Marie-Valerie Placide’s line Bohiomania is literally taking the fashion world by storm. The line is less than three years old, and already it is creating a major buzz in Placide’s adopted home state New York.

Her pieces are practically out of this world, and reflect fashion in pre-Columbian times in Haiti.

Unlike most designers, Placide has a business background, having worked as a banker in Haiti before moving to the United States.

Were you a fashionista as a little girl?
In my early years, I was fascinated by secretaries and flight attendants right from the small screens. I was interested by their sophisticated outfits—yet so chic and so simple. As a Haitian girl, you were not allowed to be playing with your outfit. Your parents would dress you a way and want you to keep it clean and not to add any personal touch to it; otherwise you would be in trouble. However, the major fashion statements in my life happened when I got my hair shortly shaved at the age of 11. I grew up never having to worry about the hair hassle. I always found a way to dress up or down my short do. Even now when I try to grow it up and perm it for a change, I always go back to my beloved TWA. It was my fashion accessory back then—now my signature!

Is it Haiti’s old Arawak name from which you drew the name of your line Bohiomania?
Indeed, Haiti is not only those depressing images and facts that are being displayed over the internet, Haiti is also and most importantly that prosperous era when the Indian tribes lived freely, happy and carefree! That was the time when Haiti was so rich with gold in her riverbeds, when the Taino lived under a stable and well organized political structure. I want to revisit that era with their lifestyle, their fashion accessories. [I want to] bring it along to our contemporary life. I am highly interested by the Golden Flower, The Queen, The Great Anacaona! The Aboriginal Line is inspired by her name and her story. Bohiomania‘s colors are coffee, olive green and brick, those colors are relevant to me in a way that speaks deeply to my heart.

Do you remember the first piece of jewelry that you really, truly prized?
No, unfortunately. But I remember when I had sown by hand my first white tunic with red rickrack to attend one of the Chapiteau events at Place Boyer, in Petion-Ville Haiti. My mother wouldn’t let me go because I was way too young to be out late at night! But I did wear it the entire night for a family reunion.

What was Chapiteau about?
Chapiteau was a music event organized in Haiti in the 90’s under a huge tent where the major Haitian classic bands like Sweet Micky, Mizik Mizik, Magnum Band—and so on—would perform for the entire holiday season in December at Place Boyer, in Petion-Ville, Haiti. I dreamed of attending so much but as I can remember they only had a very few editions if not only one. When I got older, I attended other performances at Tara’s, Ritz, Parc de la Canne-a-Sucre at Tabarre and other clubs in Haiti. My favorite performances remain the Haiti Troubadou Project in 2000’s and the awesome Tabou/Zekle Festival in 2009. Those for me are timeless and I finally got over my Chapiteau disappointment!

What inspired you to start your jewelry line?
When I left for New York in January 2010, I missed the women from the [arts and crafts] project in Fond-des-Blancs I had been running for four years. I missed my family and my friends and, as controversial it may sound I was missing Haiti, my lifestyle and those creative activities I was taking part in every year. I wished every single day that I could go back! I still do. Bohiomania is inspired by the [powerlessness], the hard reality of making a choice and not being able to revert your decision for the sake of your family. It was a way to dry out the insecurities, homesickness tears of moving to a different country and trying to adapt the most you can; It was and still is my survival way to keep myself grounded. Bohiomania is my refuge, my home port and so much more and beyond. It is at last the result and expression of the creative and entrepreneurial sides of my personality.

