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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Makeup, healthy eating, styling and fashion—Kristelle Jean-Pierre loved them all! The very idea of abandoning one for the other just didn’t seem right. So, she founded Sacred Beauty By Kristelle, a venture that combines her love for makeup, her predilection for healthy eating, and her love for fashion.

One glance at her, and you know she practices what she preaches to her mostly-female clientele. Her skin is flawless, and her sense of style is of high-fashion magazine caliber. Your girl Kreyolicious talked to this impressive entrepreneur. Follow along as she share her thoughts. If you’re an aspiring or established beauty entrepreneur, you might have a lot in common with her.

Kreyolicious: How did you get involved in styling, initially?
I have been styling and doing hair since [I was] a little girl. I’ve been doing it professionally for over four years now. It started really in 2011 when I felt my heart calling me to enroll into beauty school. My experience in beauty school helped me to gain the tools and certification to be able continue to live my dream of becoming a holistic beautician and entrepreneur.

I own my own business as a private beauty consultant offering a variety of beauty services to mostly bridal and special events! My mission is to help women honor their inner beauty through hair care, relaxation and pampering. I believe we all are royalty and should always feel like that!

Kreyolicious: A lot of times a person will be given a makeover one day, and then, they’ll let themselves go. What advice do you have in terms of maintaining a look?
A makeover just enhances the beauty that is already within! It’s only right to continue maintaining that good feeling. My advice [is that] you can still maintain the feeling even if you don’t go all out and [continue] wearing make up. It’s good practice to just go with what feels right: lip stick, some eyeliner and a favorite outfit to make your day. This can make a big difference on you [regarding] your day. I know this first-hand. When you’re looking and feeling good, no one can mess up your day. It is an essential part of our self-worth and confidence.

Kreyolicious: ​ I have seen your work on Instagram. How do you keep up with the latest styles and techniques.
I am brilliant at creating up-dos and various hairstyles with all hair hair types. I enjoy the creative process of creating my own hairstyle or breaking down a style my client requests. I instinctively can look at a hairstyle and in my mind break down how it was achieved. For when my clients come to me with an up-do, or a style they like, I enjoy the process of just figuring it out. The end result is a similar hairstyle with my unique touch to it!

Some styles I may need to take a class or online video tutorial to understand. That is when I will take a private class or attend a workshops at trade shows, to continue learning and growing!
When it comes to fashion, I am brilliant at helping ladies find a hairstyle to match the outfit. Sometimes, we [may] find a nice gown or day wear and [client’s] hairstyle may not go with the outfit.

Kreyolicious: Do you think the penchant for natural hair has hurt or helped the beauty industry in general?
It promotes positive self-image because it helps mostly women of color and little girls see their hair as beautiful too. For in the media and magazines, mostly straight or hair extensions are promoted more. Our natural hair can do the same. With the proper care and treatment, our natural hair can be straightened, twisted or blown out for nice up-dos and more. Helping us to embrace our true beauty and power.

I know how the media can influence a person’s perception of beauty. I used to be that woman, until I went through to my beauty transformation. Now, I understand I can wear any style, as long as there is a balance and my hair is taken care of first.

My beauty experience helped me to embrace all of me and be my authentic self! This is why I want to contribute to this growing beauty industry, to help all women—especially women of color—continue to embrace their natural beauty, and be their authentic selves!

Kreyolicious: Who are your style heroes?
I truly love to see women wearing different hairstyles and trying fun colors. As far as celebrities, I love Solange, India Arie, Pink, Erykah Badu and Oprah. All of these strong women in the spotlight who are not afraid to wear their hair any way they feel, and be authentically themselves! Also, my reality style heroes are the queens I see everyday wearing their own unique styles [who] are not afraid to try a different look, hair color or outfits. It reminds me of our true beauty and power. To be able to play with our hair and style it however way we feel—that is freedom to me!

Kreyolicious: Are there some products that you can’t do without?
Yes, there are a couple of items. One is my Shea butter by Afrigenix for hair and skin butter. It keeps hair moisturized especially when doing protected styles. My essential oils lavender and rosemary oil for when I do my hair therapy. These are staples I can’t leave without!

Above: Kristelle Jean-Pierre. Photo Credit: Michelle Wild Studio

Kreyolicious: Being into style entrepreneurship ​has its ups and downs…​how do you tackle the difficult moments?
The difficult moments as an entrepreneur is a learning experience! Now, I’m seeing life from a different perspective. If there is no struggle or challenge then I’m not growing. I love to learn and explore. So now, When I’m going [through] a difficult moment, I use it as motivation to get to my next level! I take time to retreat, meditate, and pray to get clarity before taking action. I find taking time to just be the observer helps me focus on the lesson [at hand] and move forward.

