The 7 Lessons I Learned From the Haitian American Business Expo May 2025 In Boston

  The 7 Lessons I Learned From the Haitian American Business Expo (May 31, 2025, Boston)

By Danel Homméus – founder of Money Saving Cart, creator of the Loveable Secrets hair‑care line, and author of The Billionaire Mindset (2023) and The 4 Ps(2013).

 "The best way to predict the future is to create it." 

1. Preparation Turns Opportunity Into Momentum

The Expo attracted over 40 exhibitors—far fewer than the crowds of attendees I observed last year at the 6th Edition—but the Reggie Lewis Center on May 31 was fully prepared, and the Haitian American Business Expo Team was more than ready. My team and I were prepared too! Did we sell a lot?

Success is a long process, and as an entrepreneur, the lesson is to be prepared and keep showing up to build momentum.

2. Your Origin Story Is Your Strongest Marketing Asset

Never forget why you’re doing what you’re doing and the reason you started. Your “WHY” and your purpose are the driving forces that propel you toward your goals and help you fulfill your mission as a business owner.

Everyone is unique and every company has its own story. When that story is told authentically and genuinely, it has the potential to create a movement—not only of buyers but also of passionate fans and brand ambassadors.

Remember to think long term! Our brand, Loveable Secrets, is more than just a company; it’s a culture, a way of life. The lesson is to be impactful and create a lasting impression, and the money will follow.

3. People Invest in People Before They Buy From Brands

Handshakes and genuine conversation at the Expo yielded to follow up with natural conversations about potential partnerships—something a cold email rarely secures.

The lesson: polish the pitch deck, but prioritize human connection.

4. Niche Focus Beats “All Things to All People”

Browsing the aisles, the most memorable companies addressed a specific pain point for the Haitian‑American community—like creole‑language bookkeeping or Caribbean spice blends. Our hair‑growth formula resonated precisely because it celebrates natural textures common in the diaspora.

The takeaway: depth in a niche outperforms breadth in a blur.

5. The Expo is a podium of opportunity

The Haitian American Expo offered a valuable platform for both the public and exhibitors to connect, engage, and celebrate Haitian culture, heritage, and entrepreneurship.

Did we take full advantage of it? We still have room for improvement!

6. Community Roots Magnify Reach

Closing out Haitian Heritage Month, the Expo wasn’t just about commerce—it was a cultural celebration. With over 60,000 Haitians living in Boston and more than 100,000 in Massachusetts, we expected Saturday, May 31, 2025, to be a huge success.

It’s a fact that recent government immigration policies adversely affected many attendees, yet a more engaged and informed community is more likely to progress and thrive.

7. Exceed Expectations, Then Follow Up Fast

We pledged a 24‑hour follow‑up to everyone who scanned our QR code. The Expo reinforced that wowing on‑site is only half the job—speedy, value‑rich follow‑up closes the loop.

The lesson: Enough is no more enough to win a competitive advantage. 

Final Thoughts

From bootstrapping a side hustle to publishing two books and debuting Loveable Secrets, my entrepreneurial path prepared me for resilience —but these seven lessons sharpened my next moves. If you’re planning to showcase at a trade fair—or simply launch your first product—treat preparation, storytelling, and community alignment as non‑negotiables.

Your future self (and P&L sheet) will thank you.

Resource

1- U.S. Haitian Chamber of Commerce, Inc: https://www.ushaitianchamber.org/ 

Post Addendum

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— Danel Homméus AKA DaHo
Writer | Founder | Consultant | Entrepreneur | Philanthropist