Beauty and the Muse

LV: Give us a little bit of your background…

HP: I was born and raised in Haiti. I moved to the USA at a young age. I graduated from both High school and college in the United States. I am a civil engineer, a motivational speaker, Former Miss Haiti, young entrepreneur, spokesperson, President of National Society of Black engineer, and president of Toastmaster International in Arkansas. I was named “20s in their 20s most influential leaders in Arkansas” in 2013. And I am a believer in Christ.

LV: What was fashion like for you growing up?

HP: In Haiti, which is a former French colony, we adopt the French style. In general, I can relate to French fashion.

LV: When did you decide that you wanted to be involved in pageants?

HP: I started doing pageants in 2012 on the advice of a friend. As I became optimistic about it, I realized that pageants were not just about being physically beautiful but about having a heart, which is to me a must. The international pageant system is there to promote women doing amazing work in their communities.

LV: What magazines or campaigns have you been featured in?

HP: Rolling Stones, AASHTO, Arkansas Business, Miami Times, Haitian Times, LENOUVESLISTE, and LUNIONSUITE.

LV: What are some big projects you are working on currently?

HP: I am currently an engineer working on multi- million dollar projects. I am the 1^st Haitian-American to ever being on the cover of AASHTO in the country. After my successful appearance on the final of Miss International 2012, I have been holding the title of director of Haiti International Pageant to date. This year three of my titleholders will be competing for the title of Mrs. International, Miss International, and Miss Teen International in Jacksonville on July 25 to August 2, 2014. Finally, as a proud Haitian and with the love I have for my country, I am now the Spokesperson for an international initiative that is mobilizing resources necessary to support the Haitian national soccer team as they hope of reaching the world cup in 2018 in Russia.

LV: How would you describe your individual style?

HP: Very classy. I am very comfortable with many styles. I believe a woman can look good with anything she wears; all she needs to have is confidence.

LV: What advice would you give other women who are in your position or want to get to your position?

HP: First and foremost they need to have faith in God, be authentic, be disciplined, be ambitious, and last but not least, be confident.

LV: Leave us with an awesome quote.

HP: “Life is 10% what happens to me and 90% how I react to it.”- Charles R. Swindoll