Kreyolicious: Do you count your parents as your biggest supporters?
I do now. For they allowed me a space to learn and grow and become the wonderful woman I am today. My parents did their best raising us. However, they were not very supportive of my dream to be a hairstylist at a very young age. Although my father said no, my grandmother who raised my sisters and I, encouraged us to complete our education first. She said once we get our degree, we [could do] anything else we liked. So I did just that! I continued my education in my other passion in nutrition. I received my Bachelor’s in Food and Science. Being a nutritionist, I also am passionate about helping people make positive life changes and create healthy habits. As I look back now, I’m happy things went the way they did. The knowledge and experience I [gained] in college prepared me for beauty school and more! So, I took it all one step at a time.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected with Haitian culture?
I stayed connected by listening to Haitian music, supporting Haitian events and like-minded entrepreneurs/people who are involved in the community. I have not been to Haiti since I left as little girl. However, I do plan to go back soon, to give back and get to know my birth place. My family and I moved to New York when I was five.

Kreyolicious: What advice would you like to give to those who’d like to be in your industry?
“To thrive in this industry you need patience, dedication, imagination and inspiration”. This is what keeps me going, a quote my beauty school instructor gave us one day and I live by it. My advice is to have patience with yourself, keep the vision alive by feeding it with the things you enjoy and stay determine despite life’s up and downs. So do not give up and Before you know your dreams will come true!

[Main Photo Credit: Scarlett Metellus]

FOLLOW THIS ENTREPRENEUR’S JOURNEY BY VISITING HER WEBSITE HERE! | KRISTELLE ON PINTEREST |

Natural hair guru Miguerlande Cayo of I Am Nubian salon in Queens, New York knows that the whole world hasn’t gone natural, but is well-aware that permed hair isn’t obsolete. This is probably why her salon caters to clients that wear natural and relaxed hair. She’s the perfect example of the beauty and hair entrepreneur who has marketing and business sense, and has her pulse on beauty industry trends.

If you’re even in the Queens, New York area, be sure to visit her salon at the Rockaway. She and the two other stylists she has on staff will be more than happy to take care of you. Meanwhile…

Here’s her full story and how she got her start!

Kreyolicious: Tell us about yourself and how you got your start as a hairstylist?
I got my start as a stylist by practicing braiding and other things on my daughter. Along the lines my friends and family members would ask me to do simple things to their hair such as wash it, put it in ponytails and just style it anyway I saw fit as long as it was something simple. I enjoyed and appreciated the looks on their faces when they were satisfied and it made me wonder if I could change how someone felt about themselves with the simple things I was doing then what else could I do if I invested in myself into learning more.

A hairstyle created by I Am Nubian NYC stylist Nadege.

Kreyolicious: Growing up, were you like the go-to hairstylist for all the girls in your neighborhood during back-to-school season and every weekend thereafter?
Oh no, absolutely not. Believe it or not, two years ago I didn’t even know how to cornrow. YouTube university was my best friend and the desire to just learn so that I could do more on my daughters head and knowing what went in her hair. At a young age, my parents instilled in me hard work and dedication and I’ve carried that with me always. My parents have been deceased for many years now, and as my angels I can assert that they are very proud of where I started and where I currently am with my business.

Kreyolicious: What do you think hair represents for today’s woman?
There’s a quote that I love that says “when a woman walks in a room , her hair and hairstylist walks in with her” . It not only represents your personality but your identity because it is both personal and public.

Kreyolicious: Some women may be down to their last dollar, and you know their hair will be “did” even if their grocery shopping isn’t. Why do you think that is?
A woman’s hair is a part of her appearance, her self-esteem but also because our hair represents our personality, thoughts and beliefs.

A natural hair style by I am Nubian NYC.

Kreyolicious: Have you ever gotten a hairstyle that you weren’t pleased with? If so…How has that changed you or affected the way you do business?
Yes, absolutely especially because I’m tender-headed, I will take out any hairstyle if it’s gives me a headache. Because of this, I make sure every minute I ask my client if the braid is too tight or if they feel any tension. Before even braiding, I also ask if you are tender-headed because I will take my time to make sure you are as comfortable with my braiding and with the pulling of the crochet.

Kreyolicious: What are two books you’ve read that are so profound that you would read them again and again if they you had time on your hand?
I recently got into a little bit of reading since I have a hectic schedule, but I always make time to read The Bible. It has instilled in me a lot of patience, perseverance and humility.

