Photo: Martine Stephenson (standing) and Gabrielle Rigaud (sitting) are the masterminds behind Perle Hospitality.

Haiti’s hospitality and tourism industry will be flourishing if Martine Stephenson and Gabrielle Rigaud have the last word. Stephenson and Rigaud have teamed up to create Perle Hospitality, a venture in which they are placing their respective power, clout, experience and investment to lend a hand in strengthening Haiti’s fledging hospitality offerings. In addition to the entrepreneurs’ investments, Perle Hospitality is being backed by Haiti Ventures, a private seed financing company based in Boston.

Stephenson, who was born in the United States, went to live in Haiti when she was nine years old. She immediately fell in love with Haiti’s rich culture and vibrancy. Years later, when she moved back to the USA, she promised herself that she would one day return to do something of value there. A married mother of two, Stephenson says she is grateful to her husband who wholly supports her entrepreneurial dreams.

A graduate of Marylhurst University, with an MBA from that University and a Bachelor’s of Science in Computer Information Systems, Stephenson is using her business know-how and her whopping twelve years of experience in sales and marketing to help leverage Perle Hospitality at the upper echelons of the hospitality and tourism industry in the Caribbean.

As for Rigaud, she was born and raised in Haiti (she is an alumni of Haiti’s Institution du Sacré-Coeur) and has been living in the United States for over a decade. She earned degrees in Civil Engineering and Geotechnical Engineering from Tufts University, and participated in a study abroad program with the Institut National des Sciences Appliquées in France. Rigaud is an ardent believer in volunteerism and presides over Coops4Haiti, a non-profit organization whose aim is to assist the fishermen and farmers of Haiti in increasing their production of locally-produced food and lessening reliance on imported food products.

The dynamic ladies discussed their venture with Kreyolicious.

Q & A

How did you and Gabrielle Rigaud connect?
STEPHENSON: We grew up in Haiti together as children and were very close. We then parted ways when I moved back to the States. Years later, we crossed each other’s paths and reconnected. Gabrielle and I have very similar characteristics – we’re both very passionate, ambitious, and deeply rooted in our Haitian heritage. It’s our love for Haiti that drives us to keep doing more. So it was only natural for us to come together for this joint venture, Perle Hospitality, which makes traveling to Haiti more convenient, safe, comfortable, accessible, and most assuredly memorable.

Perle Group Homes is another venture of your company.
RIGAUD: Perle Hospitality, formerly Perle Hotels, is not the only project under Perle Group’s umbrella. We intend to launch other ventures where we can utilize our skills and experience in marketing, real estate and engineering as well as what we learn from Perle Hospitality. Our goal is explore the feasibility of a resort and mixed use development where eco-tourism and living would be dominant. Perle Hospitality and Perle Resorts would cater to both tourists and residents looking for a unique and sustainable experience.

Now the name of your company Perle Hospitality is practically a no-brainer. Is it a reference to Haiti being the pearl of the Caribbean?
STEPHENSON: Absolutely. Haiti is, after all, La Perle des Antilles—the Caribbean Pearl. To know Haiti, is to know how beautiful this island truly is and how rich we are in our culture, history, cuisine, and traditions. Haiti is more than a location. It’s who we are – it’s our way of thinking. It’s a culture that has not been shared for the most part with the world and this is us sharing the “perle” with the rest of the world. There’s a peace of mind that comes from a rich culture, and deep pride in knowing who we are and where we come from. It’s this rich history and culture that we intend to share with the world. Haiti is the only country that has lead a successful slave revolt and has held its independence until this date. And that’s something that cannot be said for any other country in this world. We want to keep that momentum going and help change Haiti’s image into a positive one as one of the most beautiful Caribbean island that it truly is.

