Aube Jolicoeur is the woman who creates opportunities where there are none, and makes opportunities continue where they could have dried out. She was part of the fourteenth season of “Project Runway”, the fashion reality show. Things could have stopped there if this was another girl, but this is Aube Jolicoeur we’re talking about. She went on to snatch the attention of fashion magazine staple Esquire. She’s modeled for Kanye West, and Mansur Gavriel, John Paul Ataker.
Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself.
Aube Jolicoeur: Well, I was born in the countryside of Haiti in the small but beautiful village of Jacmel, surrounded by waterfalls and mountains. I grew up on the farm, growing crops and raising animals. I attended an all girls’ Catholic school until I was nine years old, at which time my father sent me to the USA.
Above: Modeling at a show for fashion designer Yves Saint Laurent
Kreyolicious: How did you get your start in modeling?
Aube Jolicoeur: I first got into modeling when I lived in Kentucky during my senior year of high school. I remember driving to Cincinnati, Ohio every weekend because it was the only place I could actually experience things remotely close to modeling. There weren’t any modeling scouts in Kentucky, but everybody always told me I should model.
My first real modelling experience didn’t come until I moved to NYC in late 2013. I accidentally left a shoe with someone and went to pick it up at this warehouse in New York City. When I got there, I was met by a designer by the name of Loris Diran who thought I was there to see him. I told him I was only there for one shoe. He was having a New York Fashion Week show in just a few hours and his models were stuck at another show. Loris immediately asked to see my walk, then he took me to the show location for hair and makeup. At the time, I was wearing a headscarf and under my headscarf was my hair in twists. I wasn’t looking great (to say I was looking a hot mess would be generous), but as soon as they took out my hair into a fro and did my makeup, I felt like a goddess had been born. Walking his show with two looks and being the only black girl on that runway felt unreal. That was my first introduction to modeling in the New York fashion industry. After that, I gained a lot of love for modeling.
Above: Modeling Altuzarra in Paris, France.
Kreyolicious: When do you feel the most beautiful?
Aube Jolicoeur: When I’m fresh out of the shower. I don’t know why but my face just glows.
Above: Photo Credit: Keith Greenbaum
Kreyolicious: Are you friends with other models in the industry?
Oh yes! I have a few girls that I adore very much in the industry. The industry, as if it wasn’t hard enough, can sometimes be a competitive environment. As much as I wish all models could stick together, especially all models of color, that’s not the case. I’ve been fortunate to meet several genuinely nice girls who continue to care and support me. I really appreciate these friends.
Above: Modeling at the Marc Jacob’s show! Get it, Aube.
Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to those who want to break in?
Set goals, work hard, be patient, and try to avoid unrealistic expectations for yourself. Don’t ever give up but at the same time don’t focus too much if you haven’t made it yet. You have to be okay with yourself not making it, just yet. It’s not giving up, it’s being okay if you don’t become this huge star. When I wanted it so badly, it wasn’t working out for me. Finally it happened for me when I finally let go. Not everyone will be a star, if it’s meant to be, it will!! You just have to wait for your time, I believe everyone has their season to bloom. I think of life like this, life a flower. Don’t look at other models who have been and get depressed because you haven’t made it yourself. This model you see is blossoming because it’s her season. If it’s not yours yet, just don’t ever get discourage. In the meantime, focus on yourself. Having great skin and staying fit plays a major role in a model’s success in the fashion industry. Once your time does come, you have to be ready.
This concludes PART I of the interview with model Aube Jolicoeur. Be sure to watch out for PART II! Meanwhile…
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