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Showing posts with label Branding Strategist. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Branding Strategist. Show all posts
I was approached by a woman who recently moved back to Haiti, a little overwhelmed, but hopeful. The woman and I began chatting about our experiences as Haitian-Americans and the cultural shock or alienation that sometimes occurs in Haiti.  It seemed as if we had a lot in common, but not only that, we both had gifts or talents that the other needed.  She said to me, "What do you think if we agreed to a little barter?"  She began to explain, but of course I had heard of bartering before. 


     
Barter is a system of exchange by which goods or services are directly exchanged for other goods or services without using a medium of exchange, such as money.[1]

Bartering is something that has been done since the beginning of time, but in the tough economic times all over the world, bartering is making a come back. The offer was one that I couldn't refuse, and we immediately sealed the deal with a handshake.  


I read a recent Essence article on a Brooklyn-based women's group called Black Women's Blueprint who have adopted the concept among their 200 members.  Farah Tanis, Co-founder of the group says that their core principal is "Your struggle, is my struggle."  An interesting way to look at the current state of affairs.   

I'm sure a lot of people are saying, "show me the money", but sometimes what comes out of these agreements is better than what money can buy. Since, the woman has become a client of my branding company H. Mystique Inc., and has bought me two other clients and her brand has grown 25% in just two weeks.  It's a win win!


I think bartering is making a necessary, but chic comeback.  Do you think it will catch on?


By MYSTIQUE 

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Agreeing to grab a quick bite with a friend, I suggested Aztec Mexican Fusion Cuisine and Bar in Petion-Ville.  I've been wanting to try this place from when it first opened months ago.  I follow their mouthwatering account on Instagram, and have met the beautiful and charming proprietor, Carolyn Desert a few times and have promised to stop by.  Though too late for the Sunday Brunch that I have been dying to try, I finally get to experience Aztec.
                                   

Once inside it is every bit like a Mexican Fiesta.  From it's brightly painted furniture, the Sombrero covered walls, to the Corona chandeliers. 


Once seated, by the very friendly and attentive staff, my friend and I decided to start off with Pina Coladas. Now I am quite finicky about my Pina Coladas, and ordered half reluctantly, not wanting to be disappointed. I was not.  What came to me was a perfect mix of pina and colada.  No too milky, just the right amount of sweetness and even topped with some powered cinnamon. 

The menu at Aztec is pack with an array of choices from; tacos, salads, lasagna and more.  With certain entrees, customers have the choice of ordering either a snack or combo; the latter being a bigger sized portion with a side of rice.  My friend decided to go with the taco classic combo with chicken.  I wanted to try several things, but finally decided upon the fajitas. You get a choice of chicken, shrimp, tilapia, or vegetables, or a choice of two with the combo.  I went with the shrimp and tilapia combo.   

I wont go into too much detail about how good the dish was, but I will say I was done with my meal before I realized I hadn't taken a picture of my plate.  Well, I guess I'll just have to go back again, and this time I'm trying the quesadillas.  Or maybe the veggie burger, or perhaps just a combo.  ;)












For  good food made fresh and great service, you must try Aztec.  Mexican fusion in Haiti.


Aztec Summer Menu
for more info: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=1380892415470857 

for menu check menu.ht http://www.menu.ht/EN/menu.php?restaurant=Aztec%20Fusion%20and%20Bar


By MYSTIQUE 

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The 3rd edition of Carnaval Des Fleur 2014 in Port-Au-Prince was held the 27, 28, and 29th of July.  But even before that, the weeks leading up to it, were full of parties, fashion shows,and lots of other pre-naval activities. This year's theme was "Se La Pouw La" "You have to be there"

Being born and raised in New York, I often enjoyed traveling to Haiti just for carnival.  It was a time of fun, letting go, catching up with friends, and definitely getting some R&R beach-time.  Having lived in Haiti for almost a decade now, carnival has another feel to it now.  I now wonder the necessity and the effects of having carnival twice a year, in a country still recovering from the repercussions of the 2010 earthquake. Where is the money coming from? Who is it really benefiting? It is said that, 80% of the funds for organizing the event were provided by the private sector and 20% by the Haitian government.  The budget for Carnival 2013 was 97 thousand Haitian gourdes (approximately $2138.674USD).*

This year I thought about sitting carnival out. Indeed I did, for the most part, I spent some time out of the city and all the bashment and enjoyed one of Haiti's treasure, the beautiful pristine and peaceful ocean.  

Having a group of friends come in for carnival, I allowed myself to be talked into going on the third and final day. The National Police announce that they would be mobilizing 5000 officers to assure crowd security during the event.*  The crowds have grown so much, that this year I decided not to chance it, but to stay in the stands. I indeed had a good time, as I always do with my friends.  The music was good and loud, the bands colorful and entertaining, but I had been here before.  It was the same old carnival I had just assisted 5 months before in Gionaves.

