Allo Paola

I am a Haitian girl from a small town in Haiti leaving her mark in New York City. www.findingpaola.com

[allopaola]

Just when you start to doubt yourself, look in the mirror and say: I was made for this. I was made for this, baby. #findingpaola 📷@underground_nyc

[allopaola]

Promise me endless dates and romance. New Valentine's Day story headed on the blog soon! #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity 📷 @underground_nyc • Visit findingpaola.com to subscribe and keep up with all the happenings!

[allopaola]

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Just make it work, darling. #FindingPaola #PaolaSaysSo

[allopaola]

I wore an orange hat today. #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity (at Harlem)

[allopaola]

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Mood. #paolalostinnewyorkcity #findingpaola • Oh, and yes darlings. This headwrap is available at @fanmdjanm. Her name is Octavia, named after Octavia E. Butler, an acclaimed black science-fiction author.

[allopaola]

... You might find the night time The right time for kissin' But night time is my time For just reminiscin' Regrettin' instead of forgettin' With somebody else ................................................ Unless that someone is you I intend to be independently blue I want your love But I don't want to borrow To have it today to give it back tomorrow For your love is my love There's no love for nobody else ................................................. ................................................. My Saturday isn't complete without that song! I love Billy Holliday, but I prefer the Nina Simone version. What song can't you live without? #findingpaola 📷 @underground_nyc

[allopaola]

Here to stay, darling. #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity 📷 @underground_nyc (at Harlem)

[allopaola]

I notice this time of year, I get a lot of support from the Haitian community, and it makes me think more about what I can do to support Haitian art and culture. I first attended a @HaitiCulturalX event back in 2013, and it changed my life. Before becoming a member, it was difficult for me to find meaningful events that promoted Haitian arts. Ann Pale is one of my favorite event series hosted by the organization, where artists and entrepreneurs share theirs stories in an intimate, laid back environment. Through these series, I found my voice as a young creative person on the journey to self-discovery. This small but powerful organization provides amazing opportunities for Haitian artists both based in Haiti and abroad. I am proud to be a Haiti Cultural Xchange social-media ambassador because it takes a community to provide these opportunities. "Men anpil chay pa lou." Many hands lighten the load. Join me this holiday season in creating opportunities for more Haitian artists. #HCXStrong #Findingpaola #PaolaLostInNewYorkCity | Haiti Cultural Exchange was established to develop, present and promote the cultural expressions of the Haitian people. 📷@underground_nyc • 💄@tenelleveira

[allopaola]

Who else is in love with oversized sweaters? #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity 📷 @underground_nyc #thecutlife

[allopaola]

For me, the most important part of our wedding was the experience. Comfort is always key to everything that I do. I wanted my dress to be flowy and fun because I like to eat and move. I opted to remove my headwrap for the reception to show my short buzz cut and allow myself to dance without restriction. I only provided my bridesmaids with a color scheme and requested that they choose their own dresses, that way everyone could purchase something that they felt beautiful in, and that was within their budget. I chose the venue because it was a great vacation destination with plenty of on-site and offsite activities - my girls and I hung out at the spa, and my dad and a few friends even went ziplining! I wanted a venue where different people from different places could come together and still have a great time. In the end, I wanted a fun party where my husband and I would be surrounded by the people closest to us. And after I lost my voice for three days and one of my toes was numb for a week from dancing all night, I realized that I had achieved exactly what I envisioned. #paolalovestyler #findingpaola 📷 @alejandrocerdenawedding • Dress: @evelynlambert27 • headwrap: @fanmdjanm • Click link in bio for full wedding post. Findingpaola.com • Standing tall with... @aniaama @soukenarebel @rivanyri @kikabolinha @disabster (at Stowe Mountain Lodge)

[allopaola]

Almost three months ago, exactly one week before our eleventh-year anniversary, I married the love of my life. It was truly the most beautiful day of my life. It was everything I needed. It was everything I wouldn’t dare dream of as a child lost in the Haitian clouds. It was magical... Go to www.findingpaola.com to see full wedding post. #findingpaola #paolalovestyler • 📷 @alejandrocerdenawedding • Makeup: @laneamua

[allopaola]

A Kreyol girl living in a giant city, lost in and out of her Kreyol world. Her Kreyol earrings dangling free and proud. Her Kreyol songs leading her loud, Kreyol steps. Her Kreyol imaginations creating magical Kreyol dreams. She speaks Kreyol. Li pale Kreyol. #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity #haitianfairy #selfportrait #bijoulakay #fanmdjanm

[allopaola]

Dear friends, I'm beyond grateful with how well the poster/postcard #printforhaiti sale has been received. The prints (postcards at $5 and 11x17 posters at $25) are a reflection of my creativity and growth since I've started on my creative journey. These photos do not only represent creativity, but hard work and the true meaning of collaboration. I wouldn't have been able to complete them without my dear friends. All printing, labor, and shipping materials for these prints are covered by me. If you support my vision, please help me give back to my community. It also counts as a birthday gift! So far, with your help, we've raised over $1700 to benefit four #Haitian organizations that are doing fantastic work in Haiti. They will be mailed out starting next week, and I'll have a report of how much each organization received with a detailed list of all of those who supported. These postcards will also be available at our Cocktails and Headwraps event hosted by @fanmdjanm in November. I urge you to donate to @koretimoun @prodevhaiti @sowasees and @projectstanne directly if you're interested of supporting all the great work they have been doing before and post #hurricanematthew! Can't wait to share more!

[allopaola]

Find out how to win coffee with me, and check out the latest style post on www.findingpaola.com

[allopaola]

When I was a child, I was taught to hide my emotions. I couldn't show sadness. Only happiness. Sadness meant weakness. And being weak was no good. As I grew older, I realized that being strong wasn't about hiding your true emotions, it was about facing them. And if that meant crying, face the tears, heal and continue. I've been through a lot of emotions these past few months... Lots of learning and growing, and I'm forever grateful. I've updated the blog with a style post today. More to come! More than just "style". And of course stay tuned for some wedding stuff. I'll be talking about traditions I didn't follow, the things that truly mattered, and a few other surprises. Be sure to subscribe to be the first to know! WWW.FINDINGPAOLA.COM • #findingpaola #paolalostinnewyorkcity 📷 @wardrobebreakdown #accessoryfix

[allopaola]

Everyone kept saying how I was the most chill bride and they were waiting for bridezilla to come out. How could I? I had the best team both in front and behind the scenes. I've been with my husband for 11 years this upcoming Sunday. My dress was as comfortable and flowy as I dreamt (thanks @evelynlambert27 !)And these ladies mean so much to me. It was a true celebration. After all the stress and doubt, it all worked out. #PaolaLovesTyler #elevenyearslater #wedding 📷 @alejandrocerdena

[allopaola]

Because summer is not over and you need a gorgeous swimsuit! Enter giveaway: http://bit.ly/2bmX7Y6