Patrick Charles is not your average drummer, if there is one. The Haiti-born, New Jersey-raised, Los Angeles-residing drummer has worked with every major musician on the jazz music scene: from diva Anita Baker to jazz great Everette Harper, among others.

As Charles played with major players in the music scene, he recognized the need to do a project that was close to his heart, and lateral to his soul and roots. He put together Cité Soleil, a musical project inspired by his love for Haiti and his early years there.

Charles is eclectic to say the least. Says guitarist and composer Gaku Murata, who performs with Charles: “He doesn’t discriminate music by genre or who plays.” It turns out that everything from Korean pop music to 80’s disco music is pleasing to the drummer’s eardrum. “I could not believe that he wanted to play a Korean Pop song—Chinese version—along with his original jazz fusion songs for his next gig,” continues Murata. “What distinguishes him from other musicians is his honest passion for creating good music. He only cares about creating good music. He doesn’t care about how he creates or who he creates with.”

Murata, who frequently works with Charles says he’s noted the musician’s penchant to be inspirational even in a work relationship. “When I work with him for his gigs,” observes Murata, “he always encourages me to be creative, spontaneous, to feel free to push myself. I remember that he told me that making a mistake is okay because sometime you have to take a risk in order to push yourself to the next level.”

Now, it is time to talk to the man himself!

Q&A

So you started playing gigs in high school. What did your parents think about that?
Actually, my mother was cool with it, but my father was not, ’cause you know, all Haitian parents want their kids to be doctors, so when I told my dad that I wanted to be a drummer, he was furious, ’til this day he’s not exactly thrilled about it. So through out high school, I’ve played in many different bands—playing all kinds of music in the New Jersey and NYC Area.

Recreational drugs and substances are said to be quite popular in the music business. What is your point of view on them?
Well, that was one of my parents concerned. Yes, drugs are a big part of the music business, but not every musician uses drugs. I’ve been around plenty of cats that use drugs, but I’ve also worked with even more that don’t use drugs. Drugs were never a thing for me. I’m just not interested in drugs. It’s that simple. I don’t even smoke!

Is inspiration hard to find when it comes to your music?
No, it’s not. Inspiration for my music comes from my everyday observing of life. Life is my inspiration.

Between Charlie Bird, Thelonious Monk, Branford Marsalis, Miles Davis—which great has had the most influence on your work?
Well, who doesn’t love Bird and Monk and Branford? They are legends and pioneers, but I’m a huge student of Mr. Miles Davis. I love Miles; all I do is constantly study his music, and his concepts and his approach. Miles has the most influence over my music.

When was the last time you went to Haiti?
I was in Haiti in 1990. Yeah, it’s been a while.

Did you get the chance to check out the music scene there?
Actually, I didn’t get a chance to check out the scene, but my family in Haiti always [sends] me records/CDs of what’s hot. I did notice that hip-hop was making its way to the island though.

And your impression of this…?
Cool.

Being a musician has its ups and downs. What has been the highlight of your life as a musician?
The highlight so far has been graduating from Berklee College of Music and recording my own music and having some of my favorite artists play on my recordings and performing at the prestigious Yokohama Jazz festival with my group. And to be blessed to still be playing and studying and learning after 22 years.

Now, tell us all there is to know about your Cité Soleil musical project.
Okay. When I was attending Berklee, I began to mess around with composing, so by the time I finished school, I had a few tunes laying around, so I decided to do a record, and “Cité Soleil” was the only tune on the record that had a name before it was even written—that’s because of what I saw happening in Haiti at that time with [Jean-Bertrand] Aristide and the violence that was centered in Cité Soleil.

And as a kid, I remember going shopping in Cité Soleil with my mom. It was a beautiful little city by the sea, and to see how it has deteriorated with political violence and misery was hurtful, so I wanted to write something to dedicate to Cité Soleil and Haiti. And one day, I sat at the piano and the universe gave me Cité Soleil. “Cité Soleil” was the last tune to be written for the record.

When I began to record in 2006, I wanted to have some of the baddest artists that I knew from L.A. to record with me—artists like Grammy-nominated pianist and composer Kevin Toney and saxophone great Everette Harp and trumpeter and composer Johnny Britt and keyboardist Wayne Linsey—who by the way have played with Miles. The record took me a year to record, mix and master. The mix was done by my good friend Conley Abrams. Conley has worked for Dr. Dre at Death Row records, and the mastering was done at Columbia Mastering Studio by mastering legend Ron McMaster who also worked with Miles. Cite Soleil was released on my own label the summer of 2007.

You were born in Haiti, you grew up in Jersey, and you now live in Los Angeles. How has each of these residences affected you as a person, and more importantly your art?
Well, being born in Haiti shaped who I am as a man. I have a high and strong moral standing in life, because I know what it truly feels like to have absolutely nothing and to come from nothing. So as I grew up in Jersey, I took absolutely nothing for granted. I made the best out of any opportunity that came my way, ’cause I know I was just lucky to be able to grow up in the States. And as for my music, part of Haiti is always going to be in my work.

