the motherland.
Although she says that she has been doing this for only three years, her work shows more experience and depth than she claims. This Haitian born and raised young woman has a degree in Computer Science and Industrial Engineering. I had a chance to ask her a few follow-up questions below are her answers and also samples of her work.
Haitianistadiva: What is your specialty?
Stephanie: Sandals
Haitianistadiva: Do you have a brand name?
Stephanie: Yes , Creations Dorees
Haitianistadiva: Where do you get your inspiration?
Stephanie: From me I guess, I have my own style and I try to create pieces that are not on the market.
Haitianistadiva: Where do you get materials?
Stephanie: Haiti, NY and Santo Domingo
Haitianistadiva: Where do you see yourself in a year? Five years?
Stephanie: I see myself building a solid infrastructure which will allow me to export more pieces.
Haitianistadiva: How do you want the world to see you?
Stephanie: As great designer with unique pieces
Haitianistadiva: Greatest accomplishment to date?
Stephanie: First time I exposed my pieces they got sold out. It was such a great feeling.
We will have more of her latest creations for sale starting next week.
Friday, June 10, 2011
Mademoiselle Jomina Paris Joseph
Colors change with seasons, yes of course, but in places like Uppsala, Sweden, living room wallpaper is stripped, pillows are tossed, closet hangers are cleared, and the swirled Kosta Boda glassware are pushed to the back of the cabinets making way for the seasonal hue-WHITE! I remember one fall years back, the twin sets, rugs, and paint rolled on the walls were plum. Some places in the Bayou, there are those people who prefer to wear the same faded overalls daily throughout the years, “SJU-sans rien underneath,” to go gator huntin.' Then, there are those who realize Vans have changed their sneaker platform and find that girl clothes ‘suck.'
Most of us fall somewhere in between, somewhere in line with Jomina Joseph. I’ve been acquainted with this statuesque woman a few times before. She is solid and confident when she walks in with a for the interview today. She’s wearing a simple cotton beige dress accented with oversized gold and pearls dripping from her neck and wrist.
Jomina is the go to girl if you want to be dazzling. Simply fascinating! Quite frankly, girlie girl and loving it! She’s is the latest trendsetter to top off the scene, bringing with her today a sneak preview of her Fascinator collection! Fascinators? Those captivating, conversation starting head pieces we saw at the Royal wedding.
Mahalia: “How are you? I have coffee or bubbles? What are you in the mood for?”
Jomina: “I’m always in the mood for bubbles.”
Mahalia: “I love what you’re wearing!” I point to the gold and black swirled piece on her head.
Jomina: “Thank you, I made this last night.”
I invite her to sit down and get comfortable. She sits, crosses her ankles to one side, and places one hand in the other off the other side of her body, making visible the unexpected lavender polish coating her nails and on her toes peeking out from her animal print heels. She sits, poised, throughout the interview.
Mahalia: “Do share, what is your brand name?”
Jomina: “Jomina Paris Designs. I have a logo too that I could show you. I just got it last night.”
Mahalia: “How did you get started in this?”
Jomina: “Recently, I needed a change in my life, so I left my job as a case worker for personal reasons, and needed to put my imagination to great use.”
Mahalia: “Was this a spin off of your educational background?”
Jomina: “Not at all, my background is in marketing.”
She’s a contemplator, with thoughtful pauses between questions with open and humble retorts such as, ‘oh I am new to this, so...or, I need clarification on what you mean?” She has an easy, even demeanor-one wouldn’t guess her age. She is young, as in, I could probably be her mother.
Mahalia: “I’ve noticed you’ve done some modeling, have you always been into fashion?”
Jomina: “I’ve always enjoyed fashion. But, with that, someone just came up to me, asked, and I said, ‘yeah!'”
Mahalia: “What was your ‘aha’ moment?”
Jomina: “When I saw my logo. I mean, I knew I was pursuing this and had some pieces finished, but when I saw my logo...” she pauses reflectively, “it was very much me.”
