“Orange Is The New Black” is one of the hottest shows on folks’ radar these days. Viewers love to watch the inmate-characters like Janae Watson, played by actress Vicky Jeudy. The Queens native and Bachelor of Arts in Theater recipient feels right at home with the rest of the stellar cast as they play one-time straitlaced girls who went wrong.

Jeudy previously had roles on the TV series “Law and Order”, and has completed filming of Romeo and Juliet in Harlem, a retelling of William Shakespeare’s celebrated play, directed by Alette Chapelle.

K. St. Fort: Is acting pretty much your first love, or did you start off loving another profession?
Vicky Jeudy: Acting is and always was, my first love. I knew I wanted to pursue it when I was in my early teens. However, as I grow older I am realizing that there are other interests that I love too—like fitness, holistic health, building the confidence in teen girls and much more. I have one life on planet Earth so why not do it all?

K. St. Fort: Good point…How did you get the part in “Orange in the New Black”?
Vicky Jeudy: I went to the audition and booked the part. It’s a lot of work studying a character your tasked to embody. I left Vicky at the door and was really able to climb into character, and truly dig deep inside Janae’s core.

K. St. Fort: Does it take you a long time to get into character?
Vicky Jeudy: Not really. I have a great acting teacher by the name of Anthony Abeson who teaches his students to “think thoughts of the character.” It gets me away from myself and focused on what is happening in the scene.

K. St. Fort: Did you get your parents’ blessing from the get-go about your career choice, or was that something that came with time?
Vicky Jeudy: It’s something my dad is learning to accept. He is very excited and one of my biggest fans. Both my parents are Caribbean—from the country of Haiti. They wanted me to become a lawyer or doctor, receive great benefits and buy a house. Most Caribbean parents think this way. Parents should be a guidance but leave their children to make their own decisions. I’m glad I made the decision to pursue entertainment. I never want to look back on life and say, “I wish I did this or that”.

K. St. Fort: What’s the most inspirational book you’ve read ever, not only in terms of how it’s helped you in terms of personal development, and career direction?
Vicky Jeudy: I have a few. Three to be exact. One, The Measure of a Man by Sidney Poitier. Two, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Three, Produced by Faith by Devon Franklin. I’m reading Produced by Faith now! If you are pursuing a career in entertainment or any other career please pick this book up. The foundation of his book is God, faith, integrity and character building while working in your career. I am not interested in only becoming a great working actress, but a human being who walks with integrity, and who fulfills all the duties God has ordained for my life. I’m not perfect and I do make mistakes. However, I am always looking to improve and learn from past situations.

K. St. Fort: I think we all like to use our little imaginations when it comes to picturing Tinseltown. What is life really, really like in Hollywood and in the entertainment industry?
Vicky Jeudy: I am still getting acclimated to the business! Trust me, I haven’t arrived yet but I’m learning about the nature of the business and continuing to learn my craft. I ask people I admire for advice. I don’t live in Hollywood or Los Angeles. As a New York actor, the entertainment industry is hard work like any other profession. The red carpet, parties and handling the media is a small fraction of a long math formula. The entertainment industry to me is about discipline, patience, being a good team player, accepting rejecting and embracing trust and faith. Believe me, if you need development in any of those areas, the entertainment industry is a great training ground.

K. St. Fort: As a young actress in Hollywood, bombarded with all sorts of pressures….how do you keep out of harmful temptations’ way?
Vicky Jeudy: I answer to a higher power at the end of the day. I have a heightened reality regarding death. I’m not a pessimistic. Someone very close to me was involved in a fatal accident and was taken away from me in an instant. I miss that person daily but know they are in heaven with Jesus. That person lived their life for God because at the end we all will die. It doesn’t matter if I’m the most famous person, a politician, an athlete, we all have to answer to God at the end of this life. Whether you believe in him or not. This to me is the greatest reality check and keeps me grounded.

Having people who really care for me in my life is really important. People who are not afraid to tell me the truth. That’s what my family is for. They are constantly checking me in a positive way.

K. St. Fort: Do you visit Haiti often?
Vicky Jeudy: No. I would love to visit more often. The last time I was there was in August 2010. I hope to visit soon. I love Haiti.

