Would you like to walk in Stacy Armand’s shoes for a day? Do you have what it takes? Armand’s busy day as a fashion stylist and jewelry craftswoman starts out with sips of her morning green tea, followed by a glimpse at her emails, and the social media highways. Last but not least, is her daily meditation session, and gratitude-giving to God, followed by a shower. A model of organization, the designer’s day is accentuated by trips to bookstores, meetings with friends, walks through Manhattan in search of inspiration. And there’s the endless job bookings, honoring meetings, returning phone calls and texts, scribbling notes out quickly before ideas are forgotten. Brands like Aquafresh and Toyota vie for her attention to style TV commercial scenes, and print ad shoots, while popular high fashion magazines like Blink, Runway, and Status are blowing up her phone.

Through it all, the designer has to keep up with her personal life, and keep herself mentally fit. Balance is key. Though she lives a simple life, her designs are far from that. Think of Stacy Armand’s jewelry pieces and think extravagance, opulence of the Roman Empire; think of the glamor of the court of Pharaoh Ramses during the Moses era. Armand’s artistry is based on making bold statements not on outlandish fashion. Read on, as the native New Yorker and daughter of Haitian parents, gives us a glimpse into her glamorous life.

Everyone in the fashion industry had a journey that got them where they are.
My journey is never-ending. That is the beauty about life—every moment is a different story. I created my line in 2010. It was birthed in a place where limitations and the lackluster of current trends were boring. I needed to push concepts and reshape the way people define jewelry. I would prefer to make statements in a world that need new vision.

What did you want to be when you were in high school?
An artist, a performer, a shining star.

Some people tend to neglect accessories when putting an outfit together.
Style is a form of self-expression and a means to communicating through inspirations and connections. You have to be inspired to wear accessories. What you wear is your personal communication. If you choose to neglect accessories that is your statement to society. Now, if you neglect because of fear, or wanting to “play it safe” then journey of self-awareness has not begun, and a curiosity or connection has not been made.

Are your designs influenced by Haitian culture at all?
Being Haitian is everything to me. The Haitian culture is so rich with constant inspiration. The language, music, self-expression and creativity is what made me. I grew up watching my grandmother, mother and aunts display their viewpoints of fashion, music, and politics. The stand we as Haitian individuals take is so powerful, free, and liberating. Our confidence level as Haitians has never been less than 100 percent. That is why I take on this industry so bold and fearless!

You are based in Los Angeles. Do you find it beneficial as opposed to…say, New York?
I am not based in Los Angeles; I am based in NY. I would love to live bi-coastal from L.A to New york. L.A will be my future stomping grounds. In terms of NY, “If you can make it in NY, you can make it anywhere.”

Where did you find the inspiration for the latest pieces in your collection?
My designs are bold and graphic, thriving on the juxtaposition of harmonious and incongruous materials. Embracing my many art influences, the interpretation of form are inspired by the spontaneity and mysticism of abstract expressionism. I craft my pieces to reflect the aesthetic of minimalism, modern architecture and numerous cultures such as African, Asian and The West Indies.

Do you have any pointers for aspiring jewelry designers?
Take risks and do not ever doubt your role as a creator. Go for it! Don’t hesitate, and do things passionately. Don’t ever doubt hard work because luck doesn’t exist for those who don’t work.

Would you recommend attending fashion design school for those who want to follow in your footsteps?
Everyone’s process is different. School is great; not every great designer is school-trained. Do what makes sense to you. School helps, but you must have some talent and a whole lot of determination to make it in any industry.

What was the best advice given to you by your parents?
“Life doesn’t give you a bunch of opportunities and chances, if you don’t take advantage of what presented to you, someone will take your place.” And…”Excuses are for failures, so don’t even bother.”

Have you experienced one of those moments, where you had to pinch yourself?
When I collaborated with a clothing designer for Fashion Week, to see my designs go down the runway was breath taking.

What’s next for you and for your line?
Perfecting my line, opening doors for showroom representation, sales, and press opportunities.

The chic jewelry and accessories line Bisoux Jewelry is the handiwork of two sisters: Stephanie Lee and Vanessa Rigaud. The sisters took the pluralized spelling of the French word meaning “kiss”, and founded their well-received brand under that name. Born and raised in D.C. and the daughters of Haitian parents, the siblings launched the line in 2009.

