Welcome to Interview 1 of the series Lavi an koulè, a series dedicated to featuring Haitian creatives, entrepreneurs, artists and more; bringing colors to our lives through their work and personality. In order to celebrate summer and it’s colors all season long, we will keep the conversation flowing around joy, Haitian childhood memories, seasonal fruits and everything in between.
Introducing Daphne Valmond, founder of Tisaksuk…
Daphne is a Haitian born and raised entrepreneur. She is a mom of 2 who turned a hobby into a business, Tisaksuk, who’s mission is to bring sustainable economic and social development to the people of Haiti through apprenticeship at Atelier Tisaksuk, job creation and the promotion of civic engagement.
Tell us more about Tisaksuk? What is the story behind it?
Tisaksuk is a nickname given to me by my now husband. We grew up together and he always called me that. I started this business out of pure love for Haitian arts and crafts. I was always in awe of how talented we are as a people and felt it important to help showcase, promote and sell made in Haiti to help artisans live off of their talents. Tisaksuk is based in Port-au-Prince, Haiti and offers a large variety of products, and promotes the use of made in Haiti locally and abroad. Tisaksuk works with local artisans to design and create wonderful pieces using different mediums, than serves as a link and venue to sell these merchandises
What is your favorite summer memory as a Haitian kid?
Growing up in Haiti, my parents were quite big on taking us to the country side, my fondest memories were of going to the south. Dad worked there in the summer so we spent the entire time between the beach, river and pool in Jacmel. We had lots of fruits and Haitian junk food. Right across from where we lived was a bakery, sur la gallerie. There was this lady making marinade, I can taste them now. We would buy fresh bread, she would put marinade inside of them and pour a sauce over it with pikliz. This memory has stayed with me and my siblings forever it was so good. I can see us walking the streets of Jacmel, alone as kids, we would dress up in the afternoon for a stroll to go buy TI CAROL (Haitian popsicles) or sugar cane. Good times.
Is there a childhood tradition that still makes you smile today?
I remember locals teaching us how to “tire lobe” at the river. It’s a thing they do in the water that makes the coolest sounds, when done well its like they play music in the water
What is your favorite fruit to eat in the summer? Has anything changed now that you are plant-based?
I love eating mango! I am experimenting with so much! I have to say I am enjoying fruit bowls a lot! Very refreshing in the hot summer.
What is one thing in life that keeps you vibrant?
LIFE. I enjoy life’s moments, however small. So I’ m always happy and grateful for every tiny thing. I romanticize almost everything. I like life.
How are you going to live Lavi an koulè this summer? How are you planning to incorporate more moments of joy in your life this season through your business and daily routine?
These are really hard times to do business in Haiti, to live and carry on every day life in Haiti as you know. I am remaining intentional and trying not to complicate what moments of joy are supposed to be. The energy gets to be too heavy here at times, but if we look around and approach things with gratitude the little moments of joy are all that we have left. I will be intentional about time with family, social/fun activities with employees… a way to break the monotony and stay grounded are important.
Make sure to follow their work on Instagram. Do not forget to give them a follow and support by sharing with friends!
Support this Haitian business and use the code “tisaksuk10” for a 10% discount on your purchases at tisaksuk.com
Thank you for reading and don’t forget to share your favorites parts of the series.
Stay tuned for our next guest!