We’re looking forward to introducing you to Ms Stessie Marcson. Check out our conversation below.
Hi Stessie, thank you so much for taking time out of your busy day to share your story, experiences and insights with our readers. Let’s jump right in with an interesting one: What’s more important to you—intelligence, energy, or integrity?
Energy.
Energy is felt through everything you do, and it’s in everything you stand for. There have been moments where I wish I did and said more but lately I’ve been giving myself .. and frankly the people around me grace for living and learning. Honoring and being proud of yourself is shown in everything you do. Intelligence and Integrity seeps through Energy. Knowing you make Wise and Pivotal decision brings peace. Being intentional and discipline makes it easy to stand for something.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
Hello,
My name is Stessie Marcson and I am a Fashion Designer and Visual Merchandiser.
I am known by my Alias “Yung Stess” but at home my love ones call me Dodo.
Club Tropicana is a collection near and dear to my heart, it presents the Joie de Vivre that lives in Haiti.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What part of you has served its purpose and must now be released?
This previous year in particular, I have learned a great deal about my dos but mainly my DONT’S. That has reflected in my relationships, friendships and the environments I’m willing to stay in.
In my last interview I mentioned feeling like the black sheep, but I now use clear separation to my advantage. The part of me that has served its purpose and must now be released is accepting only what’s being presented to me. I had to release the part of me that expected less for myself because it’s the “norm”.
What have been the defining wounds of your life—and how have you healed them?
My intense inability to conform has been the defining wound of my life. Conforming, more specifically for other’s comfort has been something i’ve dealt with my entire life. Whenever I mentioned my aspirations to others, they always give me a look of “aw, how cute”. That took a huge toll on me, it made me feel the need to always tone it down and make things digestible for the sake of others.
At now 27 years old, I have healed from those wounds by simply executing the things I envisioned. By making myself proud day after day, I have built the confidence to continue pursuing what seems indigestible to others. It is far from perfection but at the very least it’s an attempt. You can easily be swayed and stay in the box others have built for you.
I now find freedom in being underestimated, there’s joy after executing something that seemed far fetched.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Being true to self is something I protect at all costs. I was born en Haiti and lived there until I was 9 years old. I have always been myself, I’m always exuberant and joyous. Coming to the US was definitely a cultural shock. My etiquette wasn’t the norm, neither was the way I spoke and certainly not how I dressed. There has been many times where I was made to feel less than for being Haitian but inevitably it’s who I am to the core. It’s deep in my beliefs, values and Views. It reflects in minor things like the vibrant colors in my closet to the many rings on my finger. The island life showed me that exuberance is something to be protected. I remain true to my core regardless of perception,
because what’s the point of life if YOU aren’t truly living?
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. When do you feel most at peace?
I feel most at peace while sewing and creating, my intention is to always create with purpose. Something the masses cannot do without! Silly and small things spark joy in others and it makes me feel at ease knowing it can come from my creations.
I am wrapping up a Resort RTW collection. It’s more like an exclusive club. ( CLUB TROPICANA ) . it is a direct reflection of my views and upbringing. It features vibrant fabrics and fun silhouettes that reflects the “peninsula” life in Haiti. It isn’t something that was done on a whim, I’ve taken my time to truly showcase pieces that will stay on everybody’s mind and hopefully in their closet!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://Yungstess.com
- Instagram: @yungstess.studio
- Other: Yungstess@gmail.com for any inquiries.
Image Credits
Vintage travel Advertiser “ Start of the Caribbean”
@yungstess.studio IG