That last day, we stayed out on Champs Mars to see the last float go by and to watch the sun rise. It was amazing, but I think, my last time at this rode.   


















Carnaval des Fleurs (VIDEO)

                                           

                                           

All pics by: H Mystique Inc. 
*Reference
Haiti Press Network
Signal FM

By MYSTIQUE 

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Spent the after noon sharing beauty secrets and learning the many uses of Palma Christi: Haitian Black Castor Oil with Yve-Car Momperousse, one half of the dynamic duo behind the organic and socially conscious hair and beauty company Kreyol Essence; authentic products 


"Kreyol Essence endeavors to create jobs in Haiti. The popularity of Haitian Black Castor Oil and KE  products will also help to stimulate Haiti’s economy by stimulating its GDP; the country has had a trade deficit for decades. Kreyòl Essence, at its core, is an agribusiness."  




For more on Kreyol Essence check them out on Facebook or at: www.kreyolessence.com


By MYSTIQUE 

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My article on Jimmy Jean-Louis made the front page! Check out this week's Lakay Weekly!


Best known for his roles on TV and in the movies, actor Jimmy Jean-Louis arrived in Haiti on Sunday for a different role.  Jean-Louis is Goodwill Ambassador for Pan-American Development Foundation (PADF).  PADF, one of the oldest NGOs in Haiti, has been working for the last 30 years on implementing projects addressing immediate emergency needs.  As ambassador, Mr. Jean-Louis, travels the world to raise awareness among Haitians, the diaspora, Congress, and many others about child exploitation.  He also feels that he is an ambassador for Haiti, hoping to change some of the negative stereotypes and views that may have about Haiti and to help them see the Haiti that he loves.  One of the reason he is very proud of his role as Toussaint Louverture, in the film about the Haitian hero’s life.  As he speaks of Haiti, you can see the young boy who grew up here, moved away to pursue a dream, but who never forgot.  “Haiti is in me”, he says, touching his heart.   

Jean-Louis’ stay is short, but his itinerary is quite packed.  He will be revisiting some of PADF projects started after the earthquake, such as reconstruction in the Delmas 32 area and Haiti’s first tablet makers, Surtab; a success story with their LEAD program. 

Jean-Louis is also President and founder of Hollywood Unites for Haiti, a non-profit named after a soccer team he played for in Los Angeles called Hollywood United Football Club.  Originally it was created to promote sports and cultural activity, but after the 2010 earthquake, the objectives were widened to include efforts to help rebuild.  One such example is a rural schoolhouse they helped rebuild after it was destroyed in the earthquake, and another in Petion-Ville’s Cadet area.  The school is completely powered by solar energy and provides free education to over 100 children. The foundation has partnered with The Heart Fund, to draw attention to the issue of health care access and heart disease prevention. Together they bring heart specialist to Haiti to provide care and perform difficult surgeries in partnership with local clinics and doctors.    

With all he has going on, I asked Mr. Jean-Louis what he had planned next.  He rattled off a long list of upcoming projects and other things he would like to do.  Finally he just sighed, took a deep breath as if calculating it all and said, “It’s hard to pin point exactly what’s next, I just know that I will be here and helping Haiti”.




See what Haitian Actor Jimmy Jean-Louis tells me about what's next for him in Haiti.  

                                   

Mr. Jean-Louis will also be meeting with the Miss Haiti organization.  The actor will be hosting the Miss Haiti Pageant being held on September 6, 2014.  

He is currently working on a personal documentary film about his homeland.  Also, expect to see him in the new series Extant starring Halle Berry.

For more info on Jimmy Jean-Louis:
https://twitter.com/haitianhero
https://www.facebook.com/pages/Jimmy-Jean-Louis/107405112616067?ref=ts&fref=ts



By MYSTIQUE 

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Bel Kreyol of the day is Haiti's own, Eunide Edouarin, better know as Princess Eud.

Eud is one of the best know female rappers in Haiti. Her talent, drive and natural beauty has gotten her recognized as a serious contender in a male dominated industry.  
She started off as part of the rap group, Le Tribu de Job, and featured on collaborations with industry shakers like Izolan. It quickly became obvious that the composure-lyricist was a voice to be heard.  

Through a blossoming solo-career, Princess Eud travels nationally and internationally, rhyming and promoting Haiti through her positive lyrics of the country she loves and life from a young Haitian woman's perspective.  
And this little pint-sized princess, is not letting anything get into her way, recently adding designer to her long list of accomplishments.  

As a young woman, Princess Eud is a positive roll model and motivation for a lot of the youth in Haiti, a place where some have no voice.  Princess Eud is that voice.  



LATEST VIDEO
Princess Eud & Ded Kra-z Feat Queen B - Pa Kite Mwen [2014]
                   

By MYSTIQUE 

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