Meeting with the Achille sisters, at the head of the Élayane company, who promote local oils from Guyana.
The story of the Achille sisters and their 100% local oils begins eleven years ago, at a moment when Berthilde Achille's life took a decisive turning point. “ When I had breast cancer, I was told I was going to lose my hair and that I needed to massage myself with sweet almond oil. I actually lost my hair and I massaged my scalp, but I told myself that in Guyana too, we had oils that could be suitable », says Berthilde.
She then asks her father to bring her some local oils. “He brought me coconut and palma-christi oil, and I fell in love with it,” she confides.
Inspired by her aunt who made oils in mainland France with seeds from Guyana, she told herself that there was no reason why she couldn't achieve this too. Back in Guyana, Berthilde began to study these local oils, starting by consulting the elders. “I went to see my aunt and my father. He had his method, but I improved it a little. My first experiences led me to create a Carapa butter, which he did not know,” she recalls. Thanks to word of mouth, Berthilde begins to sell her first bottles of oil to her family and friends.
Creation of Élayane
In 2018, after the death of her father, Berthilde decided to make her project a reality by creating the company Élayane. Her sisters Bernadette and Brigitte quickly joined her.
« I hadn't planned to retrain, but I decided to follow my sisters because it interested me. So I joined the company from its creation », confides Brigitte.
They are not yet completely ready, but participate in trade fairs, test their products and observe customer reactions. “ This allowed us to structure ourselves and understand the demand », adds Berthilde.
Today, although production has not yet been fully launched, the Achille sisters are seeing their dream come true. They provide for the opening of a “ oil bar » financed in part by Europe [ le fond européen de développement régional, ndlr]. « It will be a space dedicated to do-it-yourself. For the moment, we sell our oils as raw materials, but we will also continue to supply cosmetic professionals », specifies Berthilde.
Their awara and wassai oils are already used by Dah Yana Beauty, the brand of Mariana Royer, president of Bio Stratège Guyane. By the end of the year, the Achille sisters plan to launch a range of formulated products, which will be sold in pharmacies. Berthilde's mission goes beyond the simple manufacture of oils: she wants to help women undergoing treatment for cancer. “ Our oils are tested by women undergoing chemotherapy, and the feedback is very positive “, she says.
Artisanal production
The three entrepreneurs made the choice to remain in artisanal production, in collaboration with pickers from the Kamuyeneh village, a strong commitment in “ in favor of respect for nature and the promotion of traditional know-how », explains Brigitte.The biggest challenge for the Achille sisters? Produce in sufficient quantities to meet the growing demand of local cosmetics manufacturers, while opening new prospects on a national, even international, scale.
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