Who we are
Blue Taina is an eco-friendly boutique specializing in Larimar jewelry and specimens. It was founded in Montreal by Marlene Páez, a Dominican artisan, and her husband, Nicolas Satgé. Our mission is to create unique Larimar jewelry and specimens that are environmentally friendly. Sustainable development and reducing environmental impact are part of our core values.
Our entrepreneurial journey began in the Dominican Republic, where Marlene is originally from. Fascinated by Larimar from a young age, her handcrafted creations deeply reflect the essence of the stone. In 2020, she began selling her creations in the Dominican Republic. In 2023, she moved to Montreal to join Nicolas, giving her the opportunity to fully dedicate herself to her craft. This is how Blue Taina was born.
Nicolas fell in love with Marlene and the Dominican Republic during an 18-month stay in the Caribbean. It was during this time that he became immersed in the world of Larimar and its fascinating beauty.
Our journey with Larimar is an ongoing adventure, fueled by a dedication to preserving the essence of this extraordinary gem as well as our planet.
The story of the Blue Taina
In the heart of the Caribbean’s island of Kiskeya (today’s Dominican Republic and Haiti), in the territory of Xaragua, lived a thriving Taino tribe. This magical land, where the tropical forest met the azure sea, was home to an ancestral community in perfect harmony with the wonders of nature. Among them was a spirited young woman named Anani, celebrated throughout her village for her profound wisdom of the natural world.
One humid morning, Anani set out on a solitary journey into the forest. She was seeking a rare herb known for its healing properties, a quest that demanded keen senses. As she ventured deeper into the forest, she stumbled upon an unfamiliar path. Intrigued, she decided to follow it, her heart pounding with anticipation. The path led her to a secluded, rocky clearing she had never seen before. In the center of the clearing, bathed in a shaft of sunlight, was an intriguing blue stone. It radiated an otherworldly glow, unlike anything Anani had ever encountered.
Kneeling beside the stone, she carefully picked it up, marveling at its mesmerizing blue hues and intrinsic beauty. Anani knew in her heart that this was no ordinary stone; it was Larimar, a name it would be given centuries after she first held it. With the Larimar stone in her hand, Anani felt a surge of clarity and wisdom. She returned to her village, where the elders and behíques (shamans) gathered to hear her tale. They determined that this stone embodied the power of the sea goddess Atabey, the supreme mother and nurturer of the Taino people, representing the feminine qualities of intuition, creativity, and nurturing energy.
From that day forward, Anani, the "Blue Taina,” knew that this Larimar would be a constant source of wisdom and guidance. She later became a Cacique (tribe chief), leading her tribe with wisdom and courage.
Anani's legacy lived on for generations, however, with the passage of time, the stone, and her tale, faded into the mists of history.
Centuries later, in the 20th century, a striking blue stone stumbled upon once again. It was Larimar, rediscovered after being hidden for so long. With its unearthing, the of Anani were also revived.