As the owner of Mimi’s Fashion Boutiq, Mimi Mora has a solid reputation as a fashion visionary and entrepreneur, and the organizer of the very popular Mimi’s Boutiq Fashion Show. So, earlier this year, when she announced across her social media channels that she was holding a business brunch for women, tickets were purchased and downloaded faster than you can say the word tifi. The all-white brunch attracted a host of young professionals, fledgling entrepreneurs, and socialites.

Kreyolicious: What made you do this brunch?
I’ve had the idea written down for the past two years now. Since I didn’t do my yearly fashion show this year, and I happened to stumble across that same notebook I wrote the idea, I figured it was a sign for me to finally do it; and since March is Women’s Month, I figured why not? Great opportunity to gather a group of women together and empower each other.

Kreyolicious: Was the word “challenge” something you would use to describe how the brunch came together?
There’s always challenge in greatness. What I mean is that, whenever you decide to do something positive, you will always come across some challenges. To answer your question, it wasn’t as big of a challenge how the brunch came together because I always write down my plan but I did a few little challenges here and there.

Kreyolicious: What are some books you’d recommend to aspiring entrepreneurs?
I would highly recommend: Year of Yes by Shona Rhimes, I absolutely love this book, GirlBoss by Sophia Amoruso and Fervent by Priscilla Shirer.

[Photo Credit: Oli Photographie]

Kreyolicious: All attendees wore white. Was there some sort of symbolism behind this dress code?
No, no symbolism at all. I love white, and I love brunches, so I figured it would be a perfect combo. Besides, the color white is pure, it is considered to be the color of perfection. White also represents a successful beginning.

Kreyolicious: Have you ever thought of having a brunch like this in Haiti or a Mimi’s Fashion show there?
Oh, absolutely. I have thought about it for the fashion show mostly. I’m working on it. God willing it will happen soon…

[Above: Mimi Mora…Photo Credit: Cindy Lafalaise]

Kreyolicious: Entrepreneurship has been described as a roller-coaster. What do you do when things are upside down? And what do you do when they’re looking up?
I pray. It takes a lot to be an entrepreneur but prayer is my key to everything. I also try to keep a positive mindset in everything I do. Easier said than done but I try my best every time to do so when things are down.

When they are looking up, I pray even harder. The devil likes to attack you when things appear to be looking good so I stay prayed-up always. I also make sure I work harder to keep them good. Like you said, it’s a roller coaster. You can only work hard and do your best, and expect for the best to come out of what you do.

Kreyolicious: If you were starting your business this year, what would you do differently?
Start fresh which I did. New year, new start, same person though. What I mean by starting fresh is come up with new plans, new strategy to better myself and my business. My business can’t function well if the owner is not in a good place. I look back to the mistakes that I made, write things down and figure out what needs to be better this year. My goal is to make my brand known internationally.

CLICK HERE to keep up with Mimi Mora!

This past Sunday, Mimi’s Boutiq held the fifth edition of its much-wagged-about fashion show at the Newport Beach Hotel in Sunny Isles, Florida. PR maven Ketia Fequiere served yet again as the primary marketer and publicist for the show.Here’s a countdown of the greatest moments of the 4+ hour fashion and music extravaganza.

1. The abundance of melanin on display.

Models from the IamPrIIIncess swimsuit line pose at the entrance of the lobby.

2. Le’Tron…Le’Tron…Le’Tron.

There are designers, and there are designers like Le’Tron, who’s quite a showman. Well, King Divo and his sweeping fan.

3. MacD of the group Harmonik and Richard Cave of Carimi posed for a photo.

Bromance! Oh, the sweets of brotherhood.

4. The trip to Africa courtesy of Ginen Creations.

With the print patterns that typify Haiti’s African heritage, Ginen Creations reminded us all of the Middle Passage and the beauty of culture through clothes.

5. Tico Armand and her ever-changing outfits.

The community leader/model and host dazzled the audience with her sweeping outfits from the glittery pant she sported in the latter part of the night to the chest-baring, royal blue top she wore mid-way through the show.

Her banter throughout the evening with co-host Regi Toussaint kept the show interesting. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

6. The entrepreneurial hustle manifesting.

Mimi’s Boutiq was founded by an entrepreneur whose tenacity and persistence evokes inspiration in others.

The young entrepreneurs behind such fledgling firms as 14 Forty Apparel, Je Suis Kreyol, Krem de la Krem, Ginen Creations, Vintage1804, had their goods on display. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

Their presence was a highlight as it proved what economists have been yapping about: that more and more people are entering the world of entrepreneurship—especially those in their twenties and thirties. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

7. The little ones backstage in their Bewear Swimwear.

The little models in training, you could say. But, the level of sophistication and elegance they displayed in their working the runway already shows that they can train models twice their age. [Photo Credit: Seattle Renae]

8. Josue Champagne’s collection from Catou

It’s always good to see the male species whether in formal wear or beachwear.

