You probably have worn a piece in the Caribbean Apparel line and not even know it. Or you may have seen someone or have had a friend who has donned one of the cultural slogan-laden jackets and shirts of the line. Truth is, the Caribbean Apparel is among the fastest growing brands among young folks and is especially popular with the urban market.

Legrand Gandhi Lindor, the man behind it, likes it that way. Born in Boston of Haitian parents, Lindor graduated with a Bachelors degree in Finance and Real Estate Investments/Development from The George Washington University before receiving his Juris Doctor and a Masters of Business Administration at the University of Connecticut.

At one point, he thought he could somehow combine his love of different cultures, and his knowledge of entrepreneurship, finance and business law and parlay all three fields into a business. Lindor truly wanted to form a company that would focus not on just one country, but many in a way to help create cohesion or at least an understanding of different cultures starting with the Caribbean islands.

But many new entrepreneurs dream about mixing all their passions together, and sometimes the results fall considerably below their expectations. Would this venture of Lindor’s work? Six years after it officially launched—Caribbean Apparel the company Lindor founded—still stands. From Grenada, to the Virgin Islands, to Barbados, and to the flagship Haiti collection, Caribbean Apparel helps consumers celebrate their identity and cultural self-expression.

Lindor discussed his entrepreneurial journey, the fashion business, and what comes next for his eponymous brand.

Q & A

Kreyolicious: When did it first occur to you that starting a company selling Caribbean-themed and Haiti-themed apparel would be profitable?
Well, ever since my undergraduate days my friends and I would go to the various West Indian Festivals —DC, Miami, New York, Boston—and we would spend our money on various things, apparel being one of them. That is when it first occurred to me that in the future we could make money selling higher quality apparel with more thought intensive designs. Being a business major I figured why not have fun and make money at the same time at these festivals. I finally put that into practice in my third year of my JD/MBA program when the opportunity arose. I put a plan together and sold shirts at the Annual National Haitian Student conference in 2007 which was hosted at Penn State University. I went to the event with about forty shirts or so and sold out in thirty-minutes. While I started with the t-shirts, the process of making jackets for Haiti was well under way which we debuted in the fall of 2007 with the Haiti Flag Jacket, Haiti 1804 Jacket and the Limited Edition white Haiti jacket for females and Blue Haiti jacket for men.

It was more about giving our people good quality clothing to wear not just during Kanaval—Carnival—but everyday and a way to express our cultures in ways that people may not know about: for example our Toussaint L’Ouverture shirt or our Haiti shirt which has Est. 1804—meaning established 1804 as some young Haitian-Americans don’t know the history of Haiti—but only what they see on television—which normally isn’t anything positive. So our whole motto, Unity. Culture. Pride. ™ is coming from a different angle—being all inclusive and high quality designs on high quality apparel. We love hearing stories from our customers about positive reactions that others give them when they are either wearing one of our jackets or shirts.

Kreyolicious: Caribbean Apparel™, a rather simple name we think. Was it difficult to come up with?
Not really. We first started as LGappareL®—with the LGL representing my initials. We then wanted to create a brand name that would be more descriptive of what we do and focus on right from reading or saying our brand name. It gets the point across and simply a hot concept that many people have caught onto in a rather short period of time.

Kreyolicious: You’ve been running Caribbean Apparel™ for years now. Do you have any advice and tips for someone who might be wanting to take up a similar venture?
The advice would be to love what you do and do it well. Things are not always easy and there are many more behind the scenes work that gets done that many people don’t see or realize because all they see is the end product. Also, don’t get discouraged. Learn from mistakes or failures to improve upon what you are doing and don’t let someone tell you that you cannot do something; use it as fuel for your fire within.

Kreyolicious: What are the daily going-ons of running Caribbean Apparel™? Are you the type that wakes up at 5 a.m. and goes home at 9 p.m.?
Daily, we are in thoughts of how to make more designs and countries. We are continuously contemplating new designs with our Creative Director and partnerships with others to expand our brand. Also, we are learning more and more about the apparel and printing industry. We have expanded our business to custom print and embroider for others, whether it be student groups, entertainment bands, family reunions, companies, etc. I am more of the type to wake up at 9 and go to bed at 3 a.m. [Smiles]

Kreyolicious: As you began running Caribbean Apparel™, what was the biggest challenge you faced as a shot-caller?
The biggest challenge of being a decision maker is to listen to others and their ideas and even if I may not personally feel it is the best look or what have you, it may make more business sense to go in that particular direction. We have so many ideas that the actual hardest thing is figuring which direction to go in next in terms of expanding our business.

Kreyolicious: You have so many selections. Do you have a bestseller?
Currently, our best seller is our L’Union Fait La Force and Nègre Maron design—Unity Makes Strength. I believe this is our greatest concept shirt and the Haitian motto is a powerful phrase and to combine with the Nègre Maron statue—which is a staple in Haiti and symbolized freedom and the power of working together—is a design that has resonated with all types of people, not just Haitians.

