Medical Services
MIAMI-DADE COUNTY (786) 464-5120
Social Services
Aesthetic Services
BROWARD COUNTY (954) 239-7054 Other Services
MAY 2 0 2 2
Haitian Heritage Cultural Month
Passport to Discover the Beauty of Haiti SUNDAY, MAY 1 ST
Haitian Heritage Month Opening Reception Passport to Discover the Beauty of Haiti HOSTED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTIME
Haitian American Book Fair
Libreri Mapou - Little Haiti Cultural Center 212 NE 59 Terrace, Miami, FL 33150 10:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.
FRIDAY, MAY 6 TH
Night of Honors Celebration
MOCA Paradise Courtyard 770 NE 125 Street, North Miami, Florida 33161 6:00 p.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
SATURDAY, MAY 7 TH Taste of Haiti 2022
Senator Gwen Margolis Amphitheater 16501 NE 16 Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 3:00 p.m. - 10:00 p.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH
SUNDAY, MAY 8
TH
Gospel Concert at the Park
Cagni Park 13498 NE 8 Avenue, North Miami, FL 33161 5:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m. HOSTED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTIME AND CITY OF NORTH MIAMI DISTRICT 3
SATURDAY, MAY 14 TH Haitian Compas Festival City of Miramar 4:00 p.m.
Haitian Lawyers Association (HLA) Gala Hallandale, FL 7:00 p.m.
SUNDAY, MAY 15 TH
Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup
North Miami Athletic Stadium 2555 NE 151 Street, North Miami, FL 33181 5:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m.
WEDNESDAY, MAY 18 TH Patties on the Plaza
Enjoy live music and poetry. City Hall Plaza 17011 NE 19 Avenue, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI BEACH
Haitian Flag Day Celebration
Little Haiti Cultural Center Courtyard/Virtual 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
COMMISSIONER
JEAN MONESTIME
Miami-Dade County, District 2
Haitian Flag Day
MOCA Plaza 776 NE 125 Street, North Miami, FL 33161 5:00 p.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
FRIDAY, MAY 20 TH
Sounds of Little Haiti 7 th Anniversary
Little Haiti Cultural Center Courtyard/Virtual 7:00 p.m. - 12:00 a.m. HOSTED BY THE CITY OF MIAMI
SATURDAY, MAY 21 ST
Rebati Sante Mentale 2 nd Annual Mental Health Wellness Fair 2140 NW 111 Street, Miami, FL 33167 8:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.
Sant La Annual Fundraising Gala RSVP to info@santla.org 7:00 p.m. HOSTED BY SANT LA
SUNDAY, MAY 22 ND
Haitian Heritage Brunch and Awards Little Haiti Cultural Center 11:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Chefs of the Caribbean Celebrity Brunch Haitian Heritage Month Edition Nomi Bar & Grill 738 NE 125 Street North Miami, FL 33161 12:00 p.m. - 3:00 p.m.
TUESDAY, MAY 24 TH
Haitian Heritage Month History BEE Contest Stephen P. Clark Center 111 NW 1 Street, 2nd Floor Commission Chamber, Miami, FL 33128 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m 305-694-2779 or 305-912-7654 HOSTED BY DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTIME
SATURDAY, MAY 28 TH Roots Concert at the Park
Oak Grove Park 690 NE 159 Street, North Miami Beach, FL 33162 6:00 p.m. - 9:00 p.m. HOSTED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTIME
SUNDAY, MAY 29 TH Mother’s Day Brunch
11:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. HOSTED BY MIAMI-DADE COUNTY AND DISTRICT 2 COMMISSIONER JEAN MONESTIME
Mother’s Day Celebration
5:00 p.m. 305-895-9815 or visit northmiamifl.gov/celebrate HOSTED BY THE CITY OF NORTH MIAMI
MIAMI: 16853 NE 2nd Ave, Suite 101 N. Miami Beach, FL 33162 Phone: (305) 548-8530
BROWARD: 703 south Dixie highway west Pompano beach Florida 33060 Phone: (945) 942-4299
HEALTH
THE AMAZING BENEFITS OF THE O-SHOT®: Allowing a woman to use her own blood to improve her sexual function By Dr. Angelo Gousse
A
s women age, certain physiological changes are inevitable. As estrogen decreases in the body, most women will report vaginal dryness, painful intercourse, and a lower sexual desire. The O-Shot® technology (commonly referred to as an Orgasm Shot) has the potential to become a revolutionary treatment in the management of female aging disorders, including urinary incontinence.
WHAT IS IN THE O-SHOT®? This orgasm therapy (O-Shot) treatment uses PRP (platelet-rich plasma) harnessed from the patient’s own blood. PRP has been widely successful in treating a range of agerelated disorders, from orthopedic joint problems to hair loss. In the case of the O-Shot, the pure PRP which is prepared from your own blood is injected into the vagina and clitoris tissues while the patient is under local anesthesia. The procedure is quite simple and painless. The treatment uses platelets extracted from your own blood, and these platelets attract growth factors in your body which can encourage healing of damaged tissues and nerves. This medically proven technology enhances the ability for the tissues of the genitalia (including the clitoris) to rejuvenate (essentially making them young again), thus contributing to better orgasms, sexual pleasure and lubrication. HOW THE O-SHOT® TREATMENT IS PERFORMED During the session, a small amount of your own blood is drawn by venipuncture. Using a special highperformance FDA-approved centrifuge
and centrifugation process, the blood is processed via spinning, allowing us to extract the PRP, which is free from red blood cells and contains more than six times the normal concentration of platelets found in whole blood. Moving into the main portion of the treatment, the clinician will numb the
vaginal and clitoral region (numbing cream and local anesthesia) and inject a certain volume (1 ml) of the spun PRP into your clitoral glans (head of the clitoris). The remaining 5 ml are injected under the vaginal epithelium just under the urethra. This nearly painless procedure lasts one to two minutes. The patient may resume sexual activity the same day; this discrete procedure has no recovery time. After the O-Shot, many patients report enhancement in libido and sexual desire, heightened vaginal and clitoral sensitivity contributing to stronger orgasms, decreased urinary incontinence, improved vaginal lubrication, reduction in pain during intercourse, increased ability to experience an orgasm, and enhancement of the quality of genital skin and vulva. 75-95% of women have reported sexual function improvements from the O-Shot just two weeks after the treatment. The full effects of the treatment will most
likely manifest after three months, and the beneficial effects of the treatment last between one to four years. When the benefits start to fade away, many patients opt for re-treatments. Since this treatment focuses on injecting the patient’s own PRP back into their body, complications, if any, are rare, except for minor injection pain or bruising. Not covered by most insurance, the O-Shot will cost approximately $1,500. Dr. Angelo Gousse, who is fellowship trained, is one of the few physicians in South Florida who is Board Certified in Female Pelvic Medicine and Reconstructive Surgery. He also directs a Fellowship training program and performs clinical research in the field. He is certified by the Cellular Medicine Association (CMA) to perform the O-Shot procedure.
ANGELO E. GOUSSE, MD • • • •
Professor and Chairman of Urology, Larkin Health System ACGME Accredited Urology Residency Training Program Voluntary Professor of Urology University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine Director of Fellowship: Female Urology, Voiding Dysfunction, Reconstruction www.gousseurology.com
CONTENTS| SPRING 2022 HEALTH | 18 Sabrine Semoin, MD Lumana Joseph, MD Renaud Jean Louis, APRN Martine Phillip, APRN
SERIAL ENTREPRENEURS | 24 Sophia Gedeon Andy & Kathy Jean
LHCC / COVER | 28 Sandy Dorsainvil Caribbean Marketplace LHCC Gallery LHCC Courtyard LHCC May 2022 Calander LHCC Theatre
NMB COMMISSIONERS | 38 Paule Villard Daniella Jean McKenzie Fluerimond Michael Joseph Fortuna Smukler
THE ARTS | 44 Maybeline Dugue Despane Magdala Charles Daniela Jean Sandy Saint-Hilaire Nora Vertus Freda et Madame Pipi
CULTURE & FASHION | 52 Stanley Loussaint Pascale Belony Cadelouse Pierre
Serena, Sandy, Fabiola Photo by @spexphotography
WOMEN IN BUSINESS | 54 From Haiti, Miami, New York to England and Denmark.
LUDA CAN'T COOK | 88 Ludacris Chef Lemaire Chef Thia Chefs Fabiola & Christelle
TALK TO US
JEAN ALFRED DELVA Editor-in-Chief Delva@HaitiOpen.com Cover SANDY, SERENA, FABIOLA Little Haiti Cultural Complex, Miami, FL Photographer MACKINLEY "SPEX" MADHERE @spexphotography Graphic Designer MENDES CHEVALIER @mendes_1812, 786-267-0108 Proofreader ALEC ROSS Layout MOHAMMAD "MA" ALAUDIN Photographers: MACKINLEY 'SPEX' MADHERE JOHNY 'REDLIGHT' LUC MAYBELINE DESPAGNE SABRINA LAMOUR RUE 3 PHOTOGRAPHY JOEY ROSADO RUDY D PHOTOGRAPHY ZAVIER DE’ANGELO RONALD WAYNE SMALL G PHOTOGRAPHY Writers: MARTINE ST. HILAIRE ALEX POPA VANESSA OLISMA NORA VERTUS SHELLY-ANN KING JENNY ESTINVILLE SARADJINE BATRONY NEPHTALIE HYACINTHE Haiti Representative: PETERSON AGERNORD, PORT-AU-PRINCE +509-3488-2714
RESTAURANT APP
THE TAP TAP NOW Mobile Application Is Bridging the Gap Between Haitian Restaurants and Customers
Written by Staff Writer
You have heard all the complaints regarding Haitian restaurants: customer service is subpar, the items on the menu are seldom available, but as we say, “lakay se lakay,” so we keep coming back because the food is delicious. These frustrations and disappointments are why the team at Tap Tap Now has set out to develop a mobile app launched during the early days of the pandemic. The solution would be the first mobile application that would cater exclusively to Haitian restaurants globally. The focus would be to make it easier to locate Haitian restaurants anywhere you are from a mobile device and place your orders to avoid spending hours on hold, only to find out that half of the menu is unavailable today. The initial Haiti-based development team set out to create a user-friendly mobile app. As things progressed, we have outsourced some of the
work to other countries and made several improvements based on initial feedback. We aimed to create an app with a global appeal with a single focus – Haitian cuisine.
TAP TAP NOW APPLICATION BRIDGES THE GAP The Tap Tap Now app has multiple benefits for both the restauranteur and the customer. The technology will help improve overall service delivery by the following: Improved Service Delivery: Improved customer service. The application will help free up staff from taking orders over the phone, freeing up more time to dedicate to restaurant customers. Location Service: Locating restaurants is quick and easy as the user does not have to sift through pages of Google searches to find a Haitian restaurant near them. Real-Time Menu Selection: Customers can quickly scan the menu, make a selection, and order their food in minutes, rather than being on the phone with the restaurant,
inquiring about menu items. Real-Time Menu Updates: The restaurant can quickly make updates or additions to the menus for direct real-time uploading into the app. Planning Restaurant Visits: Customers can preplan visits by selecting the desired zip code for the area they will be visiting ahead of time, making planning simple and easy. Overall, the Tap Tap Now application is a win-win for restauranteurs and customers. The layout is relatively simple, and it has over 600 participating Haitian restaurants globally, including
several cities in Haiti. You are only a tap-tap away from a hot Haitian meal no matter where you are. For Haitian food anywhere, don’t forget to Tap Tap Now! The app is available to download on Android and iOS (iPhones). CONTACT INFORMATION: taptapnow.com taptapnow_
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Enjoy FREE SHIPPING with code: Haiti Open
PRODUCT OF HAITI
Visit Us: welcometolittlehaiti.com
SURGEON
Haitian-American Surgeon with Military Background Provides Respectful, Equitable and High Quality Care to Her Community
Sabrine Semoin, MD Written by Nephtalie Hyacinthe
The Haitian Community is lucky to receive the service of Haitian surgeon Dr. Sabrine Semoin, a boardcertified and universityaccredited surgeon. She is the only female surgeon in South Florida’s Haitian community. Like many Haitian-Americans who have immigrated, she has faced many challenges, but she has overcame them and become an asset to her community.
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HEALTH
D
r. Semoin moved from Haiti to the US when she was in 10th grade. She was about 14 years old, had an accent, and many just assumed that she wasn’t bright. Dr. Semoin recalled a time when her guidance counselor told her that she couldn’t take honor classes because she didn’t speak English. However, she adjusted to the different culture and overcame all of these obstacles. Dr. Semoin worked as a pharmacy technician, and whilst working here, she met her lifelong mentor who eventually guided her into a different field. “I wanted to be a psychologist, but two years into it, I realized I didn’t like chronicle psychology, and decided to do the Pre-Med track instead. I later wanted to be a pediatrician, but life had different plans”, added Dr. Semoin. Dr. Semoin took an interest in surgery during a mission trip to Haiti in her first year of medical school at Howard University. For the duration of this trip, she was placed in the operating room to translate, and participated in the cases for two weeks. During this experience she came to realize she was on the right path. “I knew it was a perfect fit for me”, said Dr. Semoin. In June 2019, after Dr. Semoin relocated from Tampa to Miami, she opened her private practice under the name of South Florida Surgery. South Florida wasn’t new to Dr. Semoin, as earlier she had graduated from Deerfield Beach High School and Florida Atlantic University (FAU). “It’s home to me”, said Dr. Semoin. And there was a need for Haitian surgeons in the community. Dr. Semoin offers minimally invasive surgery as well as other types of surgery. For example, a common type of surgery is removal of the gallbladder. This is done by insertion of the camera, without actually making an open incision. “The robot is very useful, as it allows the surgeon to have a 360-degree hand motion, which makes [the operation] possible without ever having to open the body. It’s very easy, and involves less pain and a quicker recovery. This is a much
better option than a big open wound”, advised Dr. Semoin. Having a Haitian surgeon can make a huge difference in the care of a Haitian patient. A Haitian surgeon can explain things in a way that the patient can better understand. “Language and cultural barrier nuances play a much bigger role than one might expect. Other providers can provide the facts, however I can share the information better”, explained Dr. Semoin. She finds opportunities to help her patients very rewarding. “My mother barely speaks English. She is essentially one of my patients”, continued Dr. Semoin. She approaches every patient how she would want her mother to be treated. “It’s very personal and relatable. I am comfortable to share with my community, and people should take advantage of that. The Haitian kid has grown up and now she is here to serve the community”, added Dr. Semoin. Dr. Semoin’s biggest takeaway from the military is leadership and teamwork. As a military surgeon, she has learnt how to perform under tremendous stress and huge amounts of pressure. She also knows how to lead her team. “You always have to be the person that can hold it together. I always take that mindset with me”, said Dr. Semoin. Her experience has made her a great team player and administrator. She has never looked at a situation as a ‘one woman show’. The military has also given her a heart for service, and the desire and ability to give back to a group of people who had contributed to her progress. “There are many options for me to choose from and I have chosen to be of service to my community. If not me, then who?”, said Dr. Semoin humbly. Some common minimally invasive surgeries that you could consult Dr. Semoin about, include hernia surgery, internal hernia, bowel reception, colon reception for cancer, thyroid, skin and soft tissues. Here are a few key things that Dr. Semoin recommends you consider before having a minimally invasive surgery:
• A good relationship with your surgeon • Reason for your surgery • Operative period • Possible alternatives to surgery • Any options in the surgery • Ask any questions you may have • Understand the answers to your questions • Make the decision to do the surgery • Make sure you have a good surgeon who is well trained • Make sure your surgeon has the credentials, shows empathy, and respects you as an individual “I just want to make sure people know that I am here to serve them. The goal is to increase access to better techniques and to improve quality of care than what they have been getting”, continued Dr. Semoin. Dr. Semoin has also obtained a degree in Health Administration. She believes that if someone doesn’t have a seat at the table, it’s very hard to make positive changes. Dr. Semoin sits on several committees so that she can advocate on behalf of patients. Her practice plans social events for the patients, community days, community benefits, and provides them knowledge they wouldn’t otherwise have. “My goal is to make sure that the role the Haitian community plays will not be undervalued and that they should cater to us like they do any other communities. I work with social workers and case managers to make sure that patients know what is available to them in a language that they speak. I believe in equitable care for the Haitian Community”, Dr. Semoin concluded. CONTACT INFORMATION
For all matters related to surgery, Dr. Semoin can be reached at: SOUTH FLORIDA SURGERY 16695 NE 10 Avenue, North Miami Beach 786-773-5332 She accepts all major insurances, Medicare and Medicaid.
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PHYSICAL THERAPIST
DR. LUMANA JOSEPH Physical Therapist, Clinical Instructor, HACCOF Chairwoman and Philanthropist
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r. Lumana Joseph graduated from Florida International University with a bachelor’s degree in Health Sciences and a master’s degree in Physical Therapy. Dr. Joseph also completed her Transitional Clinical Doctorate Degree in Physical Therapy at the University of South Florida in 2016. Dr. Joseph is the president and CEO of Lumana Physical Therapy and Wellness Center. She founded the company in 2009 because of her belief in equal access for all who seek quality rehabilitation services, so that they can get back to functioning optimally and gain independence. As an owner of a physical therapy and wellness facility, Dr. Joseph presents a comprehensive approach to the rehabilitation realm, by providing physical, occupational, and speech therapy services. Dr. Joseph promotes a healthy lifestyle through wellness by encouraging an active lifestyle, teaching simple exercises, and providing educational resources comorbidities affecting the underserved population. Dr. Joseph also serves as a Instructor for many and colleges, mentoring t h e Therapy students a n d Therapy Assistant students throughout Miami-Dade counties. Throughout the academic year, Dr. Joseph internship opportunities summer youth internship programs to many high school students, especially juniors and seniors. Dr. Joseph aims to equip students with positive values, team-building opportunities, and social responsibilities, whilst assisting them in making a valuable contribution to society. Dr. Joseph’s overall objective is to demonstrate positive values and show the commitment needed to succeed in the rehabilitation realm and
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o C l i n i c a l universities P h y s i c a l P h y s i c a l and Broward M i a m i grants and
n
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HEALTH their future endeavors, as they become young professional HAVE YOU adults. and independence is EXPERIENCED Dr. Joseph was appointed our #1 priority. ANY OF THESE? chairwoman of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce of Florida (HACCOF) in March Difficulty walking, Loss of balance 2021. Dr. Joseph initially joined HACCOF as a board member in Post-Surgical 2017, and then served as the Spine-Neck, Back, Shoulder, Elbow, Wrist, Hand, Hip, Knee, Ankle board Treasurer from 2018 to 2019 and board Vice-Chair from • Work Injury • Sports Injury 2019 to 2021. • Auto Accident PERSONALIZED THERAPY Dr. Joseph is passionate • Joint Pain / Nerve Impingement FOR OPTIMAL FUNCTION about community services and • Language Development Disorders charitable work. Dr. Joseph PHYSICAL THERAPY impairment frequently collaborates with Physical Therapy • Therapeutic exercises and the city of North Miami in activities different capacities to deliver • Ambulation retraining much-needed benefits to the Speech Therapy CONTACT US • Balance retraining community. She also provides • Skills for fall prevention Strengthening & an annual contribution to • Regain/maintain independence Spanish, and Portuguese. families in need both in the local • Reduce/manage pain Wellness Packages • Prevent disability community and abroad, and 810 NE 125th Street • Achieve fitness goals North Miami, FL 33161 enlists in outreach programs Massage Therapy offering educational resources 305-364-5409 and exercise classes to various pt@lumanatherapy.com groups of people. Every year, she volunteers to participate in medical mission trips to Haiti to SPEECH THERAPY provide essential medical care • Language/articulation to physically impaired children development and adults. Dr. Joseph provides • Oral motor competence educational resources and tools OCCUPATIONAL • Stuttering/voice disorders to the staff at the different sites THERAPY • Neurological damage or of affiliations, and furthermore, • Therapeutic exercises and cognitive impairment activities she supports financial • Feeding/swallowing difficulties • Restore abilities or teach assistance efforts to primary • Social-pragmatic skills alternate methods for self-care and secondary students in a • Functional training rural part of Haiti. Dr. Joseph is the Vice-Chair of the Greater North Miami Dr. Joseph founded The how small, and believes that she can Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer of Lumana Foundation in 2020 to be a vessel in God’s kingdom. Dr. the House of New Vision and Hope increase awareness and assist the Joseph spends her spare time with (HNVH), a member of the American underserved and underprivileged her two wonderful sons and her Physical Therapy Association (APTA), population, by educating, family and friends. In her spare time, facilitating, and providing tools Dr. Joseph enjoys traveling, dining, and sits on various boards for the City necessary to enrich one’s life. Dr. art, music, and reading a good book. of North Miami. She currently sits on Joseph is currently working in the City of North Miami personnel CONTACT INFORMATION collaboration with the Chief Medical board as the Vice-Chair, is a board 810 NE 125th Street Doctor of Hospital St. Antoine in member on the Board of Adjustments, North Miami, FL 33161 Languages: Spanish & Portuguese Jeremie for earthquake relief efforts. and recently served as a board 305-364-5409 Dr. Joseph’s aspiration in life is to member on the North Miami Parks pt@lumanatherapy.com educate others, help people in need, and Recreation as well as the North www.lumanatherapy.com and make a difference, no matter Miami CRA boards.
