At the Bastia Christmas market, on Place Saint-Nicolas, wooden chalets are full of original creations: handmade jewelry, scented candles, carved wooden objects…
Under the sun which has returned, the craftsmen exhibit their know-how to visitors to the Christmas market, sharing their passion with them.
A passion that some have managed to transform to ensure them an annual income while others, after the holidays and major markets, are forced to diversify their sources of income.
In Corsica, however, according to a study published by INSEE in 2021, the island records artisanal density the strongest in France, with 449 companies per 10,000 inhabitants. A sign of real artisanal vitality.
Passion but not yet independence
Laura Baldassari was just 21 years old when she chose to found Laura’s Gold. That was in 2021. Although she specializes in Cervioni hazelnut products, she also has a full-time job in another sector. “I invested nearly 100,000 euros to launch this activity,” she explains.
Its presence at the Bastia Christmas market, as well as at other events throughout the year, allows it to repay your loan while generating some cash. “I hope to be able to make a living from it within a year or two years.” confides the one for whom this activity remains, for the moment and above all, a passion.
A few rows away is Anna-Livia Fanucchi’s stand. She is the founder of Grana Mora since 2019 and has been working on the valorization of the prickly pear cactus.
