Haiti’s Millennial creatives showcased their talent over the weekend in Port-au-Prince during the second edition of Living Hart. An initiative of fashion designer and philanthropist Gayel”Cutiega” Pierre, Living Hart had its first edition in May. This initial expo was so popular, the founder decided to hold one for the month of July at the venue Yanvalou, located in Pacot, a suburb of Port-au-Prince.

The Second Edition featured entertaining performances by Akoustik and K’Zino, two bands emerging out of Haiti and was hosted by musician Badikamal. DJ Nos was on hand to rock the crowd. Haiti’s Millennial creatives from every imaginable creative sector made their presence felt: photography to visual arts to the performing arts.

An attendee sits down as her portrait is drawn by one of Haiti’s creatives. [Photo Credit: Ganderson Lebref/Elma’s Flaco]

Scenes like this were the essence of Living Hart. An artist doing a live mural, as attendees watched. [Photo Credit: Ganderson Lebref/Elma’s Flaco]

Two attendees are all smiles. Living Hart t-shirt on deck.

Participants Ralph St. Fleur and Jetlo on the scene. [Photo Credit: Ganderson Lebref/Elma’s Flaco]

The woman of the hour herself…Ms. Gayel “Cutiega” Pierre. [Photo Credit: Ganderson Lebref/Elma’s Flaco]

Living Hart allows her to promote the talent of her fellow creatives, whose opportunities to showcase themselves are thought to be intermittent at best. Now that Living Hart Haiti has concluded, the creative entrepreneur has plans to do launches in a U.S. city—most likely Miami.

Welcome back! It’s your girl Kreyolicious interviewing Living Hart and G’s Addiction founder Gayel “Cutiega” Pierre. The entrepreneur-fashion designer created Living Hart with multi-objectives, among them to give a platform to Haiti’s creatives to promote themselves. This year alone, Living Hart has had two editions in Port-au-Prince. Many hope that there will be a Living Hart New York and a Living Hart Miami, so that Haitian-American creatives living outside of Haiti can also be part of the Living Hart celebration.

Above: Gayel “Cutiega” Pierre, the founder of Living Hart, an initiative that brings Haiti’s creatives together.

In Part 2 of the interview with the entrepreneur, we discuss the benefits of trying moments in one’s life and entrepreneurial journey, as well balancing dual passions, and the future of the brand.

Read on!

Kreyolicious: Over the course of your journey as an entrepreneur, have you come across something that at the time you felt was the worst thing ever, only to look back now and think of it as beneficial, even character-building, for you?
Several times! When I first moved back to Haiti, the different mindset and our way of doing business were probably the most challenging and frustrating things I had to deal with. But now, I look back at it thinking that it reinforced my values and strengthened my endurance and determination.

Kreyolicious: Have you read any good books lately that you’d like to recommend to others?
Got to admit that I’m not too much of a reader. I get my inspirations and lessons by admiring others and observing how things work and why they work that way.

Above: A hand-painting session during Living Hart’s expo.

Kreyolicious: Do you think you’re getting better at balancing your clothing line G’s Addiction with Living Hart?
Yes. I think so. I think it’s becoming clear that I have two distinct sides: G’s Addiction, as designer, clothing, and the G’s Addiction as event planner. They are connected through art and share my common philosophy, but are two separate ventures.

Above: The founder of Living Hart is also the entrepreneur behind the clothing and lifestyle brand G’s Addiction.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see your ventures three years from now, and what should we expect from you?
As far as my imagination can go. [Laughs] I’m always thinking of something new, and I’m always trying to find a way to satisfy my clients. Therefore, without giving out any spoilers, I just can tell you that G’s Addiction is about to get even more addictive—very soon.

[Subject’s photo: Elmas Flaco]

CLICK HERE TO READ PAST ARTICLES ABOUT CUTIEGA!

CLICK HERE TO KEEP UP WITH LIVING HART FOUNDER GAYEL “CUTIEGA” PIERRE’S JOURNEY!