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 21 «
REMART GRAND OPENING
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WHERE CARING IS OUR PRIORITY ABOUT: Remart Medical Clinic is committed to providing effective care that is accessible to all people insured and uninsured. Our main goal to improve access to and qualities of mental and family medicine in order to promote highest quality care for our patients, our community, and reduce healthcare disparities in order to have a healthy community.
SERVICES: Mental Health Care Primary Care Preventive Medicine Physical Exams House Calls Telemedince Clinic
LOCATION: 2750 N. University Dr. Davie, FL 33024 Ph: (954) 639-4866 Fax: (954-) 922-3301 Email: Remartmedical@gmail.com Web: RemartMedical.com
RENAUD JEAN LOUIS, APRN Renaud Jean Louis well known provider for his caring, friendly, and courteous has been in the health care profession for over 9 years. He is a Family, Adult Gerontology, and a Mental Nurse Practitioner that is always placed his patients as his priority. He is currently practicing at Jackson Memorial Hospital. In addition, he is a clinical instructor for JMH/UM Hospice/Palliative and Geriatrics Program Fellowship. He speaks Creole, French, English and conversational in Spanish MARTINE PHILLIP, APRN Martine Phillip a well devoted and responsible provider has been in the healthcare industry for over 20 years, She is a Family and a Mental health nurse practitioner where highest quality of care is imperative. Spending quality times, effective communication, and listen to her patients are her main priority. She has the ability to develop a consultative rapport of trust with diverse ethnic groups. She is currently practicing at Jackson Memorial HaitiOpen.com Spring and 2022English. 23 « Hospital and speak Creole,|French,
“Doing what I love feels like I’m not working a single day in my life.”
Meet the Queen Of Sparkle Empire
SOPHIA BRIA GEDEON Written by Alex Popa
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SERIAL ENTREPRENEUR
S
ophia Bria Gedeon is a young entrepreneur who owns Sparkle Empire, a multifaceted business that has four subsidiaries: 1. Sparkle Magazine—A lifestyle magazine publication with bits of inspiration, motivation, and information. 2. Sparkle Property Investment Group—A real estate investment group that purchases properties as-is for cash. 3. Sparkle Publishing House—A publishing house that publishes fiction, non-fiction, self-help, memoirs, children’s books, graphic novels, and other genres. 4. Sparkle Graphic Creations—A company that offers affordable and innovative graphic design services for businesses.
She says that even though it’s difficult to run all of these businesses, work as a nurse and take care of her family, she loves it. In her own words, “It was easy for me to get started because I was getting into businesses that I was interested in and that I loved. I must admit, though, starting a business takes commitment, time, and resources.” At present, Sparkle Property Investment Group and Sparkle Graphic Creations are quite popular and have proven to be good investments for Sophia. In the future,
she wants to improve on the other two subsidiaries and promote them to the general public. Until now, word of mouth has been the only type of advertisement she has focused on, but she realizes it’s not enough. WHAT IS HER EXPERIENCE WITH ENTREPRENEURSHIP? “I love it. Doing what I love feels like I’m not working a single day in my life. I do not struggle to put effort into my business because I feel passionate about it. I am happy to have sleepless nights over it and sacrifice a thing or two to move the business to the next level. I feel very lucky to do what I love,” says Sophia. She also admits that one of her greatest accomplishments is publishing six books and building her clientele through quality products and great customer support. When we asked her what advice she would give to Haitian women aspiring to be entrepreneurs, she had a lot to say. First and foremost, patience, consistency, thick skin, and family support are the most important factors in succeeding in entrepreneurship, according to her. If you don’t take the initiative and keep at it against all obstacles, you’ll never make it. She says that “it’s easy to get discouraged as a businessperson, especially when you see your colleagues succeeding
when your business is still struggling. But keep trying until you get it right.” Another piece of advice she gives is that failure is to be welcomed, an experience you should learn from. Entrepreneurship isn’t easy nor accessible. You need to be consistent and believe in what you do. When you fail at something, pick yourself up, ask yourself what went wrong, and correct your mistakes. Only by doing that will you advance your business and achieve your dreams. Put in the work that no one else is willing to put in! Sophia also acknowledges that family support is very important, especially when it comes to feedback on your products. You need to realize when the product is bad and try to fix it. Ego has no place in business. Only the customer matters, and if the customer doesn’t like your product, it’s your fault.
HOW DOES SHE MANAGE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Sparkle Empire takes a lot of time to manage, but Sophia doesn’t complain. She loves every moment of it but still, she realizes she needs spare time to spend with her family. This is another piece of advice she gives aspiring entrepreneurs, “Winding-up time is as important as family time and work time. Be intentional about how you spend your time.” In the future, she wants to further extend her reach and customer base to other areas. Advertisement is going to play a large role in this, according to her. We’ll see what happens, and we’ll be there to write about it when it happens! CONTACT INFORMATION
1175 NE 125th St, St 416, North Miami, FL 33161 786-710-6570 Sparkle-Empire.com Sparkle Magazine
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HAITIANS IN TECH
ANDY &
KATHY JEAN
Continue to Create Opportunities and Educate Through Their Growing Business Portfolio Written by Shelly-Ann King
Kathy Jean
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Andy and Kathy Jean are a dynamic, high-energy duo with charismatic personalities. The chemistry between this beautiful married couple is refreshing and only rivaled by their enthusiasm for the businesses they passionately pursue. The couple own and operate World Management and Technologies as well as The Health Station. Within the last few years, both entities have experienced tremendous growth due to the relentless efforts of their owners and their team. Under World Management and Technologies, which houses TaxForce Pro, an online business-to-business tax and management software program, there’s a new component that now offers education in cryptocurrency. The Jean’s also made this a family affair when they became aware of their son Michael’s interest and proficiency in coding. Michael’s passion for coding, drones, and robots led his parents to join him in establishing the LevelUp Scholarship, which gives Black and minority children an opportunity to learn to code for free. So far, the LevelUp Scholarship has been awarded to 12 children. The Jeans are currently in talks with celebrity heavyweights Damon John and Akon to expand the program to reach far more disenfranchised youth.
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HAITIANS IN TECH
Andy Jean
The Jeans are currently in talks with celebrity heavyweights, Damon John and Akon to expand the LevelUp Scholarship program to give Black and minority children an opportunity to learn to code for free. The pandemic made us all conscious of our health and the need to lead healthier lives. Andy and Kathy Jean were ahead of this trend before the pandemic when they entered the healthcare and wellness space with the Health Station. Their flagship B12 Store at the Broward Mall continues to attract patrons who seek a more holistic approach to health and wellness. Within the past two years, a second location has opened at the Sawgrass Mills Mall. The B12 Store differs from other vitamin stores in that it sells no pills and qualified healthcare professionals are onsite to prescribe and administer injectable vitamin shots for precise outcomes. There are a variety of product offerings for diverse needs, including weight loss, vitamin supplementation, IV hydration, detox, and most recently, sexual enhancement for both men and women. What’s on the horizon for the Jean’s? This power couple has also secured the franchise rights to a group deal for five locations in Florida for the Stretch Zone, a practitioner-assisted stretching method to improve mobility and overall wellness. The Jean’s first Stretch Zone store is expected to be open in Miramar in 2022.
Code Ninjas - Training
Code Ninjas - certificate
Code Ninjas - Presentation
Code Ninjas - Group Photo
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COVER INTERVIEW
Sandy Dorsainvil
Perseveres by Keeping Little Haiti in Miami Alive Written by Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by @Spexphotography Sandy Dorsainvil is the manager of the Little Haiti Cultural Complex and Mache Ayisyen, a Caribbean marketplace, in Miami, Florida. She’s responsible for maintaining the complex, creating all of the programming, and leading the production of educational programming and cultural activities. She also helps curate exhibitions in LHCC’s art gallery, dance and theatrical productions in its theatre,
musical festivals in the courtyard, and vendor engagements in the marketplace. She considers her duties a labor of love. Dorsainvil also serves as executive producer of Sounds of Little Haiti, a monthly music festival that celebrates Haitian culture and heritage in Little Haiti. “In 2018, we took Sounds of Little Haiti one step further by starting the Rara Institute of Music (RIM),” says Dorsainvil. The
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Dorsainvil started working at the LHCC on September 11, 2013, as the complex’s Marketing and Special Events Coordinator. In 2014, she became its Managing Director. Over the years, she has poured her heart and soul into the Little Haiti community.
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CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE Institute is a music program that teaches students to play traditional Haitian Rara instruments. RIM contributed to the forming of Ti Rara and the Little Haiti Rara Orchestra. One of Dorsainvil’s greatest accomplishments at the LHCC is the reopening of Mache Ayisyen in February 2022. The Caribbean marketplace had been closed for over ten years. Dorsainvil’s team was able to revamp the space, encourage the city to renovate it, and bring in vendors from all over the city to sell cultural products. “More recently, we’ve revamped the marketplace to include anchor vendors that bring a fresh and new feeling to the space,” she says. “We are also proud to say that we have curated several Haitian Heritage Month events in May that celebrate Haitian culture at the highest level.” To market the reopening of Mache Ayisien, Dorsainvil turns to publications, social media campaigns, and television advertisements. The purpose of these marketing avenues is to promote the cultural center and all of the great activities produced there weekly. Her team was able to add dance classes, art classes, a fullservice cocktail lab (Lakay), a coffee shop (Le Jardin) and a new pizza spot (Simply Good Pizza) to the complex. It doesn’t stop there. Most
importantly, Dorsainvil and her team brought back the delightful educational arts and culture programming. Groups like Tradisyon Lakou Lakay, The Nancy St. Ledge Dance Ensemble, Dance Now, and Delou Africa are once again teaching classes to the LHCC community. The art gallery has also been reactivated with new in exciting exhibitions like Noir Atlantic. “We also have modern staples like Kreyol Essence, Veve Collections and Ebene products at the market weekly,” Dorsainvil added.
“The LHCC is Ti Ayiti!” says Dorsainvil.
Dorsainvil describes the month of May as the LHCC’s Super Bowl. “We spend the entire 31 days of the month celebrating all things Haitian in grand fashion,” she says. The month-long list of activities at the complex includes a fashion show, several art exhibitions, music festivals, and much more. In the near future, Dorsainvil hopes to see the LHCC’s programming expand. She envisions the art exhibits and musical programs to be livestreamed regularly on social media
so the rest of the world can enjoy them. She also wants to see significant growth in the arts and music education programs by including even more children. Last, but certainly not least, Dorsainvil would love to see the Caribbean marketplace become a staple tourist attraction where millions of people can come visit each year to get a taste of Haitian culture. TOP 5 REASONS TO VISIT LITTLE HAITI CULTURAL CENTER We asked Dorsainvil why people should keep visiting LHCC. Here are her answers: 1. The LHCC is fun! It’s a place where you’ll meet all different types of people, and it always has positive energy and good vibes. 2. The complex is a great place to get a little taste of Haiti if you can’t visit Haiti. You’ll find delicious Haitian food, exquisite Haitian art, and fantastic Haitian music. 3. The LHCC provides boundless ways to connect friends and family who are not Haitian to the positive and beautiful world of goods and services Haitian culture has to offer. 4. Admission to the LHCC is free. People can come to enjoy themselves and be in good company at no cost. The food and the beverages are affordable, and the arts services are inexpensive. 5. LHCC is the next best thing to visiting Haiti. Visitors’ experiences range from the fresco cart, the authentic tap bus, and Barbancourt Rhum cocktails to the straw hats. “The LHCC is Ti Ayiti!” says Dorsainvil.
FOLLOW ONLINE: L-R - Sandy - Serena - Fabiola
lhccmiami
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CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE “MACHE AYISYEN” MISSION + VISION: Founded in 1984 and opened in 1990, the Caribbean Marketplace “Mache Ayisyen” is the hub and heart of Little Haiti, Miami. Our unique and traditional vendor offerings, culturally aligned activations and community engagement embody the essence of the Caribbean. Residents and visitors will be exposed to Afro-Caribbean culture, expand their knowledge of the arts and develop new talents. Serving downtown Little Haiti and nearby neighborhoods, The Caribbean Marketplace “Mache Ayisyen” represents the best of our heritage and practices while presenting and preserving Afro-Caribbean cultures. Learn more at https://www.miamigov. com/LHCC/Venues-Rentals/CaribbeanMarketplace.
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CARIBBEAN MARKETPLACE
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Little HAITI Cultural Complex Gallery
Courtesy of LHCC and the artist(s)
The Little Haiti Cultural Complex broke ground in 2006, as a result of a long-awaited vision of the late City of Miami Commissioner Arthur E. Teele, Jr. LHCC offers a unique opportunity for residents and visitors to gain exposure to Afro-Caribbean culture, expand their knowledge of the arts and develop new talents. MISSION & VISION
Artwork by Dinizulu Gene Tinnie —Noir Atlantic Connecting the Continents
The mission of the City of Miami’s Little Haiti Cultural Complex is to present and preserve Haitian and other AfroCaribbean cultures‚ inspire the next generation of leaders while leveraging the arts as a tool for transformation and community building. Our vision is to be a cultural hub where the community can meet to create‚ dialogue and collaborate in the building of an equitable reality for AfroCaribbeans and their descendants.
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Our gallery furthers both the mission and vision as it provides access to exhibitions and educational programs for visitors of all-ages. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex presents exhibitions and public art programs throughout the year highlighting international and Miami-based artists of the African diaspora, led by the collaborative efforts of local Black arts organizations, curators and cultural supporters. The Little Haiti Cultural Complex in ongoing partnership with neighboring cultural organizations such as the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance, IPC ArtSpace and the studio of Edouard Duval-Carrié, present art exhibitions that center around the history of Afro Diasporic peoples with a special focus on the Caribbean and Miami as central points in the Global South. Most recently in December of 2021 the LHCC produced “Noir Atlantic: Connecting the Continents” curated by Marie Vickles with support from Edouard Duval Carrié and Sandy Dorsainvil. This thirteenth iteration of the Global/Borderless Caribbean exhibition series exists to facilitate contemporary cultural dialogues on the Caribbean. The Global/ Borderless Caribbean exhibition series was created under the direction of artist and co-founder of the Haitian Cultural Arts Alliance, Edouard Duval Artwork by Dinizulu Gene Tinnie - Noir Atlantic Connecting the Continents Carrié.
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LHCC GALLERY
Artwork by Errol Miller in - Noir Atlantic Connecting the Continents
The Global Caribbean exhibition program, over the past 13 years has provided an extraordinary contribution to the presentation and scholarship of the work of artists of the Caribbean. The kaleidoscopic range of artistic visions reflects the Caribbean and its diasporic cultures, infinite experiences and the necessity to provide an unequivocal approach to a more complete understanding of art history. Notable artists featured in
Artwork by Michelle Grant-Murray in - Noir Atlantic Connecting the Continents
previous exhibitions include Emmanuel Merisier, Tessa Mars, Ricardo Edwards, Jose Bedia, Renee Stout, Roberto Stephenson, Carl Phillpe Juste, Adler Guerrier, Alexis Esquivel and Marielle Plaisir to name a few. The 2021 exhibition program “Noir Atlantic: Connecting the Continents” curated by Marie Vickles brought together artists in conversation around the thematic of the Global South and the connections of the African Diaspora across the Atlantic featuring contemporary artists based in Florida, representing the continent of Africa, the Caribbean region and the Southern United States. Featured artists include Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, Kabuya Pamela Bowens-Saffo, Errol Miller, and Michelle Grant-Murray with Woosler Delisfort representing a generation of global southern artists that have created a path and laid the foundation for robust artistic production by artists of the African Diaspora in South Florida. The multiplicity of media utilized within this exhibition speaks to the multiplicity of experiences and expression found within the African Diaspora as the peoples of a vast continent who were forcibly stolen to feed the systemic creation that made an industry out of human beings and their labor. This exhibition seeks to examine and present how Black peoples of the trans-Atlantic slave trade and forced African Diaspora preserved themselves through various methods of creative expression that can be traced forward in time to the works presented. In the exhibition, “Noir Atlantic: Connecting the Continents” a historically inspired work of note is “Ravinodyab (Ravine au diable/Devil’s Ravine)” by Dinizulu Gene Tinnie, which recalls the legacy of Félix Morisseau-Leroy as a contemporary figure with Haitian literature and most importantly a critical figure to bring about the establishment and recognition of the Kréyol language. Dinizulu’s personal connection to Félix, and also as a long-time resident of Little Haiti truly create a full circle connection as he exhibits his work in this gallery space for the first time. The unifying theme in this exhibition is how the artists are recognizing their ancestral knowledge, both intentionally and intuitively. They are creating worlds that utilize the visual language of their ascendants and bring a message to us all - one that reminds us we are connected across the waters and throughout the new continents that we have come to inhabit. In 2022 the Little Haiti Cultural Complex continues on the mission to support local and international artists of the Afro-Caribbean Diaspora with a special focus on the Haitian experience. A series of exhibitions will be presented that feature a variety of artistic expressions and mediums providing the local community and beyond with the opportunity to experience worldclass contemporary, modern and vernacular art in the heart of Little Haiti, Miami.
