The funkadelik, laid-back style of Static Gold has made the group one of the hottest Montreal-based bands in Canada. Members Zaya Solange, Samuel Chacp Khon and Daniel Pombo were setting the music scene abuzz even before the band’s debut album Speaking Easy was released late last month.

Zaya Solange, the female lead of the band was born in New York of a Haitian mother. Her lively stage presence is one of the attracting points of Static Gold. Performing the “Tango into Django” on stage, the vocalist sings like she’s the goddaughter of Ella Fitzgerald and dances with the energy of a Tina Turner. Her voice takes on jazz, funk, and R&B on songs like “Sit Back”—without missing a beat.

Zaya Solange and the other members of the trio initially got together in 2012, and fans waited patiently but eagerly for the band’s first album. For Speaking Easy, the vocalist and her team worked with drummer Louis Souverain bassist Thomas Viardot and flutist-saxaphonist Beth Mckenna as well as seasoned musicians Christopher Vincent, Kaz Takasugi, Chris Maskell, Michael Hsu and George Doxas.

Zaya Solange had a convo with Kreyolicious regarding the album and leading the band and of course the album Speaking Easy.

Tell us about yourself.

I’m an artistic person. I love all things that contribute to the world’s beauty, which is one of the reasons why I feel so blessed to be able to make music and share that joy with people. And though I’m really outgoing and love partying with friends, I enjoy solitude surrounded by nature. I like to diversify my experiences. It helps in terms of songwriting and makes life that much more fun.

Music is obviously a big deal in your life. How did the love for it come about?

The love for music was innate for me. I’ve sung ever since I can remember. The first time I sang in front of people was on my very first birthday. I had a mic and everything! My mom still has pictures to prove it.

You are the only girl in the band, what’s it like?

Actually, that has changed recently when Beth Mckenna joined the group as saxophonist. However, I must say working with a mostly male group is quite natural as I’m the youngest of five kids and the only girl. It’s something I hadn’t really considered until I noticed that I was the only one who kept a shirt on during rehearsal when it got really hot during the summer.

Hah. And now for a scenario that could very well happen: after a Static Gold concert, a fan who is also an aspiring singer approaches you. She wants to be just like you and ask for pointers. What would you say to her?

I’d just tell her to continue doing what she loves. To keep in mind that it can be tough at times, but that it is worth it if it truly is a passion. It is important to build thick skin because we are faced with so much criticism, especially when fronting a band. I’d tell her to take the criticism with a grain of salt and use it as a springboard to achieve new heights and perfect the craft. In the end, you just have to stay true to yourself. Authenticity is key; there is no point in trying to be like someone else.

Which musical era has had the most profound effect on you?

Wow, I can’t think of a particular era but it would mostly be between the 1920s and 1990s. There has been so much great music produced in every one of those decades in different genres, it would be hard to choose one.

And any artists in particular?

As for artists, that’s a tough one too. I grew up listening to my mom’s music, so I sang along to Prince, Patti Labelle, Marvin Gaye, Ashford & Simpson to name a few. When I grew old enough to choose my own music, I added artists ranging from Joni Mitchell to the Fugees. I love all music as long as it’s good.

As the face of the band, and its reigning queen, your face and body are always in the spotlight, always under scrutiny. How does that feel?

I used to be a ballerina, so I am used to someone telling me to change something about something. The least positive thing I’ve been told was to show more “underboob” [Laughs] and the most positive was that my legs can compete with Tina Turner’s. So far, so good!

A ballerina. How cool. Have you felt beautiful all your life?

I think that would be impossible considering that beauty is so subjective and is quite a complex concept. Of course I’ve felt insecure growing up—like any other teen and some people actually told me bluntly that I was ugly, but I’ve learned to disregard naysayers. And when I looked at myself in the mirror while dancing ballet, I felt like the most beautiful girl in the world! Even if my instructor thought I had “bad feet” and too big of a derriere. I also noticed growing up that aesthetically pleasing people aren’t always pleasant and therefore kind of ugly. If you are a good person and are happy in your everyday life, it shows. As some say, “A happy girl is a pretty girl”.

What’s next for you and your band?

Hopefully, the moon! People from various cultures really seem to respond to our music so I hope we can travel around and share our music with our fans across the pond. We [have released ] our debut album. To me, it feels like a great start for our journey towards playing on an international platform. Perhaps we can start with our hometowns; Dan is from Colombia, Sam is a French/Swede lad and I’m a Montrealer from New York with roots in Haiti. It would be a golden ride, indeed.

[ Photos: Camila Escobar ]

Check out Static Gold and Zaya Solange on Facebook | Check Out the Band’s Soundcloud| Click Here to Purchase The Group’s Album |

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

MIMI’S BOUTIQ ON FACEBOOK| CLICK HERE TO VISIT MIMI’S BOUTIQ AND SHOP ITS ITEMS|