Navigating Commerce amidst Kashmir's Disputes
A Tale of Cashmere and Geopolitical Conflict: Hugo Rozon's Journey
Hugo Rozon, a Montreal-based entrepreneur, found himself amidst the volatile landscape of Kashmir, as his passion for cashmere intertwined with geopolitical complexities.
On April 22, a heart-wrenching attack occurred in the Baisaran valley, a region currently controlled by India, on the border with Pakistan. This attack happened just as Rozon was about to travel to India to inspect a collection of cashmere accessories for his company, Esho Funi. Desiring both personal and professional connections, the 29-year-old felt compelled to visit his artisan family.
However, airspace access to the Kashmir region was restricted. As he waited for the situation to unfold, Rozon made arrangements for a range of knitted products he had planned for the following year,bringing the launch date forward to the fall. When a ceasefire was announced, Rozon braved the tense atmosphere and visited the factory, documenting his experiences along the way.
With the majority of tourists absent, Rozon saw this as an opportunity to support the local artisans and wool producers, many of whom were struggling financially. Esho Funi sells scarves, hats, caps, and more, sourcing directly from the people who raise the cashmere goats and Indian artisans for product design.
Cashmere: Art on Your Sleeve
Born from a culture-loving documentary filmmaker, Hugo Rozon's appreciation for cashmere began with a trip to India five years ago. Drawn to the small shops selling cashmere scarves, he saw them as wearable art and fell in love with the luxurious material.
The quality of cashmere is determined by the thickness of the fiber, measured in microns. Rozon uses cashmere that's between 12 and 14 microns, considered some of the finest in the world. With his team and foreign suppliers, approximately 20 people contribute to the Esho Funi project. The Lotus collection is set to launch at the end of August or early September, accompanied by a short documentary.
Unique Partnerships
Lufa Farms and Walmart
For the first time, Lufa Farms' vegetables will be sold at Walmart, with the Walmart location at Marché Central in Montreal featuring a hydroponic greenhouse on its roof. Tomatoes, cucumbers, and peppers will be picked fresh each morning and available in-store within the hour.
Dimitri Soudas Joins Tact
Dimitri Soudas, a seasoned communications strategist with experience as the Director of Communications for Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper, has joined Tact. As a strategic advisor, he will contribute to the agency's public affairs, strategic development, and high-level communication endeavors.
Bé rubé audioprothésistes Expands
Bé rubé audioprothésistes is opening a new clinic in Beauport, adding to its growing network of seven locations. The company is being led by Félix Denille, a young family member who shares a passion for offering a human and professional experience to the patients the business serves.
SME Challenges
According to data from the Canadian Federation of Independent Business (CFIB), nearly half of SMEs face challenges when hiring employees who work in other provinces or territories. Obstacles include obtaining provincial licenses, adapting health and safety rules, registering with the workers' compensation board outside the province or territory, and lack of recognition for certifications between provinces and territories.
- Hugo Rozon, an entrepreneur from Montreal, fostered his business, Esho Funi, in the French finance sector, specializing in cashmere industry goods and lifestyle products, expanding his small-business ventures beyond borders.
- Despite geopolitical conflicts in Kashmir, Rozon managed to establish unique partnerships with local artisans and wool producers, enhancing his career in entrepreneurship.
- Traveling through the region, Rozon supported the livelihoods of these small-business owners, demonstrating his commitment to the French lifestyle and the cashmere industry.
- With the launch of the Lotus collection, Esho Funi continues to advocate for SME Challenges in the industry, addressing concerns such as interprovincial hiring complexities.
