In Kreyolicious.com’s continuous attempt to get to know Haiti a little bit better, the site is also attempting to present you, oh, beloved Kreyolicious.com readers with talents straight out of Haiti. Today’s person of interest is Patrice Esperant, a business school student, who has started a clothing line in Port-au-Prince.

Kreyolicious.com: Tell us about yourself.

I’m Creator/CEO/Designer of the new Haitian clothing line Nègre Marron X Culture. I’m 19 years old. I’m studying Business Management at Université Quisqueya, in Haiti. It’s my first year. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur like my parents and that’s what I am right now. I also love art, street fashion and Haiti’s cultural heritage and its subcultures.

Kreyolicious.com: What especially motivated you to start your own clothing line?

I came up with the idea to create a clothing line mostly inspired by Haiti’s culture! In the US, streetwear brands are really popular and they are the true expression of a certain culture or a certain cultural tendency. Most of streetwear clothing line based in the US were inspired by the skateboarding, surfing, hip hop, graffiti. Boom! Haiti is a country with a rich cultural heritage but it’s not well exploited! So I thought that starting a clothing line with such inspiration would be a great idea!

Kreyolicious.com: Anything in particular that sparked the name?

The expression “Nègre Marron” is meaningful in Haiti’s history. It was used to describe the situation of a [black] slave who flees to the mountains because he or she had enough of cruel slavery. I decided to name my brand Nègre Marron because I wanted to share the philosophy that emerges from it. We all are descendants of these brave Negroes. For me being a Nègre Marron means that you literally and mentally broke your chains—that you have chosen to be different, authentic, unique , courageous and brave. It also means to me that despite all the tribulations, problems and misery, you’ve chosen to be hopeful. You’ve dared to dream and you’ve realized that dream. That’s all you wear when you wear Nègre Marron’s clothing. I want to share that philosophy and mentality trough my brand.

Kreyolicious.com: Take Kreyolicious.com readers in the back room where all the action is! What’s it like running your fashion brand?

It’s really stressful. There is a lot of handwork to do! Since I’m the CEO and also the designer, I have to make sure that everything is done properly, every single details! I have to explain the work to our personal [seamstress]. I have to do the same with the artists that works with us. I have to get the gears to the local print shop and boost them guys so they can give me the works on time. I also have to make the labels, the tags and hangtags—they are very important to a brand’s marketing. I also have to ensure the marketing in all its forms—product, pricing, place and promotion. I also have to get them to the store where they must be sold to the customers. I have to sketch regularly and find originals ideas, put every little ideas on paper. I read a lot about entrepreneurship, fashion and culture because I need it all to well manage my business. I must say, running my own fashion brand is a lot of hard work, but since I’m really passionate about it, it’s fun and I love it.

Kreyolicious.com: What does it take to be a fashion entrepreneur?

As a fashion entrepreneur, you should be passionate about your work, you have to put yourself out there, have faith, perseverance, patience…, you have to be creative and innovative, therefore you must be very curious. You must be a dreamer and always imagine the unimaginable. Sometimes you have to listen to people, sometimes you don’t.

Fashion is a really competitive industry, so you have to be unique! As an entrepreneur you also have to know your numbers, understand the rates, the fees, the costs, the taxes, and make sure you are making enough money to keep your business on track. Also you must show your product in the best light, find great models, great photographers, great scenery for your products. It’s important to be informed, to read about fashion trends and tendencies regularly. You must give your customers an amazing experience based on product quality excellence and product accessibility. It’s also great to build a strong network with useful contacts and relationships, that can open many doors for you. Finally, the most important thing, you have to believe in your self while being open to constructive criticism. I quote one of my favorite quotes from Steve Jobs, “your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, don’t settle—as with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Kreyolicious.com: Some wise words. Following your dreams and pursuing your passion cannot possibly be easy all the time. How do you stay motivated?

I often listen to Eminem [laughter], and…I always say that I have nothing to lose, and it works.

Kreyolicious.com: Any advice for those out there who’d like to become fashion designers?

Dare to dream. Sketch your dream on paper or whatever it is. Make a plan. Believe in yourself; realize your dream—put that process on repeat, and always smile. Thank you for the Opportunity to talk about my brand. I really love and appreciate what you’re doing for our culture. See you soon!

