Talk about being at the right place at the right time! At the age of eighteen, Hencha Voigt left her home in Haiti to go attend college at St. John’s University in New York City. Who should spot her on her first night out in the city of lights and high towers, but a talent scout from the street wear clothing line FUBU! The Miami resident has been modeling ever since, showing off her unique look in music videos, commercials, and at club events.

Hencha Voigt lives to be Hencha Voigt. She’s a combination of attitude, spunk and, well, confidence. She’s like one of those popular girls you knew when you were in high school—the type who walked with a shrugging, overly confident air. The type who was whispered and gossiped about, but whose caravan could not be stopped.

Ms. Voigt discussed expanding her brand with Kreyolicious.com.

Your first name is pretty unique.

Yes, it is. It’s my father’s name backwards. His name is Charles-Henry, so he took the “Hen” from Henry and the “Cha” from Charles.

Do you always strive to stand out in life?

Everywhere I go, I’m always the sun of the venue. I stand out not only in looks, but in personality. I always make sure to leave a great impression and stamp my mark on that person’s memory.

Do you sometimes feel pressure to maintain a certain weight, or look a certain way?

Yes, because in this industry it’s all about having the best body and maintaining it. If not, the next younger, pretty girl with the fit, nice or curvaceous body will take your spot—quick.

You come across as someone who has a grip on her own style—who doesn’t adhere to trends. What fashion tips do you have to offer to girls out there?

I’m actually a trend-setter. I love fashion in every sense. My way of dressing varies, because I always switch it up. Rihanna is my fashion icon, so I feel I always have to keep up with her. She knows what’s in and hot!

If you’re down to your last dollars in your fashion budget for the month, what do you tend to invest in…accessories, hair or makeup…or clothes?I invest in hair, because I’m obsessed with weave and my hair always being on point! When my hair is done, I feel so brand-new and invincible.

How does Hencha Voigt define beauty?

I define beauty by first having a good heart inside and out, which is being a good person. Second, having a bomb ass personality, meaning you are your own person—kind, outgoing and original. Third is having a good body, which anyone can obtain if they eat healthy and stay in the gym. And last is the superficial part—which is a pretty face and how you carry yourself as a person and lady—meaning your hair, nails, make-up—if you like. Always looking clean and nicely done.

Do you feel beautiful?

I feel blissfully gorgeous. [Laughter] That’s more than beautiful!

From Young Berg, to DJ Khaled, Meek Mill and Rick Ross, you’ve played the lead and the feature model in several hip-hop videos. There are very few rappers who have not been chastised for the portrayal of women in their videos. Do you have a certain criteria in terms of what you will do or won’t do? Do you examine a song’s lyrics for example, before deciding to take part in the video version of the song?

First, I don’t do usually do videos if I’m not cast [as the] lead or feature [model]. There’s no point of being in it if that’s the case. Me being in videos helped put my name out there in the industry. Yes, I feel some type of way about video models being called “video hoes” or such sort of disturbing names, because I know my worth and I am way far from being that. It’s a job to me—just like some people get out of bed and go to their 9 to 5 job every day. This is how I eat and I also struggle to make ends meet. We all got to eat. Not all video models think like me; a lot of them do misbehave and act non-lady-like, and that’s where the stereotype is coming from. But like I said, I will stand for all the models like me. Not all of us have a bad image. People need to quit with that crazy, stereotyping issue.

What would you say are some of the pitfalls in the modeling business?

You have to be a really strong woman to survive in this business, because you will get f__ over multiple times—just because you are a pretty face. People will f___ with your money and it’s a 50/50 percent chance that you’ll always get booked because there is always somebody new and popping coming up in this game. So to always stay on top, I’m always on point—never slacking. I’m very diverse; I don’t only do videos. I’m a published commercial model, a fitness model, a host and an actress. Hollywood will soon be hearing my name.

If you could give the Hencha of say, three to five years ago, some advice, what would you tell her?

I would say to go mainstream and to stay away from urban modeling because there is more money and work in mainstream.

The classic movie actress Susan Hayward, who started off as a model was quoted as having said: “You aim at all the things you have been told that stardom means–the rich life, the applause, the parties cluttered with celebrities. Then you find that you have it all. And it is nothing, really nothing. It is like a drug that lasts just a few hours, a sleeping pill. When it wears off, you have to live without its help.” What are your thoughts on this?

This is the realest thing I’ve ever heard. She said it the way it is. The dream really stops at the door—in other words. It’s almost like a fake dream and lifestyle and if you don’t wake up from it, you might ruin your life forever. You got to maneuver quick and know what your next move is—or you’ll fail.

Are you opposed to doing reality TV?

