Beauty and lifestyle Youtuber Sara Clair is part of a legion of Youtubers who are advocating being natural and authentic in a world of Photoshopped lives and overly curated digital content. Her candid style has won her a lot of views.

Kreyolicious: What was it like growing up Haitian-American?
Sara Clair: Growing up Haitian-American for me wasn’t as challenging until I got a little older. I grew up in Orange, New Jersey and in my surroundings were around mostly Haitian people. Some who just came to the states learning the English language or some that have been here for some years. All I knew was that I was Haitian, not Haitian-American. My mother instilled pride in me to remember where I was from and who I am and that I was not American, but Haitian. It became a little challenging when I got older and my parents decided to live in Atlanta. That is when I realize that I was very involved in my culture and I barely knew anything about the American culture but what I learned on TV, or a little from school. It was challenging when it came to views and understanding even when it came to the language I spoke.

Kreyolicious: Are your parents fans of your channel?
Sara Clair: At first, my parents didn’t know anything about my channel. When I shared with them, they watch my videos consistently. My mother is my biggest supporter.

Kreyolicious: Have you been to Haiti?
Sara Clair: Yes, I have been to Haiti multiple times in my life due to the fact most of my brothers and sisters live there and majority of my family.

Kreyolicious: What books have had an impact on your life?
Sara Clair: The Bible, Think Like a Man, [Act Like a Woman], and Rich Dad, Poor Dad.

CLICK HERE to visit Sara Clair’s channel. CLICK HERE to visit her page on Instagram.

Most people think that Youtubers as empty-headed folks with a lot of time on their hands. Yvana Romelus has a lot of time on her hands, and makes productive use of it. The twenty-something graduated from Bloomfield College with a Bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism. Carrying a heavy course load at one of New Jersey’s most prestigious liberal arts colleges in addition to running a successful Youtube channel is not a task for weaklings or for the lazy.

So how has Yvana Romelus, better known as Thee Mademoiselle, to explode on the channel? Firstly, she is part of a legion of twenty-something college students who fellow university students love following through life changes and first experiences. It’s like having a virtual friend that you’ve grown up with and have followed from freshman year, onward. From conflict with fellow females, to life lessons, to sharing dating experiences, viewers turn to Thee Mademoiselle’s channel because they know they will be served with juicy stories, lots of candor, and plenty of sweet attitude.

Kreyolicious: ​How​ ​did​ ​you​ ​get​ ​your​ ​start​ ​on​ ​Youtube?
I started my youtube channel back in high school. I quit two times before I actually took it serious. [Laughter] I was inspired by Youtubers like Haitian Jonas and iiSuperWomanii and just decided to start my channel. The idea initially started when I started a blog for underrated/underground artists, I wanted to use Youtube in order to promote these artists as well as establish a relationship with them. It was supposed to be an easy trade off, I post your music in my video, you promote it. However, over time I went in completely different directions, I started off with rants/commentary when I really wanted to do fashion and music reviews. I slowly realized there are plenty of people doing those beauty/fashion videos so I don’t need to. Now I mainly do story times, rants and reactions.

Kreyolicious: And​ ​as​ ​you​ ​started​ ​to​ ​gain​ ​traction​ ​on​ ​there,​ ​what​ ​sort​ ​of​ ​challenges​ ​did​ ​you​ ​run​ ​into?
I think my problem was sticking to one genre of video, I want to do any and everything but I slowly realized doing focused content is more lucrative and beneficial in the long run. The first two times I quit I was frustrated with not getting enough subscribers then after not being able to edit very well, which is why I decided to pursue a Communications degree.

Kreyolicious: ​Was​ ​it​ ​scary​ ​at​ ​first​ ​putting​ ​yourself​ ​out​ ​there?
I’ve always been out there. [Laughter] I have never really been afraid of putting myself out there. I kinda have a split personality. I can either be wild and off the wall or b_y and reserved. So, I guess it depends on what mood I am in when it comes to recording. Unlike most YouTubers, I don’t have an introverted personality so being “out there” is kinda my thing!

Kreyolicious: ​When​ ​do​ ​you​ ​feel​ ​the​ ​most​ ​beautiful?
I feel beautiful every day because I get dressed up every day. I am known for always wearing heels and being dressed really well daily. I am a strong believer of dressing well makes you feel amazing no matter what you may be going through, so I make sure I always look my best.

Kreyolicious: ​What​ ​are​ ​your​ ​top​ ​three​ ​fave​ ​videos​ ​from​ ​your​ ​channel?
I love making my Haitian-related videos. EOS, Most of those are my favorite. Other than that I have a few I love!

CLICK HERE to visit Youtuber Thee Mademoiselle’s channel. CLICK HERE to visit her on Instagram | FACEBOOK |

This concludes PART I of the interview with Yvana Romelus better known as Youtuber Thee Mademoiselle.

CLICK HERE to keep up with the second part of the interview with Youtuber Thee Mademoiselle.

CLICK HERE to read about other Youtubers of Haitian descent.