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LHCC COURTYARD
LHCC COURYARD ABOUT: The outdoor courtyard is beautifully adorned with a colorful mural, a concrete stage and seats. It has been a unique gathering place for outdoor concerts, festivals, tented luncheons, wedding receptions, book fairs and so much more! Home to our monthly installment, Sounds of Little Haiti, our courtyard space provides a scenic experience while never losing the essence of the Haitian culture.
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LHCC MAY 2022 CALANDER Time Opening Presentation 12:30-1:30pm
Day
Date
Event
Location
Description
Sunday
May 1, 2022
Haitian Heritage Month Opening Ceremony
Vizcaya Museum and Gardens
City of Miami in conjunction with Miami Dade County and several other municipalities open Haitian Heritage month at the Vizcaya Museum
Every Fri, Sat & Sun in May
Caribbean Market Days
Caribbean Marketplace/ Mache Ayisien
Fri. 5-10pm Sat. 10-10pm Sun. 10-6pm
Vendors from all over the Haitian Diapora are in the market selling their best products accompanied by live music, great food and all day activations
Visit our website
Every Thursday
On-Line
LHCC- Virtual Creole Classes
Virtual
In a perfect world everyone would speak creole in South Florida....LOL. In an effort to help our neighbors learn Haitian creole LHCC is offering FREE virtual creole classes.
11am-5pm
Saturday
May 14, 2022
Caribbean Market DayCreole Culinary Classics Cook Off
LHCC
The Haitian- American community has been blessed with several award-winning celebrity chefs. Two of those chefs will be invited to the LHCC to have a cook off featuring Haitian culinary classic dishes. An award will be provided to the winning chef. Local Haitian American influencers will be invited to judge the competition. The event will be broadcasted live on social media platforms.
Souke Kò Ou: Little Haiti Gets Fit
LHCC Courtyard
Diabetes, hypertension and obesity plague the Haitian community and many black communities in the City of Miami. In an effort to bring awareness to these health issues in the community, LHCC will facilitate outdoor dance aerobics classes that feature Afro Caribbean music and themes every Monday for the Month ofMay
Thur. Sat
Every Thur and Fri
11am-5pm
Sunday
May 22, 2022
Haitian Heritage Brunch and Awards
LHCC
City Of Miami and Miami Dade County and Haitian Consulate of Miami will take the opportunity to highlight and award Haitian American leaders that have contributed to the advancement of the Haitian American community in Miami Dade County. Local award recipients will receive recognition as well as an opportunity to celebrate their accomplishments with their selected invited mentees.
11am-1pm
Wedensday
May 18, 2022
Haitian Flag DayCelebration
LHCC Courtyard/ Virtu al
May 18 celebrates the birth and history of Haitian flag In Haiti and worldwide. The LHCC will facilitate a celebration to commemorate the flag of Haiti as well as a contribution of Haiti has made to birth democracies across the globe.
7pm-12am
Friday
May 20, 2022
Sounds of Little Haiti 7th Anniversary
LHCC Courtyard/ Virtual
Sounds of Little Haiti will celebrate its 6th birthday on the third Friday of the month at the cultural center. A local band and a welding down band will perform in the LHCC courtyard. Reservation required.
11am-5pm
Saturday
May 21, 2021
Caribbean Market DayConversation With...HAPC
LHCC
6pm-9pm
Thursday
May 12, 2022
Art Exhibition Artist Meet & Greet
Courtyard/ Gallery/ Virtual
Patrons will have an opportunity to meet the artist and discuss the works. Patrons will also be able to participate virtual via facebook and/or youtube
7-11pm
Thursday
May 26, 2022
Little Haiti 7th Birthday Cocktail Party
LHCC Courtyard
Little Haiti will celebrate its 7th birthday as officially being named a heritage neighborhood in the City of Miami. City Of Miami officials will be invited to make a presentation at the cultural center as well as rename some of the buildings and rooms.
TBA
Saturday
May 28, 2022
Dance Workshop
LHCC Dance Studio/Virtual
Lovers of Haitian Dance will participate in a masterclass . They can participate from home at at the LHCC via Facebook or Youtube
3:00 PM
Saturday
May 28, 2022
Creole Couture
LHCC
Haitian and Couture and Fashion has evolved over the years. Haitian fashion designers will be invited to produce a spectacular fashion show in the courtyard of the LHCC. Attendees will have an opportunity to purchase clothes and accessories at the event. Participants viewing the show online will also be able to purchase items from the fashion show.
7pm-11pm
Friday
May 21, 2022
Big Laughs in Little Haiti
LHCC Courtyard
Haitian-American Comedians will grace the LHCC’s stage in the court yard for a night of laughs.
Lakay Film Festival
LHCC Theatre
Films from all over the Haitian Diaspora will grace the screen at the LHCC.
1-3pm 4-7pm 8-10pm
Every Friday & Saturday
The LHCC will host the Haitian American Professionals Coalition.
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LHCC THEATRE
PROSCENIUM THEATRE The Theatre provides a dynamic opportunity for playwrights and actors to develop new works and create live theater and film. We support all cultures and levels of theatrical performances, with combined artistry of professionals and community collaborators. The theatre features 300 auditorium style seats with six wheelchair accessible spaces, two balconies with an additional 40 seats, a 1,370 sq. ft. stage and a state-of-the-art control booth. Its Lobby, at 2,130 sq. ft., is highlighted with Afro-Caribbean accents. The Lobby, at 2,130 sq. ft., is decorated with beautiful Afro-Caribbean accents. In addition to being a beautiful amenity for the Proscenium Theatre, the space can be used alone to host cocktail receptions, social mixers, dinners, parties, and conferences.
Courtyard Photos
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NMB COMMISSIONER from Barry University. In 2006, she acquired a Master of Science degree in Early Childhood Education with a Minor in Pre-K/Primary Education from Barry University. She also received a Black Achiever’s Award and a Good Samaritan Award during her time in college. During this time, she also developed a reading program
Her appointment as commissioner in North Miami Beach is a continuation of her lifelong pursuit of community protection and servitude.
that helped the North Miami Beach youth increase their vocabulary and gain interest in literacy as part of a healthy education process.
Commissioner Paule Villard
COMMISSIONER
PAULE VILLARD
is somewhat of a legend in the city of North Miami Beach. She worked for the City of Miami Police Department for 28 years where she retired as a Police Sergeant. During this time, she was active on some of the most famous police operations in Miami, so she perfectly understands what needs to be done to protect the lives of North Miami Beach citizens.
A
t present, she is the liaison for the Senior’s Committee and the Education Committee.
EDUCATION Commissioner Paule education honed her
Villard’s powerful
character and fueled her drive to work for the community. In 1990, she was awarded an Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice from Miami Dade College. In 2003, she received a Bachelor of Science degree in Public Administration
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ORGANIZATIONAL AFFILIATIONS AND COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Aside from her work as a police sergeant for the NMBPD, Commissioner Paule Villard has engaged in several community projects and has become a member of several organizations. Since 1993, she has been a member of the Fraternal Order of Police. Since 2009, she has been a member of the Zeta Phi Beta Sorority. These bonds have helped her realize how important community is and honed her instincts as a police sergeant. Since 2010, she has been a member of the Police Benevolent Association. This was where she continued her formation as a soonto-be commissioner serving the North Miami Beach community. Over the years, Commissioner Paule Villard has supported many community projects, including the Miss Teen Haiti Organization, which she spearheaded as an Executive
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PUBLIC ADMINISTRATION HERO This is how she is perceived by her colleagues and those who have worked with her throughout the years. Commissioner Paule Villard doesn’t see herself as someone particularly important but rather one gear in the whole mechanism of the North Miami Beach community. Her role is to keep everything working and efficient, in a nutshell. In a way, her community is her life. She wouldn’t be where she is now without the full support of her community… In a way, her community is her life. She wouldn’t be where she is now without the full support of her community, and she has been giving back all this time. Through her efforts as commissioner, she has improved the livelihoods of all North Miami Beach citizens ever since her appointment, and she will continue to do so. During the initial chaos of the Covid pandemic, Commissioner
Primary Grand Opening
Director. As part of this organization, she initiated the Miss Teen Haiti Scholarship Pageant to support young Haitian women in pursuing a college education and becoming more appreciative of their Haitian descent. Commissioner Paule Villard is a Haitian by descent herself, and she’s deeply aware of how valuable Haitian culture is. Moreover, she knows about the lack of opportunities for the Haitian youth, which she tries to compensate for with community projects. She was also a volunteer for the Kids And the Power of Work (KAPOW) initiative. As part of her police work, Commissioner Paule Villard was a Gang Resistance Education and Training (GREAT) instructor and a Drug Abuse Resistance Education (DARE) instructor. These programs have made a big difference in Miami and to the North Miami Beach community, especially the vulnerable and impressionable youth.
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NMB COMMISSIONER
Paule Villard took control of the situation wonderfully and pacified everyone. Under her leadership, those in need received help, food, and assistance until things cooled down. In times of peace, she’s a great source of counsel, while in trying times, she is a steady pillar of support for her community.
the bonds shared within the North Miami Beach community. We believe Commissioner Paule Villard has a bright future serving her constituents and we’re confident she’ll continue to serve the North Miami Beach community the best she can. Along with her administrative team, she continues to build North Miami Beach into something better with each passing day!
In a way, her community is her life. She wouldn’t be where she is now without the full support of her community…
PROUD FAMILY LIFE Commissioner Paule Villard’s personal life revolves around her three daughters, Ashlee, Victoria, and Tasha, and her two granddaughters, Taylor and Sadie. Family life occupies a large portion of her time, but this doesn’t stop her from doing her job as a commissioner. Quite the opposite, family life has helped her deepen her understanding of
CONTACT INFORMATION:
Paule Villard 305-948-2986 Paule.Villard@citynmb.com CommissionerVillard citynmb.com/1189/Paule-Villard
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NMB COMMISSIONER
COMMISSIONER
DANIELA JEAN
has devoted her entire life to serving and protecting the livelihoods of North Miami Beach residents. A product of the NMB Community, she attended Fulford Elementary, JFK Middle, and NMB Senior High School. Needless to say, her education made her greatly appreciate the importance of government work and public service.
T
hrough her experience in Risk Management and Procurement, Commissioner Daniela Jean fostered a certain set of skills that formed the foundation of her work as a public servant. She has over eight years of experience working for the local government and more than 15 years of community work experience. Both an author and a social strategist, Daniela Jean has a keen understanding of the social problems that plague her community. Moreover, she has vehemently fought to keep her community safe, prosperous, and peaceful. That’s Commissioner Daniela Jean’s motto, and she abides by it to a T. Throughout her years working as a public servant, her efforts have spoken for themselves. Between 2017 and 2020, she was appointed as a Miami-Dade County Commission for Women District 2 Board Member. Looking back into the past, between 2002 and 2004, she was a board member of the Florida Conference of SDA Executive Committee Board. 2019 was a
Commissioner Daniela Jean
successful year for her as well, since she was awarded the Greater Miami Chamber of Commerce HYPE Award. In the same year, she received the Women of Worth Award, a recognition of her positive influence on the MiamiDade community. The commissioner has brought many good changes to North Miami Beach, and she’s especially concerned about equality and equity.
Florida International University. Undoubtedly, the multifaceted education she brings to the table is invaluable for her public work. Currently, Commissioner Daniela Jean is serving as president and CEO of Arts at Work, Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes the literary, visual, and performing arts for the youth in her community. Commissioner Daniela Jean has been and will continue to be a supporting pillar of the North Miami Beach community, and her public service is exemplary!
“It’s easier said than done, but definitely doable.”
EDUCATION She received her formal education at Fulford Elementary, then JFK Middle, and NMB Senior High School. Later, she attended MiamiDade College, Associates of Arts, in 2006. Two years later, in 2008, she studied for a Bachelor of Science Diagnostic Medical Sonography/ Biology at Barry University. In 2017, she underwent a Master of Science in Global Strategic Communications at the
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CONTACT INFORMATION:
Daniela Jean 305-948-2986 Daniela.Jean@citynmb.com commissionerdanielajean citynmb.com/440/Daniela-Jean
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NMB COMMISSIONER
COMMISSIONER
MCKENZIE FLEURIMOND was one of the youngest appointed council members in North Miami Beach at only 27 years old back in 2010-2011. However, this didn’t stop him from becoming the liaison for the Economic Development Commission, Recreation Committee, and the Police and Fire Retirement Board. Before the start of his own public service career, Mr. McKenzie Fleurimond played key roles in various political campaigns locally and statewide. This prepared him for his first major role as District Assistant to former State Representative Ronald A. Brise in District 108 of the Florida Legislature. In this position he would be responsible for constituent services, public relations and community organizing. In his role as a member of the elected body of North Miami Beach, Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond oversees a complex budget of roughly 170 million dollars. He also reviews and makes decisions on real estate development, public safety, and capital improvement projects. His main focus has been transforming the city into a hub for business enterprise while promoting smart growth. This is Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond’s motto. Throughout his tenure serving as a commissioner for North Miami Beach, he’s shown great initiative in improving his community. He’s especially concerned with the area’s economic development and the wellness of its citizens. To this end, he has sponsored legislation to address public health concerns and drive investment dollars to the area. Among many of his successful initiatives was the signing of a lease agreement with the Haitian American Nurses Association of Florida to move their headquarters to North Miami Beach allowing for increased capacity for service to those who are under insured and may not have access to quality health care resources. McKenzie has also spearheaded the city’s identification of underutilized public property in efforts to partner with the private sector for future projects that will increase affordable housing and accessible spaces for recreation.
Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond
DEDICATED AND PRAGMATIC Commissioner McKenzie Fleurimond has often been referred to as the “Speaker of The House” by his colleagues for his pragmatic approach to problem solving as well as his communication skills. He was unanimously voted as Vice Mayor by his colleagues recently. While in this role McKenzie plans to use the visibility to promote unity in a very diverse community. A North Miami Beach resident for over 20 years and having studied Business Administration at Johnson and Wales University, Commissioner Fleurimond is a true native local. Thus far he has been an asset to the governing body of his city and as we come out of this pandemic, McKenzie sees renewed opportunities for growth in Northeast Miami Dade. As he works on new projects to build a workforce to compliment the rise in technology companies entering Miami-Dade County while addressing the demand for housing and economic development; we can’t wait to see how the city of North Miami Beach progresses as result.
“We are destined for
nothing more than we are committed to”
CONTACT INFORMATION:
McKenzie Fleurimond 305-948-2986 McKenzie.Fleurimond@citynmb.com mckenziefleurimond citynmb.com/1190/McKenzie-Fleurimond
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NMB COMMISSIONER civic duties throughout the years, becoming affiliated with many organizations. For example, to better the North Miami Beach parks, he became a member of the City of Miami Bayfront Park Management Trust. He also received a Service Recognition Award in 2011 for his efforts in the Bayfront Park Management Trust. In addition, as a member of the MiamiDade County Commission on Human
The commissioner is a staunch defender of equality. His rigorous understanding of the law makes his work as a public servant that much more valuable to the community!
Commissioner Michael Joseph, Esq.
COMMISSIONER
MICHAEL JOSEPH, ESQ.
is a powerful voice in the local North Miami Beach government. Currently, he’s the commission liaison for the Code Enforcement Board, Public Utilities Commission, and the Education Committee. This position brings him ever closer to understanding the needs and wants of North Miami Beach residents.
B
eing a commissioner, he devotes his undivided attention towards bringing a beneficial change to the community. He’s especially focused on solidifying the trust of North Miami Beach residents in the government body. Through ethical reforms, he strives to restore the citizens’ confidence in the local government.
EDUCATION Commissioner Michael Joseph, Esq. earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Business Administration from Florida International University. Then, he attended St. Thomas University’s School of Law, where
he earned his juris doctorate. It was here that he decided to bring a much-needed transformation to his community. For the next several years, he practiced as an attorney for various law firms and became a Member of the Dade County Bar Association, the Haitian Lawyers Association, and the Caribbean Bar Association. His belonging to a minority group fostered a unique understanding of people’s needs and social circumstances.
CIVIC INVOLVEMENTS Commissioner Michael Joseph, Esq. has involved himself in many
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Rights, he fought for a more rigorous ethical treatment of North Miami Beach residents from all walks of life. As a Vice-Chair of the Miami-Dade County Small Business Enterprise Goods and Services Advisory Board, Commissioner Michael Joseph, Esq.’s Master’s in Business Administration proved essential in understanding how small businesses fared in the market against large-scale corporations and what needed to change to give everyone a chance. He was also a member of the Voter’s Council of North Miami Beach, Inc. At present, he’s a Member of the Democratic HaitianAmerican Caucus of Florida. Commissioner Michael Joseph, Esq. is happily married to his wife, Asia. The two are raising their son, Alexander, in the Sunray West neighborhood of North Miami Beach. CONTACT INFORMATION:
Michael Joseph, Esq. 305-948-2986 Michael.Joseph@citynmb.com VoteMichaelJoseph citynmb.com/1191/Michael-Joseph
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NMB COMMISSIONER
COMMISSIONER
FORTUNA SMUKLER is the liaison for the Civil Service Board and the Library Board, a position she occupies with due diligence and dedication. She’s been a resident of North Miami Beach for 21 years, ever since 2001 when she moved to North Miami Beach with her husband. BOARD APPOINTMENTS AND AWARDS ince 2004, Commissioner Fortuna Smukler has been a Club Law & Order member. From 2006 to 2018, she was a member of the Civil Service Board, and in 2007, she was on the Commission On The Status Of Women. From 2009 to 2018, she occupied a position on the Chair Civil Service Board. From 2012 to 2018, she was both a member and the chairperson of the Multi-cultural Committee. During this time, she learned much about overseeing committees and leading administrative projects. As a community activist, Commissioner Fortuna Smukler was nominated Crime Watcher Of The Year in 2011 and was the Nominee Chairperson Of The Year for the Citizens’ Crime Watch Of Miami Dade County for four years in a row, from 2011 to 2016. Back in 2006, she was awarded the NMBPD
S
Her past as a community activist and member and chairperson of several boards meant she was thoroughly prepared for her new responsibilities.
Community Champion Award. Those were the start of her activism years. Her formal education gives a glimpse into her aspirations, having attended and graduated from the NMBPD Citizens Academy in 2010 and the FBI Citizens Academy in 2013. COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT Commissioner Fortuna Smukler’s community involvement started as soon as 2002 when she first occupied a position on the ESPOA Board. She occupied this position until 2018. From 2005 to 2007, she was on the Urban Environment League (UEL) Board, and in 2010, she was a member of the Eastern Shores Crime Watch.