Kreyolicious: Does your company partake in any Haiti-related activities?
Caribbean Apparel™ is constantly working with various companies and organizations who help people help themselves. We like to work with organizations that focus on health and education, not just in Haiti but throughout the Caribbean. We have been invited and have attended many events for non-profits including fashion shows, fundraisers, etc. We have been invited by the Haitian Embassy in Washington, DC for a few events over the years, we have participated in a fashion showcase in Haiti. People can keep up to date with what we are involved with on our website, where we post on our blog events that we have
participated in or will participate. We have also help sponsor events as well.

Kreyolicious: What’s next for the line?
Next for us, is to create more countries and then to start our production in Haiti to create jobs. From there, our other goals and ambitions will come to fruition.

You can visit Caribbean Apparel’s website and view their selections here.

Customers like Mimi Gabriel swear by the products in the beauty line Cosmetiques Laudun. Says Gabriel, “After using the Sweet Feet Repair Foot Creme for a couple of days, my feet feel like silk”. Gabriel isn’t the only one who’s taken by the products, so is New York-based fashion designer Dayanne Danier. Of the product, she raves: “Once I step out of the shower, I apply it to my feet and the results are remarkable. It makes my feet super soft; it’s like getting a pedicure everyday. Everyone should buy a jar of the Sweet Feet.”

Cosmetiques Laudun is the creation of two cousins Sandra Gabriel-Gachelin and Anna Laudun Beaubeuf. Gabriel-Gachelin was born in New York and Laudun Beaubeuf was born in Canada, but grew up in Petionville. Both are of Haitian parents, and met as teenagers. Somehow living in separate countries during their early life wasn’t a deal breaker when it came to starting Cosmetiques Laudun.

The Cosmetiques Laudun products all have an organic base (ingredients include jasmine, seawood, bamboo, honey, oats and the like). Indeed, the firm is an example of how beauty and green can be combined to make a successful, thriving business.

The ecopreneurs gave Kreyolicious.com a look behind the scenes…

What’s the biggest beauty emergency you’ve ever had?

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: My son developed a severe form of eczema as a child and was initially treated with prescriptions from the doctor, yet none of them worked. It was then that I decided to turn to one of my grandmother’s recipes, and, within days, the eczema was gone. I was overjoyed! Quite honestly, it was at that moment that I realized I had to share these recipes – my grandmother’s garden was a business opportunity! By the way, to this day, the eczema has never returned, although my son does use the recipe regularly to keep it at bay.

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: I would say for most women: the biggest beauty emergency is that nasty pimple right before an event. Although not entirely preventable, a good daily cleansing regimen, keeping hydrated, and maintaining a healthy lifestyle is very important. Our Michargilda cleanser mask is very effective in speeding the healing time of acne flare-ups.

Prior to starting Cosmetiques Laudun, did you have a background in the beauty industry?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Not quite. I’ve always had an interest in cosmetics and skincare. I think it started when I was a young dancer at the School of American Ballet, Lincoln Center, NYC. I was fascinated by the stage makeup tricks used in The Nutcracker and other famous ballets. I also did make-up for fashion shows and I’ve assisted many photographers with make-up artistry. In my study of Fine Art and Surrealism I was also very fascinated with the use of colors in my own art pieces.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: It depends on what you mean by “background!” I grew up learning authentic, tried-and-true natural recipes that not only care for the skin, but treat it, as well. My entire childhood was an apprenticeship, of sorts. My grandmother’s “garden formulations” were used on everyone in the family, as well as neighbors and friends. To give you an idea of how prevalent natural skincare was in our family, let me tell you about Sandra’s grandfather. He was a French soldier in World War I, whose job was to treat wounded soldiers. And guess what he used? Herbal medicines! When he returned to Haiti after the war, he would treat both children and adults who were suffering from asthma, colds, eczema, cataracts, etc. And, every single time he discovered a new herbal remedy from a plant, flower, or whatever, he would share that knowledge with his younger sister—my grandmother. So, while I do not officially have a background in the beauty industry, my knowledge and expertise is extensive and proven.

Here you are both—executives at a cosmetics company you founded. When you were in high school, did you feel beautiful?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Not at all! Very few teenagers feel confident about their appearance. I wore braces, and I was also a late bloomer. It’s important for young girls to be taught to feel great about their own unique qualities. True beauty comes from within.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: Most adolescents worry about their appearances – from the health of their hair to the pimples on their faces – and this certainly results in low self-confidence for many of them. I have to say, though, when I was in high school, I did not worry about these things. Certainly, genetics can work in your favor, but I also know that my skin was beautiful because of my grandmother’s recipes. All teenagers are entitled to beautiful skin, and it’s unfortunate that so many of them suffer unnecessarily.

Your cosmetics line is organic. That obviously very important to you.

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: There is an excessive use of chemicals and preservative used in the formulation of many skincare lines. Parabens speed up the aging process overtime. It also hurts the environment. Animal testing is utterly deplorable. We wanted to go back and recreate the timeless skincare recipes of Anna’s grandmother, my great-aunt Jeanne Gabriel Laudun. She never tested anything on animals and she never used chemicals. All of her products were created using materials found in her garden. Everything that grows in nature has a beauty and health benefit.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: Today’s consumer is turning away from chemicals, additives, and Western medicine’s pharmaceutical solutions to unhealthy skin. And, frankly, I think there is a longing for what my company brings to the skincare industry: an inceptive line of products that satisfies both the consumers’ needs and wants. I believe today’s customers demand products that are natural and chemical-free, yet, I also think there is a yearning for time-tested, simple and pure recipes for the skin – that grandma used to use.