You mention an arts and crafts project. How did you become involved with the artisan workshop?
In 2005. I had been approached for a new position in Fonds-des-Blancs, Haiti. I was working as a secretary with Healing Hands for Haiti (HHHA) at the moment. I had been told that I would get paid higher than my then actual salary and would hold the title of Director of the Women embroidery cooperative project with my own driver and the other privileges associated with the title. I was happy and excited, but of course my family, especially my mother wasn’t. I was at the height of my secretarial career and a single mother. It was a new adventure and the chance for me to perform at a higher level. I found the whole thing very challenging and decided at least to meet with the lady. I remember having my job interview at Hotel Oloffson, one of the very entertaining hotels in Haiti. The lady and I clicked instantly. I loved the fact that as an American woman she retired from nursing in the States, moved to Haiti and was devoting her time and money to empower the women from the small village; she loved my poise, my creativity and my motivation. It was a deal instantly! A week later, returning from my visit of the site, I signed my contract. I started right away after the holiday and they threw me a surprise party for my birthday on January 4 of the same year…since then our story began.

I directed the project from 2006 to 2010, overseeing all aspects from production, marketing, payroll, new orders from the states, reports, sale, fairs etc…The project was awesome with a wonderful management team and the women were fabulously creative, resilient and dedicated. They would go through the entire production process with no gimmicks. In fact, they loved their job. Not only because it was their main source of money but also because of the warm and friendly atmosphere at the workshop. I introduced them to the public at different fairs so they would no longer be the embroiderers but for them to see how their work was appreciated and valued. We went to fairs in Jacmel, Cap-Haitien and Femmes en Democratie and Artisanat en Fete Fairs editions. Sold the embroidered linen tablecloths, cotton nightgowns to fairs and boutiques. We were pretty active and the work was a total hit! Unfortunately I had to leave after the earthquake for family purposes. However our adventure continues. The ladies and I remain friends and we talk as often as possible. I am planning to go back to Haiti to open a workshop and I am willing to contract them for some specific projects in order for them to sustain their needs and to provide for their family. The project is still running to date with a different team but the ladies are still motivated and selling their work on site and online.

Now, in terms of the different pieces that make up the line, where do you mostly find the inspiration for them?
Victoria Beckham is my ultimate style icon! She is just clean! other than that I am the visual type. I read and follow the stars a lot. I love the gossips surrounding their lives, but I am most definitely scrutinizing their outfits and their styles. My inspirations come from the women from the reality shows, that little girl from a mountain carrying over her head a basket of fresh fruits, a picture from a bus. Inspiration for me comes from anywhere with everyone and pretty much everything. You just have to open your senses, be confident, audacious. It happens that in the middle of the night I wake up [and] realize that special idea just crossed my mind. Like I said, you have to be open to your senses and be able to catch that once in a lifetime idea and create it!

Is there a piece in the collection that’s especially popular with your clients?
The Aboriginal Line is very popular. Made out totally and–or—partly from turquoise, coral and magnetite they would outshine the other two lines—Classic and Funky. However the three lines are very different from one another and they each have their one fan base.

How would you describe your line Bohomania?
Unique, timeless and beautiful! When you own a Bohiomania piece, you not only own a story, but a versatile piece that can change the entire look of your outfit. It is sophisticated, simple and chic. On top of that we work hard to guarantee you never come across anyone with the same exact piece of jewelry!

You have a financial background. Has that helped you a great deal as an entrepreneur?
Yes. My entrepreneur mindset is inherited from my mother. She is a business woman who knows how to sum up four or more rows of decimal numbers over her head with no electronic help! I wish I could have her abilities, but I am from the lazy era, I go for the easy options: calculator, laptop etc. [Smiles] However, I inherited her strong personality and the willingness to start over and over again until I find the right way. It is a combination of professional and personal experiences. My secretarial and administrative backgrounds are also very useful in managing my office and keeping my papers update and well organized.

What should a person wanting to buy jewelry, but who’s on a limited budget, make priority, when starting their own personal jewelry collection?
Definitely the Aboriginal Line! Turquoise and coral can be dressed up and down if you know how to rock your style.

Some people have a thing for fashion entrepreneurship, but aren’t necessarily adept with the financial and entrepreneur part. What counsel do you have for such persons?
Find yourself a business-minded and educated family member and–or—friend to associate with. Your business and project can only benefit from their advice and professionalism. Or hire yourself a business adviser and a lawyer. I am luckily surrounded by highly educated family and friends I can relate to as mentors for guidance.