Commissioner Fortuna Smukler
In 2012, Fortuna Smukler organized and led work to keep the Rescue Station in Eastern Shores alive and kicking. In 2016, her efforts led to the upgraded gate control system in Eastern Shores. Her appointment as a commissioner did not mark the start of her community involvement but rather a continuation. Her commissioner title simply put her in a position to help the community that fostered her younger years better. Now, she wants to use her newly-acquired resources to put North Miami Beach on the map! CONTACT INFORMATION: Fortuna Smukler 305-948-2986 Fortuna.Smukler@citynmb.com fortuna_smukler citynmb.com/1020/Fortuna-Smukler
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MEET
MAYBELINE DUGUE DESPAGNE Photographer & Painter Written by Alex Popa
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRES HER PAINTINGS? Maybeline says Chevelin Pierre’s work has been integral to her journey as a painter and photographer. His colorful drawings captivated her attention and stirred her creativity down the right path. Expressiveness took a new meaning for her and kept on evolving with time. Aside from this, childhood memories are always there to play a role in Maybeline’s paintings. In her view, Haiti is a rich country with a wonderful culture, especially the artistic industry with its naïve-styled painters that use a lot of yellow and orange. Maybeline is very passionate about it. That’s why she uses orange a lot in her paintings. Depending on the theme and background she needs to paint, she’ll use orange or yellow because it allows her to change the scenery very easily. This gives her paintings a unique flair that has slowly transformed into a personal marker for her creations.
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Maybeline Despagne
Maybeline Dugue-Despagne remembers her childhood in Haiti with the fondness of someone who truly loves her homeland. She grew up seeing various depictions of life, which stuck with her into adulthood. The lack of technological advancements back in the day meant everyone was more lively and dynamic. The memories during those times can be found in her photographs and paintings today. Drawing is a self-taught hobby for her. When she first started Kohzé, also known as Artistik Crafts, all her characters were diluted forms of what they are today. She says, “Over the years, I’ve improved a lot with practice. My drawings are more realistic now.” Artistic talent runs in the family, so it’s not a surprise she became much better over the years.
IN HER VIEW, HAITI IS A RICH COUNTRY WITH A WONDERFUL CULTURE, ESPECIALLY THE ARTISTIC INDUSTRY WITH ITS NAÏVE-STYLED PAINTERS THAT USE A LOT OF YELLOW AND ORANGE.
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CAP-HAÏTIEN
Atys Panch
Maybeline Despagne - with her work
Earrings - model
PAINTER, PHOTOGRAPHER, ENTREPRENEUR, AND MOTHER Maybeline Dugue-Despagne isn’t only a painter and photographer but also a mother of three and owner of a shipping company. How does she juggle all these things? In her own words, “I could not do it without the
help of family and friends.” There you go! Painting and photography bring her substantial revenue, especially her posters, which helps the overall situation. In her free time, Maybeline draws and likes to travel. But most of all, she likes spending time with her three girls. Without a doubt, she has become a real role model for her
children, which is what any parent hopes to be. In the future, Maybeline wants to paint and photograph some more and maybe even expand her collection to the public. CONTACT INFORMATION: kohzestore.com kohzestore
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 45 «
MAGDALA CHARLES
PAINTS HER WAY THROUGH LIFE Written by Alex Popa
M
agdala Charles’s artistic background is non-existent, yet, she’s a full-time artist in Miami at the time of writing this article. She was born in Arcahaie, Haiti, in a strict Haitian household, and she wasn’t exposed to art in any shape or form as she grew up, but her budding talent for painting was something “God-given,” according to her. As she looks back to her formative years, going to college was the event that sparked her passion for painting. She was almost penniless and wanted a hobby to take her mind away from the hardships. So she bought a few painting supplies and started painting, just like that. Soon, her peers in college started requesting personalized digital graduation caps, so she started selling them.
Magdala Charles - Painter
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ARCAHAIE
How Did She Develop Her Artistic Skills? Magdala Charles says her skills are mostly self-taught. She does list many artists who inspire her, like Tahlia Stanton who is an abstract realist painter. Magdala loves her because “she is a mixture of the new art world, and she’s so vibrant.” She says she constantly upgrades her painting style based on inspirations from other artists. Her learning process doesn’t stop at inspirations, though. Being self-taught means she finds even the most basic of artistic things interesting. The creative process is the bread and butter of her passion for painting, though. Beyond the simple things like using a brush and seeing how the paint dries, it’s the freedom to express herself that’s most attractive to her. She says she loves all of her artistic works, and there isn’t one that she especially loves. All of her work is an expression of herself. She also tries teaching others about the wonders of painting. SIP n GOUYE, an artistic workshop founded by her friend, Marcus Dellille, is where she interacts with other painters and attempts to share her experiences with them. Magdala is also into NFTs, the new and up-and-coming crypto asset that’s been taking the world by storm. She’s also created an NFT and plans on marketing it!
All of her work is an expression of herself.
Aristocracy
H
Her goal for the future is to represent Haitian culture through her art and bring it to the attention of American society and beyond. We wish her luck in this endeavor! CONTACT INFORMATION: mcartelier.com mc_artelier
Tumultuous Past
What Is Magdala Charles’s Advice to Aspiring Artists? Magdala is proud to have “mastered self-realization,” in her own words. She knows what she’s capable of, and she knows she can do it. It’s a form of empowerment and inspiration for other Haitian women aspiring to be artists or entrepreneurs. But being an entrepreneur doesn’t mean working all the time. Taking a break is just as important.
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 47 «
PARIS
The Power of Self-Affirmation With
DANIELA JEAN
But it’s through her books that she has had the greatest impact on them.
Author Daniela Jean
Written by Alex Popa
D
aniela Jean is a commissioner for the city of North Miami Beach, the president and CEO of Arts at Work, Inc., a social strategist, mentor, and 5x author with a new book to be released soon. Putting aside her peerless work as a commissioner for North Miami Beach, her civic and literary efforts have helped many young women find a purpose in life. Being a self-motivational writer, Daniela is perfectly aware of how women—especially young women—need self-empowerment the most. At Arts at Work, the non-profit organization that she supervises, she promotes the literary, visual, and performing arts for the community’s youth. She has also mentored over 100 youths in South Florida throughout the years.
TEACHING SELF-EMPOWERMENT TO THE YOUTH Daniela has released four books at the time of writing this article, with a fifth one scheduled for release soon. One of her most famous ones is I Am a Princess, in which she talks about the power of self-affirmation for young girls. But I Am a Princess isn’t Daniela’s only book focused on selfaffirmation and motivation. Live Your Worth is a practical guide on how to achieve your personal worth in life through better decisions and self-affirmation. Through this book, Daniela pushes people toward honest self-evaluation and to a greater state of being. Everyone is capable of greatness, her book teaches, and you just need to maximize your potential to achieve your personal best. She has also released an audio CD, the Live Your Worth Soundtrack that enhances your mindset using positive words of affirmation. With these in the bag, anyone can perform better and improve their lives for the better. Living your worth, in Daniela’s mind, means tapping into your potential and making the best of it. Why leave it unused when it’s the perfect tool to can change your life right now?
And Self-Realization for Adults …
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The book is dedicated to helping young girls better understand their potential in a world where competition is fiercer than ever before. Daniela Jean talks about grownups, too, in her books. Lack of selfmotivation isn’t a problem only for the youth. Adults deal with it as well. In her book, the 5Gs of Success, Daniela provides a helpful guide for self-realization. One’s potential is defined by the actions we take while the mindset leads the way forward or backward. 5Gs of Success offers a toolbox to help young adults more easily grasp success. A person’s potential is defined only by our self-imposed limitations, Daniela believes. She wants people to break away from those limitations and achieve their dreams, no matter what they might be. Her next book will continue her efforts of helping her community, and we can’t wait to read it! CONTACT INFORMATION: daniempowers.com daniempowers
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MIAMI
Painter SANDY SAINT Hilaire & Her Artistic View Written by Alex Popa
S
andy Saint-Hilaire was born in a family overflowing with artistic talent. Her mother is a singer, her father plays the guitar, and her siblings write poetry, sing, play the piano, or do graphic design. Needless to say, Sandy becoming a painter was no surprise. When her elementary teacher noticed she had talent, she had young Sandy audition for the Magnet program of Norland Middle School. That’s where she learned most of the techniques that she uses today. At the time of writing this article, Sandy Saint-Hilaire is an accomplished painter with dozens of finished paintings.
and emotion are necessary tools of the trade for a painter, and this remains true for Sandy Saint-Hilaire too. When asked about the process of painting, Sandy simply replies, “I just let myself feel. That’s all it is.” In her view, being a painter is all about conveying a multitude of ideas without uttering a single word. The colors themselves express so many thoughts in the space of a few seconds when someone admires the painting.
What Does the Future Hold for Sandy Saint-Hilaire?
Sandy confesses that she wants to go on a journey of self-exploration and introspection. Even though she finds scuba-diving a productive source of inspiration, her inner child is still the most proactive creativity source. She wants to get more in touch with herself and with her passions. The ocean has a certain beauty and profundity that have always attracted her. She feels free and connected to the endlessness that is the ocean, which also led to her Siren painting. Overall, she wants to improve herself on all levels and evolve as a person and as a painter!
Sandy Saint-Hilaire
From fairytale characters to strong historical leaders and emotional ideas put to color, Sandy has a rich portfolio that she says results from her “inner child, that quiet girl who turned into an observant adult as the years went by.”
Flower Woman
What is Her Inspiration?
Sandy Saint-Hilaire with her art
In her own words, she’s inspired “by the times and how I feel. My most recent works are inspired by black poets like Ntozake Shane and Gill Scott-Heron.” She says that reality and emotional purity are very impactful as far as inspiration goes. Realism appeals most to her, though she indulges in more spontaneous painting from time to time. Her emotions give birth to a plethora of artistic creations, and she humanizes herself as much as possible. Freedom of expression
Angry
CONTACT INFORMATION: tableaublue.com sasacheeksart
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JOURNALING
Nora Vertus
The Pursuit of
HAPPINESS
One of the best ways that you can practice selfimprovement is journaling. Ask yourself, what is it that you would like to improve? Why do you want to improve? What are your values? What can you compromise on without losing your sense of self?
Written by Nora Vertus
I
f you were to go to any social media outlet, you would see a lot of content on self-improvement. Telling us to “be better, dress finer, and produce better results.” Almost every source of media will push you to self-improve. It benefits us, our society, families, and ethnic groups as a collective. Bettering the human race is encoded in our genetic makeup. Many of us started on this journey unintentionally by getting feedback from our parents, teachers, mentors, and applying it. Yet, some of us decided to improve ourselves consciously. Self-improvement is the pursuit of happiness. If you’ve watched the movie The Pursuit of Happiness, starring Will Smith, you will understand the ups and downs that come with constantly
working on yourself, winning some, losing a few, and having the strength to persevere. In a nutshell, the constant flow of striving for a better future. However, when you become so absorbed with content constantly pushed at you, you forget yourself. Instead of pursuing happiness, you are now chasing perfection and going in a different direction than you once were aiming. Achieving the ultimate happy life does not mean delving so deep into improving yourself that you disregard your most essential needs. The best result in acquiring and improving things is a mixture of expertise and your inner self. At the start of your selfimprovement journey, the best thing to do is look in the mirror, appreciate yourself as is, be encouraging, and
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give yourself lots of love. After gathering your thoughts, start reading up on materials that can help you. Your best accessible resources are the library or online resources such as YouTube. The next step is crucial, and that is to filter. Remember that you are not everybody else, and you are you. What works for others does not necessarily work for you. Take every piece of advice you consume with a grain of salt. Self-improvement is created based on your needs and what you are trying to achieve, which for me is happiness.
CONTACT INFORMATION: kwiakfil
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FILMS
FREDA ET MADAME PIPI Written by Nora Vertus
Madame Pipi, produced by Rachel Salnave, focuses on the hardship of the Haitian diaspora living in a foreign country, hardly able to make a living.
Madama Pipi
on Haitian women with no ability to rely on their male counterparts for help. Many diasporan and current Haitians living at home will feel moved and connected to this beautiful piece of art; it is meant to be seen by younger and older generations alike.
Freda movie poster
On March 12, 2022, in Little Havana, at the Tower Theater, a Haitian movie directed by Gessica Geneus, Freda made its US debut at the Miami Film Festival. At the same time, another film was also shown called Madame Pipi. The movies were shed light on Haitians’ hardship during Haiti’s constant civil unrest. However, the styles of the films were completely different and highlighted different components of those hardships. Freda focuses on a young woman discovering how to survive the constant insecurity affecting her life and her family while navigating the dating world. Her super-religious mother does not believe in her studies, but only in marrying her off, a lazy brother, and a provocative younger sister who feels her worth is only in her body. This film portrays the strain put
On the other hand, Madame Pipi, produced by Rachel Salnave, focuses on the hardship of the Haitian diaspora living in a foreign country, hardly able to make a living. However, she has to take care of her family back home. Madame Pipi works as a bathroom attendant, and every Friday, she sends her tips back home to take care of her family even throughout the Covid-19 pandemic. The Haitian diaspora will relate to this sentimental piece, for
Freda focuses on a young woman discovering how to survive the constant insecurity affecting her life and her family while navigating the dating world. it is the way of life for most of us. As a young Haitian woman who lived as Freda and as Madame Pipi, I feel an immense sense of pride seeing our community stand out through the arts. Freda has five wins and three nominations, including at the acclaimed Cannes Festival and the Miami Film Festival. The movie is currently being pushed for an Oscar nomination. It is up to us to move both of these movies forward via social media and word of mouth to showcase that we are so much more than our struggle. CONTACT INFORMATION: FREDA fredafilmnan MADAME PIPI madamepipifilm
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 51 «
FASHION DESIGNER
The World of Luxury Fashion With
STANLEY LOUISSAINT Written by Alex Popa + Model @ anika__50 + Photos by @islandboiphotography
Stanley Louissaint
than not, this has greatly helped him define his future. His Haitian community has also been supportive of his efforts to establish his own fashion and fragrance brand.
A
t a first glance, Stanley Louissaint is a normal 27-year-old with excellent taste in clothing. But if you dig deeper, you find out that Stanley is the CEO of Louissaint Aroma, a luxury fashion brand that he built by himself. He’s also one of the models for his line of clothing and perfumery, which he describes as “perfect because it caters to both men and women.” His story is one of hard-earned success, community help, and trust in a higher power. Stanley puts his trust in God a lot, and more often
In his words, “I am a firm believer that what we as human beings determines how we feel about ourselves. When we feel good in what we are wearing, we all tend to feel more confident.”
WHERE DID THE IDEA COME FROM? WHAT IS HIS ADVICE FOR UPCOMING ENTREPRENEURS? Before establishing his fashion brand in 2020, Stanley had been Stanley Louissaint explains that to trying to create perfumes and sell be an entrepreneur, one needs to them on social media. During this be resourceful, patient, optimistic, time, he worked a 9-to-5 like any and take the initiative. No one will normal person but he dreamt big. He’d always been fascinated with perfumes to the point that he would mix different fragrances to see what would come out of them. After a few successful deals, Stanley eventually had enough capital to start his fragrance brand, Louissaint Aroma. It was a successful idea, so successful in fact, that he’s LOUISSAINT AROMA - Coral Square Mall recently expanded his brand to include men’s and women’s achieve your dream for you and if luxury clothing. His signature clothing you’re unsure about something, can be seen throughout South Florida, research it. That’s what Stanley did worn with pride by his clients. when thinking about establishing his He believes confidence and fragrance brand. elegance go hand in hand, especially Surrounding yourself with for the women of the 21st century. positive people and being passionate about what you’re doing is even more important. Positivity births great ideas, and passion sells them. Stanley thinks that you can sell almost anything if you’re passionate about it. In the future, he hopes to further expand his fragrance and clothing line with more luxury products.
…empowering women through fashion is his passion, and he aims to continue doing this for the foreseeable future.
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LOUISSAINT AROMA
Suit - LOUISSAINT AROMA
Suit by LOUISSAINT AROMA
LOUISSAINT AROMA - Suit
CONTACT INFORMATION:
louissaintaroma.com
louissaintaroma
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 53 «
Photo by @rudyd_photography
Pageant Queen & Philanthropist
PASCALE BÉLONY IS HAITIAN EXCELLENCE PERSONIFIED Written by Martine St. Hilaire
ascale Bélony became interested in pageantry at the age of eight. When growing up in Cap-Haitien, Bélony became fascinated by what she experienced in her daily life. She spent hours perched on the balcony of her home, observing everyday movement, watching colorful markets filled with vibrant
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merchants and the women carrying huge baskets on their heads with ease and cadence. It was as if life had infused itself within the very fibers of the Haitian people. She said to herself, “One day, I want to be on a world stage sharing the beauty and the story of my people.” Fortunately for her, that dream came true through pageantry.
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Bélony’s official pageant journey began in 2019 when she competed in Miss Haiti Universe, where she placed second-runner up. Then, in 2021, she was elected Miss Supranational Haiti. She represented Haiti at the Miss Supranational competition in Poland, where she placed 14th out of 58 countries and won the title of Miss Supranational Caribbean. She made history as Haiti’s first placement and crowned participant at the Miss Supranational pageant. Bélony’s pageant journey ended with the Miss Universe Haiti 2021 title. She also represented Haiti at the 70th edition of the Miss Universe competition in December 2021. Her retirement from the pageant world didn’t stop Bélony from achieving continued greatness. She’s currently a maternity nurse because she’s passionate about women’s health and the birthing cycle. Her passion centers more on women than children, mainly because Haiti has the highest infant and maternal mortality rate in the Western Hemisphere. In Bélony’s freshman year of college at the University of Florida, she joined a nonprofit organization called P4H Global that’s dedicated to eradicating poverty in Haiti through education. Joining the group fueled her deep desire to contribute to the advancement of her country. Given that P4H Global’s main office is in Bélony’s hometown, Cap-Haitien, it
Photo by @zavierdeangelo
Photo by @wiseclairvoyant
CAP-HAÏTIEN
As a proud Cap-Haitien native, and now Miss Haiti Universe 2021, is Bélony a modern queen? Bélony most certainly considers herself a modern-day queen of the North. She’s the first Miss Haiti from Cap-Haitien, and she considers this a special honor. Ultimately, she believes every woman is a queen and doesn’t need a physical crown to validate their worth. HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 55 «
Photo by @ronaldwayne_
was a perfect match. From 2012 to 2015, she served as their Communications and Publicity Director. From 2012 to 2020, she planned and executed annual Health Education workshops. She also proudly served as the youngest member of P4H Global’s Board of Directors, perpetuating her mission to transform Haiti through quality education. Bélony is also a board member and ambassador for MamaBaby Haiti, a nonprofit that runs two birth centers, a health clinic, and a midwifery school, all located in the northern part of Haiti where Bélony was born and raised. MamaBaby Haiti provides a safe place for Haitian women to receive compassionate care at the hands of skilled midwives. “I became involved with MamaBaby Haiti after watching one of their videos. I was deeply moved by the courage of the Haitian midwives,” recalls Bélony. She joined as an official ambassador because of her passion for women’s health and her experience as a maternity nurse. She believes women are the pillars and pivotal agents of change in society. Bélony represented Haiti well at the 70th Miss Universe Pageant held at Eilat, Israel. “It was exhilarating to live out this dream of mine,” she says. Though she was elated, her experience was incredibly challenging. Her preparation was rushed, difficult, and there turned out to be an extremely unhealthy environment within the national organization, which greatly impacted her mental health. However, she had fun at the actual competition. She enjoyed sharing her Haitian culture and customs. She wanted the world to acknowledge the beauty and strength that still lies within the Haitian nation. Further underscoring the
Further underscoring the notion that Bélony is both beauty and brains, she was honored as one of the Top 40 Under 40 from the University of Florida’s list of alumni. “I’m very thankful to have been selected for this prestigious award from my alma mater,” she says. She absolutely loves the University of Florida and is a proud Gator!