9. Designer Viva La Onyx’s sophisticated wear.

Elegance. Elegance.[Photo Credit: GW Photography]

10. The musical performances.

From MacD of the group Harmonik taking the stage to Phyllisia Ross and direct-from-Haiti singer Rutshelle taking up the stage.

Both ladies had the audience singing along with them. Clad in a floor-length summer print-dress Phyllisia Ross performed “Konsa” and “Ma Vie Sans Toi”, and dabbled at the keyboard on stage. Rutshelle wore an off-the-shoulder mini-print dress and dangling earrings.

Mimi’s Boutiq 5th Annual Fashion Show was more than a fashion show. It turned out to be a convention of sorts for everything from entrepreneurship to sisterhood to music.

The designers such as La Belle Couture Wearable Art showcased sophisticated designs and put on quite a show overall.

Oh, what a kreyolicious night it was. Were you there?

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Folks know her as simply Mimi, but fashion entrepreneur Merline Themora has created a mini fashion empire for herself that’s more grandiose than the simple nickname she carries. She owns and manages her own clothing boutique, but the heart of her empire is the aforementioned fashion show extravaganza that she holds in Miami annually. It has grown from a dream project of hers to being one of the most-looked-forward to fashion events in Miami, complete with a solid team, and even its own PR (KPR Solutions).

This past February, Mimi’s Boutiq Fashion Show was held at a posh hotel in Miami Beach. As models of various fashion designers strutted on the runway, it could not have been lost on a few that Mimi’s Boutiq Fashion Show is testimony to the growth of the Haitian community, and the emergence of Haitian-Americans as entrepreneurs, influencers and taste makers. Decades and decades ago, Haitian refugees were washing up on those same beaches near the hotel where the fashion show was being held.

As usual, your girl Kreyolicious always seeking to get into the minds of the brightest entrepreneurs had the chance to interview the mind behind Mimi’s Boutiq.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself.
Where do I start? Born and raised a bit in Haiti, I attended an all girls nun school while I was in Haiti. Moved to Boston. I did my high school there. Moved to Florida to live with my mother. I am the only child. I’ve always loved fashion. I remember growing up in Haiti, whenever I had to step out of the house, I had to look good at all times. When we had Journee de couleur—No Uniform Day—at school which was always my favorite [Laughter], I made sure to have my mom take me shopping so I can look good and stand out.

Kreyolicious: Who was the best dresser you knew growing up?
I don’t remember much about having a best dresser growing up to be honest with you. I just knew fashion was in me. I’d read magazines at all times, which I still do just to keep up with the latest style and all.

Kreyolicious: Lots of folks who end up as designers and boutique owners usually worked in retail at one point of their lives. Was that the case with you?
Of course. That is definitely the case for me. I am a store manager. I’ve been with the company for years now. I love it.

Kreyolicious: Did you formally study fashion?
Yes I did. I attended the Art Institute for Fashion Merchandising.
Above: Models showing off pieces from the online retailer PRIIINCESSS at Mimi’s Boutiq Fifth Annual Fashion Show.

Kreyolicious: At the end of the end, what gives you the most satisfaction?
The smile I get from the crowd or from my customers. I do it all for them. Therefore, if they are happy, I’m happy.

Above: Backstage preparations for Mimi’s Boutiq Fashion Show.

Kreyolicious: You’ve held some fashion shows. What goes behind planning them?
OMG. A lot. It takes months to plan these shows. I thank God I have a great staff and a great business partner to back me up through it all.

Kreyolicious: Do you have a business philosophy? What is it?
Yes I do. “You can if you think you can.”

Kreyolicious: Say you had a little sister who wanted to follow you, and do something in the same industry that you’re involved in. What would you say to her?
Make sure your heart is really into it and learn to have lots of patience.

Above: Mimi’s Boutiq owner Merline “Mimi” Themora poses with MacD of Harmonik, Richard Cave of Harmonik, and DJ 5 Etwal. Photo Credit: Olie Photographie

Kreyolicious: Family plays a huge role in shaping us. How does your family view your being in the clothing industry?
My mom was a bit skeptical about it at first because of course like every other Haitian parents she wanted other things for me that I had no interest in. In the end, she understood me, and she supports me 100%. My fiancé is also another person who supports me a whole lot.

Above: A few highlights from Mimi’s Boutiq offerings.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to folks out there who admire you, who feel inspired by you, but feel that they can never live to their own potential?
First, I would say thank you. Second, there’s nothing that one cannot do. Pray about it first, Have faith that it can be done, then go for it.

Kreyolicious: How do you keep your connection to Haitian culture?
Through social media for the most part. I also go out and support some of the cultural events.

Kreyolicious: You keep yourself busy—no doubt…What is the next phase for Mimi’s Boutiq?
It’s a lot I’m working on for Mimi’s Boutiq…Just stay tuned. [Winks]

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