Cassandre Brissot is the newly-crowned Miss Black America USA New York! The Brooklyn-born, Brooklyn College-graduate first heard about the pageant while working at Purdy Girl in the plush West Village. A customer who walked into the store turned out to be none other than Selena Watkins, the then-reigning Miss Black New York USA. Brissot was the store’s leading stylist and was charged with putting together outfits for Watkins’ participation at the next edition of the pageant. The two begun talking and Watkins suggested that Brissot apply for to participate the following year.
And the rest, is…well, a chronicle in beauty pageant history.
Kreyolicious: It takes a lot of courage and initiative, not to mention determination to enter a pageant. Throughout it all, who were your biggest motivators?
My biggest motivator—always—is God. This title is different from other systems because it is not solely a beauty competition at its forefront it is a system about service, built on faith.Knowing that inspired me even more to be part of this legacy of strong, beautiful, young, resilient, women who put The Lord first.
Kreyolicious: What were you like in high school?
High school was not my favorite moment in life, but it definitely helped mold me. I graduated high school in three years and took a lot of honors and advance placement classes but socially I encountered much adversity. I wasn’t the “loner” or the “geek” or any of the usual subjects of ridicule. To the contrary, I dated one of the most popular boy-athletes in school. However, in spite of or because of [that]—I was met with harassment and intimidation on a daily basis. However, I made it through safely, but I’m glad it’s over.
Kreyolicious: What are some of the things you learned while there that have really helped you as an adult?
I learned a few really important lessons in high school—the first being it’s okay to be your own person and not follow the crowd. However, the most important lesson I learned was a lesson in dealing with adversity. As cliché as this may sound, whatever doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. High school was a trying time for me and I didn’t see how I would survive it unscathed, but I’m stronger for it.
Kreyolicious: A writer—Helen Keller—was once asked if she could just have one of the five senses and only one for the rest of her life, which would she choose. She chose hearing. How about you?
Ughhh. I really hate this question, but I would chose sight. Every sunrise brings the hope of a new day and I would need that to make it through.
Kreyolicious: What does beauty mean to you personally?
Today’s society has jaded our view of beauty, it took a certain spiritual maturity that came with internal struggle to understand beauty. To say we don’t care about outward appearance would be false however it’s about being comfortable with the way you look the way you are. I strongly believe you won’t be able to do so until you learn to love who you are. When you love yourself, you walk with confidence and beauty can’t help but to be used to describe you.
Kreyolicious: Been to Haiti lately?
I actually have yet to travel to Haiti. My mom has only been back twice since immigrating to The United States and my siblings and I were not able to accompany her. I do plan on visiting soon though.
Kreyolicious: How do you stay in shape?
With my crazy schedule, my workout routine—which used to consist of 2.5 hrs a day 5 days a week in the gym doing cardio and strength-training—has severely suffered. I’ve just recommitted to staying healthy and have found a gym near me offering cross fit. I’m super-excited about being a beast in the gym again.
Kreyolicious: What’s the next avenue you’re planning to cross?
As of right now I’m not sure what’s next but I do have big dreams and I’m just as excited as you to see what’s next for me. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see.
[All photos provided by subject; Miss Black America USA New York pageant event pics: Marcus Bennett]
