New York-based Dorshelle Guillaume is part a new wave of college students who are starting Youtube channels to explore their interests. A fashion designer, she’s formally studying fashion design at the Fashion Institute of Technology.
Her channel gives her followers updates on all the latest developments in the fashion world, including new products, fashion show events, sewing machine, and other beauty product releases. What sets Guillaume apart from other fashion gurus on Youtube is that her expertise as a fashion designer and her experience in the field gives her a pundit edge.
The daughter of Haitian immigrants has already earned a degree from the Fashion Institute of Technology, and is currently working on her next one. This is in addition to running her own self-named sleek fashion line.
Kreyolicious: What was it like growing up as a female of Haitian descent?
Dorshelle Guillaume: Growing up as a female of Haitian descent has been interesting yet difficult. I believe as a Haitian American female there is a lot of pressure on us from our culture. I believe we are told to look a certain way and act a certain way just because we are women.
That can be pretty frustrating. I believe we get treated differently and grow with stricter guidelines as opposed to the men in our culture. Other than that, I believe that it has been an enriching experience.
Being able to taste different foods, listen to the music from Haiti and even attend weddings and events as a Haitian American had been really culturally inspiring.
Kreyolicious: What made you start your channel?
Dorshelle Guillaume: I started my channel because I wanted access. I was tired of being stuck in my previous State and wanted to connect with more people and be sponsored by brands. I wanted to entertain but also help my audience.
However, I also wanted to reap the benefits of what having a Youtube channel offered. I wanted more access and exposure in order to change and advance my lifestyle in order to accomplish my long term goals.
Kreyolicious: I think there’s a certain isolation that comes with having a digital platform. You operate on a digital platform, and yet you have non-digital challenges. So many content creators experience depression, down moments. Is that the case with you?
Dorshelle Guillaume: I think everyone experiences those feelings or moments from time to time. However, for me, I don’t think it results to isolation.
In terms of feeling down I believe it happens from time to time because sometimes I tend to compare myself to others. I’ll see other Youtuber success and it can be kind of discouraging because I know I am not there yet.
Kreyolicious: If so, how do you handle it?
Dorshelle Guillaume: I’ve learned to use that as motivation to work on my content and create more. I realized that my only competition should be myself and I should only use others successes as motivation and inspiration for my own journey.
Kreyolicious: What would you say to someone who wants to start a Youtube channel?
Dorshelle Guillaume: Go for it! You literally have nothing to lose. I would just say to stay true to yourself but also realize that the whole world is watching.
Therefore, be careful with what you say and what you do because though there is a lot of benefits certain things can really hurt you in the end if you are not cautious.
Kreyolicious: You’re so creative in terms of your content. Have you ever had a creative block when trying to come up with content?
Dorshelle Guillaume: Yes! Sometimes I have no idea what to film and I have to just think of something on the spot. It’s not always easy, but I try to film videos that will be helpful to others as well as videos that I would like to watch if I was watching it on someones else’s channel.
Kreyolicious: You ever been to Haiti?
Dorshelle Guillaume: No. I have not, but I really want to go. Hopefully, I will be there sooner than later.
Kreyolicious: Where do you see your brand heading?
Dorshelle Guillaume: I see my brand growing for the future. I want to do more design videos as well as fashion and beauty. My main occupation and passion is fashion design so as a designer I want my Youtube to give special access and behind the scenes to me as a person.
I want to inspire people with my story and be that well rounded fashion guru.
Last Updated on November 10, 2023 by kreyolicious