Human beings have been taking care of skin for thousands of years, yet it’s only in recent decades that we have turned to chemicals and the pharmaceutical industry to satisfy our skincare needs. Why? For thousands of years, the skin has been properly cared for by ingredients growing out of the ground – not in a laboratory. The earth provides us with plants, flowers, and herbs, many of which have amazing healing and cleansing properties. Why add chemicals?
We at Cosmetiques Laudun have a philosophy based on respect for nature, the environment, and natural health. We believe in organic, pure, and simple skincare recipes that have stood the test of time. We invite you to try the highest quality skincare line available and experience for yourself the benefits of caring for your skin in the most natural way possible: straight from the garden.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: In 2000.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: My grandmother passed away in 1999, and I have not returned to Haiti since then. Nevertheless, I do dream of going back, especially to share my experience of entrepreneurship with the young girls there. Anything is possible, and I want to show them that a future of success is within their reach.

For those who want to undertake something similar…say start a cosmetics company, what advice do you wish to offer?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Starting a business takes a lot of time and business planning. Challenging decisions will come and sometimes business errors will happen but that is also how you learn. It takes money to make money but it also takes knowing how to spend it wisely and in the right steps to push your business forward. There are no “get rich quick” formulas in this highly competitive market. You have to start with a great product. Look for an exceptional support team of passionate people with a similar vision as yourself. Delegate wisely, give your team members autonomy to be creative and love what you do.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: Each of us has a grandmother, grandfather, or some other relative who has a secret recipe for skincare. Write those recipes down! There are millions of different species of plants, flowers, and herbs around the world, with many being specific to certain locations. Do some research, and you may find that your recipe solves a particular ailment. Create products that are natural and simple, yet ones that solve customers’ most common needs.

A sample of what Cosmetiques Laudun has to offer.

Which of your products is the most popular with your customers?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: I think the most popular product with our customers is Mitsy Day & Night Anti-aging moisturizer—named after Anna’s beloved late sister Mitsy.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: “Sweet Feet” is definitely one of the most popular.

Why do you think that is?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Our customers have seen positive results after using our all-natural FDA Certified organic skincare treatment. Our anti-aging remedy gives your skin a healthy glow by naturally softening and repairing your skin overtime.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: The reason behind that, really, is that it works. The feet are one of those areas of the body that we often neglect, and yet they require daily maintenance—just think of the stress they endure. Unlike a lot of greasy, overly-scented products, Sweet Feet is completely natural and maintains the suppleness of your feet, while also repairing it. My grandmother concocted this particular recipe after I was diagnosed with diabetes at age 9. Like most kids, I wanted to run barefoot through the mud and grass — and just be a normal child. My diabetes, however, made me prone to “diabetic dry foot,” a condition that can severely dry out your feet. My grandmother worried that a cut would have difficulty healing, and so, like always, she trotted off to the garden to formulate a new conditioning foot recipe! My feet have always been baby-soft, and I know that’s because I have used this product since I was a child.

Cosmetiques Laudun is a partnership. What tips do you have for an entrepreneur who wants to team up with a partner for a venture?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Effective communication is vital. Both partners should share a mutual vision for the business. Each partner must bring something to the table and work hand in hand. All partners must know and respect each others contributions, because it all counts towards the big picture; which is providing the best possible products for our clients.

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: My partnership is a bit unusual because it’s with my cousin, Sandra. I know a great number of people believe that it’s difficult to work with a family member or close friend, especially when it’s a business venture that you’ve formed together. Personally, however, having my cousin as a partner is a blessing. Cosmetiques Laudun represents our youth and family, as well as the love we share. Furthermore, we are both passionate about our ancestors’ dedication to natural skincare! For me, there is no better choice than Sandra. My advice to any entrepreneur looking for a partner: Choose a candidate that is reliable, enthusiastic, works hard, and understands the vision of the company.

What milestones are you looking forward to reaching with the company?

SANDRA GABRIEL GACHELIN: Our goal is to use our company to contribute positively to society. We also want to continue the increase awareness of choosing a natural lifestyle. We would love our products to be introduced to the global market…I am also looking forward to seeing our products listed on Oprah Winfrey’s Favorite Things Christmas list! Joy!

ANNA LAUDUN BEAUBOEUF: Our ultimate goal is for our time-tested, all-natural products to take center stage on store shelves, drawing respect throughout the U.S. and Caribbean.

Visit the Cosmetiques Laudun website by clicking HERE.

