What I love about the International pageant is the fact it’s a platform base. Meaning you have to show leadership in the community by either solving an issue or bring awareness to cause. The beauty is that each contestant chooses their own platform. We make sure it is a cause that they are passionate about. Regardless they win the big crown or not, they will still be able to continue their platform work. This is a system that strengthen our community.
MizCEO: Tell us about your business?
Since I was 12 years old, I have been helping unfortunate kids by paying for their school back home in Haiti. My parents who live in the USA while I was in Haiti, used to send me money every month. Instead of spending their hard earned money, I would literally help family that can’t send their kids to school. Fast forward few years ago, a friend of mine advise me to do the pageant. I was like, no thank you, pageant is not for me. She explained all the activist work that I am doing in the community and helping kids are part of a beauty queen. She got me thinking. I told her I will research it. I did and in 2012 I became Miss Haiti, a privilege that I was bless to serve my beloved country as an ambassador. Instead of continue letting the light shine in me. I asked myself how can I help other women get in the same light that I am, that they would not otherwise have.
God say my child, your wish is my command and just like that without any real hard effort on my part, I was chosen to be the director of Haiti International Pageant, which consist in 4 different franchises. ( Mrs. Haiti mean the women are married, Miss Haiti mean young adult 19 to 30 years old, Teen which is more junior high and high school age 13 to 18 years old and last but not least Ambassador Ms. For the ladies that are either divorce, widow, single, and over the age of 30). I was so excited but I have no idea how to run a whole production. English is not my first language, therefore I spent a tremendous amount of my time in the library in weekend reading books to perfect my English. I remember a quote from Richards Branson “If somebody offers you an amazing opportunity but you are not sure you can do it, say yes – then learn how to do it later!”
MizCEO: What advice would you give to that person whose business is no doing so great and wants to give up?
Change your model! Get a mentor! Invest in yourself. Remember to be an engineer you have to go to school for 4 years and that don’t count the summer school lol! It takes a business 7 years to flourish. Education is the key! Learn, fail! Keep learning and you will win.
MizCEO: What is your take on #collaborationovercompetition?
You will never win if you are competing with others. For me I wasn’t raise that way. I learned to compete with your mind. By pushing yourself to the limits.
MizCEO: What is the one thing that you know for sure?
Aint no mountain too high for me to climb. God will never let me carry any weight too heavy that he knows I can’t carry. He loves me too much. Meaning there is no dream too big for me.
MizCEO: What is the greatest lesson that you have learned in ministry/business?
I also learn helping others is helping yourself. My biggest lesson so far.
The second biggest one is “Do not let unqualified people discredit you”
Follow Hermanie:
Instagram: @misshaitiintlus
Twitter: @misshaitiintlus
Facebook: Hermanie Pierre
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