K. St. Fort: Okay, a young actress fresh off acting school has her bags packed and is ready to move to L.A. What advice would you offer her in terms of the road ahead?
Vicky Jeudy: I would say learn everything you can about this industry. This is called show business. Do internships with casting offices, talent agents and managers while in school. Build your resume with theatre and film credits. Learn how to manage your money. Have a life outside of this business, which will only add to your life experience. Be persistence, keep the faith, and never stop learning.

K. St. Fort: Regarding the second season of the show…Do you feel a whole lot comfortable in your role?
Vicky Jeudy: I feel very comfortable because I’m surrounded with an amazing cast and crew.

[ Photographer Credits: Justin Ifill Forbes and Matt Conrads]

Vicky Jeudy is on Twitter. CLICK HERE to check out actress Vicky Jeudy on Twitter |

Joyce Fuerza has lived in four different countries, so it’s barely a surprise that she’s fluent in five different languages and is learning a sixth. What’s surprising is that in spite of her overwhelming success, she still comes across as apprpoachable. Fuerza is one of the most popular voices on Canadian television. Her show “The Joyce Fuerza Show” offers viewers entrepreneurship and personal development guidance. She regularly interviews small business owners and entrepreneurs from all over Canada. Business is a passion for the media personality, and this shows through her launch of her very own production company Joyce Fuerza Productions.

K. St. Fort: Joyce Fuerza, I think it’s interesting that your last name is Fuerza since it means strength in Spanish.

Thank you so much for inviting me to do this interview. I am really humbled and delighted to be able to share a bit about myself, my projects, and my journey with you and your readers. Hopefully I can inspire others to focus on their passion and motivate them to work hard towards achieving their objectives. This is definitely not the first time I have been asked to comment about my name. Fuerza is actually my middle name—given to me by my lovely mother. I use my first name and my middle name—Joyce Fuerza—as my brand.

K. St. Fort: So you know Kreyol, French, English, Spanish, Portuguese and you’re learning Mandarin. How cool.
Thank you! Living and studying abroad in four different countries has been one of the most important experiences of my life and I am so grateful for that. It definitely widened my horizons and got me to be more involved in other cultures. That also explains why I speak five languages. I encourage anyone to learn an additional language, it’s incredible how much it will change your life!

Above: Interviewing a guest on The Joyce Fuerza show, her motivational and personal development-focused talk show.

K. St. Fort: Did you feel pretty growing up?

I have always believed that being pretty comes from the inside first. I have always felt I had a beautiful personality which in turn reflects on the outside. Growing up I don’t remember ever being obsessed about beauty, and today, I’m still not. It’s so easy for people, especially young people today, to get the wrong picture about what is labeled as ‘beautiful’ or ‘pretty’ with what they are constantly seeing on TV, or with the use of Photoshop on pictures in magazines etc… What’s important is that you feel good in your own skin. Charm and kindness last way longer than beauty. Beauty will eventually fade away.

K. St. Fort: Every day practically you have a camera aiming at your face. Does that ever make you self-conscious?
No matter what you do in life, people will form opinions about you. So, if you are afraid of being judged, you will never accomplish anything in life. I am a person who believes in taking initiatives in order to make it in this world, so it is important to learn to be comfortable with not caring so much about what other people think about you and not let other people’s judgments stop you from following your dreams. Otherwise, you will never do anything great in your life. I enjoy having a camera on me as long as it’s helping me share what I learn everyday with others.

K. St. Fort: Do you have a beauty and fitness regimen?
I don’t follow any particular diet, but I do eat healthy. I prefer home cooked meals; I watch a lot of cooking shows to try new recipes. As for fitness nothing drastic either, I usually run (either outdoors or on the treadmill) and I enjoy dancing especially Salsa.

K. St. Fort: What would you say to other young women who would like to make a career in television broadcasting?
I would tell them first to make sure they get an education. Knowledge is something that nobody can take away from you. Then, go out there and network, volunteer or do internships with established organizations so you can learn more about the industry, to acquire more skill set and experience. Always be confident.

