VOLUME II / ISSUE VII / JULY 2018
The Storyteller
FRANÇOISE ELIZÉE Josh Jakobitz: This issue is about Women+Power. You recently published a powerful book about Haitian women as the “quintessential potomitan”. Can you please first explain “potomitan”, its significance in your life, and how you went about choosing and classifying whom you featured in “Haiti Rediscovered”? FranÇoise Elizée: “Potomitan” literally means the “center post” that refers to the structure of a tent, or commonly to the matriarch of the family. In our Haitian culture, women are often referred as the “potomitan” of their family. I am blessed to have a “potomitan” in my life: my mother fits the description perfectly. She is not only my best friend, she is my mentor, educator, back-bone and personal cheerleader. For "Haiti Rediscovered," we selected women from different walks of life who had an amazing story to be told. They page 86
are involved in a variety of industries; may it be craftsmanship, home accessories, fashion and even food. As an entrepreneur myself, I understand the need to promote export and job creation. We focused on businesses that are ready to export and be exposed to the international marketplace. Most importantly, they qualified because they produce products that meet international standards and ready for buyers. JJ: How does your book connect with the women you’re meeting on your book tour? What stories from readers are you hearing that resonate with you most strongly? FE: Following the Q-and-A segment of our official release and book signing in Miami in the Design District, during the cocktail celebration, two women were reflecting on the presentation and one said to the other that, “If women can work in Haiti under the most chal-
lenging conditions and still make their business thrive locally, we can certainly pick up and do what we have to do here.” These two women were inspired by the book and the featured subjects. After hearing that, I thought, “There are many positive messages, but if the book can inspire women to reach for their dreams, I have done my part.” JJ: You note in the foreword of "Haiti Rediscovered" that the women in your book share “impeccable aesthetic, talent, technical skill and work ethic”; what other qualities do you personally admire in powerful women? FE: Strong women are resilient. No matter how tough life gets, they pick up and move forward. JJ: What is the biggest sacrifice you’ve made to date that’s paid the biggest dividends? FE: Not many know this, but straight