How the Chichi® Was Born – Part One – Serena’s Side

Let’s go back to where it all began: the story of how the Chichi brand came to be.

In sharing my story, my hope is that it propels you to believe in the power of perseverance and focus.

This is not a story of overnight success, but one of resilience through trials, survival through art, unwavering faith in God’s plan, and a deep love for the people and culture of Curaçao. Through my experiences, I’ve learned that masterpieces are not created in an instant. Art takes time, and we must remain open to letting it unfold.

I was born in Germany, with roots in both German and Jewish heritage.

Since I was sixteen years old, I have been passionate about craftsmanship. From scratch, I built a sailboat with my then-partner. Guided by the tread winds, we sailed from Europe via West Africa across the Atlantic Ocean to the Caribbean, collecting experiences from different cultures all while working diligently to cover the costs of living.

The first time I passed through Curaçao, I fell in love with this island. After seven years of sailing and living on a sailboat at sea, my soul was longing for newness and the gift of motherhood, so I followed my instinct to create a different life for myself. In 2001, I made the decision to separate from my then-partner and to step foot back on land to make a living. Shortly after, in 2002, I immigrated to Curaçao. But as an immigrant, I was walking a fine line of hope. I had no rent and no savings. Money was tight, and food was scarce.

What I did have was a heart full of passion and determination, a suitcase full of craftsmanship skills, and a wealth of cultural experience. Around that time, I met Benoit, who would become a part of my life in the years to come. The year 2003 was a year of answered prayers, as my loving daughter Chayen was born. During that time, Benoit, Chayen, and I were surviving by the grace of God. Thanks to the kindness of dear friends who offered us a weekend house, we found a place to stay, and turned it into a home. That remained our home until Chayen’s fifth year of age.

I remember one time during prayer, I said to the Lord:

‘Please… I don’t want to go back to Germany. I want to stay. I want to build a life here, on this island. Curaçao feels like home.’

From my experiences, I had developed a love for the African continent, and I felt deeply connected to Cabo Verde and the Canary Islands. Curaçao reignited that love, adding its own unique touch that stood out to me and called me to stay.

Even though I was working towards a career in the art museum field, stepping foot on this island changed my trajectory for a lifetime. My heart became rooted in Curaçao, and though it was challenging, I was ready to do whatever it took to make life work here.

So, I held myself to my words. I worked, juggling about four jobs at once while being a mom. I cleaned sailboats, served food, and sold West African trade beads I had collected during my travels, stringing them into meaningful pieces worn around the neck. I also worked in an Indonesian furniture shop and gave art workshops at Landhuis Bloemhof using papier-mâché, plaster, and mixed media. I’m so grateful for the time I spent working there. Whatever I had to do, I did. Anything to feed my family and keep the lights on and the water running. When my daughter Chayen was seven, her father passed away, leaving behind a deep grief that, with time, we learned to overcome.

As someone passionate about art and craftsmanship, I began exploring what I could create here on the island. I’ll never forget the first clay I bought, it cost twenty dollars. That single “clay bread” became the blueprint for every original Chichi® sculpture size I’ve ever made. And just when I needed it most, a dear friend from aborad, an old sailing companion, gifted me a gallon of silicone to begin making molds for Chichi®. This was a pivotal moment in my life. Yet, of course, life still threw its challenges my way, two hundred and twenty U.S. dollars in import duties, I could hardly believe it. I’m sure I paid that bill by selling one of my treasured African bead necklaces. Despite certain struggles, the Lord always provided.

A period later, I remember a friend visiting my house. That day, we sat and brainstormed about a powerful name for the sculptures I was creating. It didn’t take long before the name appeared, it was like a divine revelation.

There it was: Chi-Chi, meaning the eldest sister in the family, the vibrant one who lifts everyone around her, the nurturer, the guide, and the one who brings people together. This name resonated with me so much, as I myself am a Chichi.

The year 2007 marks a life-changing year, as this is the year the Chichi sculpture was born.

And as I look back and reflect, two clear legacies that, in my perspective, Chayen’s father, Benoit, left behind was his encouragement to register Chichi as an original trademark, and the creation of the ‘Ben’ Chichi sculpture. This was long before the trademark coin appeared beneath each Chichi sculpture, but even then, he kept urging me to protect my creation; to brand it properly, and I’m thankful he did. Despite financial struggles, we found a way to officially register Chichi® as a trademark, ensuring it was protected as an authentic art piece.

I am confident to say that the Chichi brand was born on a foundation of faith, perseverance, determination, a love for art and my beloved island, Curaçao.

Now, seventeen years later, when I look at what the Chichi sculptures have become, all I see are answered prayers. I’m filled with joy, walking in purpose, and surrounded by community and Curaçao’s rich culture.

Written by Tarynn Pieternella