Letters from our artisans - Boss André shares his experience

We all know how the crisis in Haiti is affecting the population in general. Gang violence, gaz shortage, barely any tourism, people having to flee their homes, kidnappings and more. While these things are all over the news, there are thousands of individual stories that also deserve to be heard. We have taken the time to check-in with our artisan leaders to know how their team is holding on. We will be sharing some of their responses here on this journal to invite you in and give you a better idea of how our teams are doing.

Today we are sharing Boss André’s response on how the situation is affecting him and his team.

How has the current situation in Haiti affected your business? Are people still able to come to work daily? How have you had to change how you do business?

Most of our customers have left the Country, especially foreigners who were our biggest supporters. We do not have much demand. Some craftsmen and I live very far from the workshop. The main road we have to take to get there is under the control of gang leaders so we have to watch when there is a clear road (of course it depends on the bandits) to take advantage of going to the workshop. We are forced to separate into two groups: those who live around my house work in my house and those to whom the workshop is more accessible work in the workshop. In this case I always leave the workshop open in case I can't get there myself

We have almost reached our goal for the amount needed to keep offering shelter to some of our artisans. Every gesture counts in helping us move towards that goal. Thank you! Anpil lanmou pou nou!

THE HAITIAN AMERICAN SERIES : RICHARD CANTAVE

Welcome back to the Haitian American Experience series. With everything currently going on in Haiti, we wanted to create a safe space for authentic conversations and we are conscious that the diaspora cannot be left out. This series has started with the goal of hearing different perspectives about the current situation and how the diaspora could offer sustainable short and long term solutions. We will also of course dive into some more personal topics in order for you to learn more about our features and their unique personalities.

Enjoy!

How have you been Richard? 

Hey guys! I’ve been pretty good thank you—we’ve been incredibly busy hosting many different trips across different continents so it’s been non-stop for us but also been stressed and appalled about the situation in Haiti.

Tell us more about yourself, your interests and the work you do.

My name is Richard Cantave—many people know me as Haitian Nomad, I am an avid traveler who enjoys learning about new cultures, history and unique cultural experiences. I have turned this passion into my life-calling of facilitating these experiences  for others by hosting them in countries around the globe.

When did you move from Haiti to the US?

I moved from Haiti to the US in June 2003 when I came to spend the summer vacation but ended up staying as a result of the deteriorating political situation in Haiti.

How would you describe your passion for Haiti?

I don’t think there are words that can describe my passion for Haiti. Everyday, during my travels, I am reminded how much of a blessing it is to have been born in Haiti. To be Haitian is something to be incredibly proud of …our history, our culture, our food is very unique and it’s something I’m always super excited to share with the world. I’m always super excited to host our Haiti trips as it is one of the very few places where you can experience what I call RAW tourism! There are no “tourist traps” in Haiti, you’re experiencing the authentic culture no matter where you go !

How is the current situation affecting you right now ?

I’m very sad to see what’s going on Haiti right now, even worse to see the mass exodus or the brain drain that’s happening. While I understand the reason people want to leave as I did but if everyone who’s educated and represents some kind of hope for Haiti leaves, what’s next? This is also the longest I have gone without going to Haiti as the situation in Port-au-Prince has deteriorated and spilled over to other places throughout the country. It also pains me to know that so many people benefited from our many different trips to Haiti and now they have to find other ways to make ends meet in an already difficult place. The other thing that always bothered me about the situation in Haiti was the way it broke families apart. When people leave Haiti, they move to different countries, different states and family ties are broken——cousins grow up without each other for example.

“Everyday, during my travels, I am reminded how much of a blessing it is to have been born in Haiti. To be Haitian is something to be incredibly proud of …our history, our culture, our food is very unique and it’s something I’m always super excited to share with the world. ”

— Richard Cantave

From your perspective, how can the Haitian Diaspora contribute to short term and long term change right now ?

The Haitian diaspora needs to be united to make big changes in Haiti—I’m sad to see sometimes Haitians who move to the US but keep the same mentality or the same way of life as they had in Haiti because they never assimilate and therefore can’t really progress. If we had more of a togetherness, more resources available for those who arrive, I believe they’d be able to also help others still in Haiti or even they themselves would take the experiences learned here and implement them in Haiti.

We need to put a stop to the “neg anwo vs neg anba, the colorism , close the social divide in the name of country—kind of like South Africa did under Nelson Mandela. We can’t keep fighting over the same things we’ve been doing over the past 200+ years! 

We must also make sure our children growing up in the us or outside of Haiti never forget who they are, where they come from and that they know and feel at home in Haiti 

How do you do your part ? (It's also ok if right now you don't know yet how you do your part. You can be transparent about that) 

I do my part in many ways: 

1. I identify people/youths In Haiti I see doing positive things but who lack support & I find ways to support them—such was the case when I purchased $5,000 worth of professional equipment recently for a group of talented young Haitians Doing amazing work in their community in the north. 

2. Through our many trips, we find ways to directly hire the people of the communities we visit and give back in meaningful ways like providing support to local schools.