Connect with the designer on Twitter | Check out the Negre Marron X Culture website on Tumblr | Visit the designer’s Facebook Page | Check the designer and his work on Instagram |

[ Photos: Provided by Patrice Esperant; sidelong photo credit—Jonathan Dave Photography ]

To check out other profiles in the Haiti’s Got Talent/Straight Outta Haiti, Baby Series, please CLICK HERE.

Are you going to be in the DMV area this week and through the month of May? Or do you live there? The Haitian Embassy in DC has been holding several cultural events throughout the month of May. Here are some you should consider attending in the next few days.

Date: Thursday, May 18, 2017
(Re)discovering Haiti through its Arts and its People: Embassy Open House

Those who are in the DMV area and beyond are invited to tour the Embassy in honor of Haitian Flag Day. Patrons will be able to view art pieces from the extensive collections of Galerie Monnin and Fritz Racine. The Embassy’s Pearls of Excellence, an exhibit showcasing the contributions of people of Haitian descent to the advancement of American life, will also be available for viewing. A poetry slam with Haitian-American author, emcee and motivational speaker, Jeff Dess, and Pages Matam, Director of Poetry Events at Busboys and Poet is also part of the menu. Haitian-inspired cocktails will be served.

Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008)

Time: 6:30 pm to 9:00 pm

Cost: Free. Must RSVP.

Date: Friday, May 19, 2017

Where Do We Go from Here: A panel conversation on current issues in the U.S. featuring prominent Haitian-Americans at the forefront of sociopolitical affairs who will also reflect on how their Haitian heritage has shaped their political trajectory.

Panelists: Former US Ambassador to South Africa and former Democratic National Committee Executive Director, Patrick Gaspard, D.C. Attorney General Karl Racine and former Massachusetts State Representative, Marie St. Fleur

Moderator: Yamiche Alcindor of the New York Times, formerly of USA Today

Location: Busboys and Poets (14th & V 2021 14th Street, NW Washington, D.C. 20009)

Time: 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Open to the Public (limited capacity)

Date: Saturday, May 20, 2017

The Soul of Haiti: Acoustic Performance by Internationally Acclaimed Haitian Songstress Emeline Michel

Emeline Michel is known for fusing pop, jazz, blues, and traditional Haitian rhythms into deeply moving, joyful music delivered with a charismatic live show.

Location: Busboys and Poets (Hyattsville – 5331 Baltimore Ave, Hyattsville, MD 20781)

Time: 5:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Cost: Free

RSVP: Open to the Public (limited capacity)

Date: Sunday, May 21, 2017

Rebuilding Haiti through Entrepreneurship: The Gift That Will Keep on Giving

Pop-up Shop Featuring Products from Haitian-American Designers and Entrepreneurs

The Bien Abyé “Les Jardins de la Mode” pop-up shop will display a collection of products sourced and/or inspired by Haiti. All the displayed items, from fashion accessories to home goods to gourmet products are created by a talented group of Haitian-American entrepreneurs. Attendees will have the opportunity to purchase products from: Zesa Raw by Michelle Jean, Artisans du Monde by Nathalie Tancrede, Deux Noirs by Eddy Albertini, Vetiver Les Cayes by Reginald Canal and Bien Abyé by Dayanne Danier. In addition to seeing and buying these beautifully crafted products, you will have the opportunity to meet and interact with the designers and entrepreneurs behind these brands.

Location: Embassy of Haiti (2311 Massachusetts Avenue, NW Washington, D.C. 20008)

Time: 12:00 pm to 6:00 pm

Cost: Free

For more information and to RSVP, please visit click HERE!

The Miss Haiti pageant has been launched! This year’s contestants are a nice bunch (as usual!). They gathered in Port-au-Prince, and were picked from all over Haiti’s cities.

The try-outs! Look at these gorgeous smiles and the confident air that reigns throughout.

Well, well, look at them in their jeans and navy blue tee-shirts.

Hey there, ladies!

Watch them strike a pose!

A few more of them.

Aw, so adorable.

Well, wishing all of them the best! In another post, we will take a closer look at these kreyolicious contestants.

MEANWHILE, CLICK HERE to read about Haitian and Haitian-American beauty queens!

[All Photos via Miss Haiti]