Mahalia: “I hear you will be traveling to London soon, tell me about that trip, what is the purpose?”
Jomina: She laughs, and flicks her wrist before settling back into the other palm. “I’m actually helping a friend move and the trip was planned since November. I will use the trip to visit hat makers, some designers and attend a fashion show if I can.”
Mahalia: “Who are your favorite top five designers?”
Jomina? “This is a hard question. I like Chanel, but vintage Chanel. Yves St. Laurent, Philip Tracey, Ralph Lauren-I just like that all American, tweed, preppy look. Oh, and Alexander McQueen-he just understood a woman’s body.”
Mahalia: “I totally agree. I loved Mr. McQueen. Do you follow seasonal color palettes or do you go with what inspires you?”
Jomina: “What inspires me. Maybe in the future I will go by a seasonal palette, but I can’t really draw, so I need to be hands on with my projects and go with what I feel.”
Mahalia: “What does inspire you?”
Jomina: “Nature. Colors of the rainbow have such special effects. They speak to you.”
Mahalia: “Am I to assume you take on custom orders for the ladies who have the fabulous luncheon or church function to attend?”
Jomina: “Yes, custom orders for now. I do have a few pret-a-porter pieces. Women and men, hey you never know, all want to be unique, so customizing their own pieces allows them to do that.”
Mahalia: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Jomina: “First,” she holds her finger up, “I want to say in the next two years I want to see Michelle Obama wearing one of my hats at her husband’s second inauguration-yes, I will put that on the record. I’m looking into the Kentucky Derby for next year. I want to be established. I don’t want a brick and mortar store, but I want my website up and running. Be out there,” she pauses, “established.”
Mahalia: “I understand it’s your birthday today, how will you celebrate?”
Jomina: “It’s tomorrow. I’m trying to keep it simple with friends and great people in my life.”
Mahalia: “May I ask your age?”
Jomina: “Since we’re among ladies,” she laughs, “twenty-four. Next year is the quarter century birthday, so this year will be simple.”
Mahalia: “Oh gosh, I can be your mother! So why do you want women to wear your Fascinators? Are you trying to bring elegance back? What message are you trying to convey?”
Jomina: “I want women to wear my hats and feel confident. Be trendsetters. Whatever you have on your head represents you. I want people to express themselves and feel empowered.”
Mahalia: “Well, thank you Jomina for your time. May I peek at your other pieces and take a few shots? Where can someone reach you?”
Jomina: “Well, my cell number is 786-487-3001 or info@jominaparisdesigns.com.”
Most of us fall somewhere in between, somewhere in line with Jomina Joseph. I’ve been acquainted with this statuesque woman a few times before. She is solid and confident when she walks in with a for the interview today. She’s wearing a simple cotton beige dress accented with oversized gold and pearls dripping from her neck and wrist.
Jomina is the go to girl if you want to be dazzling. Simply fascinating! Quite frankly, girlie girl and loving it! She’s is the latest trendsetter to top off the scene, bringing with her today a sneak preview of her Fascinator collection! Fascinators? Those captivating, conversation starting head pieces we saw at the Royal wedding.
Mahalia: “How are you? I have coffee or bubbles? What are you in the mood for?”
Jomina: “I’m always in the mood for bubbles.”
Mahalia: “I love what you’re wearing!” I point to the gold and black swirled piece on her head.
Jomina: “Thank you, I made this last night.”
I invite her to sit down and get comfortable. She sits, crosses her ankles to one side, and places one hand in the other off the other side of her body, making visible the unexpected lavender polish coating her nails and on her toes peeking out from her animal print heels. She sits, poised, throughout the interview.
Mahalia: “Do share, what is your brand name?”
Jomina: “Jomina Paris Designs. I have a logo too that I could show you. I just got it last night.”
Mahalia: “How did you get started in this?”
Jomina: “Recently, I needed a change in my life, so I left my job as a case worker for personal reasons, and needed to put my imagination to great use.”
Mahalia: “Was this a spin off of your educational background?”