That is definitely on my bucket list.

When you sit there and consider all of your accomplishments in life, which gives you the biggest source of pride?

I have accomplished a lot, but I am not even close to what I [want] to accomplish, so I can’t even [rank my accomplishments] yet. You’ll just have to put that question on pause and wait. [Laughter].

Photo Credit: True Colors Digital

What have you learned about friendship so far in life?

You really have no friends in life, but your family. Friends are always envious and jealous. They slow you down and always want a piece of the pie you worked hard for without even giving ten percent of themselves in it.

You participated at the Miss Haiti International pageant last year, in Paris France. How did you like that experience?

It was amazing—the best experience by far, and I don’t regret anything about it…First time I’ve ever been to Paris and [all] I can say is [it’s] an amazing city. It was a great experience and opportunity. I made a lot of cool friends and visited an amazing country I had never been to. If I had to redo it again, I would and actually become Miss Haiti Universe next time. I didn’t take it so seriously; it was mostly fun to me. I know exactly what it takes to be any Miss now. I cried and laughed through the whole pageant; it wasn’t easy at all. I salute any Miss that has made it to the Number One spot because representing your country and nation as a young woman is very prestigious and difficult.

Are you and your parents close?

Yes, I love my mother and father. They are the best, they love me for me and never doubted me.

Are they proud of you?

They are my Number One fans and always have my back—no matter what!

What are your thoughts on natural hair versus chemically processed hair?

My thought on hair period, is do what makes you look good in the most natural way possible. Don’t go overboard, but be unique. If you’re going to wear you’re natural hair, rock it! If you’re going to wear weave, rock it! They all look amazing. I look good both ways and love them both!

Your fans follow your every move, and hang on to your every postings on social media. Some, it seems, even live vicariously through you. Where do you think all that fascination stems from?

It’s because I set my own trends and never care about critics or opinions. I live my life freely and live for myself. I make myself happy. I don’t care about society, rules and laws. They see it so they live carelessly free through me. I’m the realest it gets. [Smiles and winks]

Were you always that way? As in, did you always have that don’t-care-what-they-say attitude or is it something that developed as a result of an experience or string of experiences. I think for some of us out there, who do care what others think, wonder all the times about people who don’t care about what others think, and wonder how they got that way.

Yes, I was always that way. When you are the center of attention everywhere you go growing up—up ’til now, people talk and most of the talk is negative. I can care less about negative talk, because they don’t pay my bills or help me with my dreams. Any kind of talk to me is good, because I stay relevant and never die. Something like a legend. People wish they can walk a mile in my shoes because I’ve seen been done things they will never live to do or see.

It seems to some of your fans that the past year has brought a mellower Hencha Voigt. To what can this slight change of direction be attributed to?

Yeah, because life and its experiences mature you. I can’t stay wild and crazy forever; life has a way of taming its horses…I was the wild horse in this case. Traveling the world and meeting different people, and going to top official business meetings turned me into a business woman, and in business you have to keep the crazy out the door. I guess we live and we learn.

Do you have a favorite designer?

No. I love fashion broadly. I mix and match designers. If it’s dope—and in my taste—I’ll rock it—no matter the designer or the price.

You attended St. John’s University. Do you ever think about going back to school?

Yes, I do! I actually was thinking about that today! I am going back for forensic science. I love those crime shows! They influenced me to go back.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?

I go every month. My father always owned an airline. If you guys go to Haiti, go on HaitiAviation. Best experience ever!

Do you have any regrets?

Never have regrets; always a lesson!

A great number of models widen their brands. What are your plans in that arena?

I’m planning on being on the big screen. Acting is in my favor right now, because I’ve met many big name directors and they’ve proposed it to me many times. I’m actually in acting school right now. I’m tryna be the next Kim K: on screen, with my own clothing line, show, perfume etc. I’m on my way to the top!

So, you’re interested in widening your brand. If you were writing a book right now, and if you were basing it on a particular principle, what principle would it be?

It would be about society, especially the Haitian society. And the dos and donts. Who is society to tell you what is right or wrong! I would write a book about my life and how I did whatever the f__ I wanted and succeeded off of that.

Connect with Ms. Voigt on Twitter @HenyVBaby and follow her on Instagram

[Photo Credit: C. Varela (Flapper Boudoir photos); Beach shot: James Cossna Photography; motorcycle pic via Instagram]

There are all sorts of stories about how some models get their start. Some are scouted while casually walking in a mall. Others launched their careers by visiting a local modeling agency. Nana Delatour has an interesting story to tell about how she broke into the modeling industry. She had just made one of the most reluctant decisions of her life—chopping her hair down—and was having second thoughts. But as she walked down the streets, and received compliment showers from random strangers, she realized that changing her look may not have been such a crazy idea—after all.