I’m Haitian; it’s in my DNA, but growing up in Jersey I was exposed to a new world of music. I was quickly exposed to all style of music through MTV—this was way back when MTV just started and they actually played music videos. And when I started to play drums. I used to go to all the jam sessions in the neighborhood clubs, and even went to jam sessions in NYC. I think all those things affected my music; I don’t think L.A. influenced my music at all.

What are your plans, post-Cité Soleil disc release?
I wrote some new music already that I’m very excited about, and also this time around, I will be doing more writing collaborations with different artist friends of mine. I plan to start recording next year, and hopefully have a release that same year, ’cause it’s about time.

It took the death of his father to open the eyes of Richard Petit, and lead him to discover his true calling: designing clothes. But he had been a designer, for, like, forever. But once his father passed away, he came to a huge realization: another day is not promised in this world, so why not do what one is born to do? In his case, it was clearly designing.

A graduate of Keiser University’s fashion and merchandising program, Petit initially discovered his love for fashion as an eleven-year-old in elementary school. By high school, he had concocted his first creation in sewing class: a pair of boxer shorts.

Petit was enrolled at Keiser University, when his biggest inspiration in life, his dad, died. “I was close to my father. We did everything together and had long talks and everything,” Petit recalls of his passing in the early 2000s. But from that devastating moment, came a moment of reckoning. Design was going to be his business from now own and a very serious affair.

Petit’s designs have been featured in international publications like D’arche and Africa’s Tribal Moxie.

Petit, who was born in Haiti and came to the United States as a toddler, operates his firm Papillon Designs out of his atelier in Miami. He’s not only a fashion designer, but also a stylist, having most recently livened up the image of the konpa singer Kleo for a music video shoot.

His participation at Style Week Miami was one of the highlights of that show. His designs are explosive, stylish, and reek of simplicity at the same time. Just like the man himself.

Q & A

You’ve dressed models for runways and singers for photo shoots. How did you get your fashion sense?
To be honest I call it a gift from the man above. Sometime I sit there and think to myself where does it come from when I have an idea that pops to my head.

As far as we can tell, the whole designing bug was innate in you. Do you feel that it is necessary for designers to attend fashion schools, do internships and stuff like that?
Yes it is. I feel like when your born with a gift yes things may come as easy to the person but we all here need the guidance of someone else who has been doing the same thing that you are into to help us enhance our craft. Designer’s like Versace, Elie Saab and Karl Lagerfeld wasn’t born with the knowledge of sewing, pattern making, and knowing how to manipulate are dart. They had to be taught by someone, so I really think it’s necessary to go to school and work right along with a designer who is already in the game. That way you get see what you’re about to get yourself into.

Would you mind discussing your Papillon Collection?
Well, the Papillon woman is bold, exotic, and independent. She feels confident, sexy, and sassy with an attitude. She is always on the go and is always the center of attention. Hmm..Spoiled, Conceited? She doesn’t think so. She is a rebel with her own unique style. And that’s what I keep in mind as I design for her.

As someone who grew up as the child of an immigrant, did you feel any pressure from your folks about your career choice?
Of course. [Laughter] Anyone who has Haitian parents knows that they do not believe in any other career except the medical and justice fields. I can remember when my mom was the one who was not for it and it took my aunt to be the one to convince—or should I say open her eyes to the world of fashion. And ever since she has been supporting me.

[Right: one of Richard Petit’s creations]

What materials do you mostly work with?
I’ve worked with a lot of different materials, but my favorite materials to work with is Lycra—which I use when I’m making anything that required stretch. For example, the nice fitted dress that most girls wear to the clubs—which I like to call the freakum dress—is made out of this material. Peau de Soie also known as classic satin is usually good for those elegant gowns for bridal or red carpet event. And also the common fabrics like chiffon, sequence, satin, and vinyl fabric.

Without a doubt, the Richard Petit of the present is much, much different from the person he was when he was just diving into the fashion world. Based on this, what counsel would you give to other up-and-coming designers?
Wow…um—well first and foremost be you—meaning be true to yourself and your designs aspect. You will find people that try to change the way you designs and what you design. Fashion is already something that repeats itself so being true to yourself helps you to take a spin on something that was already done and make it yours. Also don’t let anyone ever tell you can’t or it won’t work. If you strongly believe you can execute it, then go for it and hey if it doesn’t work out then continue to push until you make something greater than your first idea. And lastly, be open for criticism because it can only make you better. But then again, follow what you think is right—when it comes to designing.

