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

Hi Daphnee, have there been any changes in how you think about work-life balance?

Balance is an important fact in life. And at each stage in life, some aspect occupies more space than others. In my twenties, with no kids and husband, the priority was my artistic career and i have traveled a lot. ( my traveling experiences)

After an event, i used to stay 2 or 3 more days to visit and get connected with the citizens ( of the host country). My social and professional life was really important.

Now,  to attend an event, i double check 10 times, if it is really worthy. I have to make a full planning for my two little boys before traveling.  And i have to assume, even i really grateful to be disconnected for a while with my routine, i do miss a lot my home and family.

Balance starts with a clear and honest evaluation of your actual needs and priorities. Back in my twenties, the most well paid full time job would be my first choice. And now flexibility is my first requirement. When my kids will be more independent, my business well established, i would have another perspective as needs and priorities.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?

I am jewelry designer for more than 15 years. I don’t like uniformity, neither uniforms. I think each person is unique and it is important we can wear it everyday. I use natural materials like bullhorn, wood and bones to realize my statement pieces of art. I am not the first person who are using those materials in Haiti or worldwide, but i have made a large contribution to this art in Haiti,  with the type of designs realized.

Innovation in the designs and abstract shapes are my biggest strengths. I am also really proud to have be the first jewelry designer showing up by herself a whole collection with a whole concept behind. I am proud to have really promote the digital side of the business. I am proud of a lot of aspects of my job like the sustainability side, supporting a vulnerable community. But the biggest one is because of my brand i have been able to change the narrative about Haiti and show a more positive side of my country.

Achieving this level has not been easy. I have been really criticized when i started doing big and statement pieces. Others designers use to tell me, that my pieces are too big and that nobody will buy them. But i always know that there is an home for each piece of jewelry. I heard their negative comments  ( looolll) and produce also more simple pieces but keep as Signature pieces, my biggest ones.

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

If you come in Haiti and don’t discover the food and the beach, you are seriously missing something. For a full week, i will make sure my friend tried fancy and casual restaurants. The streets “fritay” is a must one and i would bring my friend to Fort Jacques to taste it. I will also make a stop  to Wahoo for a beach day and the delicious seafood.

Haiti has the best rhum, Rhum Barbancourt and it is too delicious to have not tried some drinks made with this alcohol. So Kay Chef will be also a stop to taste some good tapas and enjoying unique Signature cocktails.

For a lounge ambiance and to move a bit,  Asu is the next spot. As an art lover, i would make sure, a visit is paid  to Maison Nader, Galerie Dufort. Haitian painting has always been a reference. Even in the street, you can find beautiful paintings influenced by different cultural trends. Some crafts shop like Kay Atizan and Lakou Lakay should be visited also.

If we have enough time, to leave Port-au-Prince, i will make sure, we go to Bassin Zim, a natural water site.

And on sunday, we brunch, so yes a brunch at El Rancho.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

My friends who have already been there for me in the beginning of Bijou Lakay story. They were always available to model my pieces, ( Hello to Christine, Sherley, Louise Wendy, Myrline, Sister M, Valery,), more than 30 ladies have been Bijou Laky face for the past 13 years. They have recommended my brand in their personal network. For my last collection, a special thank to Academie de Danse Pascale Durosier and the ladies from the Academy. They help me to concretize the concept. And to finish my parents and my family have really supported. Specifically, my husband has deeply participated in the elaboration of my last collection by executing it digitally.  This choice has reduced a lot the number of samples, we have to do before launching a new collection.

There are also different institutions, like Caribbean Export, that have always pushed our line, Bijou Lakay. This institution plays a major role in the upscale of Bijou Lakay.

Website: www.bijoulakayhaiti.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/bijoulakay

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bijoulakay

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutMiami is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.