In the world of modeling in Paris, few make necks crane longer than Carl Jaro. Jaro was born in Port-au-Prince and immigrated to France nineteen years ago—at the age of seven. He was discovered by a Jamaican modeling scouting agent, while attending a beauty pageant in the Caribbean.

Still based in France, Jaro’s modeling career has brought him to 37 countries, including England, Italy, and South Africa, and most delightfully of all, his native land. He’s participated in modeling campaigns for such brands as Elektrod, Adidas, H&M, Favette Natco, and Men by Men.

Carl Jaro doesn’t want to be just another well-sculpted guy model. Acting interests him a great deal, and to that end, he’s starred in the British film The Love of My Life, Le Choix de Ma Mère, shot in Haiti, and Sous Le Soleil, shot in France.

What’s it like for a model of color in France?

It’s very difficult for a non-Caucasian model to be part of the scene. You have to know your strong points to really impose yourself [in the French world of modeling]. The modeling word is the same as it is in any other country. You have to have what it takes to get in, and a really good dose of will and patience. It’s a really difficult industry, as with any other sector. You don’t just get in, like you do in a grinding mill. You have to have the measurements and the beauty type of the moment. You also have to know the criteria changes each year.

How do you stay in shape?

[Smiles] Well, we’ll just say that working out is my big secret. As they say back home: “Mwen se yon gran manjè”—I’m a big eater. [Smiles]

What’s the biggest misconception non-industry people have about modeling?

People have the tendency to think that models are rabbits. And that they only eat salad.

But what’s the actual truth?

The reality is to simply control one’s proportions. Me, personally—I eat what I want. [Smiles]

What, in your eyes, makes a woman attractive?

A woman who’s capable of holding her own in the modern world, is to me, the type of woman I’d want to marry. [Smiles]

When you think of all the advice you’ve ever been given, which has proven to be the most helpful to your life?

I remember this saying of Martin Luther King: “We must learn to live together as brothers or we will perish together as fools”. This saying really helps me not to break down when things aren’t going right.

It’s important to a lot of people to be intellectually-challenged. How do you stay mentally stimulated?

Positivity. That’s how I keep my head firmly on my shoulders.

How do your parents feel about modeling?

In the beginning, it was complicated to make my mom, a very traditional Haitian, understand. But today, she says she’s proud of her baby—talking about me.

When was the last time you took a trip to Haiti?

In September 2013, for the second edition of Haiti Fashion Week.

What words of wisdom would you throw to an aspiring model?

Above everything else, learn to know yourself, in order to strengthen your best assets. Secondly, have confidence. For, regardless of what it looks like, the modeling world is a difficult field, especially when you don’t exude confidence.

“Want to gain some wisdom about being a woman? Ask a woman!” Uh, not sure where I’ve heard this quote or saying. But former Mrs. Brooklyn International and Miss Haiti International runner-up Marjorie Vail comes to mind when pondering on that quote. This may be due to the all the golden pearls of wisdom she shared the last time she was interviewed by Kreyolicious. She comes across as a person who has it together in all areas of her life, or who’s at least a whole lot further than most of us. A mother, a pageant queen, a daughter and sister–she has a lot of verbal droppings on developing and maintaining outward beauty.

Do you think that beauty is something that will always be prized, no matter what?

As long as there are living and breathing human beings on earth, beauty will always be prized. Nothing makes me prouder than when someone says to me, “Wow, I’ve seen all the charity work you’ve been doing.” That—to me—is beautiful. Now, what I hope for the future is that we as a society learn to love the inner beauty of people. I find that as a mother, it’s important that I teach my son that it’s okay to gaze upon the external, but make sure you value, crave for the internal beauty.

What would you say to someone who has trouble with having a balanced view of beauty contests and pageants?

Well, everyone is entitled to his or her opinion but hopefully that opinion is based on some facts. All pageants are not created equal. There are some that are just beauty contests with a sprinkle of charity work. At the same time, there are those that are heavily focused on platforms and some aren’t. For instance, I recently competed in the Haiti International pageants. The International pageant is heavily focused on having a platform; a charity that you are passionate about. If you pick a platform like you would pick something off of a conveyor belt, then it will show. The international pageants want their queens to be women who are making an impact on the world. It is for that reason that I chose to compete in the International Pageants.

Tell us about your latest beauty pageant experience.

I just competed in the Haiti International Pageants and I had an amazing time. One of the reasons I believe I enjoyed so much is because of the director Hermanie Pierre—Miss Haiti International 2012. She created such an atmosphere of sisterhood prior to the pageant that by the time we competed we were all very close and very supportive of one another. I made, what I perceive, lifelong friends with beautiful Haitian women who are changing the face of Haiti.

I also learned two great lessons from that pageant. Prior to competing, I practiced and rehearsed everything from my walk to interview questions. I felt very prepared. In the end, I was the runner-up—which I am happy about). First thing I learned—no matter how prepared you are–there’s always room for improvement. The greatest lesson for me as a spiritual woman is that when God says it’s not your time then you just won’t win. Once I accepted that truth, then I was able to revel in my accomplishments as well as support my sister queens who won.

Who’s the most beautiful person you know?

That’s a tough one. On a spiritual level, Jesus is the most beautiful person I know. What is more beautiful than someone giving up their life because they love you? He is loving, compassionate, loving…he’s so many things that are perfect. The thing is to find those qualities in each person.

I don’t think that there is any one person I would say is the most beautiful person I know. I know many people with beautiful qualities that I admire. When I think about the women and men that I am close to, I see the conglomerate of a beautiful person. I love people who are loving, considerate, loyal, honest, peacemakers, prayerful and fun! No one is perfect, but I think if we give people the best that we have it makes this living in this world easier.

Staying in shape is important to a great many women. Do you have a special fitness regimen?

Oooo girl, I don’t like working out, but I know it’s a necessary evil. Usually, I start out doing cardio on the treadmill. I love to run. Then I work on my abs—either on a mat or on an equipment. Lastly, I work on my biceps. I’m working on getting Angela Bassett-type biceps!

You ever watch some of these old movies, and see that some of the same styles that were in vogue way back somehow permeate the modern era?

There is nothing new under the sun!

Do you happen to have a favorite fashion era?

I’ve always loved the fashions of the early late 1800’s because I’m in love with the classics of those times. Give me a suit from the 1950’s or 60’s and I will rock it! I will definitely party in a dress from the 70’s. I love the clothes from 20’s but unfortunately they don’t compliment me. Most of all, I love elegance. That is why I love pageantry so much. I get to serve people and look elegant at the same time.

[All photos provided by subject ]

Visit Marjorie Vail’s website by CLICKING HERE.