Christine Souffrant has a quote she lives by: “Life is a promise…fulfill it.” She’s definitely been doing her share of self-fulfillment. As the CEO of Vendedy, an app that digitizes street vending, Christine has not only made her dream of being a successful entrepreneur come true, but she’s helping business men and women around the nation. Vendors from emerging markets upload photos of their wares on their mobile devices, and travelers can purchase them via SMS. Vendedy acts as a sort of mediator and keeps a 20% sales commission. Less than a year old, Vendedy has gotten the attention of the Clinton Global Initiative, and has earned its bold CEO a partnership with IBM. Christine was a finalist for the $1 million Chivas Venture Fund.

When she’s not taking care of Vendedy business, Christine is teaching other women of this generation to empower themselves and to disrupt the world through innovation.

For her, maintaining balance while pursuing a business agenda is of the essence. To her, life isn’t about just business events, meeting investors and flipping through the pages of the latest business wisdom bestseller, it also means traveling to new places and absorbing new cultures. It’s about taking time to enjoy spontaneous things like skydiving, shark diving, scrap-booking, and sometimes taking a simple photograph.

Not that entrepreneur life has been all silk and crystal for her. As the final pieces of Vendedy were coming together, the sassy and adventurous entrepreneur lost her father. The devastating loss made her take an emotional pause, but it hasn’t stopped her…

K. St. Fort: I think the name Vendedy is so cute…creative and the fact that it has the root verb for the word “vending” in it. Was it hard coming up with that name?

Great question. We were originally Vended International when we started as a blog. Once I had to incorporate the company to close a deal with IBM, I realized that Vended International describes what we do, but not the essence of who we are. I spent a week or two looking for inspiration—reading about the new wave of names today: Google, Uber, Hulu, Twitter etc. None of them make sense, but that’s the fun in their names. I wanted our name to be just as fun, but blatantly meaningful. The root “vende” does mean street vendor as you identified in many different languages English, Creole, Portuguese etc. But it also signifies our vendetta for street vendors worldwide. It came to me out of nowhere. I was hovering between Vendy and Vendedy. Vendy was already taken, so Vendedy was the next favorite. When I presented the new name to the team, the reaction wasn’t as excited as I anticipated. They all struggled with just pronouncing it. In the end, it grew on us and it became what it evolved to today. [Smiles]

Above: A street vendor in Haiti, and a beneficiary of Vendedy.

K. St. Fort: Did you study business?

Yes. I lived business through my upbringing amongst street vendors in Haiti an through managing businesses in New York. Furthermore, I’ve done many business programs from Tuck Bridge MBA summer, to Hult International Business School’s Dubai Master program. I’ve been a student of business and entrepreneurship since birth.

K. St. Fort: I think that it’s cool that you’ve come from several generations of women entrepreneurs. How do they feel about your joining their ranks?

Psychotic—in the beginning. I was the first to know what it means to have a corporate job! I was on my third promotion when I told my family I would quit to move to Dubai and find my dream. It was the stupidest thing they ever heard me do. But as Vendedy exploded on to the scene, my mother in particular became my biggest partner, friend and cheerleader. Now, they refuse to see me go back to normalcy. The entrepreneurial spirit and mission that Vendedy promotes has inspired everyone in my family.

Above: Christine speaking at the Social Hive Summit is Trinidad.

K. St. Fort: Good for you girl. Do you think part of them feels that you should have opted for something more traditional?

In the beginning—yes. Not anymore. What’s more meaningful is not just the reaction of the women in my family, but more so my father who is the ultimate conservative. The last photo I have of my papa before [his] passing away last year is [of] him wearing the Vendedy #Disrupthenorm shirt. That was the biggest moment for me because my papa saw real potential in me to disrupt the typical career verticals available to our generation. Overtime, he told me candidly that he was proud of my convictions behind Vendedy and that my spirit and commitment to Vendedy was his biggest accomplishment. “To father a child who goes beyond normalcy to aim for greatness while uplifting others”.

K. St. Fort: What’s been t he hardest thing about being an entrepreneur?

Mental stability. Quite frankly, building a company is easy—from idea to development to market execution and funding is a process we can all prepare for. But the mental roller coaster of dealing with the highs and lows of being an entrepreneur is one for the books!

K. St. Fort: How do you handle the roughest days?

First, stop taking things personally. Everyone has something to pitch and every entrepreneur will be met with some level of skepticism. No one is saying, “I must destroy your company now!” The more we are able to focus on leveraging the external feedback on our companies—both the good and the bad) for points of learning and development—the higher our chances of success.

Second, quotes are an amazing motivator to define your reality and excite you to recreate it the way you believe it should be. My two favorites for my entrepreneurial journey thus far is as follows: “Entrepreneurship is jumping off a cliff and building a plane on the way down” [from] Reid H founder of LinkedIn whom I’ve met in person. [The other is] “If 99% of people doubt your idea, you are either gravely wrong or about to make history”. Hashtag…truth.

K. St. Fort: Truth…What books have you read that have helped you tremendously in your journey that you’d like to recommend that others read?

For real entrepreneurial disrupters—Bold by Peter Diamondis. Scrapbook Points on Entrepreneurship—randomly just coined by me. What I mean by this is that information and advice is accelerating so fast that there is no one book to guide your entrepreneurial journey. So, I’ve actually catalogued the best mesh of articles, quotes and minutes from great tech events that is personalized for my growth and development as an entrepreneur. It is the best guidebook one can have because it’s updated in real time and includes multiple—often contradictory perspectives—that can really accelerate your progress.