Rigaud has a Bachelor’s degree and in Health Sciences from James Madison University, while Lee has a Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Virginia Commonwealth University. Somehow, jewelry making came calling, and the sisters bring their minds together to create a collection of pieces that are stunning, dressy, but that doesn’t outwear the wearer.

Q & A

Tell us about yourself.
STEPHANIE: I am a Jesus lover who is stimulated by all things creative. An aspiring jet-setter. Foodie, and an ambitious woman following my purpose to influence my environment with the gifts and talents God gave me.

VANESSA: I am a wandering wonderer always looking for a great find. I am a vegetarian who loves traveling around the world collecting treasures and always looking to book my next trip. I am a visionary who has a passion to serve my community and encourage others to do the same.

Do you think jewelry pieces are an absolute must to an outfit?
STEPHANIE: We believe jewelry pieces are an absolute must because we view jewelry as the exclamation mark to your outfit. You can take a casual look and dress it up with a bold necklace, earrings, or chunky bangles. Wearing jewelry gives you the opportunity to add color and texture to your outfit in a variety of ways. Just like your own personal style is an outward expression of your personality, so is the jewelry you choose to wear with it.

Bisoux Jewelry works with a great number of magazines. When you’re doing a photo shoot with fashion magazines, how do you plan things out?
STEPHANIE: When we’re recruited by fashion magazines to provide accessories for a photo shoot the Creative director or stylist sends us a vision board of related looks for the visual concept of the shoot. Once we understand the concept we start planning what jewelry pieces in our inventory would work best to either compliment, or enhance the looks they want. Some stylist already have an idea of which of our jewelry pieces they want to use and request those pieces. If we don’t have a jewelry piece in our inventory we think would look great with their concept we go looking for it. The final product looking its ultimate best is our goal so we bring as many pieces to the shoot we can to make sure we have what the stylist is looking for, or may not have thought of.

In terms of model photo shoots, how do you usually go about with those?
STEPHANIE: If a model request our services for their own look book we work with them to come up with a photo shoot concept. We ask what image they would like to portray and how they would like to be photographed. Normally we work with stylists and creative directors to pull looks together to dress the models. During shoots our main goal is the outcome so whether it’s a model, stylist, or photographer giving us creative suggestions we are open to hear them.

What do you do though when you have differences about, say, business matters or artistic direction?
VANESSA: Being a team gives us the creative ability to pull from two minds. We normally discuss our ideas and collectively decide which is best for the project. We understand what our strengths and weaknesses are and
know how to assign and manage business matters to the one with the strength in that area. Honestly, even as children/teens growing up we only ever had one argument. We are lucky to say we get along very well!

Bisoux Jewelry has a vast collection. Which pieces would you say are the most popular with your clients?
STEPHANIE: The most popular jewelry pieces with our clients are our statement necklaces. We love to collect pieces from all over the world so we often have pieces people have never seen before. We also like to use our jewelry in an unconventio

Valerie Morin is the owner and founder of A La Mode Accessories. Born in Haiti, she is currently pursuing a degree in Business and Communication. A self-described God-fearing, spontaneous, self-motivated, and independent woman, she is disciplined enough to be juggling her college coursework alongside running a fashion business.

Does being a businesswoman come easily to you?
I would have to say yes and no. Yes—because above all I love what I do. I love interacting with people. I love and enjoy helping others. I love talking about the business and the plans that we—me and my two business partners—have for A La Mode. I enjoy working and getting feedback from my clientele, and whatever I do for the business I do it with passion. On the other hand, I am still in school and have a separate job, therefore it is very hard for me to jungle everything at the same time. But overall, I prioritize my tasks and manage to always put A La Mode and its clientele first.

Some girls swear that clothes are everything. How important are accessories to an outfit?
I think it is safe to say that accessories and clothing have an equal significance in an outfit. They work together to create an “ensemble” that matches your personality, creates your mood and express your style. But accessories have the power to change a relax lunch to a casual Friday at work to girls night out. For example: let’s take a really basic outfit, such as, a white buttoned-up shirt and a pair of fitted, straight legged jeans in a dark denim wash. Using only accessories I can wear this outfit on three different scenes: One, lunch with my girls, I would wear my everyday wood beads like, Wood Revolution or Three Musketeers. Two, for a casual Friday at work. I would switch my beads to something more elegant like Elegant Night. Three, for a casual date night, I would put on a more appealed necklace like Africa with an assorted evening clutch and my heels. Accessories can make or break your outfit; you just have to know how to use them.

