The ISTWA1804 team would like to wish each and everyone a Happy New Year and a prosperous year 2020. We promise to create more informational and original content to contribute to the ISTWA1804 community.
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Ekip ISTWA1804 la ta renmen swete nou yon Bon Ane 2020 chaje ak pwosperite. Nou pwomèt ou nap kreye anpil kontni orijinal ak enfomatif pou kontribye ak fè kominote a pi bèl!
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L’équipe de ISTWA1804, vous souhaite une Bonne et Heureuse année 2020 pleine de prospérité. Nous nous engageons à créer plus de contenu original et informatif pour notre belle communauté. –
#istwa1804 #istwa #1804 #2020 #newyear #new #year #bonneannee #content #ny #community #haiti #ayiti #histoire #history #prosper #prosperity

In Kreyolicious.com’s continuous attempt to get to know Haiti a little bit better, the site is also attempting to present you, oh, beloved Kreyolicious.com readers with talents straight out of Haiti. Today’s person of interest is Patrice Esperant, a business school student, who has started a clothing line in Port-au-Prince.

Kreyolicious.com: Tell us about yourself.

I’m Creator/CEO/Designer of the new Haitian clothing line Nègre Marron X Culture. I’m 19 years old. I’m studying Business Management at Université Quisqueya, in Haiti. It’s my first year. I always wanted to be an entrepreneur like my parents and that’s what I am right now. I also love art, street fashion and Haiti’s cultural heritage and its subcultures.

Kreyolicious.com: What especially motivated you to start your own clothing line?

I came up with the idea to create a clothing line mostly inspired by Haiti’s culture! In the US, streetwear brands are really popular and they are the true expression of a certain culture or a certain cultural tendency. Most of streetwear clothing line based in the US were inspired by the skateboarding, surfing, hip hop, graffiti. Boom! Haiti is a country with a rich cultural heritage but it’s not well exploited! So I thought that starting a clothing line with such inspiration would be a great idea!

Kreyolicious.com: Anything in particular that sparked the name?

The expression “Nègre Marron” is meaningful in Haiti’s history. It was used to describe the situation of a [black] slave who flees to the mountains because he or she had enough of cruel slavery. I decided to name my brand Nègre Marron because I wanted to share the philosophy that emerges from it. We all are descendants of these brave Negroes. For me being a Nègre Marron means that you literally and mentally broke your chains—that you have chosen to be different, authentic, unique , courageous and brave. It also means to me that despite all the tribulations, problems and misery, you’ve chosen to be hopeful. You’ve dared to dream and you’ve realized that dream. That’s all you wear when you wear Nègre Marron’s clothing. I want to share that philosophy and mentality trough my brand.

Kreyolicious.com: Take Kreyolicious.com readers in the back room where all the action is! What’s it like running your fashion brand?

It’s really stressful. There is a lot of handwork to do! Since I’m the CEO and also the designer, I have to make sure that everything is done properly, every single details! I have to explain the work to our personal [seamstress]. I have to do the same with the artists that works with us. I have to get the gears to the local print shop and boost them guys so they can give me the works on time. I also have to make the labels, the tags and hangtags—they are very important to a brand’s marketing. I also have to ensure the marketing in all its forms—product, pricing, place and promotion. I also have to get them to the store where they must be sold to the customers. I have to sketch regularly and find originals ideas, put every little ideas on paper. I read a lot about entrepreneurship, fashion and culture because I need it all to well manage my business. I must say, running my own fashion brand is a lot of hard work, but since I’m really passionate about it, it’s fun and I love it.

Kreyolicious.com: What does it take to be a fashion entrepreneur?

As a fashion entrepreneur, you should be passionate about your work, you have to put yourself out there, have faith, perseverance, patience…, you have to be creative and innovative, therefore you must be very curious. You must be a dreamer and always imagine the unimaginable. Sometimes you have to listen to people, sometimes you don’t.

