Six artisans said yes: a month-long test in Reunion Island

For months, one question kept running through my head: would I be able to bring artisans on board with the My Native Family vision? That of a genuine encounter between travellers and the keepers of local culture, to discover a country from the inside by learning a rare craft.

To get a real answer, I had to go into the field. I spent almost a month in Reunion Island.

The answer is yes — and even better than I'd hoped. Six holders of ancestral crafts chose to join the Native Family.

In Plaine des Cafres, the first three "yeses"

Thanks to the Association des Artisans d'Art de La Réunion, I met three artisans with whom I signed My Native Family's very first partnership contracts.

Josian R., a Master Craftsman, carves pestles and mortars from volcanic rock.

Éric H., a blacksmith and knife maker, shapes knives and tools by hand in his workshop.

François G., a tamarind woodturner, gives this local wood a second life — boards, spoons, everyday objects.

In Saint-Leu, vacoa weaving

Sonia teaches the basics of vacoa weaving. You leave with your own basket, shaped with your own hands.

In the highlands, the art of herbal teas

Nicolas, Grégory and Jean Daniel, from Tisane du Volcan, introduce you to medicinal plants and the traditional art of making herbal remedies.

In Cilaos, a century-old craft

Colette Turpin, awarded the title of Meilleure Ouvrière de France (Best Craftswoman in France), opened the doors of the Maison de la Broderie to me.

What it changes

Letting travellers leave with a piece of heritage they took the time to learn, directly from the people who still hold its gestures, stories and know-how: that's exactly what My Native Family wants to make possible.

The first experiences are already online on mynativefamily.com.