PARADISE BY DESIGN
A CHAT WITH NEGRIL BASED DESIGNER SOPHIE EYSSAUTIER
Ever thought about taking a time-out from your everyday life, discarding your fears and embracing your cares to embark on your quest for your perfect little piece of paradise? Could you courageously leave behind the familiar in order to fulfill the desire to experience something a little different than maybe the sometimes spiritually cloistering routine of a 9 to 5? Perhaps you would find the ideal tropical location to finally open that little boutique where you would design chic socially and environmentally conscious items. It would the perfect island inspired retreat slash boutique where you would be able to create with the beach at your doorstep and breathtaking Caribbean vistas just beyond your windows.
That's exactly what French designer, Sophie Eyssautier, did when she had an epiphany and decided to leave a position as a successful designer for Christian Dior, and relocate from fabulous Cannes, France, to exotic Negril, Jamaica. After making the bold 'new millennium, new life,' move in 2000, Sophie began working with a local company before deciding to go into business for herself by openingCallaloo Butik in 2003. She became committed to the idea of designing and producing items that could be proudly stamped with a that "Made In Jamaica" label.
A few years ago the intrepid entrepreneur relocated her popular boutique to idyllic Treasure Beach, Jamaica, where she employs local artisans and crafts people. Fabrics of only the highest quality, is used to produce her much sought after line of unique children's and women's wear, among other items.
We recently caught up with Sophie where she agreed to take some time out of her busy schedule to grant us a quick 5 minute interview. Here's what she said:
