My colors at the Pink Palace in Bermuda

September 10, 2019 in TRAVEL

rom the inside, the historic walls of the Princess Hamilton are adorned with an iconic art collection that includes original artwork from artists such as Andy Warhol, Nelson Mandela, Bansky, among many others. And from the outside, the majestic pink walls stand tall and make the perfect backdrop for a serious collection of plants and flowers where tiny lizards live happily. I tried to focus and indulge in the beauty that surrounded me. To be present. And thankful. To not think too much of the travel ahead, my connecting flights, the work that awaited back home, the surgery…

All photos taken at CASA CARTEL; Creative Direction by me; Photography by Jana Cantua

A spring full of print and color

April 12, 2019 in STYLE

This spring, I’m all about flowy dresses, dancing barefoot, and stepping out in statement mules. I’ve been keeping my hair in braided extensions. They’re great for easy updos, and headwrap styles. They’re also perfect for adding drama to my fancy dance moves, that often include shaking my head, shimmying, and a little hip shaking. OK, maybe they’re not that fancy, but they’re pretty fun!

Five Tips for Female Creatives of Color

March 18, 2019 in ENTREPRENEURSHIP

In the past few years, I’ve been really intentional about where I spend my money. From random TaskRabbit* hourly projects to finding photographers, graphic designers and makeup artists for my campaigns, I typically go out of my way to hire a woman of color. A bunch of the art that fills my home are from black women artists, and I do most of my splurging on black designers ( that’s a whole other topic with lots of photos to come!). And through my extensive research and support of these amazing women entrepreneurs and businesses, I’ve noticed two things:

They undervalue their goods or services.
They’re uncomfortable with giving their rates when approached about a project. They give me the runaround, which gives me (the client) too much to worry about, and so I find another person or solution because often, I have a strict deadline.

A Fanm Djanm Popup at SXSW

March 11, 2019 in ENTREPRENEURSHIP

This past weekend, I had to pleasure of speaking and displaying my company at South by Southwest’s International Women’s Day celebration in Austin, TX. It was one of the biggest events we had ever participated in so I wanted to make it special and to push myself to do something I had never done before. I designed my very first set and contracted artist and self proclaimed, modern day renaissance man, Moyo to help me bring it to life. I selected and hired two delightful, brilliant women (Alexandra and Cassie) to be the brand’s ambassadors, and I delivered a solo talk about building self confidence. It was a long twelve-hour work day, but I got to hug, meet, and celebrate so many amazing women.

Red this holiday season

December 10, 2018 in STYLE

I’ve been called “extra” many times before I even realized or maybe accepted that I was. So when Intermix asked me to choose a look for the holiday season, I selected this multilayered bright red two piece work of art by AMUR. When asked where or what occasion I’d wear it to, I answered: The real question is where could I NOT wear this look? I would wear this to eat dinner with my husband for his birthday. Or I would call some friends and tell them that we’re going out for fancy cocktails and dinner, and yes, I would arrive in this ensemble. I’d even wear this to take myself to the ballet and book a table for ONE at one of my favorite French restaurants in New York. But, since we’re talking about the holiday season, I’d wear this to dinner for NYE too.

My Truth, My Colors, My Layers

November 22, 2018 in MOTHERHOOD

This is my current body. At nine months postpartum, without my layers and colors, I look like I’m twenty-five to thirty weeks pregnant. I have to look at this frame in the mirror everyday, and get familiar with the stretch marks and the lumps. I have the accept the marks as part of my growth and journey. They will forever remind me of the fight I went through to keep Zuli safe inside of me. They will forever remind me of my strength. They are lines of the purest love. And I believe they are the greatest example of what life is all about. Beautiful. Raw. Unapologetic. But underneath these lines of strength, love, and life, live nine uterine fibroids and signs endometriosis.

Autumn with Anthropologie

November 21, 2018 in STYLE

Aight, so boom! I was minding my business one day, and Anthropologie slid in my DMs and asked me if I wanted to be best friends. I was excited about the offer, but I couldn’t really show my eagerness so I responded: It depends… Are there perks to this friendship? All jokes aside, I was ecstatic to partner with Anthropologie to put together five colorful looks for fall. I live in Austin now, and we have MONTHS of fall unlike my old city, New York City. So hunny, I’m serving: eclectic librarian and cat lover, colorful gangster who helps the elderly, romantic dame, sultry art director on a Friday night, and soulful reader and tea connoisseur.

Three Ways to Style Your Jewelry This Fall

November 12, 2018 in STYLE

Fall is my favorite season. It’s the perfect time to play with layers, textures, and statement jewelry. I simply can’t resist a good pair statement earrings! I selected some stunning pieces from KENDRA SCOTT, and even challenged myself with getting some dainty options, like the CROWLY NECKLACE. I decided to use all of the gifted jewelry and styled them THREE different ways for completely different occasions.

White Combat Boots

September 17, 2018 in STYLE

White shoes have always been a favorite before they became trendy. And to me, combat boots are a wardrobe classic, just like the denim jacket, the black turtleneck, and the gray blazer. When Frye reached out with the their new lookbook, I spotted these white combat boots, and I was ecstatic! I’m particularly enamored by the fact that they lace up all the way without the zipper on the side, and the shade of white is perfect. I knew I could play with them all fall/winter all the way through spring. The shade white is both refreshing and unexpected.