CLICK HERE to visit the I Am Nubian NYC website and get to know natural hair stylist Miguerlande Cayo and her crew! | I Am Nubian NYC on Instagram

Natural hair stylist Miguerlande Cayo runs I Am Nubian, one of the most popular salons for natural and relaxed hair in New York. The Haitian-American entrepreneur and her team of two full-time stylists will braid, crochet, perm and sew clients’ hair—depending on their preferences.

Previously, we spoke about how she got her start in hairstyling. Now, we’re going over the challenges of being a beauty and hair entrepreneur, as well discuss I Am Nubian’s future.

Kreyolicious: You might be biased being that you’re from New York, but when it comes to hair trends…do you think the NYC and Brooklyn set the tone for the rest of the world…
Yes, and I would also add Atlanta, Georgia to that list.

A crochet style from I Am Nubian NYC.

Kreyolicious: Have you had to deal with tough moments?
Absolutely! At times, I’m extremely frustrated and hurt that when I’m overwhelmed I can’t just call my mom or dad and get that reassurance from them. I’ve dealt with people not believing in me, my dreams, my talent. But what I will say is I am forever grateful for the friendships that I do have that are more like family, my friends’ mothers treat me as if I’m their own, and that is very gratifying. These friends that are my families are also my support system, I can call, pop up and we can speak about everything wholeheartedly and pure sincerity and honesty. I am grateful for a man who takes responsibility of being my significant other, and who never steps in the way of my dreams and pushes me to be the best me. In this generation of selfishness, I give thanks for each and everyone of them.

Kreyolicious: You visit Haiti often?
Yes, not as often as I’d like but as often as I can.

Kreyolicious: If Mimi were to press the restart button on her career, where would she take herself and what would she do differently with I am Nubian?
Absolutely not! In all honesty, without my mishaps and the downfalls I wouldn’t appreciate all that I’m blessed with. All of it is a process and I’m still on my journey.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see the I Am Nubian brand five years from today?
I see I Am Nubian expanding from a home salon to a shop outside of my home. I see me adding more stylists [from the] sisterhood. I see us growing even more and continuing participating in humanitarian events and fundraisers.

This concludes Part II of the interview with Miguerlande Cayo! CLICK HERE to check out the first part!

CLICK HERE to visit the I Am Nubian NYC website! | I Am Nubian NYC on Instagram

Growing up, Mimi of Style By Mi didn’t have an older sister to show her the ropes in terms of styling herself. Not that she would have needed much guidance; style has always been an innate thing for her. The desire to always look different long-served as the budding stylist’s guide. She recalls being asked all the time by onlookers why she always looked dressed up. What was “dressed up” to them was actually her “everyday style”.

Her constant experimentation with clothes and looks did not go unobserved. Friends knocked on her door for fashion tips and outfit suggestions, knowing that she’s an avid reader of fashion blogs.

Kreyolicious reached out to the fledgling stylist to get to know her and her Connecticut-based business better.

Kreyolicious: What’s the best way to put an outfit together?

You need to think of the event or place that you’re going. Is this appropriate? Will I be comfortable in this? What will the weather be like on that day? Those are things that I think about when getting dressed.

Kreyolicious: Which celebrities’ style do you most admire?

If you know me or follow me on Instagram you’d know that I am in love with Rihanna! She is so stunning and it seems like she can literally make anything look good. I love that she takes risks with her hair and style. She exudes confidence and she doesn’t care what anyone thinks. She does what she wants.

Kreyolicious: Sometimes if you seem to be pursuing a career that’s not in the hard sciences or in the medical field, parents tend to shake their heads. What’s been your parents’ reaction in regards to your being a stylist?

Not only do I want to pursue a career in styling, but I also want a position at a national magazine. My parents realized a long time ago that I wasn’t the nursing type, so they finally let it go. I have gone to college, got my degree, and told them what I wanted to do. They support me because I’m determined to be successful.

Kreyolicious: What do you do when a client approaches you but don’t know what they want?

The only clients that I’ve had so far were my friends so it was easy to talk to them. Whether it was a friend or not, I just ask her what is it that she wants to go for exactly? Whose style is she obsessed with? I proceed to ask more questions about the individual that will give me some insight and will help them figure out what they want.

Kreyolicious: Your words advice to some of Kreyolicious’ readers who are having a hard time developing their own style?

Don’t compare yourself to others. It is also important to have confidence—so go with what works for you. What’s most flattering on you [is what] makes you feel comfortable. Know your body type. If anything, you can come to me for a consultation. [Laughter] But most importantly, have fun with it!

Kreyolicious: Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Five years from now, I hope to be a part of one of my favorite magazines—Seventeen, Cosmo, or Ebony preferably—as an editor. I see my blog really taking off and my styling clientele expanding. I also hope to do a whole lot of traveling.

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