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Shot by @ronaldwayne_
MISS HAITI 2021 notion that Bélony is both beauty and brains, she was honored as one of the Top 40 Under 40 from the University of Florida’s list of alumni. “I’m very thankful to have been selected for this prestigious award from my alma mater,” she says. She absolutely loves the University of Florida and is a proud Gator! The award was sentimental for her, as she came to the U.S. as an immigrant. To be chosen amongst half a million alumni from the fifthranked public university in the nation was an immense honor. As far as her nursing career goes, Bélony is considering pursuing a doctorate in nursing to become a certified nursemidwife. What does Bélony do for fun when she’s not delivering babies or attending beauty functions? Well, she’s a big foodie. She loves trying new foods and cooking healthy recipes. She has a large family and enjoys spending time with her siblings. She also loves to pick up new hobbies. She recently started drawing ideas for evening gowns. She’s passionate about arts and creativity, which means she usually works on Do-ItYourself (DIY) projects. She also loves watching a good movie while snacking on vegan ice cream and has a growing obsession with Korean dramas.
FOLLOW ONLINE: pascalebelony
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 57 «
Singing for Success With
CADELOUSE PIERRE
Written by Alex Popa + Photos by @smallgtetchaje
C
adelouse Pierre is an up-and-coming singer with a few songs released so far but lots of passion for what she does. She only discovered her talent for writing songs in 2022 but her singing talent has been with her all her life. Singing runs in her family, as her mother was also a singer. She didn’t discover her talent until later on, and she’s been working hard to improve it ever since.
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Elegance is the beauty that never fades.
WHAT IS IT LIKE BEING A MUSICIAN? Being a musician is great for Cadelouse. She says that she “loves the fact that she can sing about something people are going through and that she can make them feel in certain ways with her singing.” Now that she’s started to write her own songs, her voice will evoke even more feelings in her listeners. Cadelouse is inspired by many singers, including Beyonce and the Haitian Music Industry. She likes Emeline Michel and Rutshelle Guillaume especially, whom she admires for having so much courage and for doing their own thing. Like them, Cadelouse wants to show the world the wonders of Haitian music and make it mainstream. At present, she only has a few songs released but her dreams are big. She’s already planning on
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SINGER releasing two more songs in 2022. Now that she writes her own songs, her own originality will shine through and impress her public even more.
CONTACT INFORMATION cadelouse
Discipline, in her eyes, is a key factor in becoming an entrepreneur, even if you’re a singer.
Photo by @smallgtetchaje
WHAT ABOUT THE WORK-LIFE BALANCE? Cadelouse Pierre is also studying to be a nurse in parallel to singing with Klass. She says she couldn’t juggle both things if she didn’t “plan things the right way”. Discipline, in her eyes, is a key factor in becoming an entrepreneur, even if you’re a singer. Without careful planning and prioritization, she’d be overwhelmed by everything. Her time management revolves around working and studying during the week, while weekends are reserved for singing. It might seem that she doesn’t have personal time but singing is a form of relaxation and freedom for her. Her weekends are when she truly relaxes, setting aside work and studying. With all that natural talent and discipline, Cadelouse Pierre should have no problems winning the public’s acclaim with new songs. We don’t know what the future has in store for her but we have high hopes. Cadelouse herself thinks that “with passion, discipline, and persistence, there’s nothing you can’t achieve in time.” Motivational words for others in her position!
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 59 «
PHOTOGRAPHER What top three skills are needed to be a successful entrepreneur? 1. Great customer service “It doesn’t matter what your niche or market is, you will need people to generate a constant flow. Your service is your brand. And this determines your brand potential.” 2. Discipline “Managing your time, emotions, and all the things that come along with ownership will be what turns your goals and dreams into accomplishments.” 3. Patience “Patience with the growth process and patience with yourself.” What piece of advice would you give to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs?
Sabrina Lamour
The Best Shot Ever Taken Starts with You
MEET THE NYC PHOTOGRAPHER TAKING ALL THE SHOTS
SABRINA LAMOUR Written by Vanessa Olisma
S
abrina Lamour is the founder of Natural Eye Photography. It all began in the Fall of 2014 when she took part in an organization that conducted live events. There was an unmanned camera at one of these events and she thought she should give it a shot. Her curiosity began an interest, which later led to her founding her own business. In 2021, Lamour officially launched, offering portrait, wedding, and special events photography. WHAT DRIVES YOU TO DO WHAT YOU DO? “…my passion to see people connect with themselves, see their
uniqueness, and embrace who they really are. My clients exclaim ‘Oh my God! That’s me? Is that really me?’ Seeing their excitement and joy is one of the reasons I do what I do.” Do you market to Haitians? Which tactics do you find are most successful?
“I do market my business to Haitians. Marketing through cultural events has proven to be more successful. Being in the room, engaging and showing my work in real-time, along with sharing my work on social media platforms have helped a lot.”
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“Do it afraid but just do it. Take the risk. Be realistic about your goals. Don’t quit. It doesn’t matter what people say, it doesn’t matter what the voices in your head say, it doesn’t matter what your bank account says. If you know deep down that this is what you’re born to do, stick to it!” In helping to alleviate stress, try to detach yourself in the midst of all the work. Lamour shares with us that she gives herself at least two days off per week. This means you do absolutely nothing. You don’t answer work calls, you don’t check work emails, you don’t discuss work unless it’s totally necessary and unavoidable. You have to get intentional about creating balance for your sake and peace of mind. As Lamour continues to grow her brand, she inspires to one day open her own full service studio where others can come and express their creativity. She looks forward to mentoring other female photographers. For me, being a woman and experiencing a photoshoot with another woman who is guiding you and boosting your ego is such a satisfying experience. Lamour took her shot and is winning the game. Take a shot on you! CONTACT INFORMATION naturaleyephoto.com naturaleye_
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NEW YORK CITY
jus_luhv
Stick to the plan and don't give up." Says Sabrina
jus_luhv
jus_luhv
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 61 «
BOCA RATON, FL,
Spilling the Haïtea with Teenage Entrepreneur
Sanaa Pierre Written by Martine St. Hilaire
hen thinking of countries famous for their tea, England, India, and China most likely come to mind, right? Well, it’s now time to add Haiti to this list, thanks to the curious mind of eight-year-old Sanaa Pierre who founded Haïtea, a Black-owned, all-natural brand
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TEEN FOUNDER of teas and herbs sourced directly from women farmers in Haiti. The Haitian tea drinking tradition is something well known to those familiar with the culture but virtually unknown to those without any ties to the Caribbean nation. Now, one family is ready to share with the world the richly flavored teas and medicinal herbs that Haitians have enjoyed for centuries. Sanaa Pierre was born in Boca Raton, Florida, and now currently resides in Melbourne. As a firstgeneration Haitian-American growing up with her mother and grandmother in the household, tea
I wanted to combine my love and passion for Haiti and fabricated something that would ameliorate the lives of local farmers in Haiti, says Pierre. drinking was a cherished ritual of daily life. Her mother and business partner, Sandra Florvella, said that when Pierre was just eight years old, she asked her, “Mom, why don’t we share [our tea] with other people?” and that’s when Haïtea was born. The family began the name search process, and Pierre thought of the idea of combining the words Haiti and Tea and ended with the portmanteau Haïtea.The most successful tactics Pierre and her family use to market Haïtea to Haitians, and to the rest of the world, include offering products to the community via digital marketing,
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social media, email marketing, magazine ads, and more. Haïtea was created to support the people of Haiti in a sustainable way. When it comes to giving advice to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs, Pierre says to do something you absolutely love and enjoy doing. In business, she advises doing something that will make a difference or provide a solution to consumers. Pierre believes the top three most important skills needed to be a successful entrepreneur are effective communication, the ability to focus, and constant learning. As of now, Florvella is the managing director of Haïtea and handles a lot
on Pierre’s behalf. Pierre is currently a high school freshman and is laserfocused on getting her key courses out of the way for a clear path to high school graduation and college entrance. However, she does help with making decisions on product selection, marketing ideas, and future plans for the brand. In five years or less, the family looks forward to substantially scaling their business in the international markets in order to offer more opportunities in Haiti. CONTACT INFORMATION myhaitea.com haitea
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 63 «
FASHION DESIGNER
The Success Story of Haitian Fashion Designer
RUTH LOUISSAINT
Written by Martine St. Hilaire
Ruth Louissaint
L
ouissaint, who was born in Port-au-Prince, fell in love with fashion and found her calling at a young age by spending years watching her seamstress mother design and sew clothes. Since then, her family relocated to Miami, Florida. In high school, she began to utilize her acquired knowledge of sketching and sewing by entering her first fashion design competition at Louise Salinger Academy of Fashion (now known as the Art Institute of California), where she won an award for Technical Design. She then went on to earn an associate’s degree in fashion design from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and following this she earned a bachelor’s degree in Business from Nova South Eastern University. To gain more inspiration,
she became a fan of French designers such as Christian Lacroix, Christian Dior, Jean Paul Gaultier, Yves Saint Laurent and more. She adored these designers because each piece of their custom collections told a story about the “Arts.” This is exactly how Louissaint intends all of her designs to be perceived as well. Louissaint enjoys being fierce, hardworking, assertive, beautiful and owning her own identity. She
Elegant academia fused with Gothic touches, says Ruth as she describes her collection.
represents every woman in some way and is constantly evolving. She became such a well-versed designer that she is capable of actually sewing a design without needing a pattern, and her unique and artistic approach to conceptualizing has allowed her to create special moments for her clients. She proudly stated, “I’m in the business of making people feel good about themselves and they look great while doing it!”
One of Louissaint’s greatest accomplishments was in 2003 when she opened her own design studio in North Miami, called Mlle. Louissaint. She was elated and proud to establish a strong brand for her fashion line. “My design studio is where I produce my couture and one-of-a-kind designs for my clients,” she explained. She takes pride in specializing in wedding gowns, couture gowns, prom gowns and accessories. Her plan is to continue to push her brand to new heights, including transitioning her studio into a manufacturing company. Louissaint’s designs have been featured in boutiques throughout South Florida and Atlanta, Georgia. Not only that, but prominent community leaders such as Former Commissioner of the City of Miramar Darline B. Riggs, and producer and actress Sandra Justice, have worn her custom designs. She’s also been featured in various magazines such as Creativ and Femme. The popular media company, Chokarella Media, has exclusively interviewed her on their morning show and her designs are featured in the movie Secret Society, which is now streaming on Amazon. Louissaint would like her supporters and future customers to be on the lookout for her upcoming online fashion line, Le Chique Boutique, as within just a few months, clients will be able to view and purchase designs from her website. CONTACT INFORMATION
On the Runway
On the Runway
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On the Runway
ruthlouissaint.com ruthlouissaintdesigns
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REAL ESTATE
Carline Douze
As a Haitian woman, Douze felt the Haitian community was lacking in honest, helpful, and motivated women who are willing and ready to help them reach new heights in sales and marketing. Investments, Real Estate Development, Sales & Marketing—One Woman doing it all,
CARLINE DOUZE
Written by Vanessa Olisma
C
arline Douze is a respected realtor with an extensive understanding of East Broward, South Palm Beach, and additional Broward County communities. She is just the person to help willing individuals improve
and expand their real estate goals. A graduate of Keiser University and Nova Southeastern University, Carline Douze comes equipped with over 18 years of experience in the field. Douze started her entrepreneurship career as a real
estate investor/developer back in 1998. She grew up watching her mom and her grandma in Haiti doing their part as entrepreneurs in the business sector. It was only right that she grabbed the baton. She decided it was time to “be my own boss.” Although many business ventures caught her eye and earned her great success, it was the constant pull towards real estate that won her heart. Douze has become one of the most successful and respected realtors in South Florida. She simply gets the job done. She brings a combination of superb negotiation skills, a fighting spirit to see that her clients receive the best deal possible, all the while helping them save money. Her knowledge and perseverance are just what you want in your corner. Joining forces with Carline Douze would introduce you to a great collection of home and estate sales and purchases. As an experienced developer, she is also able to guide those looking to develop or construct their own homes. Douze’s portfolio includes local, national, and international clients. No feat is too small or too great. Moving towards homeownership is a great leap to financial freedom. Many may believe their time is not now. Allow Carline to use her charming nature to bring you from the impossible to the possible at the closing table. Ultimately, if you have felt stressed and tired in this exhausting market, Douze is ready to ease your worries. If you are new in the process with no direction, Douze can take your hand and guide you into your new forever. Investing in a home is more than a transaction. It is, first and foremost, an interaction. Carline Douze is great at personalizing each interaction, giving her time and full attention, and just being the counselor that you need. Let’s close the deal. CONTACT INFORMATION douzehomes.com carline_douze
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AUTHOR
Gigi is a businesswoman who wears many hats—a public health professional every day, a writertomorrow, and a cosmetologist in her spare time.
Gina Kenol
HELLO BEAUTIFUL!
M
eet your new influencer, Ms. Gina Kenol. I’m sure some of you already know or recognize her; however, for those of you who don’t, let me give you a little background. Ms. Gina, a.k.a. Gigi, is a businesswoman who wears many hats—a public health professional every day, a writertomorrow, and a cosmetologist in her spare time. However, she always makes room to be a supporter. She is the CEO of Selfishly Successful Inc. If you know someone from Gonaives, Haiti, a daughter, sister, mother, friend, gogetter, someone with a boss spirit, or a person who stands for financial freedom and fairness, then you
Selfishly Successful
know Gigi. She is here to inspire you and promote success in whatever you are working on. She encourages you to step out of your comfort zone if you want more in life. The best way to do that is with what she is currently working on, sharing bits and pieces of her life, interesting topics, and ideas that can help you be selfishly successful. In both her “Selfishly Successful” and “VisionistaAujourd’hui” books, Gigi talks about various strategies for achieving goals that worked for her, which may work for you as a tool. Selfishly Successful speaks of how she went from dreaming about success to finding it. Gigi always dreamed about a better lifestyle while living in Miami, Florida, and yes, her dreams were always big. One thing she knew for sure was that everything is created twice: first in the mind and then in reality. So, she constantly envisioned the life she wanted and planned it out. Her next book Visionista Aujourd’hui is all about vision and strategy. Gigi knows how to do both and navigate the execution process to get what she wants. She thinks you would benefit from all the conversations she has to share on the subject. Gigi can help you achieve realistic goals by tackling the hurdles you encounter while pursuing them. Gigi is making it her mission to help the masses, but if fate has it that she only helps one, she hopes it’s you. She is not here to convince you that both of
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you have something in common; if you didn’t, you would not still be reading this far. We are on a journey to look for growth, for the next move, and to succeed. If you are interested, Gigi and her team will be delighted to grind with you. Come find motivation during this book signing with a touch of a pop-up shop in May 2022. The upcoming Gigi and Team Vision Board Gala are in June and December. For more info, follow Gigi under Selfishly Successful on YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and the website SelfishlySuccessful. com! At some point, subscribe and become a member to keep up with all the latest updates and upcoming events! CONTACT INFORMATION
selfishlysuccessful.com selfishlysuccessful
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IMMIGRATION
Ruth Michel Dupoux
is Opening Doors to Immigrants with her services and new book, USA Immigration Secrets. Written by Alex Popa
R
WHAT DRIVES HER EFFORTS? Ruth knows full well the feeling of inadequacy common to immigrants. “Coming to live in the USA as an immigrant myself makes me realize how difficult it can be to be an
immigrant in this country or any country for that matter. If you don’t have the right information to guide you on how to become an asset in the system, you feel lost, I want all incoming and existing immigrants to know that they can do it” she says. Ruth says she’s proudest of her “immigration salvation,” as she likes to call the LRC Migrations sector of her business. Seeing the joy of the people she helps is enough for her. What Is Her Advice to Women Who Aspire to Be Entrepreneurs? She’s very hopeful and confident in the potential that lies in Haitian women. They are both smart and strong, and with enough willpower
Lady R
uth Michel Dupoux alias Lady R, was born and raised in Haiti to Cuban and Haitian parents; she understood from a young age the hardships that befall immigrants when going to other countries. Since 2013, Ruth has been helping entrepreneurs and artist to participate in international showcases events, After Moving to the US in 2019; she decided to expand her expertise by helping immigrants. In 2021, she founded LRC & CO GROUP, with its first office in Fort Lauderdale, opened her second office in Fort Pierce and hopes to help as many immigrants as possible. Now she is launching her new book “USA Immigration Secrets” that will help undocumented immigrants on how to establish themselves and live the American dream. Her own words, “I believe that it takes courage for someone to migrate to another country and start a new life. Many had taken that path without the proper guide and this is why I wrote that book.” She’s been promoting her business to mostly Haitian and Hispanic immigrants. Many of them don’t have passports and other legal documents, and one of Ruth’s goals with the USA Immigration Secrets is to help and guide them in the right direction.
“I couldn’t have done all this without discovering and accepting myself fully; to be able to give the best of myself in everything I do and wish the best for everyone around me.”
and discipline, they’ll succeed in what they want to do, according to her. For her, a successful entrepreneur needs to be focused, disciplined, and relentless. You should never give up on your dreams, no matter the obstacles. Personal time matters too. The work-life balance of every entrepreneur is a bit chaotic, even in Ruth’s case. But she tries to make time for herself and her family. She does have big dreams, though.
In the future, she wants to make more books about immigration proceedings, open several more offices around the country and help even more immigrants no matter where they are from! CONTACT INFORMATION USAIMMIGRATIONSECRETS.COM lrc-co-group.business.site lrcmigrations lrcreationscogroup
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TAMPA, FL
TOP 10 REASONS W
e realize there are endless vendors of traditional Haitian attire, but here are our top 10 reasons to get yours from us:
1. Made In Haiti: All of our “ready to ship” attire is from the motherland. This allows you to own authentic attire with a “Made-in-Haiti” tag. It’s not made somewhere else. No shade intended, but it’s a way to show respect for our culture. 2. Handcrafted: In a world directed towards mass production, our attire is handmade. We’d like to think handmade is the real luxury! 3. Cultural identity: Haitians wear Karabelas, just as Africans wear Ankaras and Indians wear Saris. When you buy a Karabela from us, you’re promoting Haitian culture through fashion. 4. Haitian Employment: You keep our talented Haitian Artisans booked, busy, employed. and encouraged! 5. Social Consciousness: Haitians living in Haiti are the ones who can make a tangible difference in the situations that directly impact them. By wearing our attires, you’re already making a difference.
