Shop offers the Caribbean essence

Christiana Howe, 50, is on a mission to bring Caribbean products to the West Island.

And with those and her other wares, she hopes to instill a sense of Black pride in the area.

A resident of Dollard des Ormeaux for more than 31 years, she emigrated from her place of birth, the lush mountainous island of Montserrat in the Caribbean's Lesser Antilles, in 1975.

Drop into Caribbean Essence in Galeries des Sources, the gift and souvenir shop she opened last October, and she'll be more than happy to show you exactly where that is one of several maps displayed in her cozy space accompanied by the strains of the popular '80s song, "Hot! Hot! Hot!" by Montserrat-native bandleader, Arrow.

Keenly aware that the Black community has grown in this area over the years (It's a far cry from when I immigrated as a babysitter," she said), Howe hopes she can make a difference through her store.

"I wanted to serve the Black community by bringing positive images of people who are African-American and Caribbean. Until now there's been nothing like this in the West Island," said Howe with commitment.

The idea for a storefront business began a few years ago while she was on vacation. A registered nurse at the Montreal General Hospital for more than 18 years, she visited her sister in St. Croix and returned with a few pieces of artwork and some souvenirs that "really impressed my friends."

Encouraged by their interest, Howe set up a small table during last year's Jamaica Day, traditionally held at Montreal's Hippodrome, before deciding to "stabilize and centralize" her entrepreneurial efforts with some mall space.

On sale are attractive posters and products depicting scenes of Black children and adults created by some of the more popular U.S. African-American artists such as Sylvia Walker. Through her wide selection of books for adults and children, either authored by Black writers or written about Black leaders and positive role models, Howe pursues her "personal goal" of promoting reading especially among Black children and youth.

"I grew up in the British school system that encouraged us tot read," she said. "I know reading has had a positive influence on my boys by broadening their knowledge. I've learned a lot from them."

Howe is also a single mother of 3 sons, aged 14, 12 and six.

There's even been a book signing in the store, something she plans to continue. Last year up and coming Jamaican born, Ontario based author, Judy Powell who wrote "Hot summer," met customer and signed copies for an afternoon.

"We need opportunities for exposure of our work and our talents," Howe added.

On our shelves alongside every conceivable souvenir item from the more popular Caribbean countries, flags, maps, postcards, mugs, cups and glasses, totebags and dolls, you'll find objects of better quality.

Of particular interest are the fine art prints by such well-known African-American artists as Sylvia Walker and Leo Carty, handmade leather sandals from the island nation of Dominica, Harriet Rosebud Hat figurines, a line of collectible miniatures celebrating Black women's traditional wearing of hats and lots of music CDs with steel-drum, reggae and calypso sounds.

"My greeting cards are some of the bestsellers," added Howe. Customers often travel from outside the area just to purchase special occasion cards that are designed especially for members of the Black community.

For her initiative, Howe praised the influence her late mother, Sarah Howe, had on her. "My mother was very enterprising. She sold Avon for many years and was one of the island's top sellers," Howe said. "And she would always say to us when we had some pocket change, 'Turn your hand, girl. Turn your hand," meaning we should turn that one dollar into two."

Caribbean Essence is located at 3237 Sources Blvd. For more information call Christiana Howe at 514-946-8845.