Meet Naomy Grand’Pierre of Natation Haiti & Æra Hope

Today we’d like to introduce you to Naomy Grand’Pierre.

Naomy, let’s start with your story. We’d love to hear how you got started and how the journey has been so far.
I was born in Montreal, Canada to Haitian parents. I grew up in Atlanta, GA and spent a good bit of my life trying to navigate my culturally split identity. At ten years old, I discovered my dream of competing at the Olympic Games as a swimmer but it wasn’t until I was 16 that I was ready to commit to the pursuit of this dream, and until 18 that I was firm in my identity as a Haitian American.

To become Haiti’s first female Olympic Swimmer, I put all other aspects of my life on hold to pursue and achieve this accomplishment. The journey was nine years in the making and played a pivotal role in my development and has made a massive impact not only on my life but on my family and my culture. It’s interesting because, at 22, I found myself wrestling with another battle of identity. I had spent so much of my life as an athlete that I forgot who I was outside of the sport. Learning when to move onto the next chapter of your life is always a difficult decision; that and an ongoing identity crisis makes it all the more difficult.

Yes, being an athlete is a huge part of my identity, but I also have a huge appreciation for the arts and entrepreneurship. I would attribute my parent’s Haitian culture and business mindset to be the biggest influencers in what shaped me into the person I am today. I feel that only now, at 23, am I able to step into who I am and create spaces that compliment my uniqueness. I am finally at peace in my skin and identity as a “third cultured kid” who’s visited almost 20 countries and can relate to everyone and no one simultaneously. I’ve created a unique fusion between my passions as an athlete, an influencer, an artist and an entrepreneur. I am creating my life and my reality to reflect and express the most authentic version of who I am.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My life has definitely been a roller coaster. Navigating my identity has been the most challenging aspect of my life. I think the most difficult part was understanding myself and how I relate to other people. For a while, I cared way too much about what other people thought of me. I struggled with this in middle school and high school and even in the early stages of my journey towards becoming an Olympian. I let other’s opinions and limitations define me.

Then I sort of blocked everyone out to do some soul searching and develop this “I don’t give a fuck” mentality. I am who I am and if you didn’t like it, then it wasn’t my problem. It was great to fall in love with myself, feel empowered and really believe that “I can do this regardless of what anyone else has to say.” It’s definitely how I was able to achieve the impossible and break barriers in the way that I did. I still had that vulnerable side that cared, but I blocked it out entirely. I’d say that mentality works very well in competitive settings or when things are going very well in life. But when you’re faced with your own dark side, not giving a fuck and blocking out vulnerability can become very dangerous and toxic very quickly.

I had to learn how to undo that mindset, deal with my vulnerability, my emotions, my hurt and let more people in. I think I am at a point now, where I want to care more about others in a way that is balanced and healthy. I want to open up and share my stories and my overall journey not to change any aspects of my own identity, but instead to help others become more authentic versions of themselves too; to set an example, in a way, that’s it’s okay to be vulnerable and share because while some people will judge, others will understand and empathize. And understanding and empathy is what we need more of in this world.

Please tell us about Natation Haiti & Æra Hope.
I am Haiti’s First Female Olympic Swimmer and am currently using my platform to grow awareness for the drowning problem in Haiti, promote sports development and manage the Haitian National Swim Team (Natation Haiti) as they qualify for the upcoming Olympic Games. I am an ambassador for athletes competing internationally as the UANA Athletes Representative – focused on improving the athlete experience, especially in Caribbean and African diasporas. I also serve as an ambassador for Haitian Excellence partnering with brands like Caribbean Apparel, Kreyol Essence and the She Builds Global Initiative.

In the past year, I have been developing my company Æra Hope – a creative incubator focused on creating a space where artists and entrepreneurs can authentically express themselves through different forms of art. I am currently based in Atlanta, offering marketing strategy consultation to local entrepreneurs. My long term vision is to be able to share and showcase my art expressions alongside others through Æra Hope to influence and inspire all who come across it.

Any shoutouts? Who else deserves credit in this story – who has played a meaningful role?
My parents and my family deserve most of the credit. I am who I am because of the sacrifices my parents made for me and the principles they’ve instilled in me. I’ve achieved all that I have because of the support system I have from my family. Family being my immediate blood but also my coaches, my friends and the community of people and organizations who stepped up to support my dream and my vision and who continue to do so. I am because we all are.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]

Image Credit:
Chokarella, Hakim Wilson and Naomy Grand’Pierre

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