3. Through an organization called Kiva, we provide small loans at 1% to local entrepreneurs who lack funding for their ideas/businesses. The 1% repaid, fuels another entrepreneurs’ dreams.

If you could give a word of encouragement to Haitians grieving for their country right now, what would it be?

“While it’s ok to grieve, the work doesn’t stop and we can’t always “leave it to God” who already gave us everything we need to build. ”

— Richard Cantave

A little Haiti QnA

Favorite spot in Haiti?

Gadras/Paradise Bay beach near Cap Haitien

Favorite Haitian meal?

Diri Djon Djon (Black Rice), Macaroni Gratiné, Griot, Bannan Peze 

Favorite Haitian alcoholic beverage?

I don’t drink but I love me some cremas :) 

Haitian item we will always find in your house? 

Haitian Coffee (Rebo) , Haitian Flag, Pilon, Lwil maskreti, Haitian vanilla essence, Kassav , haitian flag of course. 

3 Haitian businesses you love and support 

Any artisan at Village Nouailles

I recently had the pleasure to eat at a small restaurant in Petion-Ville called “Wikouk” and the food was EXCELLENT ! Hotel Montana is also one of my favorite hotels in Haiti. 

Bonbon lakay in Brooklyn makes all the yummy sweets that remind me of my childhood in Haiti.

LePic pizza in south Florida makes the same — amazing pizza we’ve grown to love like pizza garden. 

A popular Haitian dish you do not like  

Any seafood

Favorite Haitian proverb

Ou pa janm konn kote dlo pase li antre nan kokoye

Haitian song you will never get over?

“Diana” King Posse 

Thank you Richard for taking the time to chat with us! Do not forget to follow The Haitian Nomad and keep up with their amazing trips around the world

THE HAITIAN AMERICAN SERIES : SHELCY

Welcome to the Haitian American Experience series. With everything currently going on in Haiti, we wanted to create a safe space for authentic conversations and we are conscious that the diaspora cannot be left out. This series has started with the goal of hearing different perspectives about the current situation and how the diaspora could offer sustainable short and long term solutions. We will also of course dive into some more personal topics in order for you to learn more about our features and their unique personalities.

Enjoy!

Hi Shelcy! How have you been ? 

I’ve seen better days, but on a personal level, I can’t complain. I’ve been wrestling with the idea of death all year, but the sudden passing of Mikaben last month made that feeling more intense. It sparked all these thoughts about the situation in Haiti (how we continue to suffer as a nation), but I’m holding onto hope.

When did you move from Haiti to the US?

In February 2010 after the earthquake.

Tell us more about yourself your interests and the work you do.

I recently quit my job as a fashion editor at POPSUGAR to focus on my business and my other passions. I love storytelling; my preferred medium is writing. But in addition, I create visual content (photos and videos) with my sister through our multi-media brand NYCXCLOTHES. We partner with brands on sponsored posts, host events for our community, and start important conversations online. We also consult on influencer marketing, social media and content strategy, plus diversity and inclusion. Outside of that, I’m a total fashion and home decor nerd. I’d go vintage shopping with you in a heartbeat. Same for talking your ears off about the business side of fashion or great designers from the past. Hard to summarize what I do, but this is the gist of it.

How would you describe your passion for Haiti?

It’s like the love a child has for their mother, biological or otherwise. It’s inseparable from me. Haiti is in me.

How is the current situation affecting you right now ?

It makes it hard to have hope, but we carry on. I’ve been taking a step back to learn more about the history. I believe a lot of courage can come from that knowledge.

From your perspective, how can the Haitian Diaspora contribute to short term and long term change right now ?

I’m still trying to figure this out. Keeping up with the news. Checking on people who are on the ground. Learning the history. Promoting Haitian art and artists in all its forms. These are small but important steps.

How do you do your part ? (It's also ok if right now you don't know yet how yo do your part. You can be transparent about that) 

Earlier this summer, I helped someone purchase a generator and coordinate the delivery to a women’s health clinic in the South of Haiti. I was very proud of that because I’m all about contributing to people's lives in real positive ways. Then with my platform, I feel this responsibility to speak out and be a source for learning about the culture and spreading my love of it. But honestly, I’m still learning how to have an impact on a big scale.

If you could give a word of encouragement to Haitians grieving for their country right now, what would it be?

“We’re in this together. Let’s support each other as we figure out the way forward.”

— Shelcy

A LITTLE HAITI QnA

Favorite spot in Haiti?

I haven’t been back in so long, but I’ll never forget 5 Coins. It still is the best fritay I ever had.

Favorite Haitian meal?

Griyo ak bannann peze.

Favorite Haitian alcoholic beverage?

Cremas.

Haitian item we will always find in your house? 

A painting or a framed bible verse.

3 Haitian businesses you love and support 

Fanm Mòn: https://fanmmon.com/

Vavvoune: https://www.vavvoune.com/

A popular Haitian dish you do not like 

 I’ll have to get back to you on this one.