Buy online @karabelaglam
to Wear Karabelas from Karabelaglam, LLC (a.k.a. Karabela Glam): 6. Wearable Art: Each item of clothing is a piece of art, especially our hand-painted lines. We often see athletic jerseys framed. The same can be done with a Karabela. 7. Sustainable Fashion: Once you or your loved ones outgro the attire, you can pass it down to the next generation. Make it a piece of your culture and family history. 8. Colorful & Timeless: Who doesn’t need color in their life or wear attire that will certainly lead to a conversation about how beautiful it is and its origin? 9. Great Gift: A Karabela is a precious gift for loved ones, coworkers, neighbors etc. It allows them to own a piece of our beautiful culture
10. Support: Not only are you supporting those back home, but you’re also contributing to a small, black-woman-owned business.
COMPANY BACKGROUND Karabela Glamour, LLC (Karabela Glam) is a clothing brand and online boutique based in Tampa, Florida. Our mission is to increase cultural awareness of Haiti through fashion. We take custom orders and also have “ready to ship” traditional attire on inventory. If you order by 2:00 PM, EST, it will be shipped the same day. Contact us! We’d like to be your one-stopshop for traditional Haitian attire and accessories.
CONTACT INFORMATION karabelaglam.com ikarabelaglam
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Follow @karabelaglam
Design by @karabelaglam
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ORLANDO, FL
How to Start Your Airbnb Business in 90 Days
TACHELINE D. Capitalizes in a Pandemic to Build Generational Wealth
Tacheline Dayoute
Written by Vanessa Olisma
Y
oung, beautiful, vibrant, determined, goal-oriented— these are just a few of the words to describe this inspiring Haitian-American woman, Tacheline Dayoute of TLuxurystays. While for many of us, this pandemic brought with it bouts of uncertainty and financial instability, Tacheline found a way to gain control and embark on her entrepreneurship journey. Tacheline Investments also known as TLuxurystays is based out of Orlando, FL. It offers comfortable homes for professionals—lawyers, travel nurses, doctors, etc.—to stay when visiting an area for an
extended period of time. With the help of her mentor, she officially became a real estate investor. Navigating the world of real estate can come with many challenges. The market has its ups and downs. As a landlord, you deal with different kinds of people, and no matter what it is rewarding to stay the course. Once Tacheline realized that the hardest part of entrepreneurship was starting, there was no need to worry about the rest. Having a strong support system from day one is also helpful in the journey. “I grew up watching my parents struggle at times to provide for me and my siblings and they made sure we never lacked for anything. My parents spent their lives making sacrifices for me and my brothers to make sure we become somebody in society and this is my way of paying them back.” And what greater way to say thank you to our immigrant parents who risked so much for a better today… Lajan pa p janm ase. Money will never be enough. But the feeling of gratitude that builds up in a Haitian parent when they know their child is succeeding and are making them proud is priceless. For those looking to get started in this arena, this is the book for you. Her goal is to help others build generational wealth in starting their business journey through Airbnb. She does not want people to miss out on the opportunity. “Go after what you want. If it doesn’t work out, that is okay…you do not want to spend the rest of your life wishing you did something.”
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On her 24th birthday, Tacheline achieved one of her greatest accomplishments in launching her e-book, How to Start Your Airbnb Business in 90 Days. As her business continues to develop, she wishes to own multiple properties in different states and countries. She also looks forward to mentoring young women who want to get into entrepreneurship. For Tacheline, “the sky is not the limit.” CONTACT INFORMATION payhip.com/Tinvestments tacheline__
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AVOKA
VANESSA
JOSEPH
Opens a New Personal Injury Law Firm in Miami Written by Martine St. Hilaire
…a proud Haitian American who made history as the City of North Miami’s youngest and first Black woman city clerk. administration, and a law degree, all from the University of Miami. While in law school, she worked for the Health Rights Clinic. There, Joseph specialized in representing people who had health issues and were seeking US citizenship. She was recognized as the youngest person and first Black American woman to be elected city clerk, a role she took on in May 2019. “Almost anything I do is focused
on Miami-Dade County,” said Joseph. “I don’t think I’ve ever had the desire to go anywhere else.” In February 2022, she opened VJ LAW, PLLC, a personal injury law firm based in Miami. She started by conducting basic research while pondering her decision to take this step. Once she felt comfortable, she registered the business and began to market the firm’s services. She attracted business through word-of-mouth referrals and sponsorships of major events including the Madame Gougousse Haiti Cup soccer tournament. Joseph is a proud Haitian American who made history as the City of North Miami’s youngest and first Black woman city clerk. In that position, she developed an activity and resource book to inspire young children called Around the City with Madam Clerk. She is a practicing immigration attorney who devotes much of her time outside of work to educating the community about immigration law. Joseph is driven by her passion for service. “I wake up every morning with the intention of being a good person to those around me and being a servant leader within my community,” she said. What she’s most proud of is the fact that she’s able to use her
Vanessa Joseph ESQ.
V
anessa Joseph was born in Chicago, Illinois, to an immigrant Haitian family. She and her parents moved to North Miami when she was two years old and have called it home ever since. She was raised with traditional Haitian customs and values, but her parents also taught her the importance of interacting with Miami’s diverse cultures. Joseph has a bachelor’s degree in political science, a master’s degree in public
talents to be of service to others. She continues to encourage other Haitian women to be fearless in the pursuit of their dreams. “We often do not feel adequate or we become paralyzed with fear of failure,” Joseph stated. She believes that if women remain focused on their goals and work hard, they can do anything. In five years or less, Joseph envisions her business growing into a firm that is well recognized and well respected. She hopes the firm can be a place where young women attorneys and paralegals can get their start and develop into successful professionals. She also hopes that VJ Law will be able to give back generously to the community. CONTACT INFORMATION 305-791-5806 info@vjinjurylaw.com vjinjurylaw.com
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MIAMI, FL
SANDRA LOVE Miss Haiti Int'l 2018
“My girls drive me and I want to be a role model to them and show them that whatever it is you want to do can be done.” Being confident in her role is key to continuing to be successful in business. She also highlights being consistent and putting in the work. Bella Beauty Lounge boutique is one of her greatest adventures that began back in February 2016. As a single mother, she took the leap and her business continues to grow. Women who are looking for fashionable clothing can peruse the website for dresses, two-piece sets, blouses, bodysuits, etc. She hopes that one day her boutique will be one of the top boutiques in the fashion industry, putting her in a position to give job opportunities to those in need. Just as the odds were against Sandra in her early years, she warns those with an entrepreneurial mindset that they will undoubtedly face obstacles. The secret is to not give up. You will make it.
Turns Defeat to Victory Written by Vanessa Olisma
Y
Sandra Love - Miss Haiti International 2018
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Sandra Love
ou may know her as the beautiful former Ms. Haiti International 2018, but Sandra Love is breaking barriers and making waves. This career-minded woman is a certified motivational speaker and the owner of the successful Bella Beauty Lounge and other business ventures. Born and raised in Miami, FL, Sandra is proud of her Haitian descent, with parents from Jacmel and Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The Haitian blood that comes instilled with determination, perseverance, great will, and ambition has helped Sandra overcome the challenges in life to propel her to her current position. Sandra endured a painful divorce alongside physical, verbal, and emotional abuse. She was at a very low point in life where she thought all odds were against her. One of her greatest accomplishments today is the strength and tenacity she possessed to help her navigate through what could have easily broken her. ~Talk about creating beauty from ashes~ Through her pain grew love and she without hesitation decided to share the love with others. Her role as a motivational speaker allows her to educate women on the power of self-love. She is very transparent with her scars making her the perfect example of vulnerability on and off the stage. As she continues to build her brand, she always thinks back to her most important audience.
To Haitian women desiring to become their own bosses, she advises that you “believe in you first. Remain positive and stay consistent.”
CONTACT INFORMATION therealsandralove.com therealsandralove1
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SEATTLE, WA
JENNY ESTINVILLE and Her Journey in Health Written by Martine St. Hilaire
Pre-Poo
Miracle Oil
meals are when her grandmother, on a consistent plant-based diet, became cancer-free despite being placed in hospice care and given about a month to live. Four years later, Estinville still uses her knowledge to help her grandmother remain cancerfree. Thus, in 2021, she launched Jenny Estinville LLC to spread her knowledge and experiences in health to others. Please note, she does not replace primary care providers’ consultations but rather provides an alternative that works greatly. Estinville launched Her Hair Growth (HHG) six years ago while seeing her grandmother suffer from cancer, stating “feeling helpless, I became desperate to cultivate the unavoidable stress into something useful.” After taking care of her natural hair since eight years old and spending years encouraging other women to go natural, she decided to make products that would facilitate their natural hair journey creating HHG’s All Natural Hair Nourishment product, as well as its “Forget Your Silk Press” pre-poo, all of which can be found on HerHair-Growth.com. As a 29-year-old HaitianAmerican and one of the pio-neers of the natural hairmovement, Estinville has felt responsible to reach out to Haitians, including those who cannot speak English. When she joined social media five years ago, she
Jenny Estinville
Jenny Estinville was born in Portau-Prince, Haiti and currently lives in Seattle, WA. She started Jenny Estinville LLC to help people obtain a healthier body and mind. Her services include management of chronic health issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, dysmenorrhea, and more. That’s not all! Jenny Estinville LLC also manages its sub-company, Her Hair Growth, to help people obtain healthier and longer hair. Everything sold on Her Hair Growth’s website are products she makes and uses herself. In other words, Jenny Estinville uses her scientific and herbal knowledge to help others reach a healthier body, healthier hair, and through her blog posting, a healthier mind. Estinville grew up in a herbal home and obtained her Biology degree from Florida International University, graduating top 15% of her class. The past decade, she has mastered the ability of using meals and exercises to heal. “Yes, the proper workouts can heal if you know how to listen to your body,” she asserts. She realized how significant proper
“My natural hair is good enough for a date, a wedding, job interviews, anything, anywhere.” noticed Haitian Creole was lacking in natural hair care posts. Fluent in both English and Haitian Creole, she began creating her posts in both languages to cater to as many people as possible. A word of advice Estinville would give to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs is, “make sure your business is purposedriven.” Her mission for Her Hair Growth LLC is to make the natural hair movement lasting, and with Jenny Estinville LLC, her mission is to change the way health is managed as a whole in order to allow people to live longer and healthier lives. CONTACT INFORMATION jennyestinville.com jenny_just_her
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MIAMI, FL
LANDE BRANDE CONSULTING A Haitian-American Woman Empowering Others to Grow Their Business Myrlande Simeon
Written by Vanessa Olisma
H
aving a business is more than creating a name and selling a product. Maintaining your business is going to take some long nights, being dedicated to seeing results. Myrlande Simeon, the owner of Lande Brand, is ready to take your brand to the next level. One of the major steps in creating and seeing a business through is having a proper plan. As with anything in life, if you don’t have a plan, you are more likely to fail. Plan it out, put it on paper, see each step of the way and you are guaranteed to succeed. How much you’d like to make? The clientele? Where you’d like your business to go? Leave that to the professionals of this great organization. Lande Brand also provide direction to acquire proper funding. As you grow in your business, you will want the help of financial institutions in granting you loan access. Before you can reach this point, you want to be able to have records of what you have contributed financially to help your business get to a solid position. Another way Lande Brand Consulting can help boost your business is by making sure your profits are rightfully earned.
Imagine having worked hard to create something and it all falls apart because you missed a small permit or license. Don’t make such a mistake. Let’s get to know Lande a bit. Lande, when and how did you get started in this role? “I have been in business for over a year now, but I have extensive background in business finance for over 10 years as a VP Business
Lande Brand Consulting specializes in startups, business development, business financial literacy, and helping businesses get properly structured for financing.
Banker working with businesses grossing $1 million+ in annual sales.” What drives you? Why do you do what you do? “I love to see entrepreneurs win, from the inception of their business until their business has hit millions in sales. The goal is to help business owners build generational wealth and create legacies for themselves and their families. I love helping my clients achieve their dream of entrepreneurship.” What are some of your greatest accomplishments? “I am a proud honoree of the Haitian American Chamber of Commerce 2019 Top 20 Under 40 Professionals. My company has helped local business owner Kelly Gonzalez Jr, owner of Prokel America, obtain $10 million in government contracts within the last two years.” The path to entrepreneurship can be filled with many roadblocks especially being a woman in business but with hard work and consistency, Lande reminds us all you will always win. Along with providing this great resource, Lande is a mother of two, works full-time, and serves as a head cheerleading coach. To inspire entrepreneurs like herself, Lande leaves us this; be innovative, disciplined, and consistent. CONTACT INFORMATION
Lande at work
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landybrand.com landethebrand
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PORT-AU-PRINCE
ANNICK MÉGIE Written by Alex Popa & Shots by Tchakayiti
“I’m Annick Mégie, born and raised in Haiti where I currently live. I’m an advertising specialist at i7lab, a food blogger at Tchakayiti, and a food photographer at Shots by Tchakayiti.” This is how Annick Mégie begins her story, one worth sharing and remembering. Currently, she owns the only digital marketing agency in Haiti, where she and her team provide SEO and online marketing services for businesses all over the world. She also has a food blog, Tchakayiti, dedicated to Haitian cuisine. When we asked her what drives her, her answer was simple: “Passion and my desire to see things done right in Haiti.” She wants to motivate other Haitian women to take a stand and reach for their dreams because “no
AnnickMegie-i7lab-Haiti
Food Blogger and Digital Advertiser
one else will do that for you.” Annick says that any form of success depends on commitment first and foremost. HOW DID SHE GET STARTED? Annick Mégie had a rough start as an entrepreneur. In the beginning, she worked full-time for a local advertising agency, and i7lab was only a part-time project that she pursued. In 2014, she landed her first clients for i7lab, though, and she left her full-time job to pursue her business venture. At first, even getting an office space and furnishing it was a tough challenge for the new entrepreneur. She says that “all the furniture at the time was borrowed from different households. Believe it or not, it took us a year to actually acquire our first brand-new desk and office chairs!” Tchakayiti, her food blog, came to life in late 2013 as well, but it wasn’t until 2020 that Annick introduced
…owns the only digital marketing agency in Haiti, where she and her team provide SEO and online marketing services for businesses all over the world. Shots, the photography section of the food blog. Surprisingly, she’s most proud of Tchakayiti rather than i7labs because the food blog allows her to promote Haitian cuisine abroad.
HER ADVICE TO NEW ENTREPRENEURS Annick Mégie’s story is an inspiration to all the countless Haitian women who think success is impossible for them. Even Annick had to deal with discouraging remarks from her peers who said that “You don’t need to try that hard. It’s Haiti.” But this didn’t stop her and, instead, it encouraged her to push her limits. In her eyes, being an entrepreneur is all about commitment, dedication, patience, and resilience. Being committed to your dream and having the patience to push through the obstacles are key components of achieving success. Her work-life balance was chaotic in the beginning, but she’s learned to adapt and take a break when necessary. For the future, her dream is to expand both i7labs and Tchakayiti internationally, and we wish her good luck! CONTACT INFORMATION tchakayiti.com tchakayiti
Dombrey-Tchakayiti-AnnickMegie©
PlantainTortilla-Tchakayiti-AnnickMegie©
SoupJoumou-Tchakayiti-AnnickMegie©
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GEORGIA
CASSANDRA THERVIL Friendly Neighborhood
HAIRSTYLIST Cassandra Thervil
Written by Alex Popa + Photos by @smallgtetchaje
T
Cassandra Thervil
he owner of E’Mage isn’t some rich heir of a family inheritance but rather an upstart entrepreneur who works hard enough for others to notice. Cassandra Thervil-J Rodriguez was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia, to a Haitian-Dominican-Bahamian family. She wasn’t educated in the spirit of entrepreneurship, so she had to discover it herself and push on through the obstacles when the opportunity to start a business arose. Cassandra Thervil and E’Mage are inseparable now, each a reflection of the other. Ever since she was young, Cassandra was in love with hair, its natural grace, and its potential for beautification. She spent so much money on hair stylization that she realized that this niche is quite profitable. That’s when it clicked – why not open her own hair stylization business? WHAT IS HER BUSINESS ABOUT? E’Mage is a two-way hair business. One is the commercialization of wigs and bundles, and the second is hair stylization. Cassandra provides classic hair stylization services such as frontals, closures, clip-ins, lashes, tape-ins, and more. Everyone is welcome here
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regardless of ethnicity, race, nationality, or sexual orientation. Inclusivity is at its home in Cassandra’s business. In her own words: “My greatest accomplishment is when I make customers happy.” There you go; she takes pride in helping her customers and making them happy. This attitude is bound to bring her success because, in her opinion, it’s one of the few traits that makes a great entrepreneur. One of the things that her customers love about E’Mage is the same-day delivery system. Sometimes, Cassandra herself will drive to the client’s doorstep to deliver the products in pristine condition. She has no delivery fee, and her products aren’t that expensive to begin with, so it’s no surprise her clients love her.
“My advice to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs is to just do it, focus on it, and be about it. No one can build you but you!”
HER ADVICE TO HAITIAN WOMEN In her opinion, entrepreneurs need three things to be successful – a strong mind, a hardworking attitude, and a “tough character because there are a lot of obstacles coming your way that want to destroy you.” Her work-life balance isn’t organized at all, but she makes do, according to her. For the future, Cassandra Thervil sees her business expanding its product variety first and foremost. Judging by her experiences up to this point, we believe she’ll succeed in her venture because of her strong willpower and consistency! CONTACT INFORMATION
cassandrarodriguez_official
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MARYLAND
The Delicacy of Haitian Kremas with
“Choose something that you truly love to do, something that you can wake up every day and truly have the passion for. Moreover, always believe in yourself because running a business is harder than others make it out to be.”
Loyola Philogene
do better. Loyola says that whenever she gets discouraged, she “always thinks about how I came here with nothing, created a business, paved the way for myself and my siblings, and gave back to my family in Haiti.”