Not Today Susan

September 01, 2018 in STYLE

Sometimes, you're sitting down with your family to have dinner, and you make eye contact with a random woman. She smiles at you, and you smile back. Then she comes closer and keeps smiling without saying a word. So you look at your baby, your mom, take a quick look around for your husband who went to look for another table because someone was smoking near you. Because you were sitting outside, and it's Texas. And your eyes go back to the woman who somehow got even closer with her frozen smile and empty eyes. So finally you say, "hello." Then she squats down beside you, puts her hand on your shoulder, and says, "I just want to say that WE LOVE YOU HERE."

Conversation with a cloud

August 12, 2018 in STYLE, POETRY, STORY TELLING

I had a conversation with a cloud once.
I asked: Where are you going?
She said: Who knows? Just passing.
I said: Me too.

Here Comes the Sun

August 07, 2018 in STYLE, MOTHERHOOD

Together, Zuli and I spent one hundred and forty days in the hospital this year. The day before I was admitted in the hospital, I spent most of it vomiting and feeling nauseated, lightheaded. It was a cold day in January, and I was scheduled to speak on a panel at the WeWorks in downtown Austin about social media and branding with Planoly. I came close to cancelling it, but I convinced myself I would feel better once I had my headwrap and bright lipstick on. I mustered all the energy I had, got ready, and showed up.

My Work Should Not Have to be Cheap

July 31, 2018 in STYLE

When I started Fanm Djanm, if my goal was to get rich and scam people, I would have quit four years ago. Starting a business from nothing is incredibly hard. Especially if the business involves art and creativity. Especially if the founder is black. And young. And a woman. You will find people laugh at you (at first). They will say "no" before you even get a chance to present your work. Then they will be inspired, and ask you all kinds of questions about your business. Then some will copy.

Basket Case

July 23, 2018 in STYLE

So I may or may not have too many basket bags. I will neither confirm or deny. They are definitely a summer staple, and I can already see how they will work into my fall and winter wardrobe. Yes, I plan on wearing some of them with plaid suits and suede boots. DON'T COME FOR ME! Isn't fashion about having fun and expression one's self anyway?

Stay Pregnant Pao

July 15, 2018 in MOTHERHOOD

She was born thirteen minutes after the hour on a Thursday morning. I wish I could say I knew what the sky looked like. And that it was a sunny day with scattered fluffy clouds. That the birds were singing. And beautiful wild flowers danced in vast fluffy, colorful fields with the help of a gentle breeze. And butterflies came to our window to welcome her. That I was surrounded by loved ones. And sweet melodies played in the background as I pushed and pushed and pushed. That I held her immediately afterwards, exhausted, eyes filled with happy tears. But none of that happened. I was unconscious. Something had gone horribly wrong.

Choosing Color with Hue

November 16, 2017 in STYLE

One thing that always seems to get me out of my funk is dressing colorfully. I love to mix it, match it, block it, or pop it! It’s all part of the fun for me. In high school I was often teased because of my colorful choices. Now not only do they lift me up, I get to partner with wonderful brands like HUE to express myself as boldly as I choose! I picked four items from their fall campaign and decided to put together four completely different looks around them. Each look, somewhat different, represents a creative side of me. And they all make me feel a certain way while wearing them: Boss Pao, Curious Pao, Sassy Pao, and Chic Pao.

My take on second-hand shopping

October 25, 2017 in STYLE

What would you say if I told you everything I'm wearing in this look with the exception of my jewelry and socks were second-hand purchases? I've always been into thrift and consignment shopping. That's why I think I've been able to add character to my overall personal style. I'd often mix those pieces with basics I'd get from Uniqlo, American Apparel, or trendier pieces from Zara and other affordable brands. For the past few years, (and it might be because I've hit my thirties) I've been shopping less at stores known for making fast fashion, and I've been focusing on building a nice collection of classic and quality wardrobe.

On The Map: Sharing My Story with Western Union

October 19, 2017 in ENTREPRENEURSHIP

I am a creative director and founder of Fanm Djanm, a lifestyle brand dedicated to celebrate strong women everywhere. Western Union engaged me to participate in their “On the Map with Western Union” program where they are exploring the inspiration and innovation that different heritages inspire. I’m sharing how my culture inspires my work and creativity.

Up a steep hill in Petion-Ville, just a few minutes away from the Saint Jean Bosco church, stood a two-story house that came with a tropical almond tree leaning proudly on its side, and many, many colorful secrets. Number 10 was the address of that house. It was the home of many loud, sassy, and strong women.

Five Packing Tips with Away Giveaway

August 22, 2017 in TRAVEL, GIVEAWAYS

I'm on the road a lot these days. Between weddings, brand partnerships, and going back and forth between Austin and New York City, to say that I'm living in my suitcase would be an understatement. In case you have not caught up yet, my husband and I moved to Austin a few months ago, but my office/Fanm Djanm studio is still based in New York City. And before you ask me "why", I already answered all of that here. So I find myself traveling once a month for at least one whole week. Not only is the constant traveling overwhelming, packing is also one of my least favorite things to do.

A Style Journal from New Orleans

August 16, 2017 in TRAVEL, STYLE

I finally made it to New Orleans. And I fell in love with her colors. We hugged for a while. she welcomed me with open arms, and I got lost in her magic.