Above: Christine Souffrant, CEO of Vendedy at a press conference in Haiti.

K. St. Fort: Some great selections…no doubt…What advice would you give to someone who’s trying to become an entrepreneur…whether as an app developer…or otherwise?

Your biggest strength to build a great company is the why. I’m not kidding. Ideas come a dime a dozen. Business models will evolve, and teams will mold often to bring any concept to market. But the why of why you started the company, the why of why it’s relevant for your target market and the why behind why you are the right person—and–team to make it happen—will follow you at every turn. And at the end of the day, the why is why you will get funding, customers, employees and market acceptance. The idea of Vendedy fascinates many, but the why of how it was created has inspired thousands.

K. St. Fort: What’s next for you?

Launching Vendedy across the Caribbean market this fall, and being one step closer to digitizing the global street vending Industry to tackle global poverty. More to come!

Visit Vendedy’s Website | Vendedy on Youtube | Vendedy on Instagram

Vanessa Cantave loved cooking so much, that she left a lucrative job that was paying her in six figures to launch a career as the co-founding CEO of her own company Yum Yum NYC. But wait! Didn’t she place a check in the Political Science box in the college majors choices column? She did, but a girl is allowed to expand her mind and try new things, isn’t she?

Cooking, though, had always been a huge part of her life. Growing up Haitian, she had her share of plates of diri, sòs pwa, and legim and other assorted Haitian dishes. Her advertising career initially started in Atlanta, and then took her to New York. In 2005, Cantave decided to take a risk—a humongous risk—and opened up Yum Yum. It was not to be an ordinary restaurant. Cantave decided that she would also add an instructional component to her business, in addition to offering catering and entertainment consultation services.

In the late 2000s, in spite of the fact that the country was in a recession, Yum Yum NYC grossed $2 million dollars—thanks to prestige-building client brands like Target, Kiehl’s, Intel and Nike. As if Cantave’s cup wasn’t overflowing enough, yet another opportunity would come her way. “Rocco’s Dinner Party”, the Bravo Channel’s much-talked about cooking show was recruiting contestants in late 2010—and after being cajoled into auditioning by a friend—Cantave joined the reality show and wound up being the winning contestant!

Her participation on the show widened her already huge platform. Then Fox Business News came calling, and so did Black Enterprise, among other media outlets, who tapped her for her culinary expertise. With her own cookbook on the horizon, it is only a matter of time before Cantave achieves more milestones in her career as a chef, entrepreneur and restaurant industry mogul.

Q & A

You were born in Brooklyn? And you grew up in a home with Haitian parents. What was it like?
I was actually born in Washington D.C. My father was in the Army, so we moved around a lot. I lived in Belgium, outside Chicago, VA, Atlanta. I’ve lived in Brooklyn for eight years and definitely call New York City home. Growing up with Haitian parents and family was great! I think for most kids growing up with parents who emigrated to the U.S feel blessed to have two cultures to identify with. I’m American, but my upbringing, my values, my spirituality, the food I love, my energy are all rooted in Haitian culture. I’ve always felt that my family and extended family—grandparents, cousins— had a much stronger sense of togetherness than some of my American friends.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
Many years ago. 2001.

You attended the French Culinary Institute. Do you feel that attending cooking school is absolutely dispensable to the development of a chef?
For me, it was an amazing experience! It allows someone with natural ability to hone and define their skills. You learn proper techniques, history, nomenclature and overall how to move in the kitchen. I highly recommend a good culinary program to those interested in becoming professional chefs.

Lots of us love to cook, but how can we take it to the next level? How can a casual cook become a chef?
If a home cook would like to simply enhance their skills, they can save money by simply taking cooking lessons with a chef or attending workshops and classes. I used to teach free classes at Williams-Sonoma. My students love learning new techniques and working with fun kitchen tools.

What’s the best thing about being Haitian?
Having a strong culture to identify with besides being American. And eating Haitian food!

You left a six figures job in the world of advertising and marketing to become a professional chef. What advice do you have for entrepreneurs wishing to start something of their own, who may not necessarily have had six figures past job to cushion them? Sorry if that sounds like an insult, but I know that’s the first thing people will be thinking.
No insult taken and honestly, I had no savings. I wouldn’t advise doing it my way. I just literally went for it, and didn’t think things all the way through. I just k new I wanted to be a chef and “time was a wastin”! My advice: build a strong support system of friends and family for the hard times. And be willing to start over. When you are completely switching careers you have to be willing to start at the bottom. Doesn’t matter if you were a VP in another industry. Your past experience will eventually come into play in some form or fashion, but humble yourself. Listen and learn.

What’s a typical day like for you? If there’s even such a thing as typical in your life.
Every day is different! I may be meeting with clients, in the kitchen with my chefs, in the office working on sales or other business initiatives and these days I could be doing a television or magazine shoot! Never a boring day!

Who was the best cook you knew growing up?
Hmm. I could get in trouble for this one! I learned from my mom, dad and maternal grandmother, but honestly each of them have different specialties, so I’ll take all three!