Jomina: “Not at all, my background is in marketing.”
She’s a contemplator, with thoughtful pauses between questions with open and humble retorts such as, ‘oh I am new to this, so...or, I need clarification on what you mean?” She has an easy, even demeanor-one wouldn’t guess her age. She is young, as in, I could probably be her mother.
Mahalia: “I’ve noticed you’ve done some modeling, have you always been into fashion?”
Jomina: “I’ve always enjoyed fashion. But, with that, someone just came up to me, asked, and I said, ‘yeah!'”
Mahalia: “What was your ‘aha’ moment?”
Jomina: “When I saw my logo. I mean, I knew I was pursuing this and had some pieces finished, but when I saw my logo...” she pauses reflectively, “it was very much me.”
Mahalia: “I hear you will be traveling to London soon, tell me about that trip, what is the purpose?”
Jomina: She laughs, and flicks her wrist before settling back into the other palm. “I’m actually helping a friend move and the trip was planned since November. I will use the trip to visit hat makers, some designers and attend a fashion show if I can.”
Mahalia: “Who are your favorite top five designers?”
Jomina? “This is a hard question. I like Chanel, but vintage Chanel. Yves St. Laurent, Philip Tracey, Ralph Lauren-I just like that all American, tweed, preppy look. Oh, and Alexander McQueen-he just understood a woman’s body.”
Mahalia: “I totally agree. I loved Mr. McQueen. Do you follow seasonal color palettes or do you go with what inspires you?”
Jomina: “What inspires me. Maybe in the future I will go by a seasonal palette, but I can’t really draw, so I need to be hands on with my projects and go with what I feel.”
Mahalia: “What does inspire you?”
Jomina: “Nature. Colors of the rainbow have such special effects. They speak to you.”
Mahalia: “Am I to assume you take on custom orders for the ladies who have the fabulous luncheon or church function to attend?”
Jomina: “Yes, custom orders for now. I do have a few pret-a-porter pieces. Women and men, hey you never know, all want to be unique, so customizing their own pieces allows them to do that.”
Mahalia: “Where do you see yourself in five years?”
Jomina: “First,” she holds her finger up, “I want to say in the next two years I want to see Michelle Obama wearing one of my hats at her husband’s second inauguration-yes, I will put that on the record. I’m looking into the Kentucky Derby for next year. I want to be established. I don’t want a brick and mortar store, but I want my website up and running. Be out there,” she pauses, “established.”
Mahalia: “I understand it’s your birthday today, how will you celebrate?”
Jomina: “It’s tomorrow. I’m trying to keep it simple with friends and great people in my life.”
Mahalia: “May I ask your age?”
Jomina: “Since we’re among ladies,” she laughs, “twenty-four. Next year is the quarter century birthday, so this year will be simple.”
Mahalia: “Oh gosh, I can be your mother! So why do you want women to wear your Fascinators? Are you trying to bring elegance back? What message are you trying to convey?”
Jomina: “I want women to wear my hats and feel confident. Be trendsetters. Whatever you have on your head represents you. I want people to express themselves and feel empowered.”
Mahalia: “Well, thank you Jomina for your time. May I peek at your other pieces and take a few shots? Where can someone reach you?”
Jomina: “Well, my cell number is 786-487-3001 or info@jominaparisdesigns.com.”
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
Lights, Camera, Shoot!
 |
| prepping for shoot |
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| Prepping for shoot |
So apart from the expected items for a photo shoot: hair and make-up, clothing, props and of course the items, you need a few basic essentials: Windex! Bubbly! and a wonderful friend willing to give up her day for a dream.
So the idea for the shoot was to use nature to showcase the rustic feel of Haiti (also it's perfect for a zero budget project). That's where the Windex kicks in. It's the best way to brighten up any prop. See...
Also, today we were able to meet and interview an up and coming young artist, who does very cool headware. Watch out for that interview shortly.