Haitian-American blogger Darksline Policard is the name and voice behind the popular channel DXLYN Vlogs. She’s created a solid platform by tackling subjects are varied as natural hair, family life, marriage, and culture. To be a Youtuber, one has to have a degree of boldness, and Policard exudes fearlessness when broadcasting her life to her fans. They respect her and follow her because they appreciate her openness.

Kreyolicious: Making too much of one’s life public has proven to be detrimental to some. How do you keep a sense of balance where you’re open with your fans, but at the same time maintain a sense of a private life?
I try not to share anything thing that would make me or my immediate family uncomfortable. If my husband is uncomfortable, it’s a no. If I feel figuratively naked, it’s a no. Because not everyone who watches is a fan.

Kreyolicious: Girl, you been to the A-Y-I-T-I?
Of course! I was born and raised there. I plan on taking my husband and sons very soon. They have never been I know they will love my homeland as much as I do.

Kreyolicious: How do you stay connected to Haitian-American culture?
I have to make a lot of effort to do so. One recent effort was relocating to an area where Haitian culture is accessible, from the food to the music and people. On social media, I follow several pages that promote the culture while educating Haitian and non-Haitians about our rich heritage.

Kreyolicious: There’s this one video that you have…the DNA Test…what inspired it?
It was my middle son, actually. He has a light complexion. At that time he was a newborn and people would ask if he was mixed, we would joke and say yes. He is mixed with black and more black. My husband and I wanted to do the ancestry DNA test for fun and curiosity (of course we are black, but wanted to see the African countries). We decided to record and share it. Our results were really close with the African percentage and the European percentage. He even has a spot of Native American in there. We saw it as a way to say although I am Haitian and He’s American, we are one in the same. We just have have different cultures that make us unique. We want our sons to grow up knowing that and being proud of all the makes them who they are. The comments under that video are nothing less than entertaining.

Kreyolicious: What do you hope to do next with your career?
As far as YouTube I hope to just keep elevating, being inspired and inspiring. Outside of YouTube I hope to actually use my degree, earn higher degrees and open at least one business that I can leave to my children. There’s a lot in the works.

CLICK HERE to visit the channel of the Haitian American Youtuber behind DXLYN Vlogs.

Brimming with creative ideas? Youtube is the platform for that! Tara M knew it, and started her own channel. On her channel, she creates content about a variety of subjects, including interior decorating and assorted lifestyle topics. She’s not keeping her recipe for success to herself. In our interview, she gave your fave chick Kreyolicious a preview of what she hopes to get from her career, and the Haitian-American/Filipina also had tips for those who aspire to have a career on the platform!

Kreyolicious: What advice would you give to an aspiring Youtuber?
Tara M: My advice is to not overthink it. You do not need to go out and buy expensive gear in order to start. If you want to start just start with a video that you can film on your computer. There really is no formula to gaining views and subscribers. You just have to film stuff that you are comfortable and happy filming. The right people will stumble upon your video and you can gain an organic following from people who like to just watch you on camera regardless of what you decide to film.

Kreyolicious: Are there some books that have changed your life in some way?
Tara M: As I have gotten older, I have had less and less time to read books. So to be honest, I do not at this moment have a book that changed my life. I do like reading articles here and there online. I have been meaning to make some time for more reading so if you recommend any books please let me know!

Kreyolicious: People recommend The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen Covey and How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie a lot. Do these titles sound intriguing to you?
Tara M: I actually have heard about both those books. My brother read them and said it was one of the best books he has ever read. I actually have always been intrigued by those titles. Now that you remind me, I am definitely going to make a stop at barns and nobles and get myself a copy. I think learning about people is the root of success. Plus utilizing your day to be the most effective you can be is another key way to accomplish your goals in a faster manner. Urgency is key! Life is too short.

Kreyolicious: Where do you see your career heading?
Tara M: In 2-3 years, I see myself being a full-time digital influencer. I want to be able to make this a career so that way when I have a family one day I can run my business from home. I want to be able to work closely with big brands and also film high quality style videos on my Youtube channel.

CLICK HERE to visit Millennial lifestyle blogger Tara M’s channel on Youtube.

Bloomfield college graduate and broadcast journalism professional Yvana Romelus is a star on Youtube. She deserves the status. Her videos chronicling her dating life, her fashion sense, and life as a twenty-something in New Jersey has earned her Thee Mademoiselle Youtuber channel more than 400,000 views. Youtuber Thee Mademoiselle talked about the genesis of her channel in Part I of our interview. In Part II that you will read below will discuss her education, and the future of her channel.

Kreyolicious: ​What​ ​are​ ​your​ ​top​ ​three​ ​fave​ ​videos​ ​from​ ​your​ ​channel?
Thee Mademoiselle: I love making my Haitian-related videos. Most of those are my favorite. Other than that I have a few I LOVE! Best Haitian Songs of All Time, Part 1 and Part 2, and Part 3. My story time on African hair salons. The reasons I’m single videos, Part 1 and Part 2.