Fashion is a really competitive industry, so you have to be unique! As an entrepreneur you also have to know your numbers, understand the rates, the fees, the costs, the taxes, and make sure you are making enough money to keep your business on track. Also you must show your product in the best light, find great models, great photographers, great scenery for your products. It’s important to be informed, to read about fashion trends and tendencies regularly. You must give your customers an amazing experience based on product quality excellence and product accessibility. It’s also great to build a strong network with useful contacts and relationships, that can open many doors for you. Finally, the most important thing, you have to believe in your self while being open to constructive criticism. I quote one of my favorite quotes from Steve Jobs, “your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work, and the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking, don’t settle—as with all matters of the heart, you’ll know when you find it.”

Kreyolicious.com: Some wise words. Following your dreams and pursuing your passion cannot possibly be easy all the time. How do you stay motivated?

I often listen to Eminem [laughter], and…I always say that I have nothing to lose, and it works.

Kreyolicious.com: Any advice for those out there who’d like to become fashion designers?

Dare to dream. Sketch your dream on paper or whatever it is. Make a plan. Believe in yourself; realize your dream—put that process on repeat, and always smile. Thank you for the Opportunity to talk about my brand. I really love and appreciate what you’re doing for our culture. See you soon!

Connect with the designer on Twitter | Check out the Negre Marron X Culture website on Tumblr | Visit the designer’s Facebook Page | Check the designer and his work on Instagram |

[ Photos: Provided by Patrice Esperant; sidelong photo credit—Jonathan Dave Photography ]

To check out other profiles in the Haiti’s Got Talent/Straight Outta Haiti, Baby Series, please CLICK HERE.

Haiti has a female rapper…did you know? From growing her clothing line Iyoudi, to starring in a film, to undertaking collabos with fellow artists, and representing Haiti in Montreal and New York, the rapper-singer’s year was dotted with spectacular moments. What were some of the moments that especially made her year? Let’s see, shall we?

1. Teaming up with fellow female artist Sherlee Skai.

This move was the best moment ever…solidarity…unity…the sisterhood in action. The teaming was positive propaganda for girl-to-girl friendships. Hurray!

2. Princess Eud performing at Carifesta.

What was Carifesta? Carifesta was a Pan-Caribbean festival that was held in Haiti this year, and Princess Eud was among the performers. [Photo Credit: Jeffty Roberty

3. Hob-knobbing with one of her idols, Wyclef Jean.

You know you’re balling when you are taking a photo next to an artist you grew up admiring.

4. Releasing an Egyptian-themed music video with her partner-in-crime Ded Kra-Z.

The video, directed by Trillion Productions, went on to be nominated for (and copping the award) in the Best Rap Music Video at the Ohio-based RLM WMVA Awards.

5. The growth of her clothing line Iyoudi Collection.

In addition to giving her clothing line visibility by wearing pieces from it on every occasion, the rapper showcased her line at various fashion events in Haiti.

CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT PRINCESS EUD.

If there is one person whose year exemplified the term “turn around” this year, it was Jason Pierre-Paul. In July of this year, the star athlete was in Florida visiting his family and taking part in Fourth of July festivities when he suffered a burn to his finger. Ridicule was rampant. How could someone who was on the brink of renewing a multi-million dollar contract be so careless, some asked? But this is a man who has been the man in his family since he was in his mid-teens due to his father’s blindness. As his family’s breadwinner, he probably had to work on the Fourth of July as a kid, and here he is, a New York Giants millionaire as an adult…he has the right to frolic around a little. The accident was unfortunate, but JPP, Mr. New York Giants, Mr.#90 came back hard.

1. Making his first public appearance after the Fourth of July fireworks burn incident
Like a true warrior, Jason Pierre-Paul took to the streets of New York, knowing very well that paparazzi would be lurking about, awaiting a photo opp. Guess he figured, they could capture “first-look” photos of his hand, but they wouldn’t be able to take away the victory he was about to claim.

2. Working out after the burn incident, and preparing for his comeback.
While many wondered if there would be a “comeback”, JPP was shrugging off their incredulity, and tuning his body for the return back to the field.

3. Strutting his skills at the Tampa Buccaneers vs. New York Giants game in Tampa in November

Photo Credit: P. McBride

Hand still in a cast, JPP played it on the field like it was pre-July 2015.