As the co-founder of Perle Hospitality, which is under the umbrella of your main company The Perle Group, did you come across any obstacles as you took upon this entrepreneurship venture?
RIGAUD: Our main obstacle when starting was acquiring information during our research and due diligence as well as registration phase. Haiti’s infrastructures and agencies are nowhere near the efficiency of those in the U.S. where one can call, go online or walk in to request certain information. That was the main issue, especially starting our initial studies from the U.S. The second obstacle once our concept was in place was separating ourselves from newly formed companies trying to copy our vision but are not able to execute it properly. We’ve been successful in partnering with the right people to deliver the high level of standards and quality that is signature to our brand Perle Hospitality.

Now the way Haiti was perceived from the 1940s up to the mid-1980s has changed considerably in the minds of potential tourists. What initiatives and strategies do you have in place to reverse that perception?
STEPHENSON: Our goal is to promote the other side of Haiti that has been overshadowed by negative media. Our initiatives promote travelers on business or leisure to visit Haiti more frequently and accessibly by facilitating modern and comfortable accommodations in desirable guest homes throughout the country. We offer each guest the opportunity to experience Haiti with the highest level of quality, service, amenities and excellence. To illustrate, from the moment you arrive in Haiti, Perle Hospitality is there throughout your stay to pick you up from the airport, take you to your living quarters where you’re greeted by our professional, courteous, uniformed staff to care for all of your essential needs. We provide all the conveniences of a hotel in the comfort of an island home from free Wi-fi Internet, housekeeping, personal chef services, security, transportation, and concierge service that can assist our clients with their travel needs. We make it easier and possible for travelers to have access to their point of interest and travel from one destination to the next seamlessly.

Perle Group Hotels Hospitality aims to transform private homes into hotels. Are the homes you’re planning on renovating homes of historical significance?
RIGAUD: Not necessarily. There are areas in Haiti that we are considering and are very interested in for their historical significance, but also their uniquely preserved architecture, way of life and welcoming communities. Renovation of historical properties is something that we will consider should the right partnership and opportunity arise.

How do you plan on making Perle Resorts stand out from other resorts in the Caribbean?
STEPHENSON: Location, location, location. This undisclosed location is the key to Perle Resorts. We’ve found Paradise in places that many people would not think to look. You’ll hear more about our development with Perle Resorts in the future. For now, our focus is on Perle Hospitality, which provides a network of guesthouses throughout Haiti. We’re offering various amenities that are not offered elsewhere. We set our standards high when it comes to offering quality, hospitality, and services. We believe that our model will promote repeat business into the country and boost the economy through job creation in a sustainable manner. We source all of our products in Haiti and pour money back into the economy in support of Haitian manufacturers.

Since the 2010 earthquake, there has been considerable feeling about how too many things, including hotels and amenities were centralized in Port-au-Prince. Does that have, or would you say that has had an effect on your plans for the resorts, the homes, and the group hotels?
RIGAUD: As Haitian-Americans, having lived in Haiti, we experienced and felt the centralization of Haiti first-hand long before the earthquake. Though this project materialized in the 2011 and 2012, we had recognized the need for such venture before that. Following the earthquake and the push for decentralization there is a better understanding of the value of this project. That is why we decided to take this opportunity to be pioneers in creating such a network with Perle Hospitality. Our hope is to enable travel into Haiti to become more frequent and accessible and provide lodging in various places through our network of guesthouses.

Where do you hope to take the company?
STEPHENSON: Our parent company Perle Group will have a number of projects, which includes Perle Hospitality. Clients can book stays at any of our guesthouses located in some of the best places in Haiti. Perle Resorts will be an extension of our high quality hospitality standards in a bigger market that attracts tourism and leisure travelers. Haitian people are known for their hospitality. A visit to Haiti, and one can see how friendly, and hospitable we are as a people. We are bringing a great level of care and attention to the needs of our clients with the launch of Perle Hospitality in an effort to promote frequent travel into Haiti. We’ve already gained considerable interest in our company from people who are looking for better and convenient lodging and amenities in Haiti so this is a very exciting time for us.

Above: The Perle Hospitality Haiti staff members in Haiti.

