Caribbean Heritage Month: 5 Haitian Women of Influence
Haitian women are the backbone of the Haitian community. We are often applauded for our show of strength and resiliency, traits that are deeply rooted in our culture. Though Haiti is frequently portrayed through a veil of misfortune, the diaspora has produced some of the most skilled and influential people in the world. In honor of Caribbean Heritage Month, I am highlighting 5 Haitian women who are making a big impact in their fields, and in effect, their homeland. These women are titans in their industries who uphold their spirited heritage through the amazing work they do. Keep an eye out for their future projects and make sure to show them some love! #LunionFaitLaForce
(Credit: Garance Dore)
Stella Jean | Fashion Designer
Stella Jean is your favorite celeb’s favorite designer. Her vibrant looks drew widespread attention after being rocked by the likes of Beyonce and Rihanna, but Jean has long been building the foundation to her powerhouse status. She is highlighted on the Business of Fashion 500, an index of people who are shaping the global fashion industry. Her Haitian-Italian roots are reflected in her design style through her signature “Wax & Stripes” philosophy: the wax represents prints and fabrics that are prevalent in Haitian and African garments, and stripes represent striped dress shirts, a staple in her Italian father’s wardrobe. Jean’s strong commitment to ethical practices is shown through her partnership with the International Trade Centre. Jean makes sure to give back by sourcing fabrics and accessories from artists and designers in Haiti and parts of Africa. The quality of her standout garments is boosted through the promotion of a healthy fashion ecosystem.
(Credit: Into The Gloss)
Doreen St. Felix | Writer + Journalist
Doreen St. Felix is the quintessential culture critic. Named on Forbes 30 under 30 in media list, her talent shines brightly as she writes about iconic moments in pop culture through a refined perspective. She serves as an advocate of all things authentically black, using the pen as her mighty sword as she crafts essays with bylines in The New York Times, The Guardian, FADER and more. St. Felix’s commentary on the importance of inclusive representation is revolutionary in itself, as she writes for platforms where such voices mainly rest in the margins. Some of her most notable pieces include Trump's Fixation on Haiti to Black Teens are Breaking the Internet and Seeing None of the Profit. St. Felix is known for being unafraid to question the status quo, “thinkpiece culture”, or whatever the hot topic is on Black Twitter at the moment. Anyone she takes to task better be up for the challenge. Bless whoever dares to step up to one of the most sharp writers in the game.
Yve-Car Momperoussse | CEO + Founder of Kreyol Essence
L’uil Maskreti is a staple in Haitian households, so naturally it’s what Yve-Car Momperousse turned to after suffering a hair disaster of her own. After noticing that oils sold in stores were filled with artificial additives, she started Kreyol Essence to make Haitian castor oil more accessible in a larger market. Kreyol Essence’s operations are based in Haiti to create jobs and boost the country’s economic activity. With a “Natural with a Purpose” policy, her company holds contracts with hundreds of Haitian farmers who grow and harvest the key ingredients. To target high rates of gender-based violence and unemployment, she proudly works with a 90% woman-driven staff. Momperousse is dedicated to pushing Haiti toward a future of self-sufficiency and away from reliance on international donations. The love of her country fuels Kreyol Essence as a brand-to-watch in the luxury products and natural hair industry. Visit kreyolessence.com to try some of her products. (I have my eye on that Mango, Papaya & Coconut Rhum Punch body wash!)
(Credit: NEXT Management)
Aube Jolicoeur | Supermodel
As a standout performer in New York Fashion Week 2018, Aube Jolicouer is on the way to becoming a one of the world’s top models. The Jacmel native moved to the United States when she was 9 and lived in Kentucky with her family. She began modeling in 2013 after moving to New York City and being spotted by a Russian photographer. Aube once rocked flowing locks, but she gained a newfound wave of attention when she began to embrace her natural hair. Her chic cropped coils pop against her striking facial features. (Who can miss her high cheekbones and her big brown eyes?) She’s worked on Project Runway, booked several Yeezy seasons and continues to showcase looks by high-profile designers like Marc Jacobs and Jeremy Scott. Aube is proud to represent Haiti on and off the runway, and she wears her culture on her sleeve wherever she goes.
(Credit: Edine Celestin)
Corinne Sanon | CEO + Co-Founder of Les Chocolateries Askanya
This former consultant in New York City left her six-figure job to figure out how she could make a difference in her home country. With a background as an industrial operations engineer, she had experience identifying problems and solutions in hard to handle environments. Corinne Sanon saw potential in Haiti’s rich agricultural history. Through research, she learned that Haiti’s cacao is one of it’s largest international exports. She strived to develop a model of sustainability, so she looked ways for to create a local product that would to directly benefit Haiti’s economy. This is how Askanya chocolates were born. The bean-to bar-production all takes place in rural areas, and the company's facilities have created jobs in farming and manufacturing for residents. The chocolates have unique names inspired by native wildlife like Minuit, Perle Rare and Paradis. They’re packaged by hand in artfully decorated wrappings that pop with vibrancy. Sanon hopes her premium chocolate brand expands and makes a mark on the global market as a product that is “Grown in Haiti, Made in Haiti, Enjoyed Everywhere”.
