Port-au-Prince, EFE.
Haiti produces high quality and varied handicrafts that find no market within its borders, but whose passionate ‘ambassador’ is Magalie Dresse, businesswoman and paper mache artist who is determined to promote the sector and discover the wonders of the country for the rest of the world. the world world.
After 15 years of leading Caribbean Craft, an export company that directly employs 125 people and works with various local suppliers, considers it “an obligation” to put its experience at the service of the country’s craft producers by creating a platform from which approximately 3,000 makers can benefit.
A ‘HUB’ FOR CRAFTSMANS
A woman with “ many passions ” who radiates positive energy, Dresse explained in an interview with Efe that she is currently presenting a hub business plan to international organizations, an initiative that involves an investment of seven million dollars and that six or seven companies including yours, the largest in this segment of the country.
The hub strives to be a sustainable entity, “we can’t always expect help from the world”, every company must invest in the future of the project, so that in 10 or 20 years, the members will be the owners and managers of this platform.
The aim is to promote the growth of the sector and maximize the opportunities for artists by giving them access to a workspace, an exhibition space, supplies and the parallel services they need in one place, whether administrative, commercial or otherwise. , etc.
Magalie confirms that “Haiti is a country that no one knows” except for the worst of circumstances. “But there are wonders to discover, such as the craftsmanship, and I fight that this heritage is not lost because artisans have no market” for their works, whether in metal, clay, paint or, like yours, in papier mache.
THE INSPIRATION COMES FROM THE FAILURE
This bet stems from the belief that exports are essential to a product that is “a luxury” to the majority of the population of Haiti, America’s poorest country, and, curiously, the spark was created by accident.
While in New York to present a collection, the artist received a phone call at sunrise announcing the disaster, the factory had burned down.
After receiving the news of the fire, “I said to myself, I’m going to do something more important than manufacturing and exporting. I need to play a more important role” that benefits “everyone.” “That night of September 27, I remember thinking: Magalie, your future is going to be something more important to the sector.”
And from the belief that the vicissitudes are “a journey to empower a person”, an initiative has emerged that aims to be an example of sustainable development for other sectors, such as agriculture.
EXPERIENCE AND REPUTATION
If anyone can lead the industry to success and decorate the world with Haitian crafts, it’s this business woman.
Woman with “many passions”, As she describes herself, she has tremendous strength and a career that has led her to form relationships with personalities from very different backgrounds, such as Bill Clinton, Oprah Winfrey or Donna Karan.
Magalie says she has earned her reputation for being “a woman who speaks freely”, and makes no denial that she initially struggled to position herself in the US market, which is today her main niche, although Europe begins to discover their collections.
When he began attending international craft fairs in 2006, potential clients expressed mistrust of a Haitian company, encountered constant doubts about its origins, until, after four years of struggling, he was awarded a good contract and the success he is now want to share.
THE POLITICAL SITUATION
Dresse’s positive attitude in the most adverse situations is also reflected in the political crisis in Haiti.
Recently, there was a coup attempt, as condemned by President Jovenel Moise, who keeps a pulse with the judiciary, and the often violent protests to get him out of government continue.
His dedication has earned him the respect of his customers, who do not question his word when fulfilling orders, no matter how cramped the circumstances.
However, he never talks about politics with his friends in the international marketplace “because it could cause too much damage” to the country, as the designer buyer world is “very small” and the door to Haiti could remain closed for years.
“My job gives me the opportunity to be an ambassador for my country,” she says, understanding that the best she can do is to serve Haiti in a situation she believes is ‘predictable’ and that Haitians should understand. that the future of the nation is in your own hands. EFE