For every person who’s running their own business, there’s sometimes this challenge in balancing the traditional demands of life and career. How do you handle it?
Well, that’s something I’m still learning. At times, it can get stressful and that’s when I would literally back off the fashion or if I’m working for a client, I usually tell them give me up to two to three weeks if they need something made; that way it gives me enough time to finish their garment. And like any other job, you take a vacation—same with me and fashion. My longest break once was six months of minor sewing and sketching. Within that period, you play catch up with friends and the outside social life, not saying you don’t have one, but it’s not everything you get to do when you’re working on a line and the business aspect of it. But the best part of that is when you get back to it, you always come out with a bang and people are shocked from not seeing you for a good minute.

The day in the life of a designer buzzes with activity. Give us a tour of a typical day in the life of Richard Petit.
This is a typical day: getting ready for a new line and there is a special ingredient into creating. Shhhh…Don’t tell anyone my secret; it’s just between me and you Kat—but it’s music. Music usually sets the tone of what’s next for me to design. And I listen to everything from oldies to what’s hot now and even my Haitian music and zouk and it just has the creative juice going. Next step is sketching, fabric shopping, pattern-making and my favorite—sitting down and sewing what you just did all those steps for.

What would you say has been the biggest obstacle in your journey as a designer?
I have no answer for this one. Obstacles come and go; it’s what you do to overcome them.

What’s in the works for your next collection?
To be honest, I’m not so sure. But whatever it is, it’s going to be big because I would like to celebrate me coming up and also I have a couple things in store for this year, so you guys watch out for me.

Is the fashion industry pretty much a dog eats dog world? Or is that just a myth?
Oh, it’s no myth; everything you hear about it is real and it only gets crazy as you advance on your journey to the top.

The right clothes can transform the “every day” woman to a fashion bomb. Women sometimes get makeovers and all, but they rarely maintain the change. What advice do you have for a woman who wants a change in the fashion area?
First, take it step by step. Don’t be afraid to try new silhouettes or colors and if you should feel forced then stop and go back to it when you are ready. Remember, clothes are not all that you are it just enhances your beauty.

Is there a moment in your career so far that you rate highest among all others?
Um, well to be honest I’ve had great moments in my fashion career so far, but I don’t think I have been rated highest among all my peers. But like I stated, I’ve had some great, great moments. [Laughter]

Do you have fashion crushes…other designers you find especially inspiring?
OMG. [Blushes] I have really admired Elie Saab. He is hot in fashion. He is the epitome of elegance and taste when it comes down to fashion. I also love Versace—the old Versace—and there will always be a place in my heart for his work.

What place does Haiti and Haitian culture play in your designs and in your career?
That is a hard question to answer because I’m not influenced by Haiti or by the culture. I might say maybe it’s from the colors I choose, but then I’m not afraid of color. I just tend to do what I feel like doing.

Life comes with lessons. What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned?
I think that this quote from Forever 21 can best answer this question: “To live a creative life, we must lose our fear of being wrong.” And also what I live by my motto: “Do you”.

Photo Credit: Gold Piece photo M. Borrero

Life coach and licensed clinical social worker (LCSW) Jameson Mercier of Mercier Wellness—known as The Haitian Therapist—counsels clients on everything from marital problems to relationship issues to matters related to sexual abuse. Mercier’s job as a therapist is probably two-folds more challenging than that of other professionals in his field, as the majority of his clients are from a community where some often refuse to acknowledge the need to seek professional help.

Presently working on a doctorate in Marriage and Family Therapy at Nova Southeastern University (he holds a Master’s degree in Clinical Social Work from Barry University), Mercier is a sought-after mental health professional in South Florida. Social work and family organizations look to him for his insights into Haitian and Caribbean culture, and clients love to talk to him because he’s able to understand them from an expert’s point of view as well as from a cultural perspective. Mercier hosts a show with his wife Herdyne called “The Power Couple” on Hot 105, a radio station based in Miami. The Miami Herald honored him as “Best in Social Work” in 2011.

How did you get interested in therapy and counseling?

I have always been interested in talking to people and learning about relationships and families. However, there were two key moments that solidified it for me. The first was the passing of my father. I was nine years old at the time and I remember struggling to understand was all this meant. No one was talking to the kids about death and the emotions and no one in my family received any sort of grief counseling. That whole ordeal stuck with me and I remember thinking that people need help with this stuff.

The second thing was working with families in the child welfare system. When I first started as a social worker, I helped families be reunified with their children. It just seemed odd to me that there weren’t any interventions until after something terrible happened. It was then I decided to work with families to help them resolve the stressors that lead to the child abuse and domestic violence.

I’ve read all sorts of commentaries as to why people won’t seek professional help…especially people of color. And about how it has to do with how they are perceived by society….

There are a number of reasons people do not seek professional help. Many people feel they can handle it on their own. Others don’t want people to know they have problems. There are individuals who think therapy is for the weak. For people of color, unless there is something tangible (housing, food, etc.) counseling is a last resort, usually at the urging of the authorities.