Like most hair and beauty-based firms, Kreyol Essence started off with a beauty disaster. Yve-Car Momperousse was having her hair done at a salon, when the stylist, using an overheated iron, burned her hair. Momperousse found herself with a hair dilemma and couldn’t help but think back to lwil maskriti, the Palma Christi oil her mother used on her hair when she was a little girl. The Philadelphia resident made the rounds of the natural and Caribbean stores in her area, in search of the product, but turned up empty-handed. She wanted to make the organic product available to herself and other women facing hair who needed it. Creating her own product line seemed to be the solution.

Yve-Car Momperousse and Stephane Jean-Baptiste showcase Kreyol Essence products at an event.

From the outset, Momperousse knew she wanted a name that would embody the essence of Haiti. She and her fiancee Stephane Jean-Baptiste had a pressure-filled debate over whether they should choose a French name, or a Kreyol name. Some individuals advising them, were clamoring for the former, arguing that it would have a more elegant and luxurious image in the minds of potential customers. The entrepreneurial team decided to go with their gut feeling. “As a lover of history,” says Jean-Baptiste, “I’ve always seen the elegance and luxury of the Haitian heritage. While the French roots are part of our culture, it’s certainly not the core of our history.” Thus, the name Kreyol Essence was born. “For me, the term Kreyol Essence is the culmination of the spirit of the Taino people, the will of our African forefathers and the regal tradition of our French imperial vestiges. We wanted to show that not only can pride be conjured up from an authentically Haitian brand, but also a strong sense of sophistication and Caribbean elegance.”

What started off as a one-woman operation, then a two-person operation focusing on hair, has expanded to a skin care line as well and now employs an estimated 400 people in Haiti. It is of utmost importance to Jean-Baptiste and Momperousse that their business help grow Haiti’s economy, and help repair its environment. The Kreyol Essence team in Haiti are heavily involved in a seeding and planting program, raw ingredient cultivation, and overall sustaining women entrepreneurs on the island.

Although Kreyol Essence is based in New York, you have a castor oil farm in Haiti that employs people there.
Kreyol Essence is an agri-business that endeavors to tackle the socioeconomic disparities plaguing Haiti by developing a business model that benefits the country economically and environmentally.  We currently produce the Haitian Black Castor Oil on our own farm in Thiotte, which is in the South Eastern department of the country. We purchase seeds at above market rate from small farm holders in the area and employ local women to clean, hull and extract the oil by hand. Additionally, we have a strategic partnership with the Organization for the Rehabilitation of the Environment (ORE), a grassroots organization established in Haiti in 1985, who hires and manages a network of local women in Camp-Perrin for the production of our Castor Oil. By hiring local women and sourcing castor seeds from small farm holders, we are on track to creating 400 jobs in 3-4 years.

Can you tell us more about your products?
I truly love all of our products because they are practical, luxurious and affordable. Most of our products came from a need that we, as busy professionals, had for personal care maintenance routine. Through Haitian Black Castor Oil, I feel as though we are letting the world in on our little secret of Haitian vitality and hair growth. As you know, it is an amazing curative and therapeutic solution for a variety of hair and skin ailments. Developing products anchored by Haitian Black Castor Oil was an amazing journey of discovery as we learned all the different medicinal uses.

When Yve-Car proposed the creation of the Palma Shea line, I thought it was genius! Our Palma Shea: Organic Hair and Body Butter is the perfect union of Haitian Black Castor Oil, West African Shea Butter and essential oils. The inspiration for this product line is based in the idea that you don’t have to shuffle between multiple products when getting ready in the morning. This organic blend is perfect for the entire family because the combined power of the two ingredients rejuvenates and rehydrates hair and skin. We also have a Pomad Kreyòl, Goat and Coconut Krèm ak Lèt and Savon Kreyòl.