Do you see a full-blown expansion ahead?
Luckily yes! Bohiomania is evolving for the better. There are multiple projects and events in the pipeline. I just had a our Mother’s Day sale event and I am planning a major and interesting event for September, private sales and promotional tours in Haiti.

What’s next for your Bohiomania?
Finding funds to implement a cooperative in Haiti and hitting the major stores are the main focus now, but Bohiomania is also open to multiple ideas, is willing and will be venturing other paths.

You can learn more about the Bohiomania line by clicking here and by visiting the line’s Facebook Fan Page.

Jean-Yves Marchand’s greatest fashion influence is his grandmother. Growing up in Port-au-Prince, the Haiti-based fashion designer, used to watch his grandmother concoct all sorts of intricate designs for her clients. It’s around this time that young little Marchand started to develop an eye for all things high fashion. He discovered the world of fashion magazines. He even started to etch his own sketches of fashion designs.

Later, Marchand contends, he made the acquaintances of several key heads in Haiti’s fashion community, including fellow fashion designers, models, modeling coaches who acknowledged his talent and gave him the confidence and determination to make a name for himself.

In the mid-2000s, Marchand says he joined Habimode, a couture firm based in Petionville. Within a few months of coming on board, he was promoted as the chief designer of the line, and created hip and chic pieces for the collection.

Today the designer has his own line of accessories and clothing—the Jean-Yves Marchand Collection. He still remembers the day when he introduced the line to his friends, colleagues alongside the public. “There was so much emotion,” he recalls, “and everything comes out amazingly perfect. I even had tears.”

One of Marchand’s goals is to get his line in other countries, and establish a few lone-standing boutiques; another is to push the line further on the international fashion market, and create more fans for the Jean-Yves Marchand Collection.

What inspires your designs?
I’m inspired by many things; it could be in the street, nature. It could be a personal feeling, a dramatic situation. I usually design what I have in mind, trying to make it wearable. I always want to bring unique and original designs.

How involved are you when you have a fashion show?
Well, I usually plan my fashion shows [unless it’s Haiti] Fashion Week. They usually [do] their own planning. You just bring your clothes…[So] yes, I do plan all my fashion shows: the place, the decor, the DJ. I usually want everything to be perfect—so I make sure I have an eye on what’s going on.

Do you choose your own models?
Yes, I definitely have to choose my own models because they are the ones who will sell out the clothes. I usually set up a casting call to choose the better ones. My preference goes to tall models with attitude and good face expression—who can really walk the runway.

What’s the fashion world like in Haiti?
Well, I think—in Haiti—the fashion world is growing year after year. We are a few designers who are really talented and have made the media here and overseas. There is a designers association [that launched] years ago, but [we] only [got] our first fashion week [off the ground] last year, which was a success in the international media. I definitely think we “Haitians” need to support our own creations, [and] support new and young talented designers. Be more involved in what’s happening in our country and take the Haitian fashion world to another level.

What advice do you have for those who want to make their mark in fashion?
I’d tell them to stay focused, to follow their dreams, and never give up—even when they really feel like there is no open door. Keep the faith.

When you think back to your childhood, who was the most stylish person you knew?
Well, my grandma was a stylish woman. [She was] always looking good, [and was] well-dressed. I think all the women in my family have style.

Now think of the sloppiest, and frumpiest person you knew. Looking back now, and knowing what you know now, what would you have done to help that person?
I don’t exactly remember ever knowing such a person in my childhood, but there are a few present-day people whose style I would love to upgrade. I’ve been thinking of putting on a show on TV where I could change people’s style. It would be a total makeover, from changing hairstyle, color, fashion taste, nutrition. [Show participants] how to walk, to style and [have] attitude and, of course, [apply] makeup.

What’s the most rewarding thing about being in the fashion industry?
I think for a designer having everyone wearing your clothes and liking you style is a great reward. Also, the financial aspects [too], if you are a successful designer and sell a lot. I think the other side is to be respected and [be] known for your career and the work you have done in this industry.

