More of My Story
Hey there, Silianise Moise
The living legend with a name so unique it’s like a VIP pass to the cool kids club! I mean, let’s be real, who needs a keychain with their name on it when they’ve got the entire Holy Bible legacy wrapped up in their last name? Move over, ordinary mortals – we’ve got a descendant of Moses in the house!
My godmother decided to spice things up by blending my mom’s name, Sylvana, into mine. So, while you won’t find Silianise on any cute keychains, I’ve got a name that’s as special as a unicorn in a field of horses. Who needs mainstream when you can have a name that’s practically a VIP pass to uniqueness?
Born and raised in the vibrant land of Haiti until sweet sixteen, I’ve been the enigma in high school, the foreign flavor in a sea of familiarity. Growing up in Haiti, I learned that self-worth and self-esteem were like precious jewels guarded by layers of parental love and sternness. The students had a lot to say about me and my little sister in high school, Why bother with conformity when you’ve got A’s to chase and dreams to catch?
Sure, people had things to say, but I was too busy making a living after school to pay them much mind. Work wasn’t just a chore; it was a choice, a step towards financial freedom so I could buy the cool stuff I actually wanted.
Who needs a cup with their name on it when you’ve got the whole world waiting to know your story?
WHAT WERE YOU LIKE GROWING UP?
Let’s take a wild U-turn back to my childhood adventures in Haiti! Hahaha… Ah, the epic saga of my pint-sized CEO days in Haiti, where diaper changes and milk breaks were my daily grind. I was practically born with a purse in hand, ready to conquer the toddler business world. Move over, corporate giants; the real player was navigating the intricate world of 401(k) plans before even learning to walk! Well… I was basically a pint-sized version of my fabulous adult self.
Now, don’t get me wrong, I’m not from a family swimming in riches.
Now, we weren’t exactly the Hiltons of Haiti; we were more like the Motel 6 crew with a bit more pizzazz. But honestly, I didn’t realize we were on the budget struggle bus until way later. I didn’t think that we were poor because I grew up around children who had less, but my mom, a dignified Haitian woman with strength beyond measure, orchestrated our childhood and household with such efficiency that even until this day I stand mesmerized. She did it all; surely like many single black mothers, she busted her butt and raised ten incredible children on her own while my dad was working hard in California. Both of my parents have sacrificed so much for their children, but it is easier for me to celebrate my mom’s hard work and sacrifice because she was my mirror. She was my definition of strength. She was my definition of grace. She was my definition of what it’s like to be street smart (did not inherit that, lol) and she ruled with such an iron fist. I couldn’t do sleepovers; she was all about us getting an education. I went to school, church, and home. Ah, the good ol’ weekly grind! No mall shenanigans, no cinematic escapades, and definitely no marathon phone chats (house phone? What’s that?).
Plus, dining at other people’s homes? Nope, not in our playbook. It might sound like a total bummer, but honestly, we were living our best low-key lives.
Complaining? Nah, that wasn’t our style. I mean, how do you miss something you never even knew existed? It was just the way the cookie crumbled for us.
Let’s talk discipline. My mom, the maestro of parenting, skipped the physical punishment bit with me.
Lucky me, right? But oh boy, my siblings had a VIP ticket to the classic discipline show! Fast forward to today, where I’m a therapist, and I can’t help but chuckle. If Mom pulled those stunts now, she’d probably be trading her kitchen for a cozy cell – times have changed! No judgment, though; parenting didn’t come with a user manual back then. And would you believe it? Even now, Mom’s got this ninja-level talent for not admitting she might’ve missed a step or two. They say you can’t straighten an old tree, and well, Mom’s roots run deep! Again…
my mother could turn water into wine and leaves into dollar bills just so her children did not know that she was struggling financially. Once again, my mother performed financial acrobatics to shield us from the harsh realities. While we were aware that some days meant just one meal, we had each other, a roof over our heads, and a front-row seat to our parents’ financial feats. Our home life remained a secret. Mom cultivated a special relationship with school principals to avoid being sent home if tuition payments were late. It also helped that we were academically gifted.
