Longueuil : Le rôle du réseau dans la réussite des entreprises noires

The fourth edition of the Entrepreneurs’ Market, organized by the event collective founded by Christine Morigaud, highlights entrepreneurs developing activities in various sectors, from visual arts to digital creation, financial services and consumer products. Beyond presenting their products and services, the initiative seeks to encourage exchanges, partnerships and mutual support within the entrepreneurial community.

Art as a way of expressing emotions

Among the participants, Marie-Lauriane Poulin, also known as Mayel, presents a background that combines graphic design and artistic creation. Originally from Côte d’Ivoire, she explains that she developed an interest in art during childhood before pursuing studies in graphic design.

“I do everything related to graphic design, everything related to art, murals, clothing. I really work on a lot of different things,” she says.

Her work is distinguished by a maximalist approach, based on the accumulation of details, materials and layers. The artist describes her method as an “organized chaos,” a way of giving form to emotions and human experiences.

One of her works, entitled “Alone,” explores loneliness, worries and the questions that can accompany this experience. The elements that make up the painting each have a meaning: the ghosts represent fears, the arrows evoke the questions we ask ourselves, and the ladder symbolizes elevation.

“It’s really a way for me to express that,” she explains about her artistic work.

Creating the painting took her 62 hours. Mayel explains that her works are prepared in advance, using sketches and mind maps, before moving on to painting and the different layers.

For her, however, the value of art is not limited to its price. “What I really want with my art is not necessarily the price or the money that interests me, but to get my message across, so that people can feel emotions when they look at what I do,” she says.

After completing her graphic design studies the previous year, she continues to develop her artistic activity. She says she has created fifteen paintings and participated in two exhibitions. Although she already makes a living from graphic design, she still wants to grow her business in the visual arts.

In the long term, her ambition is to develop a project in Africa, drawing on the experiences gained in Canada. “My final project, the peak, will be in Africa, it won’t be here,” she says, while expressing her desire to continue learning and expanding her skills.

Financial education for families

The question of financial independence is also at the heart of the discussions. Geneviève Loir, a financial security advisor and financial broker, explains that her role is to help individuals and families better understand their financial situation and the products available on the market.

Unlike agents who work for a single institution, she explains that she works with several partners, including banks, investment companies and insurance companies. Her approach consists of examining an individual’s or family’s needs before recommending suitable products.

“We sit down with you, we look at your financial situation and we determine your needs,” she explains.

According to her, one of the main obstacles encountered in some Afro-descendant communities remains the taboo surrounding money. She observes that some people hesitate to discuss their income or financial situation, which can make conversations more difficult.

“The real problem we encounter …… is the taboo surrounding money in our communities,” she says.

She also emphasizes the importance of better understanding how credit cards work, particularly for people who are discovering the Canadian financial system. A poor understanding of payment deadlines and interest, she explains, can lead to financial difficulties.

To avoid these pitfalls, Geneviève Loir encourages newcomers to seek reliable information and not limit themselves to advice from those around them. “Every person has their own story. Your story is different from the story of the person speaking to you,” she reminds them.

Her main advice is to educate themselves financially, ask questions and take the time to understand products before making a decision. She explains that the consultations she offers are free and that recommendations do not constitute a final commitment.

“Go in search of information, call us, we are here to help you,” she says.

Artificial intelligence serving creativity

The entrepreneurship presented at the event is not limited to traditional activities. Christiane Djomo, a social worker by training, is also developing projects in digital creation and artificial intelligence.

She presents Earth Song, a business specializing in personalized songs. These creations can accompany different moments in life, such as birthdays, weddings, graduations, births or memorials.

“I create personalized songs,” she explains, adding that she can also produce video montages using photos and songs, as well as music videos.

Her journey in artificial intelligence has been mainly self-taught. She says she has taken several courses, purchased learning programs and used specialized platforms to develop her skills.

Today, she is gradually expanding her services into digital creation. She produces websites, visuals, videos, UGC content and projects featuring avatars.

“As soon as I learn something, I put it into practice and immediately offer it as a service,” she explains.

Christiane Djomo nevertheless acknowledges that her main challenge is not creation, but marketing her services. She would particularly like to receive support in sales so that she can better promote her two businesses.

Her participation in the Entrepreneurs’ Market responds precisely to this objective: meeting other entrepreneurs, presenting her services and developing her network.

“When it comes to creation, I’m doing fine. …… But now, I need support to really offer this to people, to sell,” she emphasizes.

In the medium term, she hopes to build a substantial clientele for both of her companies and, if her activities grow, train other people in turn.

A collective built on mutual support

Behind this gathering, Christine Morigaud, founder of the event collective, explains that she wanted to respond to a need expressed by several entrepreneurs: finding new customers, meeting partners and developing collaborations.

The Entrepreneurs’ Market therefore aims to create a space where participants can present their products and services, exchange information and establish professional connections.

“Instead of waiting for people to come to us, we decided to create our own events so we could meet other entrepreneurs, network, exchange ideas, move forward together and create partnerships,” she explains.

The collective relies in particular on word of mouth to promote its activities. Christine Morigaud points out that participants from the first editions have helped introduce the initiative to other entrepreneurs.

One of the project’s central objectives is based on the concept of “buying from one another,” presented as a win-win approach. The idea is to encourage entrepreneurs to first look within their network for the products or services they need.

“Before going outside, we look within our network, within our community, to see if there is an entrepreneur who sells the product or service, and we support that entrepreneur,” she explains.

The collective also wants to encourage the sharing of information about grants, training and support opportunities. More experienced entrepreneurs can thus help those who are still in the launching phase.

Although the project primarily targets entrepreneurs, the general public is also invited to participate in the activities. The goal is to allow visitors to discover the businesses present, while also encouraging people who would like to enter entrepreneurship.

A call to continue the exchanges

Christine Morigaud acknowledges that the collective still faces challenges, particularly in attracting more visitors and making its concept known. She nevertheless indicates that the initiative continues to develop through referrals and the strategies being put in place.

The next edition of the Entrepreneurs’ Market is scheduled for November 14, at 1765 Taschereau Street. The planned theme will be Christmas, with an invitation to discover and purchase products and services related to the season.

“We ask all entrepreneurs who see this interview to join us. You are all welcome, and we will be happy to support you and welcome you into our community of entrepreneurs,” she concludes.

Through the testimonies gathered, the event emerges as a space where creativity, financial education and networking come together around a common goal: enabling entrepreneurs to better promote their activities, develop their skills and build lasting collaborations.