Jean-Yves Marchand takes a bow at Haiti Fashion Week, flanked by a model wearing one of his designs

What do your parents think of you being a designer?
I think they were scared [because of the] the financial aspect, because in Haiti fashion did not always mean a lot like [it does] today. And parents do care for [the future of] their kids. But, it was my choice and no one could have stopped me. My parents are proud of my work, and I’m so happy about it.

What is your greatest source of pride?
I appreciate the respect and the confidence people have for you when you are known in the fashion industry as a great designer. And also the ability to make people happy and have a better image of themselves by wearing your clothes. A happy client is a sign of success received for the work I’ve done.

[Photos provided by subject.]

Be sure to check out the fashion designer Jean-Yves Marchand on Facebook HERE.

Considering her MBA background (with a concentration in Business Management from Strayer University), it would seem that if Myrlande Sauveur ever made the decision to write a book, it would be related to entrepreneurship or leadership. But, no. Her first book Daily Spiritual Vitamins and Minerals for Your Soul is an affirmation-filled, inspirational book. Sauveur’s experiences as a health and wellness consultant, who teaches people how to live a healthy and well-balanced life, certainly served her well in that task.

Sauveur is also the co-Chair of the Dorcas Foundation, a non-profit organization that focuses on helping Haitian college students and women in Connecticut and the surrounding areas by providing them with charitable services such as scholarship application opportunities, and health fairs. She is also a volunteer youth counselor who works with troubled teens all over the U.S. and Canada through an online mentoring program. Sauveur was born in Haiti and came to the USA when she was 17, and has made the best of her journey.

What made you write this book?
For the past year, I noticed that the style of my writing started to change, from poetry, love stories to devotional meditations, and emotional struggles that I was going through on a daily basis. I was inspired to write my first book, Daily Spiritual Vitamins and Minerals for Your Soul.

Who has been the most inspirational person to your life?
When I really think about it, I can’t name the most inspirational person in my life, because there are too many. I have been blessed to be surrounded by so many inspirational people and they all contribute something to who I am today.

And growing up, who was the most business-minded person you knew?
The most business-minded person I knew would be my mother. She would travel to different parts of the country buying rice, and beans at a very low cost and selling them back home on the weekends to make a profit. I was always intrigued by her ability to turn nothing into something and teach others how to do the same. I wanted to be just like her.

You’re definitely a forward-thinking entrepreneur. What are some of the best lessons you’ve learned about business?
Being an entrepreneur, I’ve learned that if you want to succeed in business as well as in life, you must have a “why”—something to keep you going when you don’t feel like it. You must not be afraid of failure. You must be coachable, persistent and passionate about what you do.

We’re always hearing how important it is to not only take care of our bodies but also take care of our mental health. What suggestions do you have for our readers on this?
I am all about beauty from the inside out and living a well-balanced life. In order to do that, we must keep our minds clutter-free. A few tips I find very helpful are to disconnect yourself from all sorts of negativity, live in the present; and not worry about things you cannot change. Be thankful, and be happy and at peace with yourself. Give your time to a worthy cause—it can be an hour a week volunteering in a soup kitchen or with seniors at the nursing home. And remember no matter what is going on in your life, God is still in control.

Are you planning on writing on another book of inspiration?

Yes, I am. I am currently working on my second devotional book and my first poetry collection [set] to be released at the end of next year—God willing.

[Photos: Provided by subject]

You can check out Myrlande Sauveur’s book by clicking HERE.

Read a recent career book about public relations and its author will state in its introduction that the gift of gab is a characteristic of the profession. Ketia Fequiere realized she definitely possessed this gift. In doing some self-exploration, she knew she also enjoyed attending events and connecting people together. She had always loved music and the arts, and so in 2010, she established KPR Solutions, her entertainment publicity firm.

