Kreyòl Essence (KE) was on the move in 2014. The luxury beauty company with a social mission took several innovative and bold steps, forging a path for further success in 2015. The U.S.-based agribusiness announced exciting new partnerships, received accolades for its impact in Haiti, and expanded operations, which created new jobs, and will increase production of its pomades, oils, candles and body soufflés.
“I am very proud of the momentum Kreyòl Essence experienced in 2014 and I look forward to an even better 2015,” said Yve-Car Momperousse, KE CEO and founder. “Our success is a result of the hard work and support of our growing staff and investors.”
Last year, KE began renovations on two new production facilities in Haiti that will formally open in 2015 in order to respond to increasing global customer demand. Additionally, its U.S. headquarters moved from New York City to south Florida, enabling optimal management of operations in Haiti, where its organic raw materials are grown by local farmers. KE’s signature hair, skin, and body products are created using Haitian Black Castor Oil.
Chief Operating Officer Stéphane Jean-Baptiste is encouraged by recent boosts in KE’s wholesale business and points to the significant uptick in holiday sales as an indicator of future positive revenue in the next quarter.
“It is very rewarding to show that a small business can be profitable, even with a keen focus on helping others and making a difference,” he said.
Giving back is at the core of KE’s structure. Profits are put right back into the company to create more jobs in Haiti and the United States and ensure continued growth. Yve-Car and Stéphane are passionate about investing in their homeland, and plan to continue to source from suppliers in Haiti and double the 40 local workers they employed in 2014 this year.
The commitment of this dynamic duo has not gone unnoticed. A few months ago, KE was honored for redefining sustainable business with a Global Now award and profiled by Haiti’s Ministry for Haitians Living Abroad.
A 31-year-old Haitian American entrepreneur, Yve-Car touted, “We are a multinational company growing in two countries, making our mark on the American beauty sector, and bringing value to Haiti’s people and economy.”
To bolster their efforts, KE brought on its newest brand ambassador, Miss Haiti 2014 Carolyn Desert, and was her official sponsor during the Miss World competition in London in December. The successful partnership has helped with local brand awareness and fueled renewed sales traffic in stores in Haiti, where products are continually sold out.
Leveraging new financial and technical support from the Clinton Foundation, KE is poised to hire 300 people in the next few years. Other partners include angel investors, USAID, YUNUS Social Business, the Inter-American Development Bank, and KIVA.
Photos courtesy of about.me and kreyolessence.com.
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