If you’ve worked in retail, or have had a conversation with someone who does, you know what the deal is! Retail can be quite a challenge. Daphné Bourgoin took up the challenge, and she did so, in a country that she recently returned to…her native land, Haiti.
Located in Port-au-Prince, Tisaksuk—Bourgoin’s retail store—carries lots of unique clothing, art and craft pieces…all with one point in common—they’re assembled and made in Haiti.
If you follow her on Twitter, or on Instagram, you’ve probably seen photos of her goods, metal houseware and furniture, embroidered home decor—some with Creole-language slogans. And that’s not all—the entrepreneur made sure to include paintings and visual art from artists all over Haiti as part of her store’s stock. Not only can a Tisaksuk shopper pick up pieces to accessorize his or her existing decor, she can also pick up a pair of painted earrings for a girl’s night out, or some metal mirrors for her bedroom or hallway—or even some comfortable flip flops and canvas walking shoes.
Tisaksuk accepts custom orders and purchasing requests from those living outside of Haiti.
Kreyolicious: ​Was there something in particular that made you start your store?
I was always in love with Made in Haiti products and I started off by promoting them on my pages and that flourished into creating a venue for the artisans to sell their products.
Kreyolicious: How do you go by selecting what items to include as part of your inventory?
I attend a lot of fairs. I am very selective—as quality is important to me. Once I see something I like—even if not up to my standards—I work with the artisan to get it there. I travel within the country, too, to find new items.
Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who wants to launch a business in Haiti?
Be patient—as a lot of the readily information you find in the States are not so available or accessible in Haiti. Believe in your idea. Slowly nourish it until it blossoms into what you envisioned.
Kreyolicious: ​What was the hardest part of launching your venture?
Being able to afford the right place for it, so that my cost remained affordable. I truly do not like the idea of items made in Haiti costing a lot of money.
Kreyolicious: Out of all the different business areas, which ones are most in demand?
Wow, so many things are needed. I haven’t really focused on what’s in demand. Bring everything. we are open for business. [Laughter]
Kreyolicious: Do you think other business owners view you as an outsider?
I honestly don’t know. I hope not, as I trust that we all are here to do the same—boost the economy, create work—and in my case—sell Haiti.
Kreyolicious: What’s the ratio like in Haiti in terms of women-owned and man-owned businesses?
I would say 3 to 5. Honestly, by just walking in the streets of Haiti, you see more women out trying to create opportunities.
Kreyolicious: Why do you think that is?
The unemployment rate is very high, women get out and find and create work—that is businesses, whatever it may be.
Kreyolicious: Do entrepreneurs make a knit-tight community in Haiti?
Is there some solidarity? If they do, I don’t know about. It exists between friends and acquaintances, but no known associations or the like. How great it would be if we did, though. But, I sense that everyone is trying really hard to push their own stuff. So, no one really thinks of pushing together.
[Photos: Images provided by subject and/or posted from social media accounts with consent of subject. ]
Tisaksuk on Instagram | SEE WHAT’S NEW AT THE TISAKSUK STORE ON FACEBOOK | VISIT THE TISAKSUK WEBSITE | TISAKSUK ON ETSY
