THE HAITIAN AMERICAN SERIES : SHIRLEY

Welcome back to the Haitian American Experience series. With everything currently going on in Haiti, we wanted to create a safe space for authentic conversations and we are conscious that the diaspora cannot be left out. This series has started with the goal of hearing different perspectives about the current situation and how the diaspora could offer sustainable short and long term solutions. We will also of course dive into some more personal topics in order for you to learn more about our features and their unique personalities.

Enjoy!

Hi Shirley! How have you been ? 

I am feeling well. I will not complain. The joys of entrepreneurship are what I enjoy the most.

When did you move from Haiti to the US?

I am US Born.

Tell us more about yourself, your interests and the work you do.

I am a digital marketing and social media strategist with my company Dorsainvil Creative. I love creating content so I double down as a social media influencer creating authentic user generated content for brands. When I am not doing that, I am hyping up Haitian Creatives at Haitians Who Blog where we provide career resources to help freelancers propel their creative careers.

How would you describe your passion for Haiti?

“I am of Haitian-ancestry and spent months living in Haiti. After witnessing change to the political-social climate in Haiti, I felt honor needed to be restored to Haiti in digital spaces. Because of that, I created Haitians Who Blog, a brave space for culture, community, and connection. ”

— Shirley

How is the current situation affecting you right now ?

It is currently challenging to maintain our two-fold mission of working with creators living in Haiti. Because of so many changes, individuals are struggling to maintain communication with the states.

From your perspective, how can the Haitian Diaspora contribute to short term and long-term change right now ?
I have struggled with making contributions when the issues that affect the country are systemic issues. I make it a point to employ Haiti-based creatives. However, because of discriminatory practices in the U.S. this has become a struggle to maintain legal requirements as a liable employer.

How do you do your part ? (It's also ok if right now you don't know yet how yo do your part. You can be transparent about that)

I do my part by advocating for Haitian creatives, uplifting their voices, and making sure they feel heard as much as I can.

If you could give a word of encouragement to Haitians grieving for their country right now, what would it be?

Be empathetic towards yourself because what is affecting Haiti is far out of your control. It is common for Haitians to take on the burden of others, but do not bear this cross as it was not something you asked for. Do with what you can, and do it as soon as you have the space to.

A little Haiti Q&A

Favorite spot in Haiti?

Cap Deli

Favorite Haitian meal?

Diri Djon Djon ak boulette

Favorite Haitian alcoholic beverage?

Prestige ak Toro

Haitian item we will always find in your house? 

Pilon and pez.

3 Haitian businesses you love and support 

Kreyol Essence, Caribbrew, Pretty Melanin

A popular Haitian dish you do not like  

Legume beregene

Favorite Haitian proverb and why?

Pa jete vye chodyè pou chodyè nèf. 

Experience is so important in life. Never forget the role it played when trying to get something new.

Haitian song you will never get over?

Ja'i Soif De Toi- Daan Junior

Thank you so much for your time Shirley! Haiti is lucky to count you as such a proud advocate.

Do not forget to follow Shirley on all of her platforms and to show support.

Introducing Fabiola Coupet

We are so excited to introduce you to Fabiola Coupet, the moderator of the conversations we will be having throughout this series.

Fabiola Coupet is a Haitian Radio talk show host in Port au Prince. A fresh female voice, she’s taken over Haitian radio airwaves with her afternoon traffic jam show and highly contagious laugh. She is also a communications professional, a seasoned content & copy writer and editor. On the air and in her practice, she is passionate about giving Haitian stories a voice.

Fabiola shared her thoughts on being a part of the series-

“Although Haiti broke free from it’s status as a colony to become the first free black republic in the world, as a people, we’ve got a lot of work to do to untangle the knots of colonization so deeply engrained in our minds. Colonization and slavery may have ended in 1804, but Napoleon sure left some us some heavy baggage to lug around these past 200 years. It’s time to put these old bags down, to peer into them and start peeling away at the complex layers. I’m excited to be a part of these chats with Haiti Design Co community, I hope they will help our friends around the world better understand our story and struggles as a people as much as they will serve our community. It’s time to talk decolonization and we all need to hear it.”

We are honored to have Fabiola with us for these important conversations and can’t wait to dive in.

The Decolonization Series will be kicking off this Thursday, July 16th at 4 pm EST on IG Live in an interview with Christelle Dossous over the Decolonization of Beauty. See you then!