K. St. Fort: You have your own production company Joyce Fuerza Productions, Inc. What’s a Monday like running this company?
I work with a very dynamic team. We share the same passion and vision which makes our working environment not even feel like we are working, but more like sharing ideas and having fun while being productive. My typical Monday is much more than running my production company. I am also involved as the head coordinator in the organization of two major film festivals in Canada: the Toronto Black Film Festival and the Montreal International Black Film Festival. So, I go from coordinating special events, to speaking at different TV and radio outlets, going to team meetings and press conferences, welcoming celebrities coming from different parts of the world, doing red carpet interviews, among other things.

K. St. Fort: Any book or books that you’d like to recommend to me and my readers in terms of how it helped you grow as a person?
I am very business-oriented, so I read a lot of leadership and entrepreneurship books. One book I would highly suggest is The Nine Step Plan for Success by New York Times bestselling author Stedman Graham whom I had the pleasure to personally meet. If you can also attend one of Stedman’s business conferences, then it’s even better. You will learn a great deal of tips on how to grow and be more successful in your life.

[Photo Credit: All photos furnished by subject.]

STAY TUNED FOR PART 2 OF THIS INTERVIEW. IT WILL BE AVAILABLE THROUGH BY CLICKING THIS LINK.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT JOYCE FUERZA’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL | JOYCE FUERZA’S WEBSITE | JOYCE FUERZA ON TWITTER | JOYCE FUERZA ON INSTAGRAM

CLICK HERE TO READ ABOUT OTHER FIGURES IN THE HAITIAN-CANADIAN COMMUNITY

Concordia University graduate Joyce Fuerza is the host of her own self-titled talk show in Canada. The media mogul and owner of Joyce Fuerza Productions uses her know-how as an entrepreneur to motivate viewers in Canada to pursue their dreams. The motivational aspect of her show has earned the Haitian-Canadian comparisons to the States-side mogul-of-all-moguls Oprah Winfrey.

Kreyolicious: You went to Concordia University’s John Molson School of Business. If you had to do things over, would you have skipped college and just gone right into a position in broadcasting?
Education has always been a top priority for me and one of our key values growing up in my family. Going to university has been an incredible experience and I wouldn’t have it any other way. Aside from the knowledge I got, I was able to make amazing connections. I got exposed to a rich cultural and social environment. University definitely allowed me to mature and be more equipped to tackle everything I’m doing today. However, you should never limit your education with only what you can learn in school. You have to constantly be networking, volunteering or do internships with established organizations so you can learn more about the industry you are interested in…And keep learning all your life through books, seminars, workshops, conferences and more.

What would you like to say to somebody out there whose going to be reading this interview…who’s tried everything with their personal and professional lives, and nothing seems to work. What would you say to encourage that individual?
Success is not something that happens overnight. You have to constantly take tons of action with the right attitude and surround yourself with positive and likeminded people who will lift you higher and contribute to your success. In today’s world where technology is constantly changing, where there are so much networking opportunities, there is no such thing as, “I’ve tried everything.” Learn as much as possible about yourself, about what you want to accomplish, about what you like or are passionate about. Even though it is not always easy to determine at first what is it you are really meant to do, you need to get involved and engage in activities that are of interest to you and by engaging you will certainly discover your true potentials and have a clearer sense of what direction to aim towards. A lot of doors will close for you on the road to success, and that is exactly when you should get even more fired up to knock at other doors and go after your goals. As Oprah likes to say it: Failure is the Universe trying to shift you into another direction. So wake up, dust yourself up, and try again—or try something new.

Kreyolicious: Are you involved with any philanthropic causes?
Every year, I volunteer with different organization. I’m involved in causes such as feeding the homeless. I am also involved at the Fabienne Colas Foundation, a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting education in the arts as well as to promoting cinema, art and culture in Canada and abroad. At the Foundation, we leverage the power of the arts in order to break isolation and foster social change. One of the most amazing festivals we also do is the Québec Film Festival in Haiti which is completely free for everyone. This allows exchange and cultural sharing between Québec and Haiti.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian culture? Do you go to Haiti often?
I am very involved in the Haitian community and support as much Haitian initiatives as I can. I am also part of the organizing team of the festival Haiti en Folie in Montreal every summer. It was created by the Fabienne Colas Foundation and it definitely gives me a sense of pride in supporting Haiti and having others discover my country’s culture. The festival offers the very best of Haitian culture by showcasing over a hundred artists. It attracts thousands of people each year. Because of all my current projects, I don’t get to go to Haiti as often as I would like to, but I definitely stay connected to my roots.

