CAP-HAÏTIEN — Stechelie Samedi, a talented jeweler, is using her craft to not only preserve Haiti’s rich culture but also inspire hope for a brighter future. Through her jewelry studio, Atelier Scheilt Création, founded in 2015, Samedi combines local materials like seashells, papier-mâché, and crocheted threads to create unique pieces that reflect Haiti’s heritage and traditions.
The highlight of her recent achievements came on December 22, when she hosted a grand opening exhibition in Cap-Haïtien. The event celebrated the beauty and history of Haiti through Samedi’s handcrafted jewelry, including earrings with “Vèvè” designs, a nod to the country’s Vodou culture, and intricate necklaces and bracelets.
For Samedi, crafting jewelry is much more than a passion—it’s a way to keep Haiti’s history alive. She hopes that each piece will not only showcase her creativity but also inspire others to reconnect with their cultural roots and raise awareness about environmental protection.
“The country cannot fall,” Samedi says with conviction, her voice filled with determination. “I tell myself that I must hold on and keep producing, even if it’s not profitable. But people love it.”
Using materials like wood, plastic, and seashells, Samedi transforms everyday objects into stunning works of art. Her creations can take anywhere from a day to a month to complete, depending on the materials available and her inspiration. While she occasionally works with younger women and girls as apprentices, Samedi mostly crafts the jewelry herself.
A distinctive feature of her jewelry is the use of Vèvè symbols, sacred drawings used in Vodou to represent spiritual forces. Often depicted in colors like purple, red, and blue, these symbols are a powerful reminder of Haiti’s deep connection to its African roots.
Jewelry-making has always been a dream for Samedi, who started teaching herself the craft as a child. Her passion grew stronger when she enrolled in the Faculty of Ethnology at the State University of Haiti in 2015, where her hobby quickly turned into a successful venture. Fellow students admired her work, and soon, they were asking to buy her creations.
“Since I was little, I’ve loved creating jewelry and wearing it,” Samedi recalls. “Creating my first products for sale was truly an act of love.”
Her satisfaction came from seeing others enjoy her work. “The pleasure was seeing the students wear them and hearing that their loved ones appreciated my creativity. There was a deep sense of satisfaction in that, which was very rewarding for me,” she says.
Samedi, the eldest of seven sisters, has always felt a responsibility to be a role model. She moved to Port-au-Prince after leaving her hometown of Jacmel, where she pursued studies in anthropology and sociology, and later in nursing, specializing in community health.
Like many artisans and entrepreneurs, Samedi has faced the challenges of growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince. About eight months ago, she returned to her hometown to escape the situation in the capital, spending two months in Cap-Haïtien before hosting her exhibition. With six previous exhibitions held in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, it felt like a natural step to present her work in the country’s second-largest city.
“When moments demand a pause, you must take it to recharge, but never give up,” she says. “We know that people don’t really have money. No one will have just 1,000 gourdes and choose to buy a pair of earrings. Insecurity has affected us greatly, but we have hope and believe in a better tomorrow.”
Emmanuella Brumère, a close friend, praises Samedi’s work as a symbol of resilience and hope in Haiti. “Samedi is a source of motivation. Continuing to move forward requires a lot of trust and love,” Brumère says. “I am always amazed by the simplicity of her work, and when I wear a piece of jewelry from Scheilt, I feel filled with so much energy.”
For Samedi, who also works as a nurse in community health, it’s important to never miss an opportunity to show her determination. “I hope there will be an improvement in the situation soon in the country, where life can resume and people will continue to buy our products,” she says.
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