Fequiere has a vision-oriented approach in working with her clients. One of the most recent campaigns the PR strategist worked on was for a fashion show for trendy fashion store Mimi’s BoutiQ. Fequiere killed it; she created buzz for the show that resulted in a full-house. Her efforts yielded plenty of post-event buzz on social media for her client.

Kreyolicious: One of your favorite quotes, is this quote that has been attributed to Bill Gates: “If I had one dollar left, I’d spent it on PR”. Why, however, do you think that, for some acts, that’s the last thing on their mind?

It’s hard to say, but I think it’s because some acts do not know what public relations can do for your career. My job as a publicist is to expand awareness to clients and build their brand. An artist can have talent, but no one knows it because [a public relations program] is not available to him or her and [therefore] do not know who they are.

Kreyolicious: What would you say is the most stressful aspect of your profession? 

There are many stressful aspects of public relations. Some of them are: keeping clients content, executing a seamless event, unanswered pitches, just to name a few. The most stressful aspect to me is that public relation is poorly understood. Not many people understand what my job as a publicist is. Some people think I’m a manager, a booking agent, an assistant, you name it, I’ve heard it all before. One of the first questions I ask at my initial meeting with a potential client is: “What is your definition of public relations?”

Kreyolicious: And once they give you their definition, you—

Once I am given a definition, I would then explain what is really public relations. Most of the time their response is completely wrong. After I explain it to them we move on to what their realistic goals are for public relations and marketing services.

Kreyolicious: Did internships play a role early in your career?

Yes, I did intern for an entertainment publicist in the beginning of my career. I believe having hands on experience is always great to have, especially in public relations.

Kreyolicious: I’ve heard of graduates working up to a year as unpaid interns at PR and digital agencies in this economy. What other advice would you give to new graduates besides doing internships?

Some advice I would give to graduates and individuals wanting to be in public relations are to read tons of books, join public relation groups on social media, and practice your writing. I am constantly reading and researching ideas. I am a member of a public relations group named Women in Public Relations. They hold many webinars, workshops and tons of important things that you need to know when you are a publicist. Writing is very vital in public relations. Maybe start a blog or be a contributor on a blog site or for a magazine.

Kreyolicious: What’s the most memorable campaign you’ve ever worked on?

One of the most memorable campaigns I worked on was a sponsorship package for a clothing line by the name of Zoe Beautee. I started out as a fan and purchased a few items from them. Later on, I introduced myself as a publicist and the owner Carline Smothers told me about a benefit fashion show she wanted to put together to donate to a non-profit organization named “Help us Save Us”, which provides a safe and steady source of clean water for their facilities in Sant. Raphael in Haiti. It was memorable to me because I was able to help with a great cause. My main goal in life and in business is to be able to give back and with assisting Zoe Beautee with their sponsorship package, I was able to do so.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the biggest lessons you’ve learned in the field?

I don’t even know where to begin. I have learned so many lessons even with the short time I’ve been in this field. I will make a list. Lessons that I have learned in public relations: Believe in yourself. Just go for it. Believe in your craft. Never give up on your dreams. Mistakes happen, learn from it and move on. Don’t be afraid to fail! Don’t work harder—work wiser.

Visit Ketia Fequiere’s KPR Solutions Website to learn more about her firm| Connect with the PR maven on Twitter| Connect with the PR maven on Instagram and on Facebook|

Fabienne Josaphat looks like a junior Toni Morrison with her thick shoulder-length thick braids. And she certainly looks like an author. She’s just published her first novel Dancing in the Baron’s Shadow, a historical novel about one brother who puts his life in danger to save his sibling.

The author is a graduate of Florida International University’s Master of Fine Arts program, and previously had her work anthologized in MJ Fievre’s anthology So Spoke The Earth. Born in Haiti, she moved to the United States in her late teens and currently resides in Florida.

