Today we’d like to introduce you to Christie Eustache
Alright, so thank you so much for sharing your story and insight with our readers. To kick things off, can you tell us a bit about how you got started?
Growing up in Haiti, during the summer I always had a pencil in hand, either writing or drawing. What started as a way to kill boredom as a child, gradually shaped my identity and the path I would take on. Over time, I contemplated careers as diverse as fashion design, writing and painting — each a creative avenue — but eventually decided on architecture. Though architecture wasn’t initially on my vision board, I soon realized that it perfectly blended my passion for art and people.
After two years working in the architecture field, I understood that corporate life wasn’t the be-all and end-all for me. This realization sparked the idea for “Atizay”, which initially began as a collaborative project to help visual artists sell their artwork and share their stories. In 2024, I relaunched Atizay as a global platform designed to amplify the stories of Black visual artists and provide resources for their creative growth. We’ve successfully hosted events in Costa Rica, New York and virtually, with so many more ideas yet to come to fruition. The journey has been both rewarding and challenging, setting the foundation for Atizay to become a household name among art enthusiasts in the future, bridging culture, art and diversity.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I wish I could say it’s been smooth sailing from the start, but the truth is, it hasn’t. Entrepreneurship can be lonely and challenging, especially when you don’t know anyone that has done it before or understand what it takes to build something out of nothing. I’ve learned the importance of leaning on people who understand, value and support my mission and can actively contribute to Atizay’s growth. Like many entrepreneurs building something from the ground up, I’ve realized that what looks like overnight success to everyone often represents 5-10 years of consistency and hard work. Staying aligned with my “why” — the core reason behind my efforts — has helped me redefine my next steps and start over when needed. I’ve also learned to give myself grace along the way, acknowledging the many roles that I’ve had to take on in order to build a platform that resonates deeply with the community that I continue to build.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Atizay is a global art platform dedicated to celebrating Black visual artists. Since its inception, we’ve organized various events and panels that spotlight artists’ work and stories. This year, we’ve refined our annual calendar and are open to new collaborations with similarly mission-driven organizations, including workshops, art competitions, our annual art gathering, and a newly introduced initiative aimed at supporting the arts in Haiti (https://www.atizayshop.com/atizay-calendar). I’m also very excited about launching our digital magazine, “Atizay Art Collective,” designed to highlight visual artists across diverse mediums, share information about upcoming art events, and offer valuable art tips and resources. I encourage readers to stay connected and join the Atizay collective by subscribing to our newsletter at https://www.atizayshop.com/newsletter.
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Living an intentional life is what matters most to me. When reflecting on the decisions I’ve made, I want to know that they were genuinely mine and not based on external expectations. It is easy to get caught up in what everyone else is doing but nothing compares to living a life that is authentically yours and fully guided by faith and your own intuition.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.atizayshop.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/atizay_shop/