Above: Joyce interviewing a guest on her talk show.

Kreyolicious: Are your parents proud of you? How have they shown that?
I am very blessed to have parents and siblings who have always been the first people to praise me and encourage me to reach all my milestones in life. I am very fortunate and grateful to have their support in everything I do. But don’t get me wrong…they are also my toughest critics. You also need to have constructive criticism in order to get better.

As a media professional and entrepreneur, you constantly have to get hip to the latest technology and developments. In order to grow, you have to be on this perpetual road of applying new things. What should we expect from you next?
I am currently working on many projects having to do with Fashion, TV, including being a jury member for a beauty contest happening in Canada this fall, and other projects from my production company Joyce Fuerza Productions, Inc., I also have many speaking engagements, I get invited to be on several panels, and to host different events. I am also focusing on my career as an actress. I can’t reveal too much for now, but make sure to stay connected by following me on social media and by signing up for my free newsletters where I give lots of tips on my website at joycefuerza.com.

CLICK HERE TO VISIT JOYCE FUERZA’S YOUTUBE CHANNEL | JOYCE FUERZA’S WEBSITE | JOYCE FUERZA ON TWITTER | JOYCE FUERZA ON INSTAGRAM

Corhinn Bruno could gloat if she wanted to, but modesty lies in her breast. The media mogul and fashion industry entrepreneur is the mastermind behind the CCWC Trunk Show, a fashion showcase extravaganza that has been taking place in South Florida in the past three years. She’s successfully molded it from start-up level to an event that many consider to be a staple in the Fort Lauderdale-Miami fashion scene. Emerging fashion designers from Miami, LA, Port-au-Prince—and as far as West Africa—assembled at the Westin Hotel in Fort Lauderdale last month, and showed off their collection of jewelry, accessories, men and women’s wear.

Above: Fashion and media entrepreneur Corhinn Bruno (with black top) on stage at the CCWC Trunk Show.

One of the factors that makes the CCWC Trunk Show standout is that each year, the entrepreneur hand-picks a cause to which she donates part of the proceeds from the show. This year’s edition of the CCWC Trunk show, for example, benefited the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc and the year before that Free Yourself Women’s Foundation, an organization that financially helps women fleeing domestic violence–was the beneficiary. The show’s attendees are also treated to a musical performance. The group Dat7 provided entertainment for this year’s event.

Now that Corhinn has had the chance to breathe after putting on yet another spectacular show for her fans, she’s able to give me a rundown of how things went down. And most of all, how it all started.

Kreyolicious: Now, what made you start the CCWC trunk show?

I was looking to create a platform where women who were part of my club were able to expose their small businesses to the world at an affordable price. The CCWC Trunk Show was created out of pure necessity, really. I will never forget our first one in 2012. It was small. However, everyone enjoyed themselves, and it has become what it is today because of the support of my community. Moreover, I can proudly say that I never do anything without giving back to my community. Since day one we have donated to causes that the world can relate to and this year we’ve honored the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention Inc.

Kreyolicious: What surprised you about this year’s edition?

Well, the only surprise really was the award that I received for Outstanding Leadership from South Florida’s Top Models Inc. I knew about the nomination. However, I had no idea about the whole speech and award. I can’t thank them enough for making me feel special on that day. I knew that I was going into business with the sole purpose of helping others with no expectation of being recognized or awarded for what I do—but I have to tell you when your peers do acknowledge your work—it is the best feeling ever.

Above: Corhinn Bruno hands over the check to the representatives of the Florida Initiative for Suicide Prevention, Inc, the cause of this year’s CCWC Trunk Show.

Kreyolicious: What does it take to organize a fashion event of that caliber?

Faith. Yes it takes a lot of faith. As an event planner I already anticipate that whatever can go wrong will go wrong. The key is to be prepared to the best of your ability and to have faith that your event will turn out the way it was anticipated. The organization of that event was not easy, especially when I had designers coming all the way from Ghana [in] Africa. Sally Torpey, a designer from Ghana, specifically flew in for that purpose. She sacrificed a lot to be able to expose her line in America. I only wanted to give her the best, and with that mind frame, the event evolved to what you saw.