Above: Entrepreneur Yves-Car Momperousse, the Founder of Kreyol Essence, flashes a smile as brilliant as the castor oil that her company is founded on! Photo: Nouveau Concepts LLC ]

What aspects of your background was especially useful in starting Kreyol Essence?
I’ve called upon a myriad of experiences to help me launch new creative ideas, plan and coordinate shipping logistics, and provide need based analysis for each step of our growth. We spent this past summer on our Launch Tour, which provided our customers the opportunity to experience our brand through our celebrated Beauty Bar. Having started my professional career as a recruiter and marketing coordinator for the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate School of Education, I’m no stranger to being on the road engaging various communities. The skills that I gained developing marketing strategies for Penn Graduate School to attract and recruit ambitious leaders nationwide is at the foundation of what I do every day. My experience as an Account Executive for Azuna, a media firm based in South Korea gave me an immediate advantage in understanding the often complicated world of supply chain management and the much needed patience when dealing with international shipping logistics. Understanding the passion, culture and uniqueness of the Haitian community came as a direct result of my work as Communication Director for the National Haitian Student Alliance and Community Development Chair for the Haitian Professionals of Philadelphia. Both experiences rekindled my drive to mobilize and bring about systemic change within the Haitian community. I draw on this same drive every day to remember our mission at Kreyol Essence.

From the feedback you’ve gotten from your customers, which of your products are the most popular with them?
We in the Haitian community, complain a lot about us needing to do a better job supporting each other but I can actually say that that I am overwhelmed by the support of Haitians from the U.S., France, Canada, the Caribbean and the Middle East. Our bestseller is, by far, Goat and Coconut Krèm ak Lèt Moisturizer. Customers rave about this rich and creamy remedy that boasts the power of organic goat’s milk and coconut cream that effectively hydrates. The one and only, Pomad Kreyòl is another fan favorite – folks love the unique and exotic Haitian ingredients.

What have you learned along the road of entrepreneurship that you would like to share with others who are contemplating becoming travelers along that same road?
Wow, there have been so many lessons, but if I could narrow it down to my top three it would be: follow your instincts, believe in yourself and just get out there! When I didn’t follow my instincts or believe in myself, I think I’ve made many mistakes and missed out on many opportunities because I “faked” myself out. I have learned to go with my gut. Often, if you take that leap, you will make it through the journey.

What’s the one thing about having your own company that you’ve observed, that no one told you?
No one told me how much of a personal journey and exploration that comes with being an entrepreneur. Furthermore, when you have partners no one really tells you how to pick the right partner and that it is a marriage. Strengths and weakness need to be discovered so you can have good partnerships and vendor relationships. It’s hard work to maintain these relationships. You realize what makes you really happy and discover self. You realize what you are capable of.

Launching Kreyol Essence is a big risk that’s paid off. Where do you think the strength of the company lies?
Our core strength can be found in our founder and CEO. I’m truly inspired by Yve-Car’s keen instincts and the lucid vision that she has for the company. I’m constantly amazed of the precision that she has for understanding the needs and interest of our customers. Because this endeavor is so personal, her shrewd business sense is magnified by her innate compassion for helping others. Her leadership in business and the galvanization of others is truly innovative. Too often she’s in the driver’s seat pushing me creatively and providing a platform for me to explore my crazy ideas. Over the years we have developed a kinetic energy that seemingly wills me the ability to carry out and conceptualize her creative ideas that are sometimes obscure notes. This force was birthed when we first came together to organize the National Haitian Student Conference in Pennsylvania seven years ago. Our shared passion and dreams for Haiti was our relationship matchmaker and continues to be a core that drives and strengthens our company. We wake up early in the morning believing that our shared aspirations and sacrifices is part of that transformational movement that our generation can support in order to resurrect Haiti.

There are people out there with huge ideas, but little faith on what might await them if they take the plunge and start a business of their own. What’s your advice to them?
Having passion and conviction are certainly the catalysts needed to get a business idea off the ground. But what I’ve learned along the way is the importance of proper planning and having a good effective strategy in order to have a sustainable business. Take the time out to do the research – interview friends and family in order to ensure that your idea is meeting a need, a solution or a demand. We live in the information age so a quick Google search will provide you with information needed to learn about market trends and the viability of your idea. It’s also important to slow down in order to speed up, meaning take the time out to develop your system. To often we rush into a business idea without thinking about how it’s going to work; this leads to a fast burn out. Try to setup your business to run effectively even if you aren’t there. It took us about two years of research and development in order for us to bring Kreyol Essence to market. Both Yve-Car and I are perfectionists, so we are always tweaking and making enhancements, but I feel because of we took time out in the beginning we will never stray away from our vision.

