Model Aube Jolicoeur made the cover of Cosmopolitan South Africa last year. She’s been featured in Esquire, and Vogue. “The Project Runway” alumnus is one of the most popular models on the scene. She’s modeled for some of the world’s biggest fashion luxury brands: Altuzarra, Versace, Marc Jacobs, Emilio Pucci, and others. But beyond all her stunning beauty, is a woman who’s a deep thinker, and soul with maverick tendencies.

Kreyolicious: Who was the most stylish person you knew growing up?
Aube Jolicoeur: My mama. I never really grew up with her but I’ve seen photos of her and I’m just like “Wow mama, you had swag”.

Kreyolicious: When you’re on the runway…you don’t play. You exude confidence. Were you always this confident?
To be honest, I don’t know where my confidence comes from on the runway. It’s like I become this other fearless being. Growing up I struggled with insecurity, brought on mainly by bullies in school, and it just kind of stuck with me. I am just now learning to be confident in myself and not let my past define my future.

Photo Credit: Timothy Rosado

Kreyolicious: Is Haiti a place you travel to often?
I try my best to visit at least once a year. After being in the USA for twelve years straight, I returned to Haiti a few years back to surprise my mom and family. Ever since, I made a promise to myself not to let more than a year go between visits.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from today’s date?
Aube Jolicoeur: The difference between where I am now and where I was one year ago is extreme, so it’s difficult to imagine where I will be five years from now. I hope my career will continue to grow, and I also hope to get married and start a family in the next five years.

[Main photo credit: James Hayden]

This concludes PART II of the interview with model Aube Jolicoeur. CLICK HERE to read PART I.

CLICK HERE to follow model Aube Jolicoeur on Instagram.

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…

CLICK HERE to follow model Aube Jolicoeur and her journey as a model and beauty influencer.