VOODOO KULTURE
Jeweler Stechelie Samedi hopes to craft a better future for Haiti, one handmade creation at a time
Samedi’s handmade jewelry displays her talent and resilience, and hopes for Haiti
by Juhakenson Blaise
Jan. 01, 2025
The Haitian Times
Stechelie Samedi, CEO of Atelier Scheilt Création. Courtesy photo
Through her business, Atelier Scheilt Création, jeweler Stechelie Samedi strives to show Haiti’s cultural wealth, seeing it as a way to keep the country from falling.
CAP-HAÏTIEN — Seashells, papier-mâché, crocheted threads shaped into necklaces, earrings featuring “Vèvè” designs highlighting “Haitian Vodou” and bracelets define Atelier Scheilt Création. Founded by jeweler Stechelie Samedi in 2015, the jewelry studio reached a new milestone this month with a grand opening exhibit showcasing the richness of Haiti’s culture.
At the Dec. 22 event, Samedi was proud to show attendees the products that take shape in her hands, guided by her imagination. For her, handcrafting jewelry is more than a vocation, but a means to keep Haiti’s history alive through their features and inspire others.
“We know that things are not easy, but we continue to fight, resist and create,” says Samedi, 30, from her new workshop in Haiti’s second city, in an interview via WhatsApp and messages.
“Creating, especially through craftsmanship, is one of the ways to support culture and show that it is essential to protect what belongs to us, while promoting our heritage so that we don’t lose everything,” she said,
Supporters and customers during the Atelier Sheilt Création grand opening on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Courtesy photos
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Supporters and customers during the Atelier Sheilt Création grand opening on Sunday, December 22, 2024, in Cap-Haitien, Haiti. Courtesy photos
With each Scheilt Création collection, Samedi aims to convey not only her creativity and resilience, but hope and conviction that things will eventually improve in Haiti. For her, these works are also a call to the Haitian people to reconnect with their cultural roots, value their natural resources and raise awareness about environmental protection.
“The country cannot fall,” says Samedi, a smile in her voice as she spoke of her work. “I tell myself that I must hold on and keep producing, even if it’s not profitable. But people love it.”
A pair of earrings, adorned with a grey vèvè, representing the “loa Tijan”, drawing on a crafted apricot-yellow plank, from Atelier Scheilt Création. Courtesy photo
With her hands, array of binding materials, paints and blowtorch, Samedi can fashion a piece of wood, a plastic juice bottle, or a small seashell into a refined piece with great beauty and of significant value. One creation can take Samedi a day or even a month to complete, depending on the availability of materials and the creator’s inspiration. At times, the self-described feminist brings on younger women and girls as apprentices to help. But mostly, she designs and crafts the pieces by herself.
One symbolic feature of her works is the use of vèvè, religious symbols used in Vodou to represent each loa, the spiritual forces. Commonly depicted in purple, red, blue and black colors, customers are often reminded of the deep connection to Haitian history, tradition and culture rooted in Africa.
“When inspiration isn’t flowing, a creation can take more time to transform into a piece that is more beautiful and interesting,” says Samedi.
With her hands, array of binding materials, paints and blowtorch, Samedi can fashion a piece of wood, a plastic juice bottle, or a small seashell into a refined piece with great beauty and of significant value. One creation can take Samedi a day or even a month to complete, depending on the availability of materials and the creator’s inspiration. At times, the self-described feminist brings on younger women and girls as apprentices to help. But mostly, she designs and crafts the pieces by herself.
One symbolic feature of her works is the use of vèvè, religious symbols used in Vodou to represent each loa, the spiritual forces. Commonly depicted in purple, red, blue and black colors, customers are often reminded of the deep connection to Haitian history, tradition and culture rooted in Africa.
“When inspiration isn’t flowing, a creation can take more time to transform into a piece that is more beautiful and interesting,” says Samedi.
A pair of earrings made of wood with a yellow vèvè representing the “loa Grann Brigitte” by Atelier Scheilt Création. Courtesy photo
Childhood passion turned into vocation
Samedi’s craftsmanship is a childhood dream turned into a reality over the years. She started out teaching herself the skills and processes, then enrolled in the anthropology-sociology studies program when she entered the Faculty of Ethnology at the State University of Haiti (UEH) in 2015. While there, her jewelry making hobby soon turned into a real demand from fellow students, who praised her work and wanted 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.”
