By: Alex Popa
Fabiola Jean, born in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, and now residing in Florida, is a driven entrepreneur and dance instructor passionate about her heritage. Inspired by her mother, a strong woman who raised two children while running a business in a male-dominated field, Fabiola is committed to following in her footsteps.
Through her business, Dahomey Dance Center, she not only teaches dance but also works to strengthen the connection of young Haitians in the U.S. with their rich cultural roots.
Inspiration and Haitian Heritage
Fabiola’s upbringing in Haiti and her travels to Canada, France, and the United States have shaped her view of the world. She often contemplates Haiti’s unrealized potential, wondering why a nation with such a rich history and abundant resources struggles with political and social turmoil.
“It hurts my soul when I see how we’re treated by other nations, but more so, how poorly we treat each other,” she shares, expressing a deep desire for unity and progress among Haitians.
Her business, Dahomey Dance Center, is named after the ancient Dahomey Kingdom, highlighting her pride in African and Haitian heritage.
Education and careers
Fabiola earned a degree in Business Administration, specializing in entrepreneurship, from PUCMM (Pontificia Universidad Católica Madre y Maestra) in the Dominican Republic. Fluent in four languages, she has also trained as a public notary for the state of Florida. She currently works as a legal assistant at a law firm and, in addition to her day job, teaches dance and performs at various cultural events.
Although Fabiola has found success in her legal career and as a dance instructor, her ultimate passion lies in international commerce and marketing.
Accomplishments and goals
Among Fabiola’s greatest achievements is launching her own business and opening two dance school locations within a year. This rapid expansion is a testament to her determination and business acumen. Dahomey Dance Center is not just a business; it’s a platform for cultural education and community engagement. Fabiola collaborates with Haitian entrepreneurs, helping to boost national production and support local businesses.
Her future goals include expanding Dahomey Dance Center beyond dance instruction to encompass a broader range of cultural and educational activities. She also aspires to work with community entities to create opportunities for Haitian youth and improve the perception of Haitian culture abroad.
Giving back to the Haitian community
Fabiola is deeply committed to uplifting her community. She aspires to play a significant role in transforming the global perception of Haitians from negative stereotypes to a more positive, accurate portrayal.
Through Dahomey Dance Center, she provides young Haitians with a space to explore and celebrate their cultural heritage. Her ultimate goal is to inspire the next generation to embrace their roots and pursue their dreams.
Hobbies and favored activities
In her free time, Fabiola enjoys dancing, traveling, and exploring new crafts. She takes pride in using her platform to promote the beauty and authenticity of Haitian culture, dismantling misconceptions about practices like voodoo, and encouraging a deeper understanding of her heritage.