And what should a low-budget fashionista keep in mind when choosing accessories?
Just like clothes, accessories are hard to shop for. She or he should know what goes with her or him in terms of colors and shape. First thing to look for is elegance, shape and color. Second thing, is to choose a couple pieces you can match with the old accessories that you already have in your accessories box. Personally, I always color-block my accessories as well as my clothes, so that when I go shopping, it is easier for me to just grab and go without the repetition of colors. Third and most important thing is price; I heard if you shop at an outlet it will be cheaper than the main store. You could also check the clearance section of the store you go to, or look for the discounts or use coupons. A lot of people are fashionistas on a budget; you do not need to have a million dollar bracelet or necklace to be in trend. You buy what you can afford and model what you have. All that counts is the way you wear it.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
Almost 5 years ago. But I am going this coming December. I have no excuse on why I waited that long. I just know that it wasn’t the time yet. Now I feel more comfortable on going there and reliving the wonderful memories that I have of my country.

Which pieces of A La Mode collection are more popular with your clients?
Since we do not duplicate our products, I would say all of them are pretty much popular with our clients. A lot of people cannot understand why we choose to do it like that, but it’s pretty simple. How many people you know like to have the same thing as their friends? Few of them; some even say that it is pretty corny. I like bringing the unique side of myself and I have to say that it brings a certain satisfaction to know that no one—not to say never, because it can occur that someone reuse the design—have or will have the same model or color accessory…So, I wanted my clients to feel the same way, unique.

Were you pretty much the queen of the hallway when you were in high school?
Ah Ha Ah, no. I was the most annoying kid at school and a fashionista to the bone. Because of that, a lot of people knew me. Back then I was more focused on acing my classes, dancing, having fun with my friends, avoiding my parents [Laughter] and being myself that I had no time to even think about being popular and all. I think that is why I had such a great time in high School.

Are your parents your biggest supporters?
Unfortunately no, [but] I have a couple of them. God—He is my biggest one of all time. My boyfriend and my cousin who happen to be my business partners, and three of my little cousins. These people are my rock, and they all have a say in my designs. As soon as I am done making a piece, I send a picture to them for approval. We do not normally see eye to eye, but I can always count on them.

Were you undecided when choosing a name for your brand?
Not at all; the name came to me after I decided to go into business. I was at home making my very first bracelet, Wood Revolution, and booooom, A La Mode Accessories came to me. It was so easy, that at first, I was afraid to use it. I started looking for other names, but somehow I kept on coming back to A La Mode. I called my cousin and my boyfriend and told them; they automatically approved of it. So from then, A La Mode Accessories was born.

What have you learned about the fashion and accessories business that you feel that every aspiring business person in the arena ought to know?
Oh my God! I have learned so many things that I had to highlight the important ones so that I do not forget them. First thing that I have learned was to never take what you have and where you are for granted because just like God gave you and can also retake. Second thing is to always be in trend. To always update your inventory with new things; rather it’s the pattern, the colors, the materials or the shape. Because people are looking for a variety of things to choose from—so give them that. Third thing is that there is no friends and family in business. I don’t mean it in a selfish manner, but if you want your business to see another day do not choose a particular group of people to give a discount. When you have a business, everyone should be a client. If there is a promotion, I believe that each and every customer or client should benefit from it. After all, your customers are your biggest supporters. Without them, you would be nothing; so treat them justly. You have to be able to understand the biggest law and regulation in business: “The customer comes first and is always right.” Once you understand that, you will succeed. And last, but not least, have fun doing what you do best. Take a breather; smile and count your blessings because if you don’t, you will be stressed and will not be able to provide the service necessary to keep your customers happy. And remember, hard times always comes first; keep your head up. Your time will come to shine.

Visit the A La Mode Accessories website HERE.

Nzingah Oniwosan is at the same time a dancer, dramatist, spoken-word artist, dancer, musician, and jewelry designer. Born in Miami to Haitian parents, her artistry is endless.

Her jewelry pieces seem to have a life of their own. They illuminate the plainest faces. The designer gave us a look behind her line.

How did you get started with jewelry making?

