By Martine St. Hilaire + Photos by @biggie_rasgraphix
Sandy Jean, a proud finalist in Haiti Open Magazine’s 2024 Hot 100 contest, embodies strength, resilience, and self-empowerment. Born in Brooklyn, New York, and currently residing in Long Island, Sandy has been shaped by her Haitian heritage and personal struggles. Today, she’s a full-time entrepreneur, notary public, licensed security guard instructor, and an officiant; but her path has been anything but easy. Through a commitment to personal growth and mental health, she has emerged stronger than ever, with a mission to inspire others, particularly within the Haitian community.
Finding Strength Within
Sandy draws her greatest inspiration from within herself. Her resilience in the face of adversity is what motivates her to keep pushing forward. “I am proud of you,” she says to her reflection, a daily affirmation that’s helped her navigate life’s toughest challenges. After experiencing trauma and grappling with mental health issues like high-functioning depression and panic attacks, Sandy embarked on a journey of self-discovery and healing. Her inner strength drives her personally and professionally.
As a Haitian, Sandy sees the world through a unique lens. Her time living in Haiti has taught her to appreciate even the smallest blessings, persevere in the face of adversity, and never take life for granted. The resilience and fortitude of the Haitian people continue to inspire her.
A Journey of Healing and Mental Health Advocacy
Two years ago, Sandy experienced her first panic attack, a terrifying event that marked the beginning of her mental health struggles. Diagnosed with high-functioning depression, Sandy found herself in a dark place, unsure how to move forward. Instead of succumbing to these challenges, she faced them head-on.
With therapy, Sandy began the difficult process of confronting her unresolved childhood trauma. “I had to heal my younger self, whose brokenness had silently lived within me for years,” she says. The process was painful but empowering. It allowed her to rebuild her life on a foundation of self-compassion and personal growth. Over the past two years, she’s dedicated herself to addressing trauma rather than burying it inside.
Her journey has reshaped her view of resilience. While society often celebrates resilience as the ability to keep going despite hardships, Sandy realized that true strength lies in acknowledging and working through pain. “I don’t want to be merely strong and resilient,” she says. “I want to cry, to feel, and to confront the issues that society has conditioned us to bury.”
Sandy realized that true strength lies in acknowledging and working through pain. “I don’t want to be merely strong and resilient,” she says. “I want to cry, to feel, and to confront the issues that society has conditioned us to bury.”
Giving Back to the Haitian Community
Sandy’s connection to Haiti runs deep. After the 2010 earthquake, which claimed the life of her grandfather, Sandy was determined to help. She quit her job and traveled to Haiti to distribute clothing and food to those in need. The experience was both heartbreaking and transformative and cemented her commitment to her people. The sights and sounds of the disaster — decaying bodies, destroyed buildings, children buried under rubble — were traumatic. But the 23-year-old Sandy knew she had to be there to support her community during one of its darkest times.
Sandy continues to dedicate herself to empowering her fellow Haitians, particularly young women entrepreneurs who, like her, have grappled with trauma. She believes in creating safe spaces where these women can heal and grow without shame or fear. By encouraging open conversations about mental health and self-improvement, she hopes to foster a stronger, more supportive community.
A Passion for Haitian Culture
Sandy’s love for her Haitian heritage is palpable. “I have a deep appreciation for the food, the music, the snarky phrases and comments, the language, and the beauty of its people,” she says. Her Haitian heritage is a source of immense pride for her, and she never misses an opportunity to celebrate the richness and resilience of her people. Haitian women, in particular, hold a special place in her heart. “Haitian women are incredibly beautiful,” she says.
Looking to the Future
In the years ahead, Sandy hopes to continue promoting mental health awareness, resilience, and community support for Haiti. She wants to inspire others to seek help when they need it, embrace their cultural heritage, and build a resilient, united community. Sandy’s ultimate goal is to boost mental health awareness and empower others to confront their challenges with strength and grace.
In her free time, Sandy enjoys spending time with her family, reading, learning new languages, and traveling. At age 37, she recognizes the importance of making time for what matters most and continually evolving as a person. Her journey may have been marked by hardship, but Sandy Jean stands as a beacon of hope, resilience, and empowerment for herself, her community, and the next generation of Haitian women.