Kreyol Essence is a venture of your company Nouveau Concepts LLC. Are you branching out to other arenas as well?
At the core our missions are the same, but the medium for disseminating our values are slightly different. My vision for Nouveau Concepts has always been to be a key storyteller in the development of multi-ethnic narratives, especially that of our Haitian culture. We have lost control of our visual and historical narrative and I’d like to help reclaim that with whatever mass media tools I have access to. Nouveau Concepts, has given me the ability to develop visual communication and marketing strategies for various clients using the creative palette that has been molded by my cultural lens. We are doing the same thing through Kreyòl Essence. Our sourcing of natural and organic ingredients from Haiti and crafting a luxury brand is our way of starting the paradigm shift and rewriting our narrative. The fact that our packaging has been inspired by the vibrant and bold imagery of tap-taps that zip through the lively streets of Port-au-Prince is a testament that we are capable of expounding upon the notions of what we have traditionally considered to be beautiful. Rather than branching out, I consider this an opportunity to develop new marketing strategies to help me visually communicate our multi-cultural perspective with all people.

What’s next for Kreyol Essence as a brand?
I can’t give away all our secrets! As we grow we strive to continue to be a brand that continues to provide unparalleled service and continue to have an intimate relationship with our customers. We are thrilled to know that our community embraces our mission and takes ownership in the type of products we develop. To that avail, we will continue to develop products based on the demand of our customers. The one piece of info I’ll share is that we plan on taking this initiative global! We are obsessed with reinventing old and unique ingredients. Not only do we want to source the great agricultural wonders of Haiti, but we want to bring Haiti to the rest of the world.

[Photos Credit: Nouveau Concepts LLC ]

Get to know the Kreyol Essence products. Visit the company’s website HERE.

Wikimizik ranks as the fastest-growing Haitian music lyrics sites on the web. Started by two friends Darryl Dieudone and Guignard Vilmar, and later joined by a third entrepreneur Sergio Seide, Wikimizik features lyrics transcriptions of hundreds of Haitian konpa songs. Like its mainstream counterpart RapGenius, Wikimizik is slowly but surely hopping and changing lanes in terms of what it has to offer to users. And like other websites like Pogasa (for Korean pop lyrics), and Don Quijote (Latino music lyrics) that feature non-English lyrical sites, Wikimizik finds itself being very much in demand, and highly-trafficked by users in its niche target market.

Previously, the two original co-founders shared their thoughts about Wikimizik. Now it’s Sergio Seide, the third co-founder, who’s in the hot seat. Sergio contends that he’s been fascinated with how things work ever since he was a little boy. This curiosity led him to earn a Bachelor’s Degree in Information Technology. When he’s not taking care of Wikimizik business, he works as a Business Systems Analyst at one of the biggest healthcare systems in Florida.

But now on to Wikimizik business…

Kreyolicious: What made you come aboard as a key player in the organization?
Well, for me it was an easy decision. For a long time, I’ve been looking for an opportunity to build something. I’ve had many great ideas, but never made the final push to bring them to life. Once Guignard and Darryl extended the invitation, it was a no brainer. 

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to teams and partners who are trying to launch?
I think one of the key things is to make sure you do your research. Extensive research is a great way to protect your ideas, time and  money. Also, make sure everything is on paper. Believe in the goals of the company and be committed.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see Wikimizik five years from now?
We’re constantly brainstorming on how to improve and extend the brand. There are so many things in the pipeline. I can’t share them just yet.

Kreyolicious: What’s your favorite song by a Haitian artist…lyrically-speaking?
This is a tough question. I can only list one?

Kreyolicious: Yeah…
My brother is an artist. Would it be biased if it’s one of his songs?

