In 2017, Cliff Dessables found himself at a crossroads. Laid off from his corporate role as a tech engineer, he was faced with an uncertain future. Rather than retreating, he saw an opportunity to take control of his destiny. What followed was a bold leap into entrepreneurship that would not only change his life, but also uplift an entire community.
The Rise of Bati Biznis: From Digital Marketing to Cultural Impact
Cliff began his entrepreneurial journey with a digital marketing agency, helping local businesses like law firms and dental offices establish an online presence.
But when the pandemic hit, everything changed.
“With COVID, I lost all my clients because they had to shut down,” he recalls.
At the time, he and his wife had just welcomed their newborn son and were living in a modest apartment.
Faced with mounting pressure and dwindling income, Cliff and his wife turned to something deeply personal and culturally rich: Kremas—a traditional Haitian cream-based liqueur. Using empty Barbancourt rum bottles and their own kitchen, they started hand-pouring the beverage and marketing it online.
What started as a survival tactic quickly evolved into a booming business.
“The internet gave us traction and attention,” says Cliff.
The operation moved from their apartment to the garage, and eventually to a dedicated facility in Miami.
By 2022, the brand had grossed over a million dollars in sales.
Scaling with Purpose: The Launch of Vann Lakay
Cliff’s success didn’t stop with product sales.
Recognizing a demand from others who wanted to emulate his success, he launched a private label program, followed by Vann Lakay—a coaching initiative designed to empower other Haitians in the U.S. to start and scale their own businesses.
“We give them access to our products and direction on how to build their own brand,” Cliff explains.
The program is part mentorship, part distribution network—and it’s already changing lives.
Overcoming Challenges and Finding Balance
Success didn’t come easy. In the early days, Cliff wore every hat—from production to customer service—all while supporting his wife through postpartum recovery.
“I couldn’t get outside help because the space was small and private,” he says.
One of the biggest turning points was creating a sales funnel that generated enough cash flow to fund more advertising. That investment paid off, helping the brand expand quickly.
Hiring a business coach also proved to be a game-changer:
“That’s when I started moving in the right direction.”
When asked how he manages the demanding world of entrepreneurship, Cliff emphasizes the importance of building a strong team.
“I try to buy back my time so I can have more for my family.
Instead of asking ‘how can I do this,’ I ask ‘who can help me do this.’”
Looking Ahead: Empowering 10,000 Haitian Entrepreneurs
Cliff isn’t slowing down.
His goal for the next five years is ambitious:
To help 10,000 Haitians start their own businesses by 2030.
Beyond coaching, he aims to invest heavily in local Haitian agriculture, creating exclusive farming partnerships that allow Haitian-grown products to be exported globally.
“We want to put quality Haitian products on the U.S. and international market,”
He shares, envisioning a future where Haitian culture and craftsmanship are celebrated worldwide.
