Up Close and personal with Stephane Achille

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“I have been told that I don’t look Haitian which breaks my heart sometimes because my whole family looks like me and we don’t know any other country, just Haiti. I know our ancestry goes back to other ethnicities but the fact remains that I am a Haitian woman, a black woman….”

 

AC- Tell me a little something about your background.

I was born in Haiti. Both my parents were born in Haiti. my mother’s ancestry is a bit diverse as her mother is of Spanish descent and her father of French descent. I really cherish my rich and culturally diverse background which we all have as Haitian people.

 

AC- What or who has inspired or been a big influence in your life?

I would have to say my grandmother Madeleine Perez. she was the mayor of a city in Haiti named Jacmel for nearly 40 years and she raised my sister & I. her leadership style is what I mimic today because she illustrated to me that you did not have to be mean or act tough to be a good leader. She was humble, beautiful, classy, poised and very eloquent. She framed my outlook in life and has been the biggest influence on my life.

 

AC- Tell me a quote you live by and why? If any.

There are so many but one of my favorites is :” the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting a different result” by john Hagee ( from john Hagee ministries) where I attended church while in college in san Antonio Texas. The reason is so simple. It makes sense and it’s our downfall. You have to do something to cause a reaction. Seldom can you just stay stagnant & cause change. In other words if you don’t like your job, go to school & become what you want and then do it! Which leads me to Nike’s quote: “just do it” I’m a huge advocate for change so i keep it moving…. Lol

 

AC- What do you like to do during your spare time? Hobbies? Your mostmemorable childhood memories in Haiti? Favorite Haitian food?

I pamper myself in my spare time. I have to have my eyebrow perfectly arched and my hair perfectly layered and my nails done. Everything about me is natural and real…everything!

 

I get a massage twice a week and sometimes I feel guilty for all the pampering but that’s what keeps me happy. I spent time with my nephew Kevin one of my favorite people, I do lunch with my bff and I talk on the phone I don’t think I ever get off the phone. I’m either on the phone, on the computer, texting. Dear god! I keep stress to a minimum in my life.

 

My most memorable childhood memories are of attending school in the prestigious Sainte rose de Lima in Haiti otherwise known as “Lalue”. we were a group of girls who spoke a certain way and acted a certain way and you didn’t have to say you attended “Lalue” people just knew it by the way we walked and talked and all the shenanigans we did just to order our food (for example)!

 

Then there was life in Jacmel on the weekend with my grandmother. She hired a “Gouvernante” Madame Robillard, whom I’ve lost along the way to help raise my sister and I. we had great times in Jacmel, at the beach eating “Pisquett” which are little tiny fish. We ate a lot of sea food since we were a coastal town. My grandmother was very giving so we were always helping the less fortunate; our home was always packed with children. Whenever someone could not take care of their kids they dropped them off to her. Needless to say we grew up with a lot of people around us but under strict supervision. But sadly, my grandmother died in 1996. She will be greatly missed and her legacy lives on in me! Now people drop their kids off to me.

 

AC- Do you know how to cook? If so, what do you enjoy cooking the most? Least?

I’m an excellent cook! I love cooking. I would cook every meal everyday if I could. I love Mexican food and of course Haitian food is my favorite cuisine; I cook both all the time. I am not big on stews like soups and bouillon (Bouyon). When I cook a really interesting meal I take a picture of it and text it to everyone who subscribes to “look what’s for dinner today” it’s my own way of bragging about what a great cook I am! but when I go out I prefer Japanese cuisine because it is so romantic, complicated and I love it.

 

AC- What Haitian morals and values were taught in your home as a child that you’ve kept and passed on to others around you?

I am of very high moral and ethical values which is reinforced in my life everyday in my career as a registered nurse.

 

I was raised by the very best family and under the best circumstances a little girl could have. For that, I am blessed. I’m very old fashioned and believe that a relationship has to have a goal you’re trying to reach. I don’t date just for the heck of it. My Haitian family always asked: so what are his intentions dating you.

 

I think women have to keep their bodies and their souls as pure as possible until marriage. Sometimes we all fall short of the glory but so long as that’s the gold standard in your life than you are in the right direction. When I become a mother I will pass this on to my children.

 

Also the importance of Education and of higher learning to ensure a brighter future. Let’s not forget books! I have read over a thousand books. I am the product of everything I’ve read and of all the experiences that I have learned along the way. Good and bad I embrace all of my experiences and there is always a lesson to be learned.

 

AC- What would you like the readers to know about you? What makes you happy? How do you stay fit? ( Only answer this IF you’re comfortable with sharing with the readers: Status? If single, why? What do you look for in a man?) Favorite color?

I’d like the readers to know that as a model and a registered nurse, I try to represent my country with pride, honor and elegance. I am so grateful for being embraced by my Haitian community. For allowing me to give back and to have a voice to make a difference in our community.

 

I have been told that I don’t look Haitian which breaks my heart sometimes because my whole family looks like me and we don’t know any other country..just Haiti. I know our ancestry goes back to other ethnicities but the fact remains that I am a Haitian woman, a black woman.

 

I am happiest when I am spending time with the ones I love. I am trying to be as candid as I can with you in order to give you a little more insight on your beauty of the month which is a huge honor for me.

 

As far as keeping in shape, this is a huge problem because I try my best to hit the gym at least a few times a month but the motivation is not there because I am just so happy in my skin.

 

I have a beautiful woman’s body but for health reasons we must all make the effort. I’m just like most people I have to drag myself to the gym. But I will make that special effort this year for sure! I have a very busy lifestyle. I’m always on the go so if that’s not exercise, I don’t know what is! I eat a very healthy diet for the most part.

 

My favorite color is pink but you can’t always rock the pink! You gotta have guts.

 

One thing I want your readers to know is that I am very approachable, the very opposite of “stuck up” and a real down to earth girl. I have been told that I missed my calling in standup comedy because I’m very witty and I have jokes!

 

I am very charming and always get what I want on my own merits! I am fearless, daring and very transparent. It makes life worth living and makes relationships authentic.

 

I was blessed with this face and I cherish it rather than exploit it.

 

I’d like to thank Amour Creole magazine for bestowing this great honor upon me. I hope you enjoyed reading this and please do not hesitate to visit me and sign my guest book at:

 

http://www.stephaneachille.com/index.cfm?mid=11071&action=GuestBook&open

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