Within the Haitian culture, the prevailing idea is that only crazy people need counseling; and even then, the most common intervention within the Haitian community is the church or prayer. So all these things combined make it so that people of color don’t seek professional help. I think a lot of people think that their problems can be taken care of in-house. But how can a person tell whether taking care of things in-house won’t do…To be fair, there are some things that can be resolved in-house, but you must have the tools and skills. If you are stressed or overwhelmed, depending on the severity you may not need to see a professional. It may be crunch time at work due to the launch of a new project. Once the project is over, things go back to normal.

The key thing people should look out for is when there is an impairment to their functioning. This means you can’t sleep or eat. For example, if your alcohol consumption used to be limited to when you were out with friends, but now you need a drink to even get started, its time to call a professional to get to figure out the cause and receive treatment.

In regards to sexual abuse, what do you think the consensus is in the Haitian and other Caribbean communities?

Sexual abuse occurs much more often in the Haitian and other Caribbean communities than most people realize. Within those communities, it is something that is seriously underreported. Similar to sexual abuse in America, the perpetrators are usually family members or someone close to the family. The victims are scared, confused, and don’t want to talk about it. Furthermore, they wouldn’t even know who to talk to. In some instances, the victims don’t realize that what happened to them is abuse until years later.

In immigrant communities where the victims are undocumented, or may not speak the language, they feel they have no options. However, as more information gets out in the community about available resources, there is a shift and things are improving.

What’s been your experience in regards to treating those in the Haitian community about depression and mental health?

In the Haitian community, it is as if there’s no such thing as depression. What you often hear are: Mwen pa pi mal—I’m not any worse. And—N’ap brase—We are hustling/struggling—and Pito nou lèd, nou la—better to be ugly and alive.These are all indicative of a community that is experiencing or has experienced a lot of hardships. My experience of the Haitian community is that they are accustomed to neglecting themselves in exchange for survival and providing for their children and families. You hear the word resilient a lot whenever you talk about Haitians. Haitians in general pride themselves on overcoming obstacles and relying on their faith.

My experience is limited when it comes to treating depression in the Haitian community. I don’t see a lot of Haitians in my office for depression. They don’t stop to find out why they are angry or sad. To consider, even for a moment, that their mental/emotional health my be in jeopardy means that they might be crazy, and that can’t happen.

How important is communication in therapy?

Communication is the lifeline of therapy. During therapy, a lot of talking takes place. It doesn’t have to be pretty, but it is necessary in order to figure out the problems and issues that people are having. Clients sometimes start out reserved and don’t say much, but eventually they open up. Other clients are less than honest, but that’s fine with me because it is relevant information. It says that there is more going on. When I see couples that are having relationship difficulties, the first thing I do is get them talking about the problem. If we talk about them, then we can resolve them.

Would you say that relationship issues…divorces and stuff are a big problem?

This is a difficult question. My simple answer is yes and no. The issues you find in relationships are not big problems. The problem is all the stuff we carry with us into the relationship. Relationships can be difficult. In a marriage where there are children to tend to, finances to manage on a limited income, and sick parents to look after, it gets really difficult. However, not everyone has problems with those challenges. It is only when there are unresolved issues around money, parenting, etc., that things get complicated.

And there’s another big one. Domestic violence…

Let me first say that while the majority of victims of domestic violence are women, men are abused also. Domestic violence is a big problem. Recent statistics show that 1 out of 3 women will experience domestic violence in their lifetime. Some feel it’s okay because they have an unhealthy sense of what relationships should be like. I recently did a show with Rick Party on HOT 105 with some survivors of domestic violence and they echoed what some the research says.

There are some women who become victims and remain in the relationship because they are seeking to fill a void like love and self-worth. Some victims witnessed their parents in abusive relationship and think that it’s “normal” to be hit by your partner. I’ve heard women and men say that if you’re husband or wife isn’t jealous, then he doesn’t love you. “He beats me because he’s crazy about me”. For other women, it’s because of financial reasons. They have children and feel they are stuck and have nowhere to go.

As far as the abusers go, often times they are just as lost and broken as the victims. They too may have come from dysfunctional and broken homes. They are angry and don’t know how to deal with their anger other than taking it out on someone else. What people need to know is that domestic violence is not okay. Love don’t hurt.

Do you think part of the reason why some won’t seek help, is because they figure that problems are a part of life…that it’s cowards and weaklings who can’t take care of their own problems.

For some people, that’s part of the reason. Depending where you’re from or how you grew up, there is some shame associated with seeking help. For others, seeking help is admitting and accepting that you are a failure and that you’re weak. That is absolutely the wrong way to think about it. It’s no different from seeing a doctor for a check up or a procedure. It’s about keeping you healthy. Some problems we can handle on our own, but then there are those that require professional help.

