Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Marie-France Merisier. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Marie-France, appreciate you joining us today. Risk taking is something we’re really interested in and we’d love to hear the story of a risk you’ve taken.

I took a risk this year by stepping into a new creative territory and incorporating fabric into my handcrafted jewelry designs. It was something I had never done before, but it felt like a natural extension of who I am and where I come from.

My late grandmother was an extraordinary seamstress — the kind who could turn a simple piece of fabric into something breathtaking. I grew up watching her hands move with such intention and grace, shaping patterns, textures, and colors in ways that felt almost magical. She treated every material with care and integrity, and that shaped my own appreciation for the art of making.

Bringing fabric into my jewelry felt like a way of honoring her. I began sourcing fabrics with story, patterns with character, and textures that could complement the metalwork I’m known for. It was unfamiliar and challenging, but also exciting — a new chapter for my creative voice.

When I launched the first collection featuring these fabric-infused pieces, the response from customers was overwhelmingly positive. Seeing people connect with something so personal and experimental was incredibly validating. It reminded me that taking risks isn’t just about changing your craft — sometimes, it’s about coming home to it in a deeper way.

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.

My name is Marie-France Mérisier, Creative Designer and Founder of KADOKÉLÉ — an exclusive, flamboyant lifestyle brand offering handcrafted jewelry and apparel. To know me is to step into my world of vibrant color, where each collection emerges from a fusion of vivid hues, bold textures, and boundless artistic passion. Every piece I create tells a story — one that celebrates individuality, creativity, and the beauty of self-expression.

KADOKÉLÉ is deeply influenced by the richness and natural beauty of the Caribbean. My fond childhood memories in Haiti, especially the moments spent with my late uncle, the painter Joseph-Ernst Descadres, shaped my artistic lens. Watching him translate emotion into color taught me how art can live inside a single piece — and that same spirit flows through every design I create.

What sets KADOKÉLÉ apart is the intention behind each piece. Every creation is a love letter to the women who live boldly in their color, texture, and truth — the women I affectionately call the KADOKÉLÉ Women. The KADOKÉLÉ Women is a vibrant community defined not just by style, but by spirit. Their guiding mantra, Live Artfully, encourages them to embrace their individuality, stand tall in their uniqueness, and lead a purposeful, self-defined life.

Whether jewelry or apparel, my mission remains the same: to craft art that makes women feel seen, celebrated, and confident. I am most proud that KADOKÉLÉ has become a brand rooted in meaning — not just adornment — empowering women to elevate their presence through pieces that tell their own story.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I come from a culture that teaches you to be humble — to keep your achievements quiet and to avoid calling attention to yourself. While that mindset is rooted in grace and respect, I quickly learned that it doesn’t translate well in business. In the early stages of KADOKÉLÉ , I struggled with the idea of centering myself as the face of the brand. It felt uncomfortable to speak about my accomplishments or to position my work boldly, even though I had poured my heart and my craft into it.

I had to unlearn the belief that humility means shrinking yourself. It doesn’t. I realized that as a business owner, especially within a creative field, you must be willing to stand in your light. You have to speak confidently about your work, share your wins, showcase your process, and advocate for yourself before anyone else can. That was a major shift for me.

Learning to proudly own my achievements didn’t make me any less humble — it made me a stronger leader. I now understand that you must be your first champion. No one can tell your story better than you. And that is a lesson I carry with intention every day.

What do you think helped you build your reputation within your market?

I built my reputation by remaining consistent and true to my brand identity. I don’t rush trends or chase what’s popular — I create from a place of culture, intention, and purpose. Every KADOKÉLÉ piece is handcrafted with the same guiding philosophy: to remind women to live unapologetically and purposefully, to Live Artfully.

My designs are rooted in where I come from and shaped by the stories, colors, and traditions that raised me. I think people feel that sincerity. They recognize that each piece is more than jewelry — it’s a cultural imprint, a moment of meaning crafted with care. Staying committed to that truth, with humility and consistency, is what has helped build my reputation in the market.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.kadokele.com/home
• Instagram: @kadokele
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kadokele

Image Credits

Chellypicphotography