Favorite Haitian proverb and why?

“Men anpil chay pa lou.” Because it speaks to the urgent need for solidarity among humans.

Haitian song you will never get over?

Pitit fi mwen - Reginald Lubin 

Se ou m’vle - Tabou Combo

Merci - Any Derose

Si’m the gen zèl - Mikaben

Thank you so much Shelcy for taking the time to chat with us! We enjoyed every second of it.

Do not forget to follow Shelcy and Christy on their other platforms and share some love.

Father's Day Feature: Meet Frentz Neptune

Meet Frentz Neptune:

Photographer, Coffee Connoisseur, Entrepreneur, and most importantly- Dad.

My name is Frentz Neptune.  I was born and raised in Haiti.  When I was a little boy my mother moved my siblings and I to the city of Port-au-Prince in search of a better life.  We landed in Cite Soleil for years until my mother saved enough money from selling used clothing to buy a little piece of property in Delmas.  Today I share my time between Haiti and Orlando, Florida.   

Becoming a father is what caused me to purchase my first camera.  I wanted to capture my son’s life in a way that mine was never captured.  I wanted his important moments to be tangible and remembered as he grew up.  Having a family has motivated me to be a provider.  My children are the fuel behind my passion for business and serving others.  I want to be an example for them and show them love in action. 

I went into fatherhood with very little expectations.  I did not have a stable father figure in my life, but I was determined to work on myself and be a rock and provider for my children.  I want them to truly experience what it is like to live in community and help your neighbor.  Hospitality is a beautiful part of my culture.  I also want my children to respect their elders like we are taught to do from a young age.  I want them to know my story and know the strength and beauty my people share.  I speak to my children in Haitian Creole.  I love our language and I want my children to be able to communicate with their family in Haiti.  I also cook a lot of Haitian food, and we have awesome compas dance parties together!  

I opened a direct trade coffee company last year called Avanti Coffee Company.  I have been working with farmers in the southern peninsula growing organic, high elevation coffee.  My extended family members are coffee farmers and by the end of this year we will have planted over 90,000 coffee trees among our farms.  It is a business as mission.  Haiti has a lot of poverty, but I believe economic development can help people out of their problems so we can see a new, prosperous Haiti in the future. I also direct a nonprofit organization called Haiti Foundation Against Poverty.  We focus on education and family empowerment through child sponsorships, job creation through Gift of Hope Haiti, and agriculture development.  I am also a photography/videographer.  I am passionate about telling stories through my lens and showcasing culture and beauty in my country.  

Man, those kids watch everything.  Kids are so curious.  Ha.  My kids are hands on with our work, but most of all I hope they are paying attention to the impact they can make on other people’s lives.  It doesn’t matter where they live or the profession they choose, we all have the power to make a positive impact on people around us.  

Keep up with all of Frentz’s work by following along-

• @frentzneptune

• @avanticoffeeco

• @giftofhopehaiti

• @haitifoundationagainstpoverty 

Click on the images below to learn more and support' Frentz’s work-

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Shop Frentz and his adorable sons’ look here-

Decolonization Series: The Playlist

This week we took a break from our interviews to meditate & groove to some powerful decolonization inspired music. This playlist was curated by and features the insanely talented and powerful Riva Précil. We are honored to share it with you and hope you enjoy it as much as we did! Check out what Riva had to share on what decolonization means to her, and head to the bottom of the post to listen to the Dekolonizasyon playlist featuring all Haitian musicians.

Kenbe la!

-HDC Fam

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Decolonization Series Quick Dive:

• What does “decolonization” mean to you personally?

To me it means going back to our roots, before we were stripped of our identities. Connecting with our ancestors and embracing our beautiful culture wholeheartedly. 

• What are you most proud of when thinking about being Haitian and Haitian culture?

Vodou would be at the top of my list; the songs, the traditional garments, the offerings, the colors, the dances, the rhythms, the vèvès, the altars, the entire fabric of Vodou is so multi-faceted and has been fascinating to me since I was a little girl. Runner ups would be traditional Haitian cuisine, art, music and of course the land itself. 

• If you were speaking to a group of Haitian elementary school students about the importance of staying connected with their roots- what would you most want to share?

In order to know who you are, you must know where you came from. It's so important to learn your history and familiarize yourself with the greats who paved the way for us to be here today. 

• We may have someone reading this who is just beginning their personal journey of decolonization. What encouragement or advice can you give them?

  Question everything and trust your instincts. Be discerning when being fed certain information and find sources you can trust as you're doing so. There is so much mixed information out there, especially in this era, that it is important to check your sources as things can be misconstrued, even 'historical facts'. Trust that the ancestors will guide you in the right direction towards the truth.

• How has music affected your own journey of decolonization?

  Music has been an empowering tool for me, I find strength in singing and performing traditional songs that were passed down through generations. It's also a great way to enlighten and educate others through music which is a universal language.

Listen on Spotify: Created as part of the Decolonization Series for Haiti Design Co.