Former Miss Haiti International and engineer extraordinaire Hermanie Pierre owns not one, but two homes—and she’s barely 25. By applying some little-known strategies, the one-time beauty queen and Arkansas resident was able to get her little piece of the American Dream. She’s sharing all her secrets in her new book entitled How I Bought A $250,000 Home While Still In College.
Above: Former Miss Haiti International winner-engineer and real estate entrepreneur Hermanie Pierre.
Kreyolicious: Congratulations on being a homeowner. At which point did you decide to write a book about the process?
Thank you so very much. I bought my first home at 21-years-old. I was still in college. It started in college when my friends kept asking how I got a house while still in school and they were struggling there. I told them the few easy steps that they could take to do the same but they thought it was too easy. They could not believe it. As I meet new people, I’m asked the same questions and I ll tell them. Education is very important and my dream is to make sure every kid has a basic education. I bought my house while still in college I knew that money did not come from my little part-time job. I knew it had to do with education. I realized the best way I could motivate others to stay in school was to share my personal story. The strategy I share in the book with my readers is one I applied. It worked out great for me. Furthermore, I have shared it with several of my friends and they were all like, “Wow! Thanks Hermanie. Your idea really helped me. I can’t believe I am making money in college.” Now they know I was not playing.
Kreyolicious: If you were to rank all your accomplishments since you’ve been crowned Miss Haiti International, what would be on the Top 3 list of your accomplishments.
Being an engineer is by far the top—not only because it is my passion—but because it took three generations before we finally had an engineer [in my family], and I was the first woman to break the [ceiling]. Well—to be clear—I was an engineer before Miss Haiti. Second, is becoming the Director for Haiti International Pageant for all the categories: Mrs., Miss, Teen and Junior. This opportunity has given me a chance to not only meet beautiful Haitian women all over the world, but also the chance to continue raising awareness and continue to promote the best images of my beautiful country.
Third, I realized that I found my calling as a motivational speaker. I’m able to change people lives through words and actions. These are some things that I will forever be grateful for.
Above: Hermanie Pierre’s second home in Arkansas.
Kreyolicious: What’s the best money habit that you’ve developed that you feel have helped you tremendously?
Don’t spend what you don’t have. Your today is also your tomorrow—meaning what you spend today will become a habit for tomorrow. Debt today is also debt tomorrow. If you can save today you will save tomorrow.
Kreyolicious: When you were shopping for your home, how did you know “the one” from all the others?
[Laughter] Very funny story. When I bought my first home, I had no idea what it looked like neither inside nor outside. I just saw it on a flyer. I did not know what was on the inside until they gave me my key. Even though it turned out to be one of the best investments I’ve ever made I will still won’t advise anyone to do that. It is risky. It may not always work in your favor. Since I am an engineer, in my mind I knew if something went wrong I could fix it.
Kreyolicious: There may be people reading this, who’ll be inspired but will still be thinking to themselves, “That’s great and everything. But I can’t achieve something similar—I couldn’t buy my own home. She’s an engineer, a beauty pageant queen. How can I compare?” What would you say to those who may be thinking along those lines?
Most people will be afraid of several things. You have to fail to learn. I bought my first home before I was an engineer and a beauty pageant candidate. I was 21-years-old…that’s why I wrote the book—to help people that might be thinking just like that. The book is not just about buying a home. It is about secret ways you can find money to help you with your situation. The most essential element of any successful attempt is passion. Even if you are not the greatest or richest student living today, the desire to succeed will take you where you want to be. [Wealth] sometimes comes by fate, but it is an art that can be learned and honed by those who have the determination and willingness to do so.
I know today most people use social media. Actually, no story on successful college entrepreneurs would make sense without mentioning Facebook billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. Today, one of the richest men on earth, Zuckerberg founded Facebook while still a student at Harvard University in 2004. In fact, he invented it from his dorm room. Since then, Facebook has taken the world over, and it is valued at more than $100 billion. I know you may argue that one example is not enough—so look at many example choices of college billionaire I mention on the book. The book is available on Amazon Kindle or you can get CD or hardbook cover though email.
The engineer’s first home…purchased at 21.
Kreyolicious: Will you be writing other books?
Yes. After the success of my first, I am working on my second one as we speak. My advice to everyone is to at least read this book. It will change the way you think. If you have not read this amazing book, download it on your Kindle and read it.
[All photos provided by subject.]
TO PURCHASE HERMANIE PIERRE’S BOOK CLICK HERE.
