Follow your dreams!
An expression we’re all too familiar with, yet how many of us have even dared to attempt to do so? Following your dreams requires a vision, an unquenching thirst for a particular pursuit and the courage and determination to craft it to whatever you want it to be.
From childhood to my late teenage years, I was fortunate to have been introduced to the operations of our local artisan industry in Dominica by my grand aunt who managed an iconic handicraft store for over forty years. A place where ‘all’ the island’s artisans converged to sell their many handmade items. This comprised of engraved calabashes, straw hats, vetiver floor mats, beautifully woven baskets by the Kalinagos: our indigenous people, decorative boats and fish pots made from Bamboo, artwork made from the Coconut fiber and the Baobab’s flowers, locally made soaps, among many others. The store was always bustling with activity and presenting interesting and new experiences every day.
By the age of nine, I had quickly come to the realization that my life was indeed different from that of my classmates. While they made their way home after school, the handicraft became my ‘after school home’ where I waited on my aunt until the close of business. I soon became fully immersed in the activities and production of handicrafts and before long, I too became proficient in sewing craft items on the Singer machine. I could also easily identify exactly which local artist created or weaved any item based on the style and patterns used. I could tell who the best Vetiver braiders on the island were, which villages produced Roseau and Coconut straws, and the processes involved in their making. I had developed a deep appreciation for the centuries-old traditional methods employed by the Kalinagos to dye the ‘Laouma’ reed in various colours for their baskets and how they had maintained their unique craft techniques over centuries.
I grew to appreciate the intricacies of the artisans’ work; how it showcased Dominica’s natural and human resources, our national pride; the natural and sustainability aspect of their products, where they also cared for their environment, and how their sales contributed to the sustenance of their families and by extension the growth of our economy. The skills and work ethic I witnessed daily became the driving force for my ambitions. I had a front stage view observing how my family, the craft workers, and artisans worked with raw materials; whether it was grass, herbs, oils, natural beads, or natural minerals, to create products that served a purpose and told a story. These experiences, and my respect for nature shaped my understanding of the importance of sustainability, quality, and the human connection behind each product.
It was no surprise that I would soon become an entrepreneur and earn payment for my handmade products which were sold at the handicraft, a gift store, and at my Alma Mater from the age of fourteen. Little did I know that these experiences were creating a sound blueprint for my life and would later serve as the springboard for Éclat Nova Luxuries; the continuation of a sustainable journey, but this time with a tag.
Having had this first-hand experience on the importance of sustainability, I understood what it meant to preserve, conserve and reserve. I had done the necessary groundwork, and it was important to me, that like my personal values, my brand would be founded on a solid ethos which was ethical, sustainable, supportive of local communities, and would earn the right to be called a ‘green business’.
My deep respect for nature, coupled with my business acumen and my entrepreneurial vision, made me realize that the natural skincare industry was where I could blend my passion for sustainability, using skincare to bring value to people’s lives. By then, this dream had taken real estate in my head for over fifteen years when I decided that I was finally ready to take the bold step to initiate the process of making it a reality.
Indeed, a bold step! Intentionally transitioning from a successful corporate career was no easy feat. The eight-hour workday swiftly evolved to fifteen and seventeen hours; drafting a solid business foundation, conducting ingredient research, establishing a team, and the development of effective and sustainable plant-powered product formulations. Yes, I was embarking upon a new chapter of my life; to grow a sustainable brand and to become a successful entrepreneur, and so, in 2019, Éclat Nova Luxuries was confidently established.
By 2022 I had fully transitioned from a successful corporate and finance career of twenty-six years. Through perseverance, a determination to succeed, mindful planning, intentional action, and a passion to create products with natural locally sourced ingredients that support the environment and small-scale farmers in our community, we have grown Éclat Nova Luxuries into a multi-award-winning brand and have optimized regional and international successes. Our accolades include representation as a ‘green business’ in The Caribbean, The United States of America, The United Arab Emirates, Southern Asia, and Western Asia.
Our journey is still ‘young’, we are working on our brand every day, gradually building it into its intended vision and committed to creating luxurious skincare products which are plant-powered, effective, safe for personal use, and kind to the environment.