Kreyolicious: Of course not!
My all-time favorite: “Ou se Frè m” [You’re My Bro] by Joel Decat. “Nou pa t sot nan menm ren/ Nou pa t bwè nan menm sen / Nou pa t konn fè menm tyas / Ni pot menm kalbas” [We didn’t come from the same loins/We didn’t get breastfed by the same breasts/We never had the same haircut/Or held out the same cup]. Thank you so much for your time. Not only for this interview, but for what you Kreyolicious is doing for our community.

Meet Mitzi Coaker, the recipe developer and licensed caterer behind MCatering LLC, a Chicago-based food service company. But it’s not just any catering company. Coaker serves up ethnic foods in general, but the Haitian-American entrepreneur’s specialty is, well…Haitian cuisine! Read on to find out how she’s bringing Haitian-American cuisine to Chicago and surrounding areas.

Kreyolicious: How did your passion for cooking begin?
Mitzi Coaker: My passion for cooking begin in Haiti when I tasted a pate. The flavors exploded in my mouth and to this day I’ve been trying to recreate that taste.

Kreyolicious: What made you start your catering business?
Mitzi Coaker: I started my catering business because it gave me the opportunity and luxury to serve great food and not feel pressured to perform every day if I own a restaurant right now. Also as a caterer, my events will be a showcase in itself especially since I’m introducing an unknown cuisine (Haitian) to the Chicagoland area.

Kreyolicious: What’s the best meal you had growing up?
Mitzi Coaker: The best meal I had growing up was sauce poi rouge avec du riz blanc [rice and beans with white bean dip] and of course Haitian chicken and sauce.

Kreyolicious: Any ideas on how great cooks can take their cooking to the next level?
Mitzi Coaker: Never stop learning. Do your research on your cuisine. Watch great chefs learn from their techniques. Take advice you don’t know it all. Do a survey on your market audience.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay on top of your game?
Mitzi Coaker: Keep your business relevant. Broaden your horizons. Try a new venue. Reach a new market. Best of all practice on making your dishes the best it can be.

Kreyolicious: What’s the Haitian-American community like in Chicago?
Mitzi Coaker: The Haitian-American community is pretty segregated. It’s mostly on the east side of Chicago and far north almost Evanston. Nothing in the Metropolitan Chicago Area, that’s where my passion is.

Kreyolicious: Some people are probably thinking…a Haitian dude Jean-Baptiste du Sable founded Chicago and all. That city should be receptive to a little Haitian food. What are your thoughts?
Mitzi Coaker: Most people have not had Haitian food. They compare it to Jamaican food, don’t like that. We don’t even have a Haitian restaurant in Chicago. The only one is in Evanston.

Kreyolicious: In your food adventures in Chicago, what do you note about other people of African descent….are they embracing Haitian cuisine…what do they think of the dishes…
Mitzi Coaker: I’m known for my rice, so my immediate circle is aware of it. On a larger scale, choices are so many that it would take much capital to be on the map.

Kreyolicious: What challenges do you come across with your clientele?
Mitzi Coaker: Challenges with my clienteles. Consistency…Money.

Kreyolicious: Do you go to Haiti often?
Mitzi Coaker: I’ve been to Haiti seven times in six years with my church on missions trip. I’ve been inspired each time to showcase Haitian cuisine to the Chicagoland area. I would bring spices, bread, essence and coffee. I would share them with my friends and families. Unfortunately the best thing Haiti has that I can’t bring are the mangoes. Last time I was there I bought three of the pots that you would see the ladies cooking on the streets.

Kreyolicious: Looking back at your career and business…who gave you the best advice ever?
Mitzi Coaker: The best advice that I’ve gotten was from my mom. She said she used to cook for free. but I’m cooking and getting paid for it. I see it as each generation is breaking a barrier. Also clean up as you cook.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for you?
Mitzi Coaker: What’s next for me? In five years I plan on having at least one paid employee and a small i

CLICK HERE to visit the M Catering LLC website and to learn more about Haitian American cuisine fusion!