I always wanted to start a jewelry line tried to in 2003 but it didn’t catch. I wasn’t happy with what I was producing. The summer of 2008 due to an awesome partner, I was able to take the summer to focus on business and start the line. I wanted my line to be an extension of my work as a visual artist. Where the human form was my blank canvas. Before I knew it had a ton of pieces went to an event and almost completely sold out.

If you could describe the design line in three words, what would they be?

Eclectic Fashionable Artistry…Why because my pieces are diverse unique fashion statements that I personally see as works of art.

When a woman is putting an outfit together, what would you say is the most indispensable jewelry piece that they can don?

This is hard for me to answer because I grew up not wearing jewelry and presently am still not pierced. At first I wanted to say a necklace but I think a good pair of earrings can go long way…short hair, long hair, turtle neck, V-neck and so on. You can always rock a pair of earrings.

What goes into the day-to-day grind of a design professional?

Research. Sketching out designs. Creating designs. Mailing out orders. Updating website. Staying connected and relevant through social media. Accounting. Checking supplies ordering supplies.

You obviously have natural talent for what you do. Did you get any special training as well?

I took classes perfect my technique. I went on to be certified in art clay which is a special material use to create my jewelry. I intend to get more training and certifications, as it will allow me to create the designs I have sketched out.

Do ideas and the inspiration for new designs come to you easily?

I have my high and low moments. At this moment I have tons of ideas and inspiration it more about cranking them out .

Any pearls of wisdom you’d like to pass on to design entrepreneurs?

Do the research. Invest in yourself take the classes and training to ensure you are creating a quality product. Access your competition. Be clear on who you customer is. Most importantly create a line that is unique and one that you love.

What do you have planned next for your design career?

Shoes and bags. Stay tuned.

When Marie-France Merisier decided to launch an online store featuring hand-crafted jewelry and other imported goods from Haiti, the name she decided on was pretty much a no-brainer…KADO, the Creole word for “gift”. It only seemed appropriate. She wanted to share the gifts of Haiti’s artistic community with the world. And she was certain that she would find buyers among the international community who were seeking unique gifts to purchase. The entrepreneur’s principle in running KADO borders on simplistic too. She sets short and long-term goals for the venture. Sometimes she puts her drawing skills to work, sketching the pieces she’s seeking and making illustration-outlines of materials.

In addition to being the head-creative-in-charge at KADO, Merisier runs founder of Kélé Arts Design, a wearable art collection—featuring original art work by her.

I set short-term and long-term goals. I make sketches of the pieces I seek to create outlining materials needed.

Kreyolicious: Tell us more about yourself.

I am a proud marabou [brown-skinned girl] and folklore dancer, born and raised in Port-au-Prince, parents from Petit-Trou-De-Nippes and Port-Salut. I moved to the USA at 15 years old and currently lives in Boston, Massachusetts. I grew up in a large family that instilled art in me and exposed me to all artsy things. My uncle Joseph Ernst Descardes was a painter, he is the inspiration behind Kélé Arts Designs. My maternal grand-parents were phenomenal tailors. My aunts were culinary geniuses. My mother wore the boldest colors and accessories ever. My father was very crafty and handy. I am very handy today because of him.

In all, the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree…I am the product of all that my amazing family exposed me to at a young age.

Kreyolicious: Indeed…When did you get your artistic vision for KADO?

You can take the girl out of the island but you can’t take the island out of the girl…A short trip to Haiti after the earthquake inspired the budding idea. While it was a devastating time art was comforting to me. I literally wanted to help every artist by forging lasting relationships to help them support their family and send their kids to school. After my trip, I sought after creating a platform where I can share this new vision of sharing “Haiti’s gift of art that keeps on giving.” In that sentiment KADO by Marie-France was born.

KADO brings the island to you in a collection that’s revolutionary, combining pieces that are unconventional, bold and colorful for women that life is a runway.

Kreyolicious: When you were starting with this, what sort of things that you had to deal with—in terms of getting things off the ground, and such?

You will always come across skepticism, I’ve been told, “I can do the same, [if] I[were] go to Haiti too”. But the thing is, yes many of us go to Haiti—but how many are doing what I am passionate about? Not many…I believe in baby steps. I am in this for the long-haul to make a difference and give back to my country through art!

Kreyolicious: When you are selecting pieces to include, what do you usually look for?

I look for pieces that are imperfect because the variation of each natural material is where its true beauty lies, I bring them to life with added pieces that one would not imagine of putting together but I see them as deconstructive beauty to statement pieces.