Kreyolicious: What are your memories of growing up in Haiti?
So I remember Haiti the way it was in the eighties and nineties, always in turmoil but still intact and trying to piece itself together every day despite the protests and violence. I remember its physical beauty. And I have memories of a relatively normal childhood there, minus the political unrest. When I visit Haiti these days, I try to relive those memories, and the challenge is to find them in the aftermath of an earthquake. Migrating to America was a complete culture shock, because the landscape and the people are different, and I had to learn to fit in this complex tapestry. I am still trying.

Kreyolicious: We might as well as say all writers have a fondness for books. How did your love of books begin?
My parents made books a reward for me when I was young, so good grades earned me a trip to the bookstore. My grandfather was a gifted storyteller, and my parents read me stories all the time. That is how it all started: loving books as companions, as things that are alive and that can allow you to escape, or bring you comfort.

Kreyolicious: Why did you choose to write about mid-1960s Haiti?
The history of that era is always narrated in one-dimension. It is also told in the voice of historians and foreigners a lot. But I felt it would be interesting to understand that era through fictional characters. So I exploited the history in that way. It’s a very fascinating piece of our lives that has been erased from children’s history books. I wanted to contribute something to that.

Kreyolicious: As you were conceptualizing your book, did you feel that you had to write about ensemble female characters, as opposed to a cast of males that it eventually became?
The story had always existed in my mind as a story between two brothers. The female characters in the book find themselves revolving around them, but they aren’t necessarily weak. They exist. They make choices and decisions, too, which leads the male characters to act. One reason for the choice of male characters is the inspiration for my story. This is a narrative loosely based on my father and my uncle, so the moment the story was conceptualized, the characters came alive in my mind as men.

Kreyolicious: What was the research process like for you?
I had to do a lot of research—reading, interviewing—and it was fun. I love to research historical events because it’s a learning opportunity for me. But mostly, the research brought me to dark places. I discovered a lot about our history that was disturbing, that left me speechless, and it was so dark that at times it took me days to shake off the sense of dread I carried with me. I take research very seriously, so I invested a great deal of myself into the work.

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Two brothers dominate author Fabienne Josaphat’s first novel Dancing in the Baron’s Shadow. Having the word “dancing” in the book’s title, indicates a sort of celebration. There’s not much feasting for the main characters Raymond and Nicolas. The novel, which takes place in Haiti in the mid-60s, chronicles the lives of these brothers as they endure imprisonment and torture for their personal stances.

In Part I of the interview, we discussed her background. This time, we’ll discuss her writing process more in depth. CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED PART ONE OF THE INTERVIEW WITH FABIENNE JOSAPHAT!

Kreyolicious: Did you have other titles for your book before you settled on that one?
I had a few. None of them worked. I liked this one because it fits the concept of the Baron Samedi persona of Papa Doc, and it captures the essence of what it is like to dance with death as a means of escape.

Kreyolicious: And when you were done with your first draft…what steps did you take to get it into its final form?
The first draft was just one layer. By the second and third drafts, I had to add flesh to the story. I needed to make the characters more complex, more dimensional, and I needed the plot to be as tight and precise as possible. That meant a lot of editing and rethinking which characters were necessary, which ones had to be cut, which details to change, etc.

Photo Credit: Gesi Schilling

Kreyolicious: If you were to make a list of your five most favorite fiction novels…what would you say they were?
Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe, One Hundred Years of Solitude by Gabriel Garcia Marquez, General Sun, My Brother by Jacques Stephen Alexis, Masters of the Dew by Jacques Roumain, and Blindness by José Saramago.

Kreyolicious: Have you already begun work on your next novel?
Yes, I have. I can’t talk about it much, but I am very excited. It’s historical again.

Kreyolicious: Do you see Haiti always playing a role, and always having a place in your writing?
I used to think it would, and maybe it will for a long time, but I definitely see myself exploring characters who would be “global citizens,” or places that would ground readers regardless of their background. I hope to branch out.
 
CLICK HERE TO PURCHASE FABIENNE JOSAPHAT’S NOVEL!

CLICK HERE IF YOU MISSED PART ONE OF THE INTERVIEW WITH FABIENNE JOSAPHAT!

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