Here he is warming up at the James Raymond Stadium in Tampa prior to the game with the Buccaneers. [Photo Credit: M. Ehrman]

4. Signing his renewal contract with the Giants
He that laughs last laughs best, and he that laughs last, while his hand signs a multi-million dollar contract laughs best of all.

5. Pondering on life and doing serious self-reflection.
There’s not a photo to convey this “greatest moment” of Jason Pierre-Paul’s year. It isn’t like paparazzi has access to his soul. We can be sure that during this moment, JPP had a series of epiphanies about life, fame and success. Some athletes have that moment in mid-life. JPP had it while he’s still in his twenties. One minute the whole world is kissing your toes, the next nanosecond, people are going at you as if you had murdered another being, when all that occurred was your committing a careless mistake.

You can wager that JPP has learned that there is life after football, and a whole other world during it.

Do you know the names and the categories for all the athletes representing Haiti at this year’s Olympics in Rio, Brazil? Here’s the rundown.

1. Naomy Grand’Pierre
Category: Swimming

She thought it imperative to learn how to swim when one of her cousins drowned. And now, she’s such a pro at swimming that she’s hoping to win the medal for Haiti on August 12 at Rio. Born in Montreal, Canada, Naomy was raised in the USA. She’s currently a student at the University of Chicago, and was initially approached to represent Haiti by the Haitian Swimming Federation.

Watch this video of Naomy prior to her being qualified to represent Haiti.

Inspiring. Ain’t she?

2. Aniya Louissaint.
Category: Martial Arts/Taekwando

Her name is pronounced Ah-nah-yah by the way…not Ah-nee-Yah! She’s only been at this taekwando stuff for four years in her hometown of Powder Springs, Georgia! She was so devoted to Taekwando that she enrolled in Georgia Cyber Academy to complete her classes. She trained at Style United in Connecticut for the Olympics. Oh, and Aniya is just eighteen!

You can watch her in action below! Don’t forget to visit her website by going here!

Photo Credit: James Koevin

3. Richardson Hitchins
Category: Boxing
Date Competing: Aug 10, Wed

Growing up in Brooklyn, Richardson was surrounded by violence and gangs. He actually witnessed a murder when he was just twelve. He decided to create an outlet to save kids like himself in Brooklyn, and created Cops and Kids Boxing Club, and now…the Olympics it is.

Photo Credit: Globo Esporte

4. Josue Deprez
Category: Boxing
Date Competing: Aug 8, Mon
Born in Haiti, Josue Deprez took up judo early on. He immigrated to the United States and graduated with a degree from the University of Florida.

Photo Credit: Dieu Nalo Chery/AP

5. Mike Dorsainvil
Category: Swimming
Date Competing: Aug 11, Thurs

Mike Dorsainvil, better known as Frantz Mike Itelord Dorsainvil started swimming about six years ago, and due to his diligence and hard work, he’s now Olympics material. He teaches swimming in Haiti.

6. Asnage Castelly
Category: Wrestling
Asnage Castelly is going down in history as the first known wrestler to represent Haiti at the Olympics. He was born in Haiti and came to Haiti when he was nine. He’s actually a wrestling coach at a community college in Massachussetts.

You can watch a newscast segment with Asnage Castelly below:

7. Darrell Wesh
Category: Track

He’s the little brother of Marlene Wesh, also an athlete. Darrell attended Virginia Tech and is a past Gatorade Track and Field Athlete of the Year.

Watch Darrel in action below!

8. Jeffrey Julmis
Category: Hurdle

Jeffrey Julmis actually represented Haiti at the 2012 Olympics. He’s a Kansas resident!

Watch a past interview with Jeffrey below!

9. Edouard Joseph
Category: Weight Lifting

Edouard Joseph was born in Haiti, and has been one of the least visible .

10. Mulern Jean
Category: Hurdles

Originally from South Florida, Mulern has already earned an undergraduate degree. She’s currently enrolled at Florida State, where’s she’s pursuing a Master’s Degree.

There you have it, Kreyolicious readers!