Kreyolicious: Let’s talk about your other love…broadcasting…Will you be bringing back the Corhinn show?​

[Laughter] I don’t know how many times I have been asked that question. I can’t say for sure that I will. However, when I become financially free, I would definitely explore that possibility.

Kreyolicious: What can your fans expect from next year’s edition?

What I love with my trunk shows is that I get to explore my own creativity. I already have my theme for next year however I can’t reveal it at this point, you will have to stay tuned for this one.

Kreyolicious: What would you say to other aspiring entrepreneurs who’d like to get into events?

For those who would like to get into events, know that it’s not easy and that you can’t do it alone. You will need a strong team behind you that understands how you work and are willing to sacrifice as much as you do. On that note, I definitely would like to take this moment to thank my team S and C Events By Design, Metallic Bubbles and Bibi KonneXtion and BBP. I have to tell you that without them this beautiful show could not have been possible.

Photos: Sony Laventure/LMI Design Group

CLICK TO VISIT THE CCWC TRUNK SHOW WEBSITE | THE CCWC TRUNK SHOW ON FACEBOOK | CORHINN BRUNO ON INSTAGRAM

This past Sunday, Mimi’s Boutiq held the fifth edition of its much-wagged-about fashion show at the Newport Beach Hotel in Sunny Isles, Florida. PR maven Ketia Fequiere served yet again as the primary marketer and publicist for the show.Here’s a countdown of the greatest moments of the 4+ hour fashion and music extravaganza.

1. The abundance of melanin on display.

Models from the IamPrIIIncess swimsuit line pose at the entrance of the lobby.

2. Le’Tron…Le’Tron…Le’Tron.

There are designers, and there are designers like Le’Tron, who’s quite a showman. Well, King Divo and his sweeping fan.

3. MacD of the group Harmonik and Richard Cave of Carimi posed for a photo.

Bromance! Oh, the sweets of brotherhood.

4. The trip to Africa courtesy of Ginen Creations.

With the print patterns that typify Haiti’s African heritage, Ginen Creations reminded us all of the Middle Passage and the beauty of culture through clothes.

5. Tico Armand and her ever-changing outfits.

The community leader/model and host dazzled the audience with her sweeping outfits from the glittery pant she sported in the latter part of the night to the chest-baring, royal blue top she wore mid-way through the show.

Her banter throughout the evening with co-host Regi Toussaint kept the show interesting. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

6. The entrepreneurial hustle manifesting.

Mimi’s Boutiq was founded by an entrepreneur whose tenacity and persistence evokes inspiration in others.

The young entrepreneurs behind such fledgling firms as 14 Forty Apparel, Je Suis Kreyol, Krem de la Krem, Ginen Creations, Vintage1804, had their goods on display. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

Their presence was a highlight as it proved what economists have been yapping about: that more and more people are entering the world of entrepreneurship—especially those in their twenties and thirties. [Photo Credit: EFM Productions]

7. The little ones backstage in their Bewear Swimwear.

The little models in training, you could say. But, the level of sophistication and elegance they displayed in their working the runway already shows that they can train models twice their age. [Photo Credit: Seattle Renae]

8. Josue Champagne’s collection from Catou

It’s always good to see the male species whether in formal wear or beachwear.

9. Designer Viva La Onyx’s sophisticated wear.

Elegance. Elegance.[Photo Credit: GW Photography]

10. The musical performances.

From MacD of the group Harmonik taking the stage to Phyllisia Ross and direct-from-Haiti singer Rutshelle taking up the stage.

Both ladies had the audience singing along with them. Clad in a floor-length summer print-dress Phyllisia Ross performed “Konsa” and “Ma Vie Sans Toi”, and dabbled at the keyboard on stage. Rutshelle wore an off-the-shoulder mini-print dress and dangling earrings.

Mimi’s Boutiq 5th Annual Fashion Show was more than a fashion show. It turned out to be a convention of sorts for everything from entrepreneurship to sisterhood to music.

The designers such as La Belle Couture Wearable Art showcased sophisticated designs and put on quite a show overall.

Oh, what a kreyolicious night it was. Were you there?

CLICK HERE TO FOLLOW MIMI’S BOUTIQ ON INSTAGRAM| MIMI’S BOUTIQ’S WEBSITE

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|