Herve Fanini Lemoine is an entrepreneur and the founder of Kiskeya Publishing, a company that publishes fiction and nonfiction books in French and English. Born in Haiti, Lemoine left for Canada in his late teens. After attending McGill University and Concordia University, in that country, Lemoine made the move to the United States in the early 1980s, and chose to settle in Florida.

After having worked as a realtor for most of his life, the entrepreneur decided to launch the Kiskeya Foundation, a learning center for Haitian culture and history. Fanini Lemoine says that he’s proud that the nonprofit has been a leader in challenging the status quo and enlightening new facets to Haitian cultural and historical approaches.

In the early 2010s, the Miami Dade College graduate founded Kiskeya Publishing Co. The company has thus far published nearly two dozen titles.

What pushed you to start Kiskeya Publishing Co?
As many have done it in music by creating an independent label, I believed opening my own publishing company could make me more productive since self-publishing doesn’t require too much. If you can navigate around a word processor, and you are familiar with Photoshop, or a software alike, you can easily make a presentable book. In addition, self-publishing does not require a large inventory; on demand-printing let you print the quantity you need. That’s a huge saving. If I could do it for me, I could help others attain their dreams. With that thought in mind, I opened up Kiskeya Publishing. And the rest is history.

To those who’d like to publish a book with Kiskeya Publishing Co—what are your submission guidelines?
I suggest that you prepare your manuscript without any formatting, since we will have to format or reformat the text. And that you send a great full-size picture for your front-cover, as well as your own photograph for the author’s bio in the back cover.

What are some of the challenges that you encounter in running the company?
The most apparent challenge so far is in text editing. When you tell a client you will have a finish proof copy in four months, and you don’t get it, that can create a problem. To prevent that from happening, I would tell the client to expect a proof within six months instead of four.

What’s next for Kiskeya Publishing Co?
For the past two years that we’ve been in the business of publishing, we have published more than 20 titles. We are looking forward to expanding our service to the English speaking audience.

Were you an avid reader growing up?
I love to read. I won’t pretend that I am an avid reader; however, when I need an information, I will read as many book necessary to have a balance.

Out of all the books that you’ve published, which one, or rather which ones have been the best received by the book-buying public?
Face à Face autour de l’Identité Haïtienne [A Look at Haitian Identity] has sold the most copies, followed by Marie-Alice’s Novel, Tolérence Zero [Zero Tolerance].

What advice do you have for those who are contemplating becoming entrepreneurs?
I will have to use that expression: “KISS”: Keep It Simply Stupid! An entrepreneur needs to have vision knowledge, and skills. He or she will have to identify a market where those goods or services will sell. And, more importantly, en entrepreneur must believe he or she can make it.

Visit the website of Kiskeya Publishing Co HERE.

It’s almost as if it was a given that Nadeige Elie would create a medically-related venture if she ever became an entrepreneur. Growing up, the New Jersey-born student was surrounded by relatives who worked in the healthcare industry. The daughter of Haitian immigrant parents, Elie herself became a nurse and is now a key player in the multi-million dollar luxury medical concierge industry as the founder and CEO of California-based Vie Cachee. Vie Cachee has offices in Vienna and Dubai, and in addition to Los Angeles, the firm has offices in Florida and New York.

Kreyolicious: How did your company take shape?
The concept of my company, Vie Cachee, was first inspired by an experience I had, as a patient. At that point, I came to understand the importance of patient advocacy and having a knowledgeable support system to ensure you get the standard of care you are entitled to. During my hospitalization, my loved ones were always there to monitor the nurses’ interactions with me, they would intervene on my behalf in the event that the professionals were rendering sub-par care. There was a certain level of respect that the nurses and physicians had for me as a patient, knowing I came from a medical background and had my knowledgeable loved ones present to advocate for me and safeguard my health. Vie Cachee provides the ability for our clients to take control of their health and to have input in their treatment options. We also serve as support for loved ones, aiding our busy clients in protecting their children, aging parents, and ill family members. As a parent, being unable to be everywhere at once, we ensure your family is given the best care available. For example, my mother, a nurse, would take my child to the doctor’s office when I was unable. Having a knowledgeable and trustworthy support system is paramount. We are the knowledgeable family member.

Kreyolicious: What shepreneurs do you look up to?
Oprah Winfrey. She is compassionate, but still strong-willed. She sets a standard and expects her team to see it through without any compromise. She encourages the growth of others, providing them with opportunities to meet their highest potential. She see’s greatness around her and cultivates it. I am always in favor of leaving the world a far better place than the way I found it, and extending that same fortune to others.

Kreyolicious: Books are a great source of motivation for entrepreneurs. Which books and authors have inspired you in your journey?
T.D. Jakes, particularly one of his latest works, Destiny. I find him inspirational. His approach is not typically from a Biblical brow-beating stance, but rather from a very personable and honest standpoint. He seems to find a way to reach people where ever they may be presently in life, and guiding their growth from that point. He speaks to inspire greatness, and empower those listening. He never uses faith in a way to diminish other’s sense of self-worth, but to encourage confidence through his teachings.

Kreyolicious: What counsel do you have for an aspiring medical industry entrepreneur?
Allow the realization that we all inevitably become patients at some point in our lives to become your driving force, enabling you to push past your moments of discomfort, fear, and anxiety. You may be tired, but consider as to whether you would allow that excuse from someone when you’re not receiving the care you deserve. Compassion is what motivates me to get out of bed at 3 am to personally establish care plans for my clients, it’s what drives me to be uncompromising in the quality of care and attention to every last detail. The genuine concern for the well-being of our clients is the force behind Vie Cachee’s success.

Kreyolicious: Do you think that entrepreneurship is easier this century, compared with the other centuries before us?
Definitely. We are in the age of the self-taught, a path typically stridden by entrepreneurs. As a generation, to have access to such a wide span of knowledge is unprecedented. The amount of knowledge available is only surpassed by reach and influence. This age, albeit taken for granted, is nothing short of awe-inspiring.

Kreyolicious: Technology plays a big role in Vie Cachee?
Yes. Although we are an entity with viable presence and real employees, we are technology-based. Our entire business model is formed around accessibility. The only way we could possibly cater to an international client base is via the latest advancements in technology. All it takes is a phone call.

Kreyolicious: Is it hard “living” while running a business? How do you create balance?
What is this “balance” you speak of?

Kreyolicious: Hah!
All jokes aside, entrepreneurs must have an understanding of creating work life balance, emphasis on the term “creating”. You’re no good to others if you neglect yourself.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT THE WEBSITE OF MEDICAL CONCIERGE FIRM VIE CACHEE.

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