Nana was living in New York at the time and decided to return to her hometown in Haiti. While in Haiti, she was contacted by a well-known photographer. Would she like to set up a photo shoot? Of course, the answer was an enthusiastic “Yes!” From there, she built a portfolio and started posting her looks on social media sites. Her unique look got the attention of other models—not to mention stylists and photographers—and Nana Delatour—the model—came into being.

Kreyolicious: Models are constantly on display. Do you think that has affected your mentality?

Not at all. Modeling is very similar to acting. You’re basically pretending to be someone else in front of the camera. But when the job is done, you break out of that role and get back to regular life. It’s actually kind of refreshing because it’s a break from the real world. I learned to be more patient and tolerant as well as not judge people so easily. You don’t know what struggles a person is going through. We have no idea what demons they are fighting inside. So, what right to we have to judge their looks or behavior?

Photo Credit: PhotoTale Studio
Kreyolicious: What does being beautiful mean to you?

Being beautiful is someone who is confident, not about their looks but about their character. Flawless skin, shiny hair, and a great body doesn’t qualify you as beautiful if you are vain, selfish, rude—or have any other bad qualities you can think of. A beautiful person is willing to help others because it’s in their nature to do so—not because they will want something in return for it.

Kreyolicious: You get an assignment. Then what?

You head to the shoot well-rested—because it will most likely last all day. There’s a team there ready to glam you up and make you look fabulous. Make-up artist, hair stylist—I usually never need one…[Laughter] Clothing stylist, photographer, and the photographer’s assistant. You will pose in front of the camera for hours and after taking a thousand shots, you hope the photographer will find a handful that he likes and can work with.

Kreyolicious: What’s the most memorable assignment you’ve had thus far?

I would definitely say working with Sarodj Bertin for the 2015 I love Haiti calendar. I worked with another model, Hencha who I’ve been friends with for majority of my life. This was also one of the hardest assignments I’ve had because it lasted 12 hours. We were on the road traveling to some of Haiti’s most treasured locations, but it was worth it. The pictures came out beautifully and the experience was amazing. I am still grateful for this opportunity.

Kreyolicious: Are your parents big supporters of your modeling career?

Yes, they are. My parents support me no matter how far-fetched my goals are. They are truly the most loving and encouraging parents out there. My mom is my rock. I talk to her constantly and she always knows just what to say to lift my spirits up. She is a living angel and the biggest blessing God gave me.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected with Haitian culture?

I was an editor for two years for Magic Haiti magazine. I learned so much about how wonderful our culture is. The articles I edited included hole in the wall restaurants, up-and-coming artists, secret getaway locations, interviews with entrepreneurs and the list goes on. We have a very dynamic and colorful culture. Haitians are some of the strongest people I’ve ever met. We’ve been through it all, but no matter how many times we fall we stand up more vigorously each time. There is so much to be proud of. Our people are sympathetic, very talented—but most importantly—indestructible.

Photo Credit: PhotoTale Studio

Kreyolicious: Throw some pearls of wisdom to all the aspiring models out there.

Never give up. Continue being determined and don’t let others discourage you. Life is too short to not go after what you want. And if you’re not successful, so what? At least, you know you tried your hardest and gave it your best. That’s all that really matters.

Kreyolicious: Lots of women start out as models, and then move on to something else. What are your goals?

Music! I’ve been writing songs, short stories, and poetry for as long as I can remember. Whenever I’m writing, I feel as though I’m in a different realm from everyone else. I’m really good with words and using them to to expose a wide variety of topics from controversial issues to more personal ones such as an emotional and enlightening experience. In the past year, I’ve written over 25 songs and I will be recording some for the first time [this year].

[Photos Credit: Second and last photo PhotoTale Studio; All others furnished by subject.]

CLICK HERE TO VISIT NANA DELATOUR ON INSTAGRAM

Have you ever been teased for “looking different”? It could be something as simple as the shape of your nose, your body structure, a beauty mark, or the way you walk. Ralph Souffrant was teased for his freckles and now thanks to them, he’s making a killing in the modeling world.

The male model exudes confidence. Here he is during a rooftop photoshoot.

Here he is for a modeling campaign for the brand Diesel.

And here he is again for Only the Blind.

Addidas didn’t want to be left out!

Neither did Calvin Klein. [Photo Credit: Reed Davis Photography]

And on the runway! Look at him go!

Ralph Souffrant is signed to Re:quest agency for the New York market, and with Factor L.A. for the West Coast.

CLICK HERE to read about other models with Haitian roots!