Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Daphne Bourgoin . We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Daphne, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Naming anything – including a business – is so hard. Right? What’s the story behind how you came up with the name of your brand?
During our childhood, my now-husband affectionately called me Tisaksuk. Our homes were practically next door, and our mothers were close friends. When my husband was born, my mother suggested the name Vladimir. We shared countless summer days playing on my rooftop and celebrating Christmas together. Vladimir grew close to my brother and became like a brother to me as well. He surprised me one day by confessing his love when I was just 12 years old. Although we didn’t start dating until much later, I kept the nickname Tisaksuk. It became a part of my identity, even influencing my social media handles and business name. “Tisaksuk” which means little bag of sugar, represents the sweetness of homegrown products, reflected in my business’s tagline: “sikre kè w ak pwodui lakay” – make yourself happy with products from home.
Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.
I’m Daphné Valmond Bourgoin, the founder of Tisaksuk. Raised in Carrefour, Haiti, I left briefly but felt a strong pull to return home and invest in my community. In 2013, I launched Tisaksuk as a store to showcase and market products made in Haiti. Our goal is to modernize the consumption of Haitian-made goods, both locally and internationally. With physical stores in Port-au-Prince and Tampa, FL, Tisaksuk has gained a reputation for innovation and quality. The need for job opportunities, especially for those who had never earned a salary before, I established Atelier Tisaksuk in 2015. Based in the heart of Carrefour, Atelier Tisaksuk serves as both a production facility and a training ground, empowering individuals with skills for sustainable employment. We prioritize women, understanding their pivotal role in Haitian households. Despite challenges, including temporary relocation due to security and safety concerns, our commitment to community development remains steadfast. Atelier Tisaksuk not only provides jobs but also uplifts families and strengthens our community. What sets us apart is our dedication to social-economic development, our focus on women’s empowerment, civic education and our passion for preserving Haiti’s cultural heritage. Through our work, we strive to create a brighter future for Haiti, one artisan at a time.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
One particular moment that showcases our resilience occurred when both Tisaksuk the store and Atelier Tisaksuk, our workshop, had to temporarily relocate due to safety concerns in their respective areas. These relocations posed significant logistical challenges and disrupted our operations, we lost employees and clients. However, instead of being deterred, we saw it as an opportunity to adapt and overcome. Despite the adversity, our team remained determined to continue our mission of empowering individuals through skills training and job creation. We worked tirelessly to set up a temporary workspace, ensuring minimal disruption to our production schedule. Despite the uncertainty and challenges, our commitment to our community never wavered. Throughout this experience, we learned the true meaning of resilience – the ability to persevere in the face of adversity and emerge stronger on the other side. Recently, Tisaksuk celebrated it’s 10-year anniversary, marking a significant milestone in our journey. This achievement is a testament to our resilience and dedication to our mission of empowering individuals and communities in Haiti.
Moving forward, we’re more determined than ever to build on the foundation we’ve laid and continue our mission of fostering economic empowerment, social change through civic education in Haiti. With the support of our community, we’re confident that the next 10 years will be even more impactful and transformative.
What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?
Commitment to Quality: We prioritize quality in everything we do, from the materials we use to the craftsmanship of our products. This commitment to excellence has earned us the trust and loyalty of our customers,
Social Impact: Our focus on social-economic development, civic education and women’s empowerment sets us apart in the market. By providing job opportunities and skills training, we’re not just selling products – we’re making a positive impact in our community. This mission-driven approach resonates with customers who want to support ethical and socially responsible businesses.
Innovation: We’re constantly innovating and adapting to meet the evolving trends and needs of our customers. Whether it’s introducing new product lines, showing Haitians and others how to ABIYE LOKAL, expanding our reach through online sales channels, or embracing sustainable practices, we’re always looking for ways to stay ahead of the curve and differentiate ourselves in the market.
Authentic Storytelling: We believe in the power of storytelling to connect with our audience on a deeper level. By sharing the stories behind our products and our impact on the community, we’re able to forge meaningful connections with customers who share our values and beliefs.
Strong Brand Identity: Our brand identity is built on authenticity, transparency, and a deep connection to Haiti’s rich cultural heritage. This consistent brand message resonates with our target audience and helps us stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.tisaksuk.com
- Instagram: tisaksuk
- Facebook: tisaksuk
- Linkedin: tisaksuk
- Twitter: tisaksuk
- Youtube: tisaksuk
- Yelp: tisaksuk
- Other: tiktok: tisaksuk