If you know someone who could use The Haitian Therapist’s services, be sure to refer them to Mercier Wellness, and help them help themselves.

| Click to Visit the Mercier Wellness website |

New Yorker Richard Louissaint founded a much-needed movement for Haitian-American creatives known as The Haitian Creatives series. A creative himself (surprise, surprise), Louissaint’s creative love and forever crush is photography. Let’s trace his journey, starting from his chilhood years onwards, and learn more about the Haitian Creative Series he’s so passionate about.

Kreyolicious: When you think about your childhood and teen years, can you think of incidents that proved that you were heading towards an artistic direction in life?
In all honesty, not really. i used to draw in middle school and even applied to an art program inhighschool but didn’t get in. So, that ended my aspirations in that realm. Not until college did I discover I was somewhat good at writing for the school paper.

Kreyolicious: Why did you start the Haitian Creatives movement?
It was all organic and came out me documenting Zing Experience a group started by Paul Beaubrun and his wife Cynthia Casasola. The movement was already there i just connected the dots and saw the degrees of separation in the New York creative scene and Paul just happened to know a lot of them.

Kreyolicious: What drew you to photography?
I just began documenting events and my friends during college for fun and then discovered the darkroom my last year of college. Then, it became a more serious hobby where I would come to Vibe Magazine, who I had a short, full-time stint with then freelanced) original Director of Photography George Pitts and get his opinion of prints I would make. Then, an apprenticeship with Haitian photographer Marc Baptiste exposed me to the world of black photographer doing commercial work for the first time.

Kreyolicious: Ever suffered a long period of creative block?
Prior to making it the Haitian Creatives Series officially a project in 2013, personal and professional problems had left me in a very long rut. I had a stopped shooting consistently— even personally—around 2010 and couldn’t get past it until I quit a job I hated. [I started] shooting video work to find another outlet for my creativity. I really didn’t get out of [the rut] until 2013. I have learned to best way to get through blocks and slow periods of work is to shoot, shoot and come up with projects to work on with others.

Kreyolicious: You’re based in New York. What bearing does that have on your creativity?
New York is still that cliche despite it being inhospitable financially for creatives, the poor, working and middle classes. There’s so much creative energy and inspiration everywhere if you look hard enough, just not in the places it used to be like museums, which are really not that affordable. The biggest change for me has been the discovery of collaborators which I nice to have. Us only-children types tend to work alone so much ’cause we are used to it.

Kreyolicious: What are some of the most inspiring, creativity-boosting books you’ve ever read?
As I was a writer first, they tend to be fiction books, in particular scifi and fantasy. N. K. Jemisin, who was became the first Black woman to win the Hugo Award for best novel, inspires me a lot. And of course here predecessor the late Octavia Butler. But aside from that, there is Create Dangerously:The Immigrant Artist at Work by Edwidge Danticat.

A photo shot Richard Louissaint!

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to someone who wants to be a creative?
Honestly, if you discover you have a creative itch early, scratch it. You can work on other things and try things out. But everyone’s paths are different. You may decide to have a full time job and work on your creative ambitions. Or you can decide to suffer the artist’s life which can be very rewarding and also very draining emotionally and financially until you find a balance. Just make sure sure you choose.

Kreyolicious: What do you hope to accomplish in five years?
To finally finish this first short film I have been working on for two years with Jason Minnis, an accomplished musician. Turn the Haitian Creatives Series into a full-length film. Get better as a filmmaker and DP. And to be cool with the life I have chosen.

[Richard Louissaint’s headshot/main photo: Ariel Williams]

FOLLOW RICHARD LOUISSAINT’S HAITIAN CREATIVES SERIES. GO HERE! VISIT HIS PHOTOGRAPHY SITE HERE!

Stella Jean combines her Italian and Haitian background to create some of the stunning pieces in her self-named fashion line. Born in Rome of a Haitian mother and an Italian father, Jean is the mother of two young children and is widely recognized as one of the industry’s most avant guard designers.

Afro-Caribbean culture and a Euro influence, with a sligh hint of Asia permeate her designs. Most of the bracelets and necklaces of her accessories line are oversized; not bigger than life, but much bigger than the average wrist and neck.

Stella Jean’s designs can be found at some of the most exclusive boutiques in the world: Saudia Arabia’s chic Lo Spazo’s clothing store to France’s Jacques Loup to London’s Matches to Kuwait’s posh Al Ostoura.

As a woman of Haitian descent living in Italy, Jean affirms that there isn’t a big Haitian community there, but she remains close to her roots. She joined forces with the Haitian Embassy in Italy for Fashion-Able, an initiative to create textile-related jobs in Haiti. One of her most cherished memories of the first time she visited Haiti was meeting her grandmother Ninine, a smiling woman who absolutely loved gardening. The designer admits that she doesn’t go to Haiti often, but takes every chance to devour diri ak djon djon, he favorite Haitian dish.

