We had the good fortune of connecting with Bijoux Augustin-Abellard and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Bijoux, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

As someone from Haiti, I’ve witnessed the pandemic’s impact leading to the loss of many influential Haitian women. Their significant contributions were often only recognized posthumously. This made me wonder why we didn’t acknowledge these women’s efforts sooner. So, I was inspired to create a platform where these women can be acknowledged for their achievements and celebrated before it’s too late.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.

The Fanm Potomitan non-profit, founded in 2020, is committed to honoring the exceptional but often unrecognized women in our community. Our focus is on those making significant contributions but who don’t always get the recognition they deserve. Our goal is to ensure these women receive their due appreciation, their “roses,” during their lifetimes.

We provide a supportive network to spotlight and empower these women, be they entrepreneurs, philanthropists,  educators, or leaders in various fields. By celebrating their achievements, we aim to inspire future generations and foster a community-wide culture of recognition and empowerment. Fanm Potomitan is more than an organization; it’s a movement dedicated to amplifying the voices and visibility of extraordinary women in our society.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Atlanta, a lively and dynamic city, offers several must-visit destinations for any traveler. At the top of the list is the High Museum of Art, famous for its wide-ranging collection that covers centuries of artistic excellence. Equally compelling is the Atlanta Botanical Garden, a lush haven in the city center, where visitors can enjoy beautiful plant arrangements and peaceful scenery. Ponce City Market is another highlight, a vibrant center combining shopping, dining, and entertainment within a historic, tastefully renovated building. These attractions not only represent Atlanta’s cultural and aesthetic richness but are also integral to experiencing the city’s spirit. Their distinctive features bring to life the artistic, natural, and gastronomic aspects of Atlanta, ensuring a memorable and enriching visit.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?

Cathia Pierre and Lande Augustin immediately embraced the idea when it was presented to them. They expressed not only their agreement but also their excitement about participating, showing their readiness to support the initiative from the very beginning. Their quick and enthusiastic response reflected their deep commitment and desire to make a meaningful contribution. Additionally, a shoutout to all the women who defy limits on their capabilities: we are resilient individually, and collectively, our strength is even greater.

Lastly, I want to impart a message to anyone reading this: don’t rely solely on support from those around you. If you have an idea, write it down and take action. Don’t let constraints like time and money deter you. When you’re engaged in something you love and find joy and peace in, these obstacles become insignificant.

We are always eager and open to collaborations and welcome others to join us in our mission. Anyone interested in lending a hand is encouraged to get in touch with us via email.

Website: Www.fanmpotomitan.com

Instagram: Fanm_potomitan

Linkedin: Fanm potomitam

Facebook: Fanm potomitan

Youtube: Fanm potomitam

Image Credits
Bijoux Abellard Bees.focal

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutAtlanta is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.