By: Santiago Romero
Sales rebounded on last Mother’s Day in downtown Santiago de Cuba, thanks to the government green light that gave way to all informal work, namely, self-employed individuals, MSMEs and entrepreneurs, the latter with the unquestionable lead of women from Santiago de Cuba.
Thus, they appear in social networks and other platforms, sales proposals from the renovating stamp of each local entrepreneur.
The handicraft market is already dominated by the local brands: RegalosMías, MorfoArt, Girasoles de Vincent, El Rincón de Paz, Bellíssima, Gallo Negro y su Café con Cuba, Montaraz, Suite Solution, AccesoriosCuquies, Wonder, Collage, Art Ria and Cherry Bomb, among a dozen others.
Little by little, our channel makes known each of our entrepreneurs, sometimes it is a single creator, but in others, it is a team of craftswomen, which include men who -in lesser percent- decide to accompany this economic form, so far very commendable and accepted in the Santiago market.
For example, RegalosMías and MorfoArt are two brands from the same family in Santiago, the Romero Coronel family, designing personalized bags, ribbons for children and young people, vases, decorative roses, ornaments for birthday cakes, earrings, aprons, napkins, pot holders, toothpick holders and miniatures.
Rincón de Paz (Peace Corner) specializes in the presentation and sales of ornamental plants, especially cactus and succulent plants and insecticides. Madia focuses on costume jewelry and gift decorations. AccesoriosCuquis promotes bracelets, necklaces and earrings, among other details. In the case of Montaraz, it prioritizes costume embroidery, plants, candles, wood crafts and recycling. Another action is undertaken by El Ranchito de los Ponis with ornamental plants very carefully preserved in original pots, in addition to advice on environmental protection.
In a short time, they formed their WhatsApp group, their walls on social networks, mainly Facebook and Instagram; they also managed their QRL card for online payment or by digital transfer and the printing of the advertising stamp with the brand of their personal undertaking.
Most come to assimilate the need for unity, exchange, respect and workshops, even their folding stands for sale anywhere, carry the permission of the city curator’s office and the government itself and do not miss any trade fair, occasion or possibility of any market, of course, it does not mean that everything is positive, because there are a few cases that exaggerate, complain a lot and do not understand the value of daily effort and promotion, friendship and defense of a corporate identity constantly renewed.
This movement full of colors is commendable for their thirst for the best entrepreneurship, and that well deserves the support of the local government and alliances with institutions, agencies and private or state companies.
