We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Stephanie Pierre . We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Stephanie below.

Hi Stephanie , thanks for joining us today. What’s been the most meaningful project you’ve worked on?

While I’ve had the pleasure of producing many events that were meaningful, producing the first ever Haitian Heritage Parade in NYC has to be the most memorable. As a proud daughter of Haitian Immigrants, it was such a proud moment to produce a large scale cultural event that resonated with so many people all over the world! Many in attendance were in tears as they watched Haitian culture in its full glory parade down Central Park West. The parade is still making waves internationally and came at a time when Haiti’s current global narrative has broken more hearts than it has inspired hope. I’d like to think that the parade has created an opportunity for Haitians everywhere to remember the Island’s history and it’s inherent beauty especially in the face of the current issues plaguing the island.

As always, we appreciate you sharing your insights and we’ve got a few more questions for you, but before we get to all of that can you take a minute to introduce yourself and give our readers some of your back background and context?

The Melanin Project specializes in creating connections that add value through place activation, storytelling, and creative direction. As a Black women owned experiential and creative consultancy, we concept event-centric storytelling spaces and provide creative direction and strategy for businesses, artists, and professionals. We are especially eager to serve members of the BIPOC community.

Is there something you think non-creatives will struggle to understand about your journey as a creative?

In my opinion the biggest misunderstanding that non creative professionals have is that the ability to create and the very “creations” themselves are accessible “on demand”. Sure, the business aspect of creative work may call for something to be created on a deadline and by certain standards, however the very process of creation does not work like that. Much of the creative process is intuitive and experimental. It takes a tremendous amount of brain power and energy to concept, create, share, and repeat. The best way to work with a creative professional is to first ensure that you are well resourced so that you can provide ample tools, time, and assistance to support said creative on a project. Adequate compensation is also major key! Starving artists should be a thing of the past and organizations that are looking to work with creatives should have the basic understanding that the better supported the artist, the better the quality of work. As a creative, it took me a long time to accept this truth for myself and to build the courage to demand adequate and timely compensation. When I realized that the work I created was making money hand over fist for other people while I struggled to pay my own bills, the resentment and frustration I harbored created a huge artistic block for me. Releasing that and voicing my value has changed that dynamic significantly.

Any advice for managing a team?

As it relates to managing a team, everyone must share not only the same value system but also ownership in the project. It’s human nature to want to do your best on something you feel personally connected to. Ensuring that your team can see how they grow individually by participating in the group work is major key and activates their own intrinsic motivation to do their best. As for external motivation, adequately incentivizing your team equivalent to the work they produce and recognizing when they go above and beyond is a great way to start. The little moments matter too. Sometimes an email recognizing how they have grown or how much a skill they possess has helped goes a long way.

Contact Info:

• Website: www.themelaninproject.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/themelaninproject/?hl=en
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-pierre-mba-59581122/

Image Credits
Photo 1 “Altar” by Marleen Moise @solelycreating for The Melanin Project’s production of Erol Josue’s performance of “Pelerinaj” at The Brooklyn Museum. Photo 2 “Drums” by Marleen Moise @solelycreating for The Melanin Project’s production of Erol Josue’s performance of “Pelerinaj” at The Brooklyn Museum. Photo 3: “Rara” by Stephanie Keith of Brooklyn Magazine for The Melanin Project’s production of “Rasin @ The Junction” a roots concert in honor of Haitian Heritage Month 2022 Photo 4: “The Inaugural Haitian Heritage Parade in Central Park NYC” by Frantz Norme **Personal Photo** by Marleen Moise @solelycreating for The Melanin Project’s production of Erol Josue’s performance of “Pelerinaj” at The Brooklyn Museum.