Written by Alex Popa
kremas, and it should be consumed as a classic liqueur in good taste. Everyone can partake in a soothing glass of her kremas! Loyola Philogene’s story is quite inspirational as well. Coming from a Haitian household and living in poor conditions taught her a very important lesson – you can always
PASSION FOR YOUR WORK MATTERS THE MOST An entrepreneur, in her vision, is someone determined, persistent, and someone who always puts the customer first. Most importantly, an entrepreneur needs to set boundaries between their personal and professional life. Loyola follows her own example and tries to compartmentalize her work and personal life. She recommends that others try to do the same for maximum efficiency, and we choose to agree with her! CONTACT INFORMATION paradiskremas.com paradiskremas
Paradi’s Kremas - Packaging
Paradi’s Kremas - Campaign
WHAT IS PARADI’S KREMAS? Paradi’s Kremas is a “Haitianinspired drink, a premium quality cream liqueur of Haitian descent,” in Loyola’s own words. It’s a real delicacy, according to her clients, which isn’t a surprise, considering how tasty the original kremas is. Part of the reason she does what she does, aside from passion, is to bring a piece of Haitian culture to other parts of the world. She’s been promoting Paradi’s Kremas mainly over social media and by word of mouth. Loyola says that anyone above 21 can drink her
Loyola Philogene
P
aradi’s Kremas is Loyola Philogene’s pride and joy, her form of appreciation for the cultural values of Haiti. Even though she wasn’t born in Haiti, her descent is Haitian, so she fully understands her heritage. Loyola was born in Maryland and lives in South Florida now, but her heart goes to Haiti all the time. She founded Paradi’s Kremas in January 2018 when she was still in college. After making a trip to Haiti with her family, Loyola was entranced by the local kremas and wanted to learn how to make it. After several failed attempts to make the famous Haitian recipe, she finally did it. Then, she wanted to make it better. And that’s how this story begins!
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CAP-HAÏTIEN
Into the World of Fashion with
MARITZA BOUDOIR
Written by Alex Popa + Photos by @maybelinephotography
about the reasons why she does what she does: “Being able to give back to my mom everything she has invested in me and then some.” Moreover, she believes that “our industry and our culture can be amongst the best as we have all the talents and resources at our disposal.” She’s referring to the Haitian culture and the fashion industry being accessed by more Haitian people.
F
ashion and beauty were always a passion for Maritza “Boudoir” Guerrier, and a career opportunity brought them all together. The owner of Boudoir House, Inc. was born and raised in Cap-Haītien and grew up in Brooklyn, NYC. She now lives in South Florida and actively takes care of her business. Boudoir House, Inc. is a “fashion, beauty, and lifestyle firm that offers makeup, styling, closet organizing, and secret shopping services.” According to Maritza Boudoir, as she likes to be called, her company also offers event planning, product development, and business advice to her clients.
“Entrepreneurship is not for everyone. It requires long hours and being able to motivate yourself. It’s not always caviar and roses.”
WHAT LED TO HER ENTREPRENEURSHIP? By 2005, Maritza had a great career in politics and law but wasn’t very satisfied with it. The world of fashion was a natural choice since she’d always been interested in beauty and stylization. She enrolled in The Makeup School and became a part-time makeup artist for a firm. Then, she slowly built up her own company through friend referrals and word of mouth. In 2014, she developed her own fashion style and scored a deal with Jazz Enterprise in 2017, which led to Boudoir House, Inc. finally taking shape. From partnership to partnership, many new collaborations awaited, and the rest is history, as she likes to say. Maritza Boudoir is clear
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WHAT’S HER ADVICE TO UPSTART ENTREPRENEURS? Her advice would be to not throw yourself at the attractive prospect of entrepreneurship without having a plan and an idea. If you have those, you need “grit, consistency, and. most importantly, passion.” She also underlines the importance of failure as a natural part of evolution as an entrepreneur. Failure
Maritza Boudoir - Boudoir House
should be expected and embraced since it’s a learning opportunity. Confidence, problem-solving skills, and communication skills are also important for an up-andcoming entrepreneur. Maritza Boudoir is a model of pragmatic willpower, and she doesn’t deny that. When asked about how she handles the work-life balance, she answers simply, “I don’t. I’m trying to at least take one day off where I don’t answer calls or emails.” She’s also a visionary, as she sees Boudoir House, Inc. organizing its own fashion shows in the future. She has what it takes to succeed, that much is clear! FOLLOW: maritzaboudoir
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MENTAL HEALTH
Meet Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
MARJORIE LOZAMA Written by Martine St. Hilaire
“Our community prefers to suffer in silence, believing mental illnesses to be a curse, a punishment, and shameful,” says Lozama.
Marjorie Lozama was born in Haitians, Lozama uses tactics that Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and moved to have been the most successful. “The South Florida over thirty years ago. best way to reach the Haitian She’s been married for thirty-three community is via radio, TV shows, in many professional organizations, years to her husband, Jeff Lozama, and going to churches,” she said. especially The Haitian American and she has three children. She’s also The clinic provides an outreach Nurses Association of Florida where a board-certified psychiatric mental program to assess the needs of the she conducts a weekly show called health nurse practitioner “Koze Sante,” which educates currently working at Empower and empowers the community U Community Health Center. to be more active participants She provides customized in their care. behavioral health, psychiatric, The challenges Lozama faces and substance abuse services— include mental health issues specifically, patient-centered and treatment being taboo not behavioral health screenings, only in Haitian communities medication management, but also within many other individual therapy, and ethnic groups. “Our community substance use disorder group prefers to suffer in silence, therapy to support her patients’ believing mental illnesses mental health needs. to be a curse, a punishment, Lozama was a field nurse and shameful,” says Lozama. case manager for twenty years. Another challenge is It wasn’t easy to find mental compliance with treatment due health providers who were to certain adversities patients culturally competent to treat may face. Even though the her patients. “I decided to go clinic offers transportation and back to school and obtained a Telehealth options to facilitate post-master as a psychiatric easier access, unfortunately, some patients still do not take mental health nurse advantage of these free services. practitioner with the hope to These obstacles will not stop bridge the gap that exists in accessing mental health care Lozama as she will continue to for minorities, specifically serve her community locally and in Haiti. Her drive is to for our Haitian brothers and make a difference in the lives sisters,” said Lozama. She of others and provide them recognizes and understands Marjorie Lozama with the necessary tools to help that minorities face challenges community. It offers mental health them heal and live their best lives. when battling mental health that services to all patients regardless of In the future, she plans to launch a goes beyond their medical diagnosis. whether they can pay. It also offers Her goal is to advocate and provide private practice called The Couch transportation to facilitate access to holistic patient-centered care to Comprehensive Mental Health care. In addition, Lozama is involved Wellness to serve the community. her patients. She not only wants to reduce the stigma attached to FOLLOW ONLINE: mental illnesses but to facilitate LinkedIn: Marjorie Lozama: better access to care. iwww.linkedin.com/in/marjorie-lozama-msned-aprn-pmhnp-bc-cdms-00356841/ To market her services to
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QUEENS, NY Melissa Beauduy owns the Wi Café & Wine Bar in New York, a hospitable place filled with the exotic aromas of Haitian cuisine. At the time of this writing, Wi’ Café is already popular enough to enter into partnerships with other foodie businesses. Melissa opened the Wi’ Café Bar in November 2020, right in the middle of the Covid pandemic. That first year was rough, and, to this day, she still views the “opening of Wi’ Café during the pandemic and surviving my first year in business” as a great accomplishment. Melissa didn’t have a brilliant upbringing, and she doesn’t come from a rich family. She was born in Queens, NY,
Melissa Beauduy
where she still lives. Her parents are Haitian, though. She’s the same, deep inside.
WHAT’S WI’ CAFÉ BAR ALL ABOUT? The Wi’ is a delectable foodie joint with “bits of everything on the menu for any foodie looking for that tasty island flair.” There, right from the mouth of the owner herself. Melissa’s café bar is a fullservice café and wine bar that sells sandwiches and other small plates of Caribbean inspiration. Wine, beer, cocktails, hamburgers, sandwiches, and meaty treats—the Wi’ has it all. Melissa also handles weekly events, restaurant requests, catering, and private bookings at the Wi’. The hospitality career seems an apt fit for her, having worked at
Wi’ Café Bar
Food for Thought with MELISSA BEAUDUY’S WI’ CAFE BAR Written by Alex Popa several restaurants in the past and learning the art of foodie hospitality. The fact that she graduated from the Institute of Culinary Education is a real help too! Wi’ stands for “West Indies,” so she naturally markets her café bar to Haitian people, but everyone is welcome. She says that the Wi’ “emphasizes highlighting our Haitian culture, which our regulars can hardly miss when walking in through the sound of some Haitian kompa.”
COMMUNITY AS THE CENTERPIECE OF THE WI’ CAFÉ BAR As an entrepreneur, Melissa Beauduy emphasizes the importance of community and passion when opening a business. In her experience, the Haitian community is very supportive. Everyone will uplift and support you to do your best. An entrepreneur like her must be passionate about what she does. Melissa loves her job so much that she wants to make a career out of it. Another side of being a successful entrepreneur, in her opinion, is time management. Prioritization is essential to advancing in the market. She’s not a workaholic, though. She handles the work-life balance pretty well, but she’s still a visionary at heart. Melissa wants to open a second Wi’ Café Bar in the next three years and to further expand
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Shiktay Bites
Even if someone discourages you, “don’t be afraid to start because it’s better to try and fail than to never try at all.” her hospitality empire with another venture in the food and beverage industry in the next five years. Seeing her mindset at work, there’s no doubt she’ll make it! CONTACT INFORMATION paradiskremas.com paradiskremas
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MIMI'S BOUTIQ Mimi “aims to highlight women’s empowerment and strength for female entrepreneurs and professionals, especially in the HaitianAmerican community.” Mimi ap li
FASHIONISTA EXTRAORDINAIRE MERLINE THERMORA SAINT JUSTE
Written by Alex Popa + Photos by @maybelinephotography
Merline Thermora Saint Juste, known as Mimi among her friends, is a sensation in the world of fashion. She’s the owner of Mimi’s BoutiQ, both a fashion brand and an online boutique with lavish clothes for all the ladies out there. Starting a business like this was a lofty goal, but her humble beginnings didn’t stop her from dreaming big. She was born in Port-au-Prince in Haiti but left her homeland at age 15 to start a new life in the United States. After moving to Florida, Mimi thought about turning to medical studies as her parents wanted. However, that didn’t exactly fit her desires. Fashion, on
Mimi heading to brunch
the other hand, was right up her alley. She was already known as a fashionista among her friends and acquaintances.
WHAT STARTED MIMI’S BOUTIQ? After serious consideration, she received her degree in fashion merchandising and decided to pursue a career in fashion. That’s when she established her boutique, which became an instant success in South Miami. In 2011, she hosted her first fashion show, which has become an annual event ever since. Mimi and her team hosted the For the Women by the Women Brunch in 2016, a gathering of the most prominent female entrepreneurs in finance, healthcare, fashion, and more. Ever since, these brunches have become an annual tradition that bring together many successful women. Merline Thermora plays an important role during these meetings where she speaks about her knowledge and experience as an entrepreneur in the world of fashion.
WHAT ADVICE DOES SHE HAVE FOR HAITIAN WOMEN? Mimi’s BoutiQ isn’t a product of inherited money or fame and fortune. Instead, it’s an example of relentless willpower and patience. Merline isn’t one to give up, and that’s what she advises for everyone else, especially Haitian women. She says that “in life, there will be obstacles, there will be dead-ends, people will give up on you, but as long as you have God and you don’t give up on yourself, there’s nothing you cannot do.” Merline is the embodiment of this mentality, no less. She’s been living this mindset ever since founding Mimi’s BoutiQ. Through expanding her brand, she seeks to inspire even more people and prove that with hard work and persistence, it can be done. Her trust in herself and her work will take her places, no doubt! FOLLOW ON IG: theadventuresofmimi101
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GONAÏVES
Get to Know Public Relations Guru
NEPHTALIE HYACINTHE
Nephtalie Hyacinthe
Written by Martine St. Hilaire
Nephtalie Hyacinthe was born in Haiti’s city of independence, Gonaïves. She is the daughter of a late Baptist preacher and pedagogical practice educator. She now resides in the beautiful city of Miramar in Florida. She’s also the owner, president, and chief public relations strategist of Talie & Co. Strategies,
a full-service public relations boutique specializing in media placement, community outreach, personalized PR consulting, and special events. Her company offers an array of services that can take any business from local to global status. Services include: • PR: for businesses looking to conduct community outreach events, media relations, content creation, and collaborations with influencers • Marketing: for businesses that can benefit from email marketing, social media strategy planning, and event marketing • Special events: perfect for organizers in need of audience outreach, media management, and VIP set-ups • Personalized consultation: for businesses that want to do PR on their own but be guided by a customized, well-crafted strategy As a preacher’s kid and daughter of an educator, Hyacinthe was exposed to public relations early on. In fact, she was doing PR without even realizing it. She became her father’s personal assistant at the age of twelve and because of that, she had an advantage. “My father used to feed many neighborhoods in several parts of Haiti. I had to know how to reach out and prepare letters to send to major non-profit organizations such as CARE and the Red Cross,” she said. She enjoyed changing people’s lives. Hyacinthe moved to the United
States years later. Her younger sister worked for a PR agency she didn’t enjoy much. Hyacinthe started going to her sister’s job just to keep her entertained. The next thing she knew, she was getting hands-on training. A few years after that, she changed her degree from pharmaceutical chemistry to public relations with a minor in journalism and professional writing. The key to Hyacinthe’s success with how she markets her business to her community is studying the competition. She chooses to do the opposite of what they’re doing by implementing creative ideas. She advertises indirectly and markets a
“Support other women who can’t do anything for you and applaud women who are not power-hungry.”
great deal to the Haitian community. She also mentors young people. Hyacinthe’s greatest accomplishment is raising an eloquent and extremely kind daughter. A word of advice she gives to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs is, “Support other women who can’t do anything for you and applaud women who are not power-hungry.” She also encourages women to take time out for themselves and learn how to shut the world out when necessary. In the future, Talie & Co. Strategies will relocate to Broward County. “Expect to see some real changes happening in the media aspect of the Haitian-American community because of my company,” she stated. She also plans to continue her father’s legacy by starting a non-profit organization to help people in need in whatever they want to accomplish. CONTACT INFORMATION
Talieco
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taliestrategies.com instagram.com
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ORLANDO, FL
Written by Martine St. Hilaire
Shirley Dor
Dor believes, “With gratitude, everything I’ve set as a goal, I’ve achieved with honor.” individuals in business,” says Dor. She’s motivated by the naysayers who constantly doubted her ability to accomplish her goals. Dor’s greatest accomplishment to date is the Haitian Creative Digital Awards. She discovered an untapped market where Haitian creatives, influencers, public figures, and entrepreneurs felt undervalued and created a space to highlight their successes. She’s proud of the Haitian Creative Digital Awards’ continued growth and, more importantly, the many talents she recognizes through the initiative. When providing advice to Haitian women who want to succeed in the world of media, Dor suggests seeking mentorship. “I wish I opened up about my needs to learn when I began my career,” she stated. Dor feels this would’ve saved her time, energy, and money. She believes the top three skills needed to be a successful media entity are negotiation, patience, and creativity.
Shirley Dor and Naika Jean Photographed by Rue 3 Photography
S
hirley Dor is a name you’ll want to remember, and you’ll find out why after reading this article. The Delray Beach native, who now resides in Orlando, has worked with small businesses and influencers nationwide on propelling their brands, curating inspiring content, and revolutionizing their social presence. In 2017, she created Haitians Who Blog, a multimedia platform reaching millions of users across social spheres, providing resources and access to brand partnerships for Haitian influencers. Dor uses her multilevel marketing expertise and corporate background to strategize for her clients’ digital and social branding, marketing, and creative needs through her other company, Dorsainvil Creative. Within the Haitian community, she has been recognized as a Top 20 Under 40 Young Professional Haitian woman of the year and rising star. Major online publications recruited Dor to contribute culture and tourism pieces about Haiti. As a Haitian diaspora, she felt she lacked the knowledge necessary to create the pieces, so she scoured the internet to find like-minded creatives with more knowledge of Haiti’s tourism. On her journey, it was hard to find a central data repository of likeminded freelancers living in Haiti or in the states. This led her to create the community Haitians Who Blog. Dor learned that Haitians are drawn to entertainment that highlights their culture. “When Haitians find commonality, it encourages them to support
When Dor isn’t amplifying the voices of Haitian creatives, she’s advocating for the mental wellness of Black and Caribbean people as a relationship and sex counselor. This passion has led her to acquire extensive knowledge of human psychology, targeting the relationships they have with those around them. In the near future, Dor hopes to have Haitians Who Blog partner with mission-aligned brands from which she will launch the first freelance directory and mobile application providing creative and business resources at the touch of a button.
CONTACT INFORMATION haitianswhoblog.com haitianswhoblog
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ENGLAND Get to Know Skincare Expert and Business Owner,
MYRLANDE HOLBOROUGH Written by Martine St. Hilaire
M
yrlande Holborough is a very proud Haitian, wife, mother, certified organic skincare formulator, and the dedicated business owner of Ekspresyon Naturel. She was born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and then relocated to Brooklyn, New York, where she spent her early years. She now lives in Cambridgeshire, England with her husband and daughter. Holborough’s natural skincare business, Ekspresyon Naturel (also based in England), is committed to producing luxury and highperforming skincare products. Her formulas are made with only the best natural and organic ingredients, with an ethical and sustainable mission in mind. This includes high quality natural plant oils, marine extracts, botanical herbs, cold processed butters, and essential oils. With eyes firmly on environmental impact, she uses 100% plant-based ingredients, and her packaging is either fully reusable, compostable or recyclable. Talk about being green! “I am passionate about all things related to natural skincare, haircare, health, and wellness, and I am committed to helping others learn and understand the benefits of using natural ingredients in and on their skin.”
