- LAKAY
- POTO MITAN KIZIN OU
- THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR KITCHEN
- LAKAY
- POTO MITAN KIZIN OU
- THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR KITCHEN
- LAKAY
- POTO MITAN KIZIN OU
- THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR KITCHEN
- LAKAY
- POTO MITAN KIZIN OU
- THE CORNERSTONE OF YOUR KITCHEN
Mendiana Merilus
Mendiana Merilus is one of the key driving forces behind Lakay. With a background in International Relations from Florida International University and a Master of Science from Syracuse's Newhouse School, Mendiana combines global perspective with marketing savvy.
She has many years of experience in the food industry which sparked the idea for Lakay Djondjon, where she's now bridging her Haitian heritage with modern business practices.
She aims to use her blend of creativity, strategic thinking, and cultural insights to shape Lakay into a generational and impactful brand.
Jennie-Fer Mathieu, M.D,P.A
Dr. Jennie-Fer Mathieu, one of the leading minds behind the brand since its conception, holds a Medical Doctorate from the Université Quisqueya.
Throughout her career, she has worked across diverse healthcare practices, specializing in nutrition and venereal diseases. Her medical expertise was further enhanced through a formal externship in Strasbourg, France, where she shadowed physicians and gained exposure to various health-related concerns.
As the brand's scientific expert, Dr. Mathieu has conducted extensive research integrating traditional Haitian holistic practices into the brand's development process, creating products that effectively address modern health concerns while honoring Haiti's rich medicinal heritage.
Barbara Laura Noël
Barbara Noel brings her legal expertise and entrepreneurial background to the brand, building upon her innovative work as the founder of "Yawout Lakay," a business venture in Haiti that produced organic yogurt from pasture-raised cattle.
Her commitment to sustainable and ethical business practices was evident in this earlier enterprise, where she prioritized both product quality and responsible agricultural methods.
She studied law at Université Quisqueya and pursued her education at Faculté de Droit, des Sciences Économiques et de Gestion du Cap-Haïtien. Ms. Noel's influence extends beyond her legal acumen; she has represented Haiti in beauty pageants at Miss Eco International across Turkey, Spain, and Egypt, using these global platforms to showcase our rich cultural heritage to the world at large.
Our story
In Haiti, there was one dish that united people across all backgrounds and social classes - Djondjon, a mushroom delicacy with a bold, umami flavor.
Its earthy aroma cemented every special occasion, from weddings to baptisms, and has always been the cornerstone of Sunday family dinners. Grandmothers lovingly prepared djondjon using ancestral spice blends, creating a taste that resonated deeply with the nation's heritage and identity.
This humble mushroom was more than just food - it was a symbol of unity as the rich and poor alike have access to it.
However, when my sisters and I analyzed the djondjon products available abroad, we found a glaring gap. The versions made by big corporations were loaded with chemicals and additives, stripping away the authentic flavors in pursuit of longer shelf life.
These overly-processed djondjon options simply weren't good for our health or our culture. That's when we had the idea to create a clean, healthy alternative that stayed true to djondjon's roots.
Our promise
After facing numerous challenges while navigating life in the United States after emigrating at age 14.
From language barriers to cultural readjustments, Mendiana experienced firsthand the hurdles many immigrants encounter in pursuing education and building careers. These personal struggles illuminated the critical role of education in overcoming societal barriers and creating opportunities for success.
These experiences helped shape Lakay's core mission: to facilitate wealth building through education, particularly for those facing similar challenges
To this end, the company has pledged a minimum of 1% of all sales towards a dedicated scholarship fund. This fund specifically targets undergraduate and undocumented students of Haitian and/or Caribbean descent, groups that often face significant obstacles in accessing financial aid and educational opportunities.
