Le Comptoir de la Broderie is not just a business for Michel Abad, the general manager. “What made me leave my native land, France, to start a new life in Mauritius was to bring my small contribution to help Mauritius keep a part of its cultural and historical identity.” This designer is passionately interested in the art of embroidery. “People do not really know the potential you have in Mauritius. Thanks to our products, we try and make it known all over the world.” Their particularity: every step of the production is done by hand.

Michel Abad must have achieved his goal as he exports his products to many countries in Europe – France, Italy, Great Britain, and Spain – and to the United States – New York in particular. His customers include prestigious names such as: Christian Lacroix, Kenzo and Harrods in England.

In these shops, the products are not sold under their brand name but under the shops’ names. But this is not always the case. Le Comptoir de la Broderie also sells to airport boutiques and other shops in France, like Bon Marché, under its own brand name: “Made in Mauritius”, “Les petites filles modèles” or “Les petits modèles”.

When the Abads came to Mauritius nine years ago, they started with a children’s collection. “People often believe that smocked dresses are no longer fashionable. On the contrary, this is what works the most. Countries like Italy, Spain or France areattached to traditions and parents like to see their children wear what they wore themselves at the same age. This is nostalgia and childhood memories. It is the only product that fathers come to buy.”

Since then, the Abads have extended their activities. They have two lines for children: newborn babies and children up to 12. Their special touch is the fact that they manufacture a whole range in the same material: dresses, shirts, shorts, shoes, headbands… even dresses for dolls. Girls can dress like their dolls and they love it.

Le Comptoir de la Broderie also manufactures women’s clothes and accessories. Their latest innovation is household linen. Michel Abad is very proud of what he calls his “service plus.” As a designer, he makes all the patterns. However, customers can bring their own design or give an idea of what they want. The company deals with it. The same applies to measurements.

Mainly for export

Le Comptoir de la Broderie has a hundred embroiderers, who work mostly at home. There are ten “group chiefs”, who distribute the work among their members. Training is done through these “small bosses” and various workshops around the country. “I realise that women like this job for two main reasons. First, they can do it at home (as soon as the sample is made and accepted in the office), which gives them more time for their family. Then, it is fulfilling for them to know that the products they do with their own hands end up in luxury boutiques of Europe and America. Working for us is really different from factories.”

The main part of the production goes abroad – around 90%. The shop acts like a showroom. “Although our marketing is done mainly abroad, it can also be the result of pure coincidence. Our main customer in Italy was a tourist who came to the shop just for a look. When she saw the products, she decided to start a business and this is how things began.” Mauritians are also starting to show interest in Le Comptoir de la Broderie. “We now have quite an important number of local customers.”

The Abad couple enjoys living in Mauritius. They have even applied for Maurititian nationality. “The textile industry is going through a tough time. If we can show that the field is not dead, that Mauritius has the resources to take it to the top, then we know we are right to stay here. Because Mauritians can make high-quality products, here is the proof.”