When it comes to her career, she admits that it’s “pretty hard” as a designer who’s constantly on the go, to find time for herself. But having had developed the extreme endurance that every big player in the fashion industry must have, Stella Jean is doing just fine, thank you very much. And her parents? She labels them as her first—and one of her biggest—supporters.

Q & A

So you were born and raised in Italy.
I’ve find in fashion the necessary room to make my two opposite identities breathe, and conciliate finally. Having been born and raised in the Italy of the Eighties, as the result of a multiracial family, even if in a “milieu aisé”, it ain’t been easy or painless. I started in fashion as a model, and since the very first time I set foot in a fashion designer’s studio, I knew I was in my element. It was the right place to be, but the wrong way to be there. Eventually, I made some changes and found my own style, which allows me to express myself as a designer. When I’ve first presented my collection in July 2011 at “Who’s on Next”; AltaRoma and Vogue context in Rome, it represented to me a way to bring peace between the two most important parts of my personality, the European and the Creole. It’s not easy to find a balance in an emotional conflict such as the one I experienced between these two parts of my soul. Fashion gave me ample space to maneuver and find a place where both these cultures could coexist. This weak point became both a strength and a fresh start.

So prior to become a designer, you were a model for Egon Von Fürstenberg. Do you think that having been a model gave you some sort of edge when it comes to designing and concocting clothes?
It absolutely gave me a “full immersion training”, and the chance to know many different stylistic settings.

What gives you strength on your worst days?
My children and my faith.

You’ve said in past interviews, that your Haitian heritage inspires some of your designs. How so?
In my collections, I just talk about me, my roots and Haiti’s historical metissages [interracial] journey.

Queen Marie Louise of Haiti actually went to live in Italy in the 1820s, and was reportedly a sensation everywhere she and her daughters the Princesses Amethyste and Athenaise went. Do you find yourself inspired by her, and the princesses as they were one of the first Haitians to have some link to Italy?
Queens and princesses will never impress and inspire me much as slaves did.

What words of wisdom do you have for them in terms of how to get their names out there, and how to get a following—that sort of thing?
I have two pieces of advice: Before even thinking about breaking into the industry, you must try to break into people’s hearts. You always have to put people before the industry. Your works must have your fingerprints on them. They have to show your personality and your history. You can’t find ideas on blogs and social networks, only through a long and not-always- easy journey into yourself –the very same journey that will always allow you to find a way home.

Do you think that your Italian background gave you a sort of advantage in the fashion world. After all, some might say, you’re already in one of the fashion capitals. Did that make starting out any easier, because you’re absorbing that world, and you grew up in the middle of it?
It surely gave me a natural aesthetic tendency and sensitivity.

You are constantly wowing fashion critics and fashion lovers. What do you have planned for the world of fashion in times to come?
As I am the result of a mix of different cultures and races that could appear completely opposed, I’d like to promote a sophisticated and alternative multiculturalism through fashion. Blending traditions that are so distant, I want to create new and unexpected cultural messages, while keeping the ability to balance content and shapes.

You can visit the designer’s website here.

[Image Credit: Showroom photo Federico Ciamei]

Folks watch and comment on her videos know her as the bold and outspoken voice behind The Frustrated Haitian. They often wonder about the young woman who is a one-stop soap box for social topics about Haiti. Where does all that boldness come from? How does she decide what to discuss?

Here’s one question they won’t have to wonder much about: Why are her videos so popular? She speaks her mind in a way that some of her viewers wished they could. And there’s the authoritative way she expresses her views when she’s discussing everything from the exorbitant price of living in Haiti, to corporal punishment to single motherhood in the Haitian-American community, to language use among Haitian-Americans—among other topics. What started as personal outlet has grown into a respected brand with 2K Youtube subscribers, and with Olina Brice—better known as The Frustrated Haitian—as head-vlogger-in-charge.

Kreyolicious: Tell us about The Frustrated Haitian.

Many think I’m just a little girl behind the camera. However, I’m 34 years young. I born and raised in Little Haiti, Miami Florida. I’ve seen the up’s and downs of the Haitian Community. I feel we should be so much further, one of the most progressive Caribbean countries but we are like an expensive car with a great engine that’s isn’t moving although we’re pressing the gas pedal. What is the missing link?

We have millions of people that are available and eager to work but with no true job creation plans and the constant interference from the Haitian elite, the United States government, the poor infrastructure and education system many days are lost and so is the opportunity to improve the country. The leaders of the Republic of Haiti have kept the citizens generationaly uneducated—which have also led to many other issues within the country and our community today.

Kreyolicious: What made you decide start a vlog?