Kreyolicious: ​Do​ ​you​ ​ever​ ​feel​ ​that​ ​you’ll​ ​run​ ​out​ ​of​ ​ideas?
Thee Mademoiselle: Sometimes, but usually only storytimes, other than that there is always something to talk s_ about. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: Your​ ​parents​ ​know​ ​about​ ​your​ ​channel?
Yea, they don’t watch me, but they know I do “Cinema” as they call it. [Laughter]

Kreyolicious: Of the classes you’ve taken in school, which was the most helpful in helping you launch your business?
Thee Mademoiselle: I graduated college with an undergraduate degree in Communications and a concentration in Broadcast Journalism, so basically everything I did in school helped me with my channel from writing, shooting videos and branding. I made sure I went to school for something I would use and want to do for the rest of my life. I think it is important to tie your hobbies and your career/business together so you don’t end up working an endless job or career you are not passionate about. Living life just working a regular job, helping others make money while you are miserable is no way to live, and I made sure I set myself up to overcome that hurdle!

Kreyolicious: What​ ​advice​ ​would​ ​you​ ​give​ ​to​ ​a​ ​newbie?
Thee Mademoiselle: Stop thinking, stop wishing, stop worrying. Do your research, pick a genre, establish some goals and start. The more you dwell, the more time you will waste. If you are not going to be consistent, don’t start at all, be consistent or do not bother. Buy nothing until you know it is something you truly want to do. Do not look at other people and compare yourself to them, it will break you. Establish your own lane and win your own race!

Kreyolicious: ​You’ve​ ​been​ ​to​ ​Haiti?
Thee Mademoiselle: Yes when I was 6. I think I may take another trip next summer!

Kreyolicious: ​Where​ ​do​ ​you​ ​envision​ ​yourself​ ​three​ ​years​ ​from​ ​now?
Thee Mademoiselle: Still doing Youtube, hopefully doing more entrepreneurship and owning a media related business of some sort.

[Main Photo Credit: Jessica Demianicz]

CLICK HERE if you missed PART I of the interview with Youtuber Thee Mademoiselle.

CLICK HERE to read about other Youtubers of Haitian descent.

Call him Monsieur Blain. Call him Mr. Youtube, rather. With his growing subscriber base, his fun videos and zany commentary, Mr. Blain has one of the fastest-growing channels on the Youtube platform. We’re done discussing the creative aspect of his work. And now, let’s move on to heritage…

Kreyolicious: The Haitian-American upbringing varies. What was yours like?
Monsieur Blain: My upbringing was very interesting. My dad was very stern. I was terrified of him as a kid. My mom was very caring. She’s prob the best cook of all time. Everybody from church would actually come to my house just to eat her cooking. But my upbringing was at times very Haitian. We went to Bobby’s every year for school shopping. My mom made rice for my lunch. One time, My dad whipped me one time because I cursed in kindergarten then he made me go on my knees then he forgot me and fell asleep! I grew up in Hamilton, New Jersey and I must say there were so much Haitians at school I got tired of seeing Haitians. The white people at my high school started speaking Creole with us because we almost outnumbered them. My life is very much Haitian, but also strongly mixed with American culture. I didn’t have a chicken farm in my basement like some of these other guys.

Kreyolicious: Have you traveled to Haiti?
Monsieur Blain: I traveled Haiti when I was two years old sadly. I barely remember it, and my parents didn’t budge to visit when we were growing up. They say it’s too dangerous, but I want to go back actually sometime [next year]. I want to feel the beautiful weather, vintage Haitian food, and just relax and learn of my roots.

Kreyolicious: I recently realized that although I’m always asking females that I interview on this site when do they feel the most beautiful, I never ask male interviewees the same question…this said…When do you feel the most handsome?
Monsieur Blain: Now that you gave me permission, I can have my light skin moment right now [Laughter]. I feel most handsome definitely when I dress up for black tie events, Galas, weddings etc. I’m a huge fan of dressing up. Clean suit, shining watch, elegant bow tie, shiny shoes, and topping it off with a stylish but clean haircut. Trendy, yet still classic. I love it. My confidence level is on 100 right at that.

[Photography Credit: Drum It Up Photography]

Kreyolicious: Give some words of wisdom to someone who wants to start a Youtube channel but has too many interests and can’t seem to decide on just one theme.
Monsieur Blain: One thing I struggled with when I first made this page was trying too hard to get huge amount of views. So, I made random stupid videos trying to go viral. If you like hair, do hair tutorials. If you like singing, make song covers. You like cooking, make cooking tutorials. You want people to watch your videos and feel like they’re watching the real you, not a fake who’s thirsty for fame. Make videos because you love it and videos that represent you. Last thing, work hard on your videos. People can tell at the start if you don’t put the time into your work (editing, shooting, good lighting, no background noise). Good quality will bring you a lot of subscribers and views.

Kreyolicious: What was the best advice you’ve been given?
Monsieur Blain: Do something because you love it, not because of the money and fame.

This concludes PART II of the interview with Youtube lifestyle vlogger Monsieur Blain. CLICK HERE if you missed PART I.