“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,” Samedi says
Childhood passion turned into vocation
Samedi’s craftsmanship is a childhood dream turned into a reality over the years. She started out teaching herself the skills and processes, then enrolled in the anthropology-sociology studies program when she entered the Faculty of Ethnology at the State University of Haiti (UEH) in 2015. While there, her jewelry making hobby soon turned into a real demand from fellow students, who praised her work and wanted 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.”
“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,” Samedi says
.
A pair of earrings from Atelier Scheilt Création, made of crafted plastic in rhombus and triangle shapes, accompanied by pearls. Courtesy photo
Samedi is the eldest of seven girls, and has always kept her head on straight, striving to be a role model for her loved ones and the young women around her.
After leaving her native Jacmel, Samedi grew up in Haiti’s capital, where she chose to study in the anthropo-sociology fields at school. After completing her classical studies in Port-au-Prince, she also pursued higher education as a nurse specializing in community health.
A hope and a resource for many
Over the years, Samedi, like many other artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs, has had to face the growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince. About eight months ago, she returned to her hometown to escape, at least partially, the traumatic situation in the capital. She then spent two months in Cap-Haïtien, where she decided to host the exhibition of Scheilt Création on Dec. 22.
With more than six exhibitions already under her belt in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, the presence in the country’s second largest city seemed a natural step.
“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.”
Samedi is the eldest of seven girls, and has always kept her head on straight, striving to be a role model for her loved ones and the young women around her.
After leaving her native Jacmel, Samedi grew up in Haiti’s capital, where she chose to study in the anthropo-sociology fields at school. After completing her classical studies in Port-au-Prince, she also pursued higher education as a nurse specializing in community health.
A hope and a resource for many
Over the years, Samedi, like many other artisans, artists, and entrepreneurs, has had to face the growing insecurity in Port-au-Prince. About eight months ago, she returned to her hometown to escape, at least partially, the traumatic situation in the capital. She then spent two months in Cap-Haïtien, where she decided to host the exhibition of Scheilt Création on Dec. 22.
With more than six exhibitions already under her belt in Port-au-Prince and Jacmel, the presence in the country’s second largest city seemed a natural step.
“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.”
A women’s necklace from Atelier Scheilt Création, made with pearls from the sea, thread, and plastic beads, is available for purchase by the public. Courtesy photo
Emmanuella Brumère, a friend of Samedi’s, says Scheilt’s work shows there is still life in Haiti. There is still hope and passion among the girls and women striving to develop their talents.
“Samedi is a source of motivation. Continuing to move forward requires a lot of trust and love,” Brumère told The Haitian Times. “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.”
Katiana Altiné, a classmate, has even become an ambassador for Scheilt Création. After meeting at school, Altiné was impressed by Samedi’s courage, strength and love for those around her.
“I think manzè is a model of resistance,” says Altiné, using the Creole term to describe an enterprising woman.
A women’s necklace from Atelier Scheilt Création, made with pearls, thread and wooden beads, is available for purchase. Courtesy photo
“Despite all the challenges, she stands strong for herself and her business. I admire that about her,” Altiné continued. “I hope she continues this way so that more people can discover Scheilt Création and she can showcase her work both nationally and internationally.”
For Samedi, who also works as a nurse specializing in community health, it is crucial to never miss an opportunity to show her will to live and showcase her courage.
“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.
Emmanuella Brumère, a friend of Samedi’s, says Scheilt’s work shows there is still life in Haiti. There is still hope and passion among the girls and women striving to develop their talents.
“Samedi is a source of motivation. Continuing to move forward requires a lot of trust and love,” Brumère told The Haitian Times. “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.”
Katiana Altiné, a classmate, has even become an ambassador for Scheilt Création. After meeting at school, Altiné was impressed by Samedi’s courage, strength and love for those around her.
“I think manzè is a model of resistance,” says Altiné, using the Creole term to describe an enterprising woman.
A women’s necklace from Atelier Scheilt Création, made with pearls, thread and wooden beads, is available for purchase. Courtesy photo“Despite all the challenges, she stands strong for herself and her business. I admire that about her,” Altiné continued. “I hope she continues this way so that more people can discover Scheilt Création and she can showcase her work both nationally and internationally.”
For Samedi, who also works as a nurse specializing in community health, it is crucial to never miss an opportunity to show her will to live and showcase her courage.
“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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