Meet the Artisans

Mondy loves her country. When she was a child, she heard the stories of people struggling in Haiti. As an adult, she sees that people continue to struggle. She hopes the people of Haiti will have access to more opportunities to work in order to support their families.

Mondy came to Prosperity Catalyst through a candle-making training that was offered. Making candles has become a passion of hers. In the future, she would like to see Fanm Limye thrive.

“When the business becomes stronger, we as women will be able to support our families and provide jobs for others. I hope that Prosperity Catalyst continues to be patient with Haiti and with us. I promise to work very hard to make it successful.” –Mondy

Nerlie is glad to have the opportunity to produce candles with the other women of Fanm Limye. She loves working with the women because they never get impatient with her when she doesn’t understand something completely. They give her all the support she needs.

She hopes to become a business owner one day through Fanm Limye.

“When we make candles that are recognized worldwide, Haiti will be lifted up, and we will be proud of Haiti.” –Nerlie

Gislaine is a beekeeper who produces wax used for our beeswax pillars. She has always wanted to learn about bees and nature. She was thrilled to be trained by Prosperity Catalyst in beekeeping. Gislaine’s desire is to use her skills to train younger women in beekeeping so that in the next five years there are more women beekeepers in her community.  Through Prosperity Catalyst, Gislaine has access to modern hives and new equipment, which will help her produce high-quality honey and wax that can be sold in the local and international markets.

“I couldn’t be happier. Being able to work with bees and getting support from the Prosperity Catalyst team has been a dream come true. I think there are many women who can do very well in raising bees; that’s why I’m so happy Prosperity Catalyst is encouraging our groups to give women the opportunity to get involved in beekeeping.” - Gislaine

Marie Michelle is a 32 year old mother living in the mountains of Leogane with her husband, Eliphet, and her two children. Marie Michelle has always been a great supporter of her husband’s sculpture work, which incorporates handcrafting river and mountain stones, many found in the river near their home. Marie Michelle has learned to love working with stones as well, especially when she began training other artisans. In addition to helping Eliphet make different stone products, Marie Michelle has started to play a managing role in running her family’s business. 

“As a woman, the Prosperity Catalyst designer I worked with inspired me to be devoted to what I do, and this is why making river stones is my favorite product to make.”  - Marie Michelle