Meet Laila Durban | General Manager

We had the good fortune of connecting with Laila Durban and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Laila, is your business focused on helping the community? If so, how?
At Beadworx, we embrace the transformative power of art to enrich lives and uplift communities. Since our establishment in 2015, our commitment has been in creating a brighter future for Haitian artisans. These artisans, with their remarkable expertise, intricately fashion unique handmade pieces by bending and wrapping wire frames, adorned with vibrant glass beads. The result is the Beadworx collection which infuses color, brightness, and a touch of magic into any decor but also serves as a testament to the unparalleled artistry and dedication of talented craftspeople, making each piece truly special and one-of-a-kind.

We take immense pride in the difference we’ve made in Haiti, a country marked by challenges from the 2010 earthquake, periodic hurricanes, an unstable government, gang violence, and intricate logistical hurdles. In a nation full of complexities, we’ve navigated with perseverance, strategic growth, and an unwavering commitment to our mission.

Our handmade products symbolize more than just art – they represent an opportunity for sustainable change in our beloved Haiti. We understand that people in Haiti depend on us for their livelihoods, highlighting the vital connection between our business and the well-being of the community.

What should our readers know about your business?
In the 1980’s Haiti had been a manufacturing hub for many American companies, with large volumes of electronic components and cable assemblies for the automotive and telecommunications industries coming from Haiti to the USA. However as with most high-volume manufacturing in the 90’s, the world economy opening to the Chinese workforce saw a massive transfer of manufacturing from the western hemisphere to the Far East. Manutech Assembly Inc had been a burgeoning company in the 80’s, and through the 90’s had found its niche clientele, a number of small to medium sized businesses that the Far East did not serve. We’ve continued to grow in Haiti although most of this type of product manufacturing moved over to China and the Far East in early 90’s, by expanding our product types.

Beadworx was made in China for many years, when we acquired this business in 2014, we chose to teach the bead weaving technique to people in Haiti who were out of work opportunities. This transition has successfully employed nearly 45-50 mostly women, while offering them the flexibility to create these pieces from home. Our small team is proud and loves to learn this art technique which originates from our African brothers and sisters.

Beadworx is not merely a business; it’s a catalyst for positive change. Our story is one of overcoming challenges, fostering talent, and creating opportunities. We invite others to join us in making a difference, supporting our vision one vibrant, handmade bead at a time; because hope is what keeps us all living.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Day 1:

• Rubell collection

• Lunch at Mandolin

• Design District Walk the neighborhood.

Day 2:

Miami Beach Botanical Garden

Lincoln Road.

Jazz and drinks at The Betsy – South Beach

Day 3:

Day at the beach

Dinner at Chef Creole – or Naomi’s Garden

Day 4:

Little Haiti: Church service

Day 5:

Little Havana Cultural walking tour
Dinner at Versalles

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
As a family-owned company, we have been making a positive impact for over 40 years, actively contributing to job creation, and driving educational initiatives in Haiti. Our founder, Lance Durban, is both my father and business partner, he’s been guiding our family operated business as a mentor and leader with a mission for helping Haiti. He has diligently built the team of businesses from the ground up, starting with a single person in manufacturing and transforming it into an enterprise that now employs over 300 individuals in the politically challenged country of Haiti – a remarkable achievement!

The pillar of our manufacturing endeavors is our flagship company, Manutech, which specializes in manufacturing precision magnetic components for the electronic industry. In addition to our organic growth, we have expanded our impact through strategic acquisitions, and Beadworx stands out as a shining example of our continued commitment to making a positive difference in Haiti, while taking into consideration the natural artistic talents of Haitians.

Website: https://beadworx.us

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/beadworxinhaiti/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BeadworxinHaiti

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCr7E5mMQcTW8PonrGMkvw0A