I wanted to vent my frustrations and find a community of people that may feel the same way. I wanted to connect with the under 50, and get them thinking and talking. My motto is you cannot talk about all the great parts without talking about the bad parts. I wanted to be the grey area that can actually look at the Republic of Haiti for what it really is. Many from the diaspora want to disregard the true issues and only talk about the beauty of the country and or talk about who is Haitian in Hollywood. However, I wanted to be different.

When I started in 2008, Haiti was going through a food crisis. My mother called me with panic and distress in her voice. She was calling me about Haiti. She told me, “Timoun yo grangou”—the children are hungry. Have you been watching the news? There is mayhem in the country?” At that moment, I knew the stress of Haiti was about to be pass down to me like a trust fund…That phone call is what changed my life and I still think about it today. So, when I turn on the camera i’m hoping to connect with other people from the diaspora that is going through the same thing.

Kreyolicious: Girl, how do you get the gumption to put yourself on a platform like YouTube and speak your mind like you do?

I’ve always been comfortable speaking up when I needed to. However I’m an introvert, but I was born a fighter. I’ve gone toe-to-toe with people since grade school. I think those experiences made me stronger. I do understand that we live in a time of political correctness. However Haitian and/or Black issues is our responsibility…so staying silent will not get us anywhere. Remember Dr. Martin Luther King said, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.” So, I speak up not to offend but to let people know that as a Haitian born in the USA that we’re not ignoring the issues that are going on in Haiti.

Kreyolicious: Out of all the videos you’ve made, which one are you most proud of? Why?

Well, all of the videos I’ve done are my babies. However, it will be Haitian Creole! Poukisa Ou Pa Pale Kreyòl. I was explaining the reality of First Generation American Haitians living in the USA. Communication is important, communicating with Natif Natals (Native Haitians) is a struggle that many go through.

It’s great that we have found an opportunity here in the USA but passing our culture and language to our children is important. We cannot let or our ancestral steps disappear because we’ve moved to another country. We should be building and growing a stronger community no matter where we go and yes, speaking the language is a part of that. If we do not, we are committing self inflicted cultural genocide.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to someone who’d like to start a vlog?

I wish I had this advice in 2008. [Laughter] One of most important things to do is evaluate; why you want to vlog? When you become comfortable with that reason. Do not allow anyone to deter you from that. Please understand you will have trolls—internet bullies— and they will say anything and everything to offend you. So, make sure you develop thick skin. You need to be consistent if you would like to build an audience. Your audience becomes really invested in what you have to offer so you cannot leave them hanging.

Become like a TV show and release your content on a schedule so your audience knows when to check your channel for new videos. Lastly remember your brand. Are you doing this for fun and game or are you serious? If so, develop your brand values, build your brand and protect it.

Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?

Mewi, I am the Frustrated Haitian. Although I made a video called “Haiti is Too Expensive”, I think it’s very important that parents expose their children to their homeland. You can represent being Haitian all you want, but the true experience is visiting the Republic of Haiti.

Kreyolicious: Are the videos you make the primary way you remain connected to the culture?

I’m Haitian. My culture walks with me everyday. Being part of a big Haitian family, exposure to the Haitian Culture was non-negotiable especially growing up in Little Haiti. Almost everything I do comes from my Haitian Family. From speaking creole when I see Haitian elders to preparing food. When I need to relax I listen to Rasin music. When I need to get motivated I listen to Kompa and or Zouk. Daan Junior, Jacques Sauveur Jean and Coupe Cloue are a few of my favorites.

I make the videos really to explain what it’s like being born and raised Haitian in the USA. The things that many of us had to go through and still go through today. Also to express my frustration with Haiti and the Haitian Community and provide a platform for people to discuss not only Haiti but things that are going on in the African Diaspora.

Kreyolicious: What should we expect from you next?

Well when it comes to Haiti there are a few projects in the works. At the moment I can only tell you about the Frustrated Haitian T-shirts which will launch [this] summer. I’m building this brand and my exposure as the Frustrated Haitian to later help Haiti any way that I can. Lastly you can catch me on Naturally Olina where I talk about natural hair. Kreyolicious, thank you so much for the steps that you’re making within the Haitian community. It’s taking us a while but the keyword is unity. Thank you for giving your readers and my subscribers the opportunity to get to know me a little better. I really do appreciate it….

CLICK HERE TO VIEW VIDEOS ON THE FRUSTRATED HAITIAN YOUTUBE CHANNEL.

What would you expect from a rapper with a name like Trouble Boy? Hardcore rhymes with bombing references every other verse drop? A Haiti rapper who goes by that name and who’s name Haitian-American music fans will get the chance to see the rapper perform at Miami’s Haitian Compas Festival this May.

While his name may indicate chaos and mischief, lyrically the rapper is heavy on the social commentary game. This is especially transparent on a track like “Nou Sou Nèt” (We’re on the Internet). Rapping about social media addiction among Haiti’s youths, and selfie addiction, and cases of social media disgraces and vicious gossip, he concludes: “Nou bezwen yon meditasyon nasyonal/We need a serious national meditation session.”