You graduated from James Madison University and has a B.A. in political science. You had plans to become an attorney?
No. I just picked a major that I was interested in…my parents were most concerned in me graduating from college, so it never really mattered what I studied. After all, I really wanted to be a chef anyway. Do you think your parents are proud of your accomplishments? Very much. They tell me all the time. What were you like in high school? Outgoing and involved in several organizations. Gymnastics. Cheerleading. Student Government. Peer Mediator. I even won “Home Economics Student of the Year” my junior year! Ha!

And you’re working on a cookbook! Can you tell us what to expect from it?
Slowly coming along, but my future cookbook—and future restaurant—will reflect a passion of mine: New American cuisine meets Haitian. Similar to the food I prepared on Rocco’s Dinner Party. If you have a recipe of yours that you’d like to share, feel free to.

Dumb question: how is your Kreyòl tifi?
Terrible. My cousin’s make fun of me all the time. Funny thing is I understand 100%. I think I’m shy. Let’s blame my parents. [Laughter]

In 2011, you won the “Rocco’s Dinner Party” reality TV competition.
Such a cool experience. I was talked into auditioning by a casting agent friend. Even though the $20K cash prize was awesome, in the end I just really enjoyed being on camera and have gone on to do much more television, and media. I also got a chance to introduce sooooo many viewers to Haitian food. So much of America thinks that all Caribbean cuisine is Jamaican. I chose to marry Haitian with Classic French and the combination was delicious. I was so pleased with what I created and now, I want to really develop this style of cooking. My future restaurant and cookbook will reflect this cuisine concept and represent everything I love about food.

Do you imagine waking up one day and not having any passion for catering, or for cooking for that matter?
Impossible. Cooking and entertaining is in my bones. I may not be a caterer specifically, but no matter what I do, I will be cooking and entertaining. What’s in the plans for Yum Yum Inc? I would love to have my own television show and reach a larger audience. I am a chef, but also love teaching people how to plan every aspect of their event. I love beautiful things and I love making people happy. I would like to create a show that reflects everything I love, not just cooking.

Did you know that the CEO and founder of one of the biggest public health companies in the USA is…you guessed it…a Haitian?

The man in question is none other than Jean-Guilmond Orelien (they call him Jean Orelien, but we don’t need to remind you that we like being culturally correct around here, so he shall be referred to as Jean-Guilmond Orelien. Or rather as Dr. Jean-Guilmond Orelien, as he holds a doctorate in Public Health from the University of North Carolina and a Master’s degree in Statistics from North Carolina State University).

Dr. Orelien left Haiti when he was ten years old to join his mother in Guadeloupe, another island in the Caribbean. From Guadeloupe, he left for New York to attend college, and from New York, he hopped to graduate school in North Carolina, and it is in that state that he founded his company SciMetrika in 2001.

Dr. Orelien, a married father of four, has expanded his business elsewhere and the company now has offices in Virginia and in the state of Georgia. One of the people he credits for his success is a teacher who took a special interest in him. He was gifted in the arts and letters as well as math and natural sciences and debated with himself regarding career direction. She advised him to pursue mathematics and the sciences instead. And then there is his mother, who instilled the notion of success in him.

After an earthquake hit Haiti in 2010, Dr. Orelien traveled to Haiti to survey the impact of the disaster, and to help officials there determine how to best help the victims. Dr. Orelien has big plans for Haiti. He has purchased vast amount of land tracks in an area in Haiti called Ganthier. “I’m working on a mixed residential project in the town of Ganthier. I plan to be involved as an executive developer in other real estate projects,” he confides to Kreyolicious.com.

Now, about SciMetrika…What exactly does it do? For one thing, it provides public health consultations to the biggest firms in the world (and even U.S. government agencies like the Center for Disease Control). For another, it conducts experiments and collects data regarding complex public health issues. Dr. Orelien’s company was named a Top 10 entrepreneur by Inc Magazine, and his company remains the largest black-owned owned federal contractor in the state of North Carolina.

Great achievements, indeed. But then there are those moments. He recalls going to a posh resort in Miami for a conference in the late 2000s, and having a female guest refuse to get into the same elevator with him, claiming she was going downwards. He later discovered that they were going to the same floor. At times, people can hardly hide their surprise at the fact, that he, Dr. Jean-Guilmond Orelien is the CEO of SciMetrika, and not an employee. He says he’s been in situations, where he’d show up to represent the company, only to have a client manifest incredulity at the fact that he is the owner. Yet, Dr. Orelien says he tends not to focus on things like that.

He’d rather direct his attention on more important things—like future developments in his industry. Dr. Orelien sees a public health future with more apps, multilingual translation aids, and robotic technology—not to mention public health reform-related changes. After SciMetrika grossed $18.6 million dollars last year, he’s looking forward to seeing his company gain additional ground. His long-term goal is to continue running SciMetrika, while playing key roles in business ventures in Haiti.