Kreyolicious: Thus far, what sort of feedback have you gotten from the artisans?

The feedback has been great. I look forward to working and forging more lasting relationship with artisans to carry what we sought to do, support work development and education.

Kreyolicious: And from the buyers?

I am so humbled by the response thus far, the pieces are a conversation starter. Every buyer leaves with a story behind their piece and an appreciation for hand-made.

Kreyolicious: Where you do hope to take this initiative?

I hope to have my own atelier in Haiti. Employ many artisans to expand my brands: KADO by Marie-France and Kélé Arts Designs. I hope to make handbags and men’s jewelry. I also look forward to Made in Haiti Kélé garments for men and women and luscious pillows all inspired by my uncle’s legacy of art, Joseph Ernst Descardes.

Kreyolicious: Any counsel you’d like to give to other entrepreneurs who’d like to do something similar?

What was a dream is now a reality. I would say: if you can think it, you can imagine it, and if you can imagine it; it is definitively possible. I am also a strong believer of shared knowledge. Pass it on, and it will come back to you.

Shop from the KADO store on Etsy | Follow KADO on Twitter |

Have you ever wanted to go into the mind of someone who crafts stunning jewelry? Fabienne Descardes is the designer-craftswoman behind Olé Bijoux. If you’re looking for some pretty pieces to put around your lovely neck, and to wrap around your wrist bone, look no further. Olé Bijoux will provide that, and that’s while saluting the heritage of its founder. The pieces are made with stuff like sisal…and if you think back to that episode of Haiti History 101 we had some time ago, sisal is a very important plant that grows in Haiti. In the 1950s, it was even used to create material for the U.S. Department of Defense.

Back to Olé Bijoux…yeah, the pieces are really exquisite, really pretty. The creative Kreyolicious girl behind Olé was more than happy to discuss the brand and the hard work she has put into building her jewelry line.

Kreyolicious: As a kid, what was your view of fashion?

Bright and bold. Everything made sense in color—hence my hue palette selection today.

Kreyolicious: How did you get drawn to fashion entrepreneurship?

My parents being fashion lovers, and coming from a large family with similar taste, our path were bound to cross.

Kreyolicious: Olé Bijoux…why that name?

Olé—for me—is that tasteful treasure inside a coconut. Olé is also a term of excitement. It stands for a rather strong presence, a statement, and owning the spotlight.

Photo Credit: Richard Lecoin

Kreyolicious: Did some of the jobs you held prior to starting Ole Bijoux help you in your journey as an entrepreneur?

Most definitely! I learned discipline, networking, and the importance of teamwork.

Kreyolicious: If you were to draw from the experiences you’ve had as entrepreneur, what would you tell someone who wants to do something similar?

I will narrow it down to three key words: passion, perseverance, patience. Everything you need is within you. Remain humble, share your wisdom, always remember to give back.

Photo Credit: Richard Lecoin

Kreyolicious: Do you have a favorite piece from your line?

Wow, tough choice… The edible discs, they exude the perfect blend of culinary and unconventional.

Kreyolicious: What goes into running Olé Bijoux?

Long production hours, constant creativity, meetings, inventory, order processing, and the list goes on.

Kreyolicious: Would you say that culture plays a role in your designs?

Absolutely! My West Indian roots reflects in all chosen materials, texture, concept and meaning. I keep the pieces edgy yet unapologetic with a Creole charm.

Photo Credit: Richard Lecoin

Kreyolicious: Entrepreneurship is known to be taxing, emotionally and physically. How do you deal when it gets to be too much?

I honestly take a break. Thanks to my awesome team…Richard Lecoin—proud face of the company and dedicated photographer. Margarette and Co of MCrochet—my aunt & knitting/crochet expert. Jimmy Cliff, my creative director/art/paint guru…Vana—my mother—and rep in Haiti. Family is my main support system. They keep me grounded, especially my precious little lady Leila.

Kreyolicious: What’s the next chapter for Olé Bijoux?

Handbags, headpieces—and a very unique boutique.

[Photos: Richard Lecoin ]

Visit Olé Bijoux on Facebook | Olé Bijoux on Instagram | Olé Bijoux on RawArtists | CLICK HERE TO BUY/SHOP FROM THE OLÉ BIJOUX COLLECTION |