The rapper’s fans holding up posters of one of his musical releases. Photo Credit: Ticket Mag

“Nou Sou Nèt” was preceded by “Nou Ka Chanje Ayiti”(We Can Haiti Around), another track that’s more like a public address than a song. A video for the song shows the rapper donning a suit, picking at the keyboard of a piano on a lush mountain. And as the camera expands to show valleys and mountain peaks in Haiti, and weather-beaten architecture, the rapper looks earnestly at the viewer and declares: “A lot of times we complain that Haiti has nothing to offer us, but have we ever asked ourselves what we’ve given to Haiti?”

Rapper Trouble Boy on a TV set for Radio and Television National D’Haiti, one of Haiti’s television networks.

The rapper savoring a moment of quiet and relaxation in Cap Haitien. Photo Credit: Elmas Flaco

Though part of an industry that raps about alcohol, partying, good times and debauchery, the Cap Haitien-based rapper rarely mentions these topics on his tracks. In the aforementioned track “Nou Ka Chanje Haiti”, Trouble Boy tells a likely story, that of a young woman who was raised in Haiti and spent her vacations abroad, until one day when her parents worried about her future, decide to send her abroad. They recruit the help of relatives to arrange a “business marriage” for her with someone in the United States, even though she’s dating someone in her hometown in Haiti. This storyline may sound dramatic, but as the verses flow, Trouble Boy assures his listener that this is the norm on his island.

The MC during a performance in Petionville, a Port-au-Prince suburb.

The rapper is not above sarcasm. On the song “Tout Moun Gen Mennaj” (Errrybody Got Their Own), he raps about sugar babies and mate-sharing, and the dating scene among Millennials in Haiti.

The rapper posing with fans. Photo Credit: Elmas Flaco.

“Poko Prè” (Ain’t Ready Yet) tells the story of an immature young man who’s being pressured by his longtime-girlfriend’s parents to marry. The song isn’t a traditional rap song beat-wise. It’s inflected with some heavy reggae and Haitian roots music.

The rapper is at the dawn of his career, but he clearly has the ears of Haiti’s youths, because his music relates things about their every day lives.

The rapper hyping up his fans during a musical appearance.

This has been another episode of Straight Outta Haiti brought to you by your fave chick Kreyolicious! CLICK HERE to read other episodes you may have missed.

CLICK HERE to follow this rapper Trouble Boy on Instagram!

CLICK HERE to purchase Trouble Boy’s music on iTunes.

It’s one thing to be Haitian-American, balancing the Haitian culture with the dynamics of having been born in the USA, or mostly raised in the USA! But what of those who are of that background, and are also part of another culture. Tara M, a lifestyle and fashion blogger is such a person! She was born in the USA with a Haitian parent and a Filipino parent. What did she have to say? What was it like growing up as a US-born daughter of a Haitian and a Filipino? Haitian Filipino. Filipino Haitian. Filipina and Haitian. Your fave chick Kreyolicious investigates!

Kreyolicious: As an American with both Filipino and Haitian heritage, how did you handle the duality of cultures?
Tara M: To be honest, I think I handle the duality of both cultures like most biracial people. I was raised Americanized. My parents both came here when they were toddlers so when they raised my brother and I, they did not really teach us much about our ethnic backgrounds. I do sometimes wish I did know more, but I can understand how they probably thought raising us in the American culture was easier.

Kreyolicious: Were there times when you felt like you had to gravitate towards one or the other?
Tara M: I definitely don’t feel like I gravitate to one or the other. I don’t associate with one more than the other. Yes, most people see me as the Filipino side but my hair definitely is “mixed girl hair”. I did not inherit the typical Asian hair, so even though I look in the mirror and see I do look mostly Filipino, the struggle with my hair everyday is a constant reminder that I am mixed. My hair is what keeps my association with the Haitian side strong.

Kreyolicious: Do the two cultures have anything in common?
Tara M: The thing I feel is the common factor for both places is that both Haitian and the Philippines are islands, so it’s pretty cool to know I have “island blood” from both sides. Makes a lot of sense cause I love the heat.

Kreyolicious: You’ve been to Haiti or the Philippines?
Tara M: I have not been to either the Philippines or Haiti. Both those places are on my bucket list. A lot of people ask me if I have ever been to those places and I always regret saying No. One day I will make a trip out there and really learn about both my cultures.

Kreyolicious: What’s the best advice you’ve been given from each side?
Tara M: The best advice I have been given from both sides is to embrace the fact that I have these two completely different cultures in me. It is a blessing to represent both of those countries.

Ahem, readers…I smell a new series from Kreyolicious…Don’t you? We’ll call it…When You’re Haitian and Something Else…Hooray!

CLICK HERE to view Tara M’s videos on Youtube.