Myrlande Holborough
“I do what I do so that my daughter will see that she can accomplish anything if she just believes in herself and never gives up,”, Holborough proudly stated. She strives to be a positive role model for her daughter. Determination to turn knowledge into action, Holborough obtained several certifications in natural and organic skincare formulation. She
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graduated from Formula Botanica, an award-winning and accredited formulation school that has helped to launch several highly acclaimed natural skincare brands. She decided to further sharpen her formulation skills, so that she could offer high performance plant-based skincare through her small business. During the pandemic in 2020, Holborough became inspired to launch her brand, Ekspresyon Naturel, out of sheer desperation to find a solution for her daughter’s eczema and her own problematic skin as well. Her experience with helping her daughter maintain healthy looking skin after suffering with eczema since the age of 2 months has fueled her passion. The ultimate goal for her business is to create products that not only bring added benefits to improve the skin but as a result, also help women gain confidence in their skin. Holborough takes pride in creating award winning skincare products that work as intended. She’s also living proof that her products truly work. A word of advice she would give to Haitian women who want to become entrepreneurs is, “Believe in your vision and goal. Be determined when things get stagnant. If you think you can’t do it, you’re right.” CONTACT INFORMATION ekspresyonnaturel.com ekspresyonnaturel
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DENMARK
V
anessa Camilien Petersen was born in Dorchester, Massachusets and now lives in Copenhagen, Denmark. She owns Style Freed – a company focused on merchandizing handmade personalized jewelry, healing crystals, and Haitian-American beads. In other words, Vanessa is a creative artisan that makes personalized jewelry for her clients. She started this business in 2020, but she’d been cooking up the idea since 2008. What finally made her cross the boundaries of entrepreneurship was moving to Denmark and starting a new life there. A new chance to make her idea a reality came at her doorstep, and she wasn’t about to ignore it. How Does She Motivate Herself? In our interview with her, Vanessa named several driving forces that keep her motivated. She says, “At the moment, my son probably has to be my driving force along with being a full-time mompreneur, lupus warrior for 13+ years, and mom to a non-verbal child on the spectrum.” She also mentions her husband, who has supported her all this time with her hand-crafting business. But her core motivation for doing this is deeper than that. In her own words, she does it “to leave a piece of me behind. To show that art and creating your own path can be tangible and real – a real way to sustain yourself. To show that
Handmade - Style Freed
VANESSA PETERSEN Bead Artisan and Hand-Crafting Artist Written by Alex Popa manifestations and beliefs can be shown in a positive light.” Vanessa is proud of her accomplishments until now, and she has good reasons to be. Her jewelry pieces can be seen throughout the world, from the USA and London to Paris, Tanzania, and Senegal. Her business was also featured in Vanessa Petersen and Son
Danish publications and will soon be featured in a music video. What Is Her Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs? “Don’t succumb to the fears of uncertainties. Live your own truth and dreams … I know we are raised in a traditional culture where certain professions hold more weight than others. This generation is changing things … we are showing previous generations that outliers are also real.” She continues by talking about three necessary traits of any successful entrepreneur. Patience, courage, and initiative are what she believes to be essential for starting and maintaining any business. In terms of management, Vanessa is facing certain challenges with taking care of her autistic son and
“Don’t succumb to the fears of uncertainties. Live your own truth and dreams …” managing her business, but she makes do. In the future, she hopes to grow her business and see her handcrafted jewelry in even more places on the globe. She’s also hoping for more attention on the big screen, which she’s stoked about! CONTACT INFORMATION stylefreed.com thestylefreed
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CAP-HAÏTIEN
Trip to HAITI
SYDNEY EUGENE y name is Sydney Eugene. I was born and raised in Naples, Florida. I took this trip in March of last year, 2021, and I flew directly to Cap-Haitien, Haiti. I stayed at the Vue apartments in Cap-Haitien on the mountain with an incredible beach view. I was there for only three days. I was able to tour The Citadelle Laferrière. It is a must because the tour guides really explain the history and the hard work that was put in to build it and how smart the Haitians were.
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I was happy to speak Creole and watch everyone laugh at me because they said that I sounded too American. We ate at the restaurants Lakay and Le Boukanye, and the food was great. We ate “tasso” fried goat, “griot” fried pork, rice and beans, “banan peze” fried plantain, fried fish, and soup, and drank lots of Prestige, a Haitian beer. Haiti is a beautiful country with amazing food and culture. It is a great experience to be there and eat local fresh foods. There were great souvenirs to take home because most of the items are handmade, so I was able to get some wooden shot glasses and bracelets. I would like to visit again for a longer period.
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LUDA CAN'T COOK
Haitian Chefs Teach Iconic Rapper Ludacris
HOW TO COOK by Martine St. Hilaire
L
egendary hip-hop artist, accomplished actor, and successful restaurateur Chris “Ludacris” Bridges always puts 100% into everything he does, including learning how to cook. The rapper continues his mission to master cooking techniques and flavors from around the world one cuisine at a time in Luda Can’t Cook, a cooking series now streaming on discovery+. The episodes are executive produced by Bridges and record-breaking film producer Will Packer. Chef Lemaire is a native of Portau-Prince, Haiti, where he first discovered his interest in cooking. After many email exchanges and Zoom calls, Lemaire was thrilled to learn he was chosen to take the iconic rapper through a Haitian culinary journey. In the days leading up to filming, Lemaire mentally prepared to discuss specific topics
Luda Can't Cook - TV Show
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LUDA CAN'T COOK
Fascinated by the resilience of the Haitian community, Ludacris started the second season of his culinary journey in Little Haiti in Miami, Florida. “I’m excited for viewers to experience Haitian food with me – and see how I put my own style into each dish,” said Ludacris. in order to stay on course with what he and his team of chefs wanted to portray. At the beginning of the show, Lemaire was adamant about testing Ludacris’s cooking skills with chicken. As the show progressed, the chef took the rapper under his wing and taught him how to prepare his favorite Haitian dishes, which brought back many childhood memories. “I can say that Ludacris enjoyed every Haitian dish we made with him or had him try. But I would say he most enjoyed our soup joumou and seafood recipes,” said Lemaire. Chef Fabiola Alexis and Chef Christelle Francois, owners of Sak Pase Food Truck, were also part of the Haitian cuisine episode. On set, they taught Ludacris how to make pikliz (the staple condiment in Haitian cuisine of pickled cabbage, carrots, bell peppers, and Scotch bonnet peppers) and red snapper. “Our red snapper was his favorite,” said Chef Alexis. Shortly after
filming the show, Ludacris hired the two momprenuers to cater his New Year’s Eve party where he got to try most of the items on Sak Pase’s menu. “It feels amazing to be featured with one of the biggest stars while promoting our native cuisine on the Food Network,” gushed Chef Francois. Ludacris even left supportive comments on their social media like, “Haitian cuisine is my favorite food because of y’all.” He’s been on numerous talk shows bringing buzz around Haitian food that is doing so much for Haitian restaurants across the nation. This is indeed a big win for Haitian culture! Haitian-born Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna, also featured on the episode, has a larger-thanlife personality that lights up a room. She is a personal chef, an accomplished author, and a cooking show host specializing in gourmet, Caribbean-fusion cuisine. “Thankfully, they liked me during the first interview and told me I’d be featured on a
show with Ludacris along with other Haitian chefs,” said Chef Thia. She went in with the goal of teaching Ludacris the magic behind most Haitian dishes, which is “epis,” a staple pre-made seasoning. “Without the “epis,” there is no food,” says Chef Thia. She described Bridges as a very humble person who genuinely wanted to partake in Haitian cuisine. She knew she was in the right place especially when she and the other Haitian chefs became like a family on set. Ludacris’s lesson concludes in a Haitian-style block party, where he compiles a threecourse tasting menu for the chefs who trained him, as well as for accomplished chef and Haitian food expert Chef Gregory Gourdet. The featured Haitian chefs are just a few of the many who are constantly working toward promoting the food and culture of Haiti through their platforms. The Food Network and discovery+ is just the beginning!
• Ludacris Can’t Cook Season 2 Trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q-qQpC8l8FQ • Chef Alain Lemaire: https://www.cheflemaire.com/about • Chef Fabiola Alexis & Chef Christelle Francois: https://sakpasefoodtruck.com/about • Chef Thia: www.chefthia.com • Chef Gregory Gourdet: https://www.instagram.com/gg30000/
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LUDA CAN'T COOK CHEF LEMAIRE:
UNAPOLOGETICALLY BRINGING CULTURES AROUND THE WORLD TOGETHER With Haitian Cuisine’s Taste
and Style: “Fresh, Bold, and In Your Face.”
Chef Alain Lemaire with Ludacris
Written by Saradjine Batrony Meet Alain Lemaire, a young HaitianAmerican “Chef Extraordinaire” whose Haitian flavorful cuisine gained wide recognition from around the world! Chef Lemaire brings a fullfledged taste of the Caribbean and Latin flavors, bringing people of all cultural backgrounds together. Each dish prepared by Chef Lemaire has the potential to tickle one’s taste buds and make them reel in absolute delight. His love affair with the kitchen gave him the impetus to climb the culinary ladder in less than two decades to be amongst the top 10 Haitian Chefs.
Food is #1
Chef Alain Lemaire
Chef Lemaire makes no apologies for making “food #1.” His passion for food is also shared by widely acclaimed actor, rapper, and entrepreneur Ludacris, born Christopher Brian Bridges, who invited him to join him on his TV show, “Luda Can’t Cook.”
Q&A Haiti Open: When did you find out you would be cooking with Ludacris? Chef Lemaire: An agent from “Luda Can’t Cook” contacted me. I ended up being selected as the Haitian chef who would be on the set. Haiti Open: Had you watched Luda Can’t Cook before you took part in it? Chef Lemaire: I was sent a link to view since I was not too familiar with the format. The concept was clear, and I was completely committed.
Haiti Open: What did you do the day before to prepare? Chef Lemaire: Mental preparation was key to discussing specific topics and conveying ideas we wanted to communicate on the show.
Haiti Open: What were some of the dishes you helped Ludacris learn how to make? Chef Lemaire: I first assessed his skills in cooking chicken, then taught him one of my favorite Haitian dishes.
Haiti Open: Which dish did Ludacris enjoy the most? Chef Lemaire: He enjoyed every Haitian dish, but mostly our traditional soup, Joumou, (pumpkin soup) and seafood.
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Haiti Open: Which dish did Ludacris have a hard time figuring out? Chef Lemaire: He’s very bad at cooking chicken. So, his struggle with any chicken dish was quite obvious. Haiti Open: How did your fans react to the news that you would be featured on the show? Chef Lemaire: Countless posts and re-posts on all of their social media platforms.
Haiti Open: It’s every chef’s dream to be on the Food Network, and you’re about to be featured with one of the biggest stars while promoting your native cuisine. What does that feel like? Chef Lemaire: I am proud to showcase my native Haitian cuisine on this huge platform.
Haiti Open: What’s next for Chef Lemaire? Chef Lemaire: Continuous efforts promoting our cuisine internationally through avenues such as pop-up dinners hosted in several states and a strong presence on TV and social media. The robust branding of “Ou Manje Deja” ensures worldwide recognition of our fresh, bold, in-your-face, and delicious cuisine. CONTACT INFORMATION: cheflemaire.com cheflemaire
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LUDA CAN'T COOK
CHEF THIA
on Showing Ludacris Haitian Culture Written by Jenny Estinville
H
er fiery personality is undeniable. It glares in her cooking videos, advocacy for Haitian culture, and fashion style plastered all over her social media. A private chef and published author, Chef Cynthia Verna is a highly soughtafter pillar in the Haitian cuisine world. She has traveled all around the world from Asia to Europe, teaching in some of the most illustrious universities and bringing awareness to Haitian culture through Haitian dishes. It is no wonder that she would be selected by the Food Network to teach Ludacris, a highly decorated actor,rapper, and TV personality, in his hit TV show, “Luda Can’t Cook.” The accomplished chef and educator granted Haiti Open an opportunity to explore her experience teaching Ludacris about Haitian dishes.
What were some of the dishes you helped Ludacris learn how to make? I went in with the goal of teaching Ludacris the magic of the Haitian dish, “epis.” I educated him on the Chef Thia history of epis and its significance to Haitians. A little fun fact—the “pilon” that you see Ludacris use is one I brought myself. It is very old and was handmade in my family community in Haiti. Which dish did Ludacris enjoy the most?
When I personally asked him what
I went in with the goal of teaching Ludacris the magic of the Haitian dish, “epis.”
When did you find out you would be cooking with Ludacris? I found out about three months ago, after I was contacted on Instagram.
Did you watch “Luda Can’t Cook” before you took part in it? No. To be honest, I spend more time invested in my cooking, spiritual faith, reading, and meditating. So, I am not much of a TV person.
Which dish did Ludacris have a hard time figuring out? I didn’t have a chance to ask him about that, so I can’t really speak for him in that regard. How was the reception when your fans found out you would be on the show?
Truthfully, I didn’t try to find out. Whether there was applause or not, my sole focus was to represent my Haitian brothers and sisters in a positive light.
It’s every chef’s dream to be on the Food Network, and you’re about to be featured with one of the biggest stars while promoting your native cuisine. What does that feel like?
Chef Thia with Ludacris
What did you do the day before to prepare? Apart from praying, I didn’t get to do that much preparation. I was mourning the loss of my stepmother and was staying at a hotel while getting some work done at my house in West Palm Beach. Anyways, my goal was to put Haiti on a pedestal no matter what, and God strengthened me to do just that.
his favorite dish was, he said he loved the fried fish from Sakpase Foodtruck.
God is a God who starts and will finish his work. The Food Network is just the beginning, so get ready. What’s next for Chef Thia? I’d rather show you than tell you. So stay tuned! CONTACT INFORMATION: chefthia.com chefthia
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LUDA CAN'T COOK
A Successful Food Truck Business With Chefs
Fabiola and Christelle Written by Alex Popa
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hef Fabiola Alexis and Chef Christelle Francois are the owners of the Sak Pase food truck business based in Florida. Both have a history in gastronomy, with Fabiola having traveled over 30 countries testing various recipes around the world. Christelle has worked in some of the best restaurants and real estate firms around the world. Hospitality is her entire life, you could say.
We bring great Haitian food to locations all over our city, and our Haitian Catering Company is how we share our Haitian culture with our clients through our delicious Haitian food.
Christelle - left - Fabiola - right
When they connected to establish the Sak Pase food truck, they made history. Their cuisine is mainly Haitian but they manage to create a fusion of many other cuisines from around the world. Their story is one of Momtrepreneurship since both of them are mothers and still find the time to take care of their food truck business.
Ludacris - Fabiola - Christelle
HAITIAN MEALS ON THE GO Fabiola and Christelle’s Sak Pase food truck business is mobile, so their food is on the go. They have several fixed spots that they move between but you’ll often find them at the Pembroke Lakes Mall in Pembroke Pines, Florida. Their customers love the Haitian-infused food that brings a taste of Haiti with every bite. The two chefs chose to establish this business after Chef Fabiola came up with this idea and suggested it to Chef Christelle. Both were seasoned cooks with a lot of experience in the kitchen, and most importantly, they had a secret—undiscovered Haitian cuisine. The beauty of Haitian cuisine remains mostly unknown in
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the world but Chef Fabiola and Chef Christelle decided that it was time to change that.
LUDA CAN’T COOK COLLABORATION Recently, the Sak Pase food truck owners were invited to the Luda Can’t Cook show, hosted by famous rapper Ludacris. Chef Christelle and Fabiola were quick to accept the invitation and cooked several recipes with Ludacris, including Red Snapper and Pikliz. Ludacris said that Haitian food became his favorite food in the world, which for Chef Fabiola and Christelle is a “big win for the culture” as “Ludacris will go on talk shows talking about Haitian food”. In the future, the two chefs envision acquiring multiple Sak Pase food trucks around Florida to offer great Haitian food to even more foodies! CONTACT INFORMATION: sakpasefoodtruck.com sakpasefoodtruck
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PRIVATE CHEF A Peek Into the Life of Miami’s Private Catering Chef
KIMBERLY RICHARD Written by Alex Popa
Kimberly Richard
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She advises others to “include God in everything you do, don’t be afraid to take chances for better results, believe in yourself, acknowledge the need for sacrifices, stay motivated, and never give up.” your loved ones.” Even being a private chef requires sacrifices sometimes but she doesn’t regret her profession at all. In the future, Kimberly wants ExpressCatering to become a franchised restaurant and she also wants to host many more food shows throughout the world. With her willpower and determination, it shouldn’t be too hard to achieve that! FOLLOW ON IG
express_cateringbychefkim platz_by_chef_kim konsaspicycreolesauce
Food by Chef Kim
imberly Richard owns ExpressCatering, a successful catering service that serves all potential clients in Miami. Chef Kim also offers private catering to exclusive events like weddings and birthday parties. In her own words, Kimberly has a “passion for food”. But that didn’t stop her from taking a risk and choosing entrepreneurship when she quit her job as a Head Chef to start a business in 2016. Her love for food and entrepreneurial insights have brought her to the current moment where her business is thriving more than ever. Was It Easy to Start a Catering Business in Miami? Just like many other Haitian individuals, Kimberly didn’t have it easy when trying to start a business. Entrepreneurship is a tough nut to crack but she was perseverant enough to make it. In her eyes, you need all of these things to make it as an upcoming entrepreneur. Passion is the icing on the cake in building your own business. During our interview with her, Kimberly said that her passion and love for food give her plenty of motivation to keep working and improve on her business. She likes making people happy with her food. Kimberly sees herself as an artist or a scientist when in the kitchen, combining different ingredients to create masterful dishes for her clients. Gastronomy is an art in and of itself, she believes, one that she aims to perfect for the foreseeable future. The Work-Life Balance of a Private Chef Entrepreneurs have a different metric of measuring their personal time because their business hours aren’t very stable. Having your own business means working at odd hours and dealing with things that a regular employee doesn’t. Still, Kimberly Richard is one of the entrepreneurs who value prioritization in her life. She manages her time the best she can so that she’s not overwhelmed by her work. She says, “There is no perfect work-life balance. Don’t be afraid to unplug and make time for
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 93 «
PROMOTING HAITI GLOBALLY WITH THE CARIBBEAN’S BEST CREMAS
VALMAS CREMAS
Written by Vanessa Olisma
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Val Marius
remas, a popular drink in Haiti, has served as a staple for many generations. Parties, celebrations, religious ceremonies, business meetings—have all been a welcoming occasion for a drink to be poured. Some of us have seen this delicacy come to life in our very own kitchens. Mr. Val Marius, the cremas connoisseur himself, took the original cremas we all became familiar with in our homes and brought the idea to the wider world. Mr. Marius remembers intensely how his father described watching his grandmother put their recipe to work. Then, just as a rite of passage, Val, too, absorbed the makings of cremas. As a result, we can proudly introduce Valmas Cremas, a thriving cream liqueur franchise. Out of a tradition dating back many decades, Mr. Valery Marius became inspired to not only introduce what he had learned
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CREMAS about this celebratory drink but to create a brand that everyone could enjoy. Cream liqueur is not a new concept. But to take this popular Haitian drink and immerse it into what other cultures know and love, that is where we find its uniqueness. The power of inclusion has opened doors and multiplied the success of Valmas Cremas. Mr. Val Marius took a recipe of an enriched mix of condensed and evaporated milk, adjusted its elements by retaining the palm cream, which keeps the base neutral, and created what today is a unique blend of cremas, infused with balance, complexity, and harmony. Out of the many accomplishments, we highlight Valmas Cremas as a gold medal recipient at the world’s most prestigious and largest competition of its kind: the San Francisco World Spirits Competition. Earning a gold medal from the organization not only helps brands enter and stand out in the U.S. and international markets but is a critical next step for any producer to earn recognition in the industry and with consumers. The proof is in the pudding. And if you couldn’t find just how different this brand is from the usual cremas vendor, I would suggest taking a stroll inside a Total Wine store. Inside this liquor superstore chain, you will find on one of their many shelves, Valmas Cremas in one or many of their delectable flavors: the original coconut, almond/vanilla, coffee, mango, chocolate, strawberry, or pistachio banana, with many more to come. Drink responsibly.
Avec fièrté, we remember the Haitian history of cremas. With open arms, we embrace differences within the community and introduce a lighter, smoother, plant-based drink to be indulged by all.
CONTACT INFORMATION: valmascremas.com valmascremas1
HaitiOpen.com | Spring 2022 95 «
NMB Present Soup & Champagne 2022
NMB Presents Soup & Champagne 2022
EVENTS
