When Marie-France Merisier decided to launch an online store featuring hand-crafted jewelry and other imported goods from Haiti, the name she decided on was pretty much a no-brainer…KADO, the Creole word for “gift”. It only seemed appropriate. She wanted to share the gifts of Haiti’s artistic community with the world. And she was certain that she would find buyers among the international community who were seeking unique gifts to purchase. The entrepreneur’s principle in running KADO borders on simplistic too. She sets short and long-term goals for the venture. Sometimes she puts her drawing skills to work, sketching the pieces she’s seeking and making illustration-outlines of materials.
In addition to being the head-creative-in-charge at KADO, Merisier runs founder of Kélé Arts Design, a wearable art collection—featuring original art work by her.
I set short-term and long-term goals. I make sketches of the pieces I seek to create outlining materials needed.
Kreyolicious: Tell us more about yourself.
I am a proud marabou [brown-skinned girl] and folklore dancer, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, parents from Petit-Trou-De-Nippes and Port-Salut. I moved to the USA at 15 years old and currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up in a large family that instilled art in me and exposed me to all artsy things. My uncle Joseph Ernst Descardes was a painter, he is the inspiration behind Kélé Arts Designs. My maternal grand-parents were phenomenal tailors. My aunts were culinary geniuses. My mother wore the boldest colors and accessories ever. My father was very crafty and handy. I am very handy today because of him.
In all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…I am the product of all that my amazing family exposed me to at a young age.
Kreyolicious: Indeed…When did you get your artistic vision for KADO?
You can take the girl out of the island but you can’t take the island out of the girl…A short trip to Haiti after the earthquake inspired the budding idea. While it was a devastating time art was comforting to me. I literally wanted to help every artist by forging lasting relationships to help them support their family and send their kids to school. After my trip, I sought after creating a platform where I can share this new vision of sharing “Haiti’s gift of art that keeps on giving.” In that sentiment KADO by Marie-France was born.
KADO brings the island to you in a collection that’s revolutionary, combining pieces that are unconventional, bold and colorful for women that life is a runway.
Kreyolicious: When you were starting with this, what sort of things that you had to deal with—in terms of getting things off the ground, and such?
You will always come across skepticism, I’ve been told, “I can do the same, [if] I[were] go to Haiti too”. But the thing is, yes many of us go to Haiti—but how many are doing what I am passionate about? Not many…I believe in baby steps. I am in this for the long-haul to make a difference and give back to my country through art!
Kreyolicious: When you are selecting pieces to include, what do you usually look for?
I look for pieces that are imperfect because the variation of each natural material is where its true beauty lies, I bring them to life with added pieces that one would not imagine of putting together but I see them as deconstructive beauty to statement pieces.
Kreyolicious: Thus far, what sort of feedback have you gotten from the artisans?
The feedback has been great. I look forward to working and forging more lasting relationship with artisans to carry what we sought to do, support work development and education.
Kreyolicious: And from the buyers?
I am so humbled by the response thus far, the pieces are a conversation starter. Every buyer leaves with a story behind their piece and an appreciation for hand-made.
Kreyolicious: Where you do hope to take this initiative?
I hope to have my own atelier in Haiti. Employ many artisans to expand my brands: KADO by Marie-France and Kélé Arts Designs. I hope to make handbags and men’s jewelry. I also look forward to Made in Haiti Kélé garments for men and women and luscious pillows all inspired by my uncle’s legacy of art, Joseph Ernst Descardes.
Kreyolicious: Any counsel you’d like to give to other entrepreneurs who’d like to do something similar?
What was a dream is now a reality. I would say: if you can think it, you can imagine it, and if you can imagine it; it is definitively possible. I am also a strong believer of shared knowledge. Pass it on, and it will come back to you.