We will be posting the merchandise shortly. Also if you would like to BUY the items right away, we have a booth at the upcoming Big Night in Little Haiti event, Friday June 17th from 6 to 10pm. Little parting gift:
Saturday, June 4, 2011
How it all started (Part 2)
After I overcame the "QUIT" shock, I started thinking what would I do? Do some consulting work? with non-profits? What are my strengths? In this time of financial nightmare (let's say it) should I quit my job?.... It took me a week to ponder and move on.
Worked on consolidating our financial affairs so that we could live on tuna -- still working on them. Then started thinking about my next chapter.
The second part of the Aha moment kicked in when the soulmate and I were getting annoyed with the reports on the non-profits working in Haiti after the earthquake. All you read about is Haitians are unemployed, they can't do this, they can't do that. Let me tell you something: Yes we are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but you know what? We got skills as well. Alright we have political issues, but which country doesn't. SERIOUSLY.
What urked me the most was reading an article which said that most non-profits in Haiti would report to their funders that they helped Haitians build a toilet, or clean their streets, like that was a major accomplishment. The other one was a nonprofit fundraising in South Florida and the message was "donate $1 and you can feed a Haitian for months". The soulmate was pissed. Anyway you get me drift. So I put my MBA to work and figured if we supported my peeps in their field they would prosper, their families would prosper and then hire employees and their employees would prosper. Instead of having a non-profit sell stuff with a tag " this will feed someone" or "this is a rubble from the school or orhpanage you are sponsoring" ENOUGH ALREADY.
When I went to Haiti, this past February, I did see tent cities. But you know what? I also saw little businesses/shops in front of each tent. We are entrepreneurs! If you were to ask someone in Haiti they wouldn't be able to communicate it because it's not even a word in our dictionary. Proof was when I saw this clip from the Green Family Foundation who did a documentary on the entrepreneurship of Haitians. I saw a snippet but it was great! Got my juices flowing.
Little disclosure that I do appreciate the work of non-profits in general, most of my background is in the non-profit field. But it seems that most agencies lately feel they have to make their clients seem more helpless to get funding. Not just in Haiti.
So think about it, Haitians are known for their rich culture, food, music, vivid colors but we are also known for some challenges: lack of follow through, magouy (new creole word for you), etc... But really these beautiful items you love to admire were made by people with limited education, worse yet have no business experience outside of their community. But you know what you love them anyway! Sooo.... how about if we made it easier to find and buy these items on...the...internet? How about we open a business that would market, promote and sell all Haitian inspired products. Then take it a step further why not make it an e-commerce site to reach customers throughout the US and globally. And finally why not give artisans and designers a place they could sell their own products through a virtual storefront program. I have read about so many of them in the Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc, etc...
I met a lot of great artisans/designers and in the upcoming interviews you will too. But I hope you will appreciate their work and BUY! BUY! Not because it is going to feed a Haitian family or because you will feel better about yourself but because it is fab! it is a fashion statement!
Next week we will post two interviews. One with a designer in Haiti and one who lives in the States. Also, I am very excited that we will have our first photo shoot next week. Nervous but excited.
Worked on consolidating our financial affairs so that we could live on tuna -- still working on them. Then started thinking about my next chapter.
The second part of the Aha moment kicked in when the soulmate and I were getting annoyed with the reports on the non-profits working in Haiti after the earthquake. All you read about is Haitians are unemployed, they can't do this, they can't do that. Let me tell you something: Yes we are the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, but you know what? We got skills as well. Alright we have political issues, but which country doesn't. SERIOUSLY.
What urked me the most was reading an article which said that most non-profits in Haiti would report to their funders that they helped Haitians build a toilet, or clean their streets, like that was a major accomplishment. The other one was a nonprofit fundraising in South Florida and the message was "donate $1 and you can feed a Haitian for months". The soulmate was pissed. Anyway you get me drift. So I put my MBA to work and figured if we supported my peeps in their field they would prosper, their families would prosper and then hire employees and their employees would prosper. Instead of having a non-profit sell stuff with a tag " this will feed someone" or "this is a rubble from the school or orhpanage you are sponsoring" ENOUGH ALREADY.