Q & A

How has your childhood has shaped you?
My childhood has shaped me in a very important way. I come from a very humble background. Economically my parents— like most Haitian families—did not have much. Most people would say that we were poor by Western standards. Early on, I aspired to a better future. It drove me fiercely to work hard to achieve success.

The project that you have in Haiti…in the Ganthier place that you had mentioned to me…How is that coming along?
It’s coming along rather slowly. So, we completed a suitability study, and based on the suitability study, we went back to the drawing board. And so, right now, we’re revising the plan that we had originally created for developing the land. So, we will do that first before we go back to the investment to bring forth the project.

It’s still going to be a resort luxury place?
Yes, it’s the same plan. [The luxury resort community is going to be] next to the Lake Azuei.

Okay. Alright. Are there any environmental concerns in that it’s next to a lake?
I think it’s possible that the lake will become an environmental disaster if not taken care of. I think having a consultant—like we plan to have—will immensely help. Because right now, there is no information to [prevent] people from polluting the lake. The lake is not well-taken care of. People are putting their garbage in the lake. I think we can do a better job of taking care of it environmentally.

You’ve been in public health for most of your life. What advice do you have for someone who is contemplating a career in public health?
Don’t do it—don’t just do it—for money, but because ultimately you want to be helping other people. So, that’s one consideration. And the other thing I would say—it would certainly be useful to get at least a Master’s in Public Health.

What about certifications? Say for example if someone has a degree in Nursing or in Health Administration, they’ll get a Certification in Public Health.
I think that this is a possibility. There are people who have a nursing degree and they take a certificate. To be more successful, I would advise someone to also get an MPH. In terms of the avenues that will open up to an individual like that with a Nursing and MPH…there’s no question that an individual with those credentials will have more opportunities than someone with a nursing degree and a just a certificate.

Now, you moved to Haiti from Guadeloupe when you were little.
I moved to Guadeloupe when I was ten years old. Guadeloupe is a French island, so they speak French. They also speak Creole too. I felt at home in Guadeloupe. It was different from Haiti because it was more developed. I sometimes go to Guadeloupe. I still have many friends and family members who live on the island.

Say someone is new to entrepreneurship…how do you suggest that they overcome obstacles, like funding, making the decision to actually become an entrepreneur? How do you suggest that they overcome discouragement.
The first thing I would say is that entrepreneurship is not a one-time event, it’s a journey. Since it is a journey, there are positives; there are failures. Somebody engaging in that journey, should not be afraid of failure. There are many people who say that entrepreneurs tend to be unrealistic. Or to use a popular word: crazy, insane—in that they’re not very good at evaluating the risks. They’re a kind of daredevils. They’re going into a risky endeavor, because starting a business is risky. Most businesses fail. I think entrepreneurs do realize that there’s a chance for failure, but they’re willing to take the chance, and they’re willing to face and deal with the consequences. I would say to someone who’s engaging into entrepreneurship to be willing to stick with it. If you should fail, get back up, and do it again. Eventually, you will get ahead. That’s the approach and mentality I would recommend that someone wanting to get into entrepreneurship have. It starts with that mentality. First and foremost, it is a mental game. You should take the time to think through the process in terms of the product you want to sell. Making sure you have a business plan. When I look at entrepreneurs, it’s an attitude, their intensity, and their willingness to take charge—I think those things are more important than anything.

What’s the origin of the name Scimetrika ?
SciMetrika…the “Sci” stands for science and “Metrika” for measurement. When I created SciMetrika, the idea is that we wanted to offer services that would help our clients make decisions based on sound science or methodology or in other words that there could be a way to quantify or assess that our recommendations were sound. This is still true today. The only thing not captured in our name is that we offer these services in the field of population health.

What’s the best advice that’s been given to you?
I have been given a lot of good advice in my life. It’s probably not fair to pick a single one; one such good advice came from my French teacher in high school. When I was undecided between a literary and a math and science track, she suggested that I go for the math and science track.

If you had gone the arts and letters path, as opposed to the math and science track, what do you think you would be doing now?
I would probably be a journalist. [Laughs] That was one of my earlier aspirations. To go travel the world. To be an intellectual type in the black diaspora. That was probably what I would do.

What’s your advice to anyone wishing to be a CEO?
My advice is to find a need in the marketplace and try to fill that need. Don’t focus on what you will get out of it. If you focus on the value you will bring to customers and employees and you can communicate that value to the marketplace, your success will only be limited by the size of the market. For existing CEOs, the main lesson that I have learned is that to grow your business, first start by growing yourself.

How do you manage balancing family life with the demands of being a C-level executive, Founder/Owner?
I’m still learning that. You have to remember that family comes first. I do attend every parent and teacher meeting. Also, what helps is that I observe the Sabbath. So, in general, I have one day out of seven that is spent entirely away from work. I also take time to travel with the family at least once a year. This is a special bonding time with the kids, and it’s a way to remind them why as parents—my wife and I—are working so hard for them. In general, I would say work on creating memorable moments with members of your family.

In terms of your life and your career—what are you most proud of?
By far, what I’m most proud of is graduating from college. When I graduated from college—when I got my Bachelor’s —it meant so much to me, and I put in so much effort. When I did that, I just knew that I could look forward to stability. It meant so much to me. I got my Master’s and when I got my doctorate, I didn’t even go to the ceremony. They didn’t mean as much to me compared to my Bachelor’s.

