We were lucky to catch up with Daphnee Floreal recently and have shared our conversation below.
Daphnee, appreciate you joining us today. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
Bijou Lakay is celebrating 20 years and this idea starts with my sister and I during an unstable time in Haiti.
It was holiday season and all the parties were canceled because of political issues. Personally I have always been a big fan of non traditional jewelry pieces. Whenever i wear them, people will stop me asking me where to find them. So we decide maybe we should buy and resell them. Based on the success received ,two years after I decided to create my own designs using natural materials like bull horn and wood.
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.
Bijou Lakay is a line that embraces the Caribbean identity. We produce a large variety of handmade jewelry mostly for women, using natural materials like recycled bull
Horn , wood and bones. Our product are unique and we cannot repeat the exact same piece. The bullhorn gives a variety a tone and we just work with it naturally. A community of artisans help us bringing our designs to life and those methods have been taught orally.
Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?
Two years ago I seriously thought about stopping the business as it was impossible to work. Artisans have been forced to leave the workshop. It was impossible to find raw materials in the country sides because of gangs violence. No commercials transports was available from Haiti to the USA. Fighting didn’t make sens.
But I remember I love creating and love supporting my community. I realize I might put the production on pause but not the brand. So I restart and adapt the production differently. The situation is not ideal but we are still there.
How’d you build such a strong reputation within your market?
It takes time and opportunity to build a reputation. I will say customer experience and understand your strengths and areas of challenges. The fact that I had participated in a lot of international event helps but the consistency is a major role. Recognition and awards reinforce the brand credibility.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bijoulakayhaiti.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bijoulakay
- Facebook: www.facebook .com/bijoulakay
Image Credits
Hughes Robert Marsan
Patrick Beausejour
Personal pictures