When I went to Haiti, this past February, I did see tent cities. But you know what? I also saw little businesses/shops in front of each tent. We are entrepreneurs! If you were to ask someone in Haiti they wouldn't be able to communicate it because it's not even a word in our dictionary. Proof was when I saw this clip from the Green Family Foundation who did a documentary on the entrepreneurship of Haitians. I saw a snippet but it was great! Got my juices flowing.
Little disclosure that I do appreciate the work of non-profits in general, most of my background is in the non-profit field. But it seems that most agencies lately feel they have to make their clients seem more helpless to get funding. Not just in Haiti.
So think about it, Haitians are known for their rich culture, food, music, vivid colors but we are also known for some challenges: lack of follow through, magouy (new creole word for you), etc... But really these beautiful items you love to admire were made by people with limited education, worse yet have no business experience outside of their community. But you know what you love them anyway! Sooo.... how about if we made it easier to find and buy these items on...the...internet? How about we open a business that would market, promote and sell all Haitian inspired products. Then take it a step further why not make it an e-commerce site to reach customers throughout the US and globally. And finally why not give artisans and designers a place they could sell their own products through a virtual storefront program. I have read about so many of them in the Entrepreneur Magazine, Inc, etc...
I met a lot of great artisans/designers and in the upcoming interviews you will too. But I hope you will appreciate their work and BUY! BUY! Not because it is going to feed a Haitian family or because you will feel better about yourself but because it is fab! it is a fashion statement!
Next week we will post two interviews. One with a designer in Haiti and one who lives in the States. Also, I am very excited that we will have our first photo shoot next week. Nervous but excited.
Thursday, June 2, 2011
How it all started (Part 1)
I have been asked --"How did you come up with this name and business plan?" I usually have a schpeel, but this time here is the long version for your entertainment.
Like some of you, I am a career woman. I was driven to ascend to professional excellence. To the point that I delayed my personal life until I felt that I had "made it" and was independent. A good thing because the man I met eight years ago is my soul mate. I don't think we would have met in the early years and gotten married. He is scrumptious, funny and very supportive of what I do -- but that story is for another day. For those of you who believe in true love and happy endings this is one of them.
Anyways I was given the opportunity to run a multi-million facility with NO operating budget. So I spent two years spinning my wheels, struggling to make things happen. I had my share of critics in the media and community. I would come home frustrated and irritated by my challenges. Mind you, I have a two year old boy. So I was at the lowest point in my life where the career turned into a slave job. I was calling myself a "government mule" or "bourik". Then the soulmate had an "Aha moment" he opened his mouth and said "quit".
I thought it was a joke. Was he punking me? But he said it again "QUIT". He said you've accomplished so much but always for other people/institutions. Why don't you try something for yourself. We can live on tuna for a while and if it doesn't work out you can always go work at McDonald's.
And that is how it all started.
Like some of you, I am a career woman. I was driven to ascend to professional excellence. To the point that I delayed my personal life until I felt that I had "made it" and was independent. A good thing because the man I met eight years ago is my soul mate. I don't think we would have met in the early years and gotten married. He is scrumptious, funny and very supportive of what I do -- but that story is for another day. For those of you who believe in true love and happy endings this is one of them.
Anyways I was given the opportunity to run a multi-million facility with NO operating budget. So I spent two years spinning my wheels, struggling to make things happen. I had my share of critics in the media and community. I would come home frustrated and irritated by my challenges. Mind you, I have a two year old boy. So I was at the lowest point in my life where the career turned into a slave job. I was calling myself a "government mule" or "bourik". Then the soulmate had an "Aha moment" he opened his mouth and said "quit".
I thought it was a joke. Was he punking me? But he said it again "QUIT". He said you've accomplished so much but always for other people/institutions. Why don't you try something for yourself. We can live on tuna for a while and if it doesn't work out you can always go work at McDonald's.
And that is how it all started.
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