Today we’d like to introduce you to Emmanuel Dugard.
Hi Emmanuel, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Growing up in Port Au Prince, Haiti, appearance and how we carried ourselves were constantly emphasized by foreigners. As a child, my mother always reminded me of how I would grow up to be a handsome French gentleman, and although I didn’t always think about it, the importance of clothing and dressing well followed me everywhere. By the time I reached high school, I realized that caring about how I dressed daily could be a way to differentiate myself from others. I started putting together outfits almost every day, and people started noticing me.
My love for clothing went deeper than just wearing nice outfits. I grew up in church, so every Sunday, I dressed my very best. Wearing full suits and tuxedos made me feel professional and confident, and I loved it more than anything else. Despite my passion for dressing well, I never had the confidence to wear button-ups or suits to school, fearing that people would make fun of me. However, on the days when the school had a “Dress 4 Success” theme, I felt comfortable and happy to dress up.
After high school, I landed a job at Men’s Warehouse and Jos A Bank, where I soaked up as much knowledge as possible about fashion and styling. Eventually, I started creating online content for fashion brands, taking photos and videos in their clothing. Slowly but surely, I started to gain more followers and attract attention from brands such as Express, Azzaro, and Diff Eyewear.
In 2021, my work in the fashion industry really took off, and I began to work with even more brands. Despite having a relatively small following, I was able to leverage my passion and skills to secure exciting opportunities. Recently, I even started offering image consulting services, helping others to look and feel their best through their clothing choices.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Despite my success in the fashion industry, my journey has been anything but smooth, and I continue to face challenges on a daily basis. Some of the most significant obstacles I’ve encountered have been related to pursuing my dreams in the face of familial and financial pressures.
One of the most difficult moments in my journey was telling my parents that I was choosing to follow my own dreams rather than the path they had envisioned for me. As anyone from a foreign household can attest, this was not an easy decision to make.
Another major challenge has been funding my passion for fashion. In the beginning, I had to invest a lot of money in clothing in order to create content for brands, often without any guarantee that they would even notice me. When you’re just starting out in the industry, brands aren’t usually lining up to send you free stuff, and it can be hard to make when you’re self-funding everything. Despite this financial pressure, I remained committed to my dreams and worked tirelessly to build my brand and attract the attention of bigger players in the industry.
Finally, there is the mental battle that comes with chasing your dreams. It can be hard to keep pushing yourself forward when you don’t see immediate results, and it can be discouraging when your efforts don’t seem to be paying off. As Kevin Hart once said, “The hardest thing in the world is to get up every day and give it 100% and still be at the same position each day, but mentally know you’re trying your hardest.” This quote really resonates with me because it reminds me that success doesn’t come easily or quickly and that it takes real mental toughness to keep pushing forward even in the face of setbacks and challenges
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
As a content creator and image consultant, I take pride in helping men showcase their best selves. My area of expertise lies in suiting, and I am widely recognized for my impeccable dress sense. I share fashion tips and offer guidance on personal development through clothing. What sets me apart is that I am only 23 years old and hail from Haiti, the first black independent nation. I am passionate about presenting black men in the best light possible, defying the negative stereotypes that are often associated with them. This is the reason I ventured into the industry, and I am glad that I am just getting started. Coming from such a rich background imbues me with confidence and resilience, traits that are reflected in my work.
Are there any books, apps, podcasts or blogs that help you do your best?
The apps that currently help me the most are Notion, Google Calendar, and Pinterest. Notion helps me stay organized, and Google Calendar keeps me on track. I also have a long list of podcasts that I enjoy, but my top favorites are EYL, Secrets to Success Podcast, and The Roommates. Reading is also essential to me, and my current favorite books are “Atomic Habits” by James Clear and “As a Man Thinketh.” These resources help me maintain the right mindset to create and learn how to improve my finances. Once you start dressing well, you become more conscious of improving every aspect of your life.
Pricing:
- $150 Style Consultations
Contact Info:
- Website: https://bio.site/emmanueldugard
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@MeVSMe
Image Credits
Prisca – orange suit KJ Shade – personal photo Genesis Trofort- Jumpsuits Juanita Rachel- crossing street Randy- photo in field
