SUSTAINABILITY and uniqueness are increasingly valued, and one small business is carving out a niche for itself with a unique blend of traditional craftsmanship and cutting edge technology.

Madifai, a creative and custom product design business specialising in laser cutting, engraving, and sublimation services, has been designing and manufacturing statement pieces and personalised items.

“I was working at an upcoming manufacturing company, a local manufacturing company, where I was basically hired to do the 3D modelling, but because it’s a small company I ended up basically running the whole function of the store,” said Keenan Garnet Clarke, owner of Madifai, in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

Clarke reflects on his professional journey, which began in a manufacturing setting where he honed his skills in 3D design, printing, moulding, and casting. However, when the COVID-19 pandemic hit and businesses shut down, Garnet-Clarke sought opportunities abroad to earn funds. Upon his return he was determined to forge a new path, recognising that his previous work experience, although valuable, did not bring him fulfilment.

“I preferred being my own boss because, even though I was designing, I was being restricted because I was only designing what the boss considered to be good, so I wanted the freedom to create my own products, in my own style,” he told the Sunday Finance.

With a passion for entrepreneurship Clarke sought a business venture that he could quickly jump into. He discovered the laser engraving and sublimation industry, which offered the perfect opportunity to create custom gifts and products for clients from the comfort of his own home. Seeing the potential, Clarke launched Madifai, an online-based business, in December 2022. The name of the business cleverly plays on the Jamaican patois word for “modify”, meaning to change or alter something in a creative way. The research and testing phase commenced with Clarke acquiring the necessary machines and samples, allowing him to initiate the testing process and refine his techniques.

“I didn’t have any jobs; I had a lot of free time so I could do all kinds of experiments. And that’s basically how I got to, well I would like to say, an advanced state because certain things I’m doing in this field, I don’t see anybody else doing,” he shared.

The business is solely online-based. Initially, Clarke’s creations used plywood — the industry standard for laser-engraving machines — to craft custom-shaped keyrings in various shapes and characters. However, he soon faced challenges similar to those of other industry players, finding it difficult to source high-quality plywood in Jamaica. And even when he could find a carpenter to make it, the cost was prohibitive. To overcome this, Clarke turned to online sources for his materials.

“I basically just had to buy things abroad where I could get them cheaper and get the quality that I needed,” he explained.

Although he has since expanded to working with materials like leather and glass, plywood remains a challenge for the business, particularly now that things are scaling up. To address this Clarke is looking into freight options, seeking to shift from air shipping to sea transportation to meet his growing needs. Madifai’s top-selling products fluctuate between keyrings and sublimation on wine tumblers, collectively accounting for over 30 per cent of sales. The business has recently expanded its offerings to include statement-piece wooden bags under its luxury Rukumbine line, aimed at being both functional and fashionable.

“The concept is to basically reinforce a certain aspect of Jamaican culture that’s being lost, which is the proverb. Like, you know, your grandmother used to tell you these proverbs, and your mother used to tell you the proverbs, the teachings, and the wisdom of the Jamaican people. You’re not really hearing the proverbs anymore so I want to bring that back in a trendy way,” Clarke explained, unveiling the inspiration behind the new Rukumbine line.

He stressed that, despite not being a carpenter, he uses laser-engraving technology to craft the bags, cutting and assembling the pieces with precision. While some additional components, such as bag strap handles, are sourced online, approximately 90-95 per cent of the bag is created using the laser engraver. This innovative approach aligns with Madifai’s goal of evolving into a fully fledged manufacturing company dedicated to producing a diverse range of customised products for both individual and corporate clients. By combining craftsmanship, quality, and innovation, Madifai aims to deliver one of a kind pieces that proudly celebrate Jamaican culture and creativity.