When you founded SciMetrika in the early 2000s, did you think it would be where it is today?
I had a plan for it to be a company focused on public health. And that it would be providing services that are anchored in science, methodology, and there were few companies that provided that kind of service. I knew there would be room for it to grow. I wasn’t sure that it would be where it is now. I made the decision to run the company. I think the company hasn’t reached its full potential yet. I think there is room to grow and that it will continue to grow.

Each year there are new arrivals from Haiti. It’s something that I hear a lot. They’re more job-driven than they are education-driven. What advice do you have for new immigrants on success, and stuff.
Focus on education. Education is the key to success. I went through the same thing. When I came to the U.S., I remember my friends were working. They could buy nice cars. I could not drive the nice cars they were driving. I could not wear the nice clothes, the suits, they were wearing. I would say to someone that in the long run, over your lifetime, you are going to be making more money, and you’re going to be better off than someone who has no college education or someone who drops out of college. And if you can, get a Bachelor’s degree. That would be my advice to any newcomer. Opportunities still exist in the U.S. but you have to put yourself in a position to succeed, and the best chance to success is to get an education.

Be sure to visit and get inspired by Dr. Orelien’s blog Ayipreneur, and get a bigger picture of what SciMetrika is all about.

[Photo Credit: Inc; additional photo provided by subject]

Think of clothes. Now, think of the word PRIIINCESSS! Yes, spelled that very way. It’s an online clothing company owned by Atlanta-based fashion entrepreneur Cindy Lafalaise. Being the founder of an online company should be easy right? You sit back, and watch as the sales rake in? Well, it so happens that there’s a little bit more to it than that. Follow along…

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself.

I am the face and owner of PRIIINCESSS.COM, an online clothing company. My customers are busy working women like myself who are fearless and die-hard fashion lovers…As a personal style blogger and self-proclaimed fashionista, I live for a great dress and great dresses is what the PRIIINCESSS brand is all about. My business is my baby. Most of my time is spent working, processing orders, returning emails, updating the site, connecting on social media, ordering new products, creating newsletters—and of course working on marketing strategies. But, I am a strong believer of the concept, “Work hard, play hard”—so I make sure to squeeze in me time, go to church, read, workout, hangout with loved ones and of course, travel!

Kreyolicious: I think that when we’re little, often times it’s a family member who makes us aware of fashion and dress. Was that your case?
My case was actually the opposite. I like to think fashion is in my blood, but growing up I hated the clothes my stepmom bought me. I was always coming up with creative ways to style them to make them more stylish or more me should I say. And as I got older, and was able to shop for myself and truly find MY personal style. Even though my style has evolved over the years but somethings will never change, like my love for bold prints and bright colors, or my shoe obsession. I currently own over 100 pair of shoes and counting. [Laugther]

Kreyolicious: What’s it like running your own fashion line?
Not easy. But rewarding. Finding my way in such a saturated market is one of the most difficult part of running my own business, but I’ve learned to focus on the work. I am literally obsessed with my brand. I’m never not but working. When I run into roadblocks, I simply stop and go back to the beginning of it all and remind myself of why I love what I do.

Kreyolicious: For those of us out there who have been vacillating between playing it safe and pursuing entrepreneurship, what advice do you have to offer?
Go for it. Honestly, the time will never be right. And really, there’s no such thing as playing it safe anymore. Time has changed. Nothing is guaranteed. Not even that 9-5 most people once saw as the a safety net after spending thousands of dollars on education. Building your own wealth is the new “playing it safe”…

Kreyolicious: In fashion, individuality isn’t always encouraged. You are expected to be unique, but at the same time you are expected to keep up with trends. How do you stay balanced in both areas?
As much as I love keeping up with what’s in and what’s hot, I also understand the importance of staying true to my brand and keeping its identity intact. I’ll shy away from the overly trendy pieces, but go for some of the current seasons hottest colors and prints.

Kreyolicious: Your parents support you in your career?
Of course not. Haitian Parents normally have their own perception of a “real” career path, and let’s just say I’m what most people will call a rebel.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture?
I’m very connected to the Haitian culture. I’m quite active in the Haitian Community in Atlanta and Over the years I’ve been a member of multiple Haitian organizations such as The Georgia Haitian American Chambers of Commerce, International Women of H.O.P.E and many more…I do not travel to Haiti as often as I should, but I do hope to make my way home within the next year. I’m a beach girl, so I’m most definitely looking forward to visiting some of those beautiful beaches in Haiti.

Kreyolicious: Determined entrepreneurs always have a bucket list of goals. Where do you hope to take your brand?
That’s very true. I do have 100+ goals I hope to accomplish but some of my plans for the PRIIINCESSS brand is to, of course, remain an online retailer but become an household brand. When a woman needs a dress I want her to think of PRIIINCESSS.COM. Eventually, I will be designing and manufacturing everything in-house. In my very own warehouse to be exact and be able to offer wholesale options and services to other online retailers and local boutiques.

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