As children, we knew when mom had money because she would go to the market to get the best for her children, and when she didn’t have it
she would make soup for us with bread and greens such as watercress and spinach, but we did not complain about it.
My parents used to work the land from morning to night. They cultivated the land by growing peas, beans, corn, ble also known as wheat, and Pitimi also known as millet or sorghum.
My parents used to cut trees to make charcoals to sell to take care of us. They were hustlers. My dad sailed off to America on a boat (because flying is too mainstream), seeking a better life for his children, mom continued forging a future for her and her children on her own. Honestly, my older siblings also sacrificed a lot for the betterment of the family, but my mom was the rock.
My mother transitioned from a little town in Haiti called Bombardopolis to Port-Au-Prince with not much. (I’ve visited her hometown multiple times as an adult and I love it). My childhood wasn’t exactly a walk in the park, but with a troop of siblings to play with, boredom was never an issue. There’s one haunting childhood tale I’ve left untold, but that’s a story for another day.
To be continued… Hahaha
DREAMING BIG
In 2019, I embarked on a quest to birth something special, and voila – Refined Candles emerged, now strutting its stuff as the fabulous 1940Candles, a radiant extension of the Refinedbysm family. Think of it as the glow-up equivalent of a candle’s makeover montage.
Refined Candles decided to level up and become 1940Candles, a shining tribute ignited to celebrate the superhero status of my mom. These aren’t just regular candles; each flicker is like a mini-Oscar acceptance speech for the blood, sweat, and tears that illuminated our shared journey. It’s like the Avengers of candles, fighting darkness with the power of love and dedication.
Refined by Silianise Moise (Refinedbysm) began as a collection of exquisite African print headwraps, woven with the purpose of raising funds for Beauty Without Borders. My vision was to cultivate a community that not only embraced the art of hair covering but also recognized the unique beauty inherent in every woman.
Last year, I decided to sprinkle some extra magic onto our website by introducing candles. The response was so lit that I thought, “Why stop at headwraps”? Why not combine the elegance of headwraps with the cozy vibes of candles?” Now, you might be asking, “Candles, really?” Well, let me take you on a scented journey to my roots in Haiti. Back in the day, during power outages, my mom and I became candle-making pros, turning darkness into a DIY project.
Fast forward to today, and my kitchen has transformed into a mystical realm where I whip up aromatherapy candles. These little wonders are not just eye candy – they’re like tiny therapists for your soul. The scents are so enchanting, and the jars? Oh, they’re like the Cinderellas of the candle world – beautiful and totally reusable. They’re not just containers; they’re style statements, adding a dash of charm to every nook and cranny of your home. So, light up, relax, and let the good vibes flow! 🕯️✨
I’m talking scents that will make your nose do a happy dance and vessels so charming they could win a beauty pageant. These candles are like a spa day for your senses, lifting your mood and bringing a sense of serenity. Plus, the jars are not just eye candy – they’re reusable gems that can sprinkle a dash of charm in every nook and cranny of your home. So, why settle for the mundane when you can turn every corner into a cozy, fragrant retreat? Let the good vibes and delightful aromas take center stage! 🕯️✨
Our candles are more than just sources of light; they are meticulously adorned, offering a warm and inviting glow to your living space. Perfect as gifts for your loved ones or as a treat for yourself, these candles are an affordable luxury. In recognizing the stresses of life and the sometimes-unattainable costs of therapy, I present 1940Candles as a companion on your journey to well-being (because yes, your mental health matters). And did I mention their affordability?Picture this: cocooned in your favorite blanket, engrossed in a good book, sipping on your preferred tea, and basking in the gentle glow of a lit Refined Candle. The enchanting scents of Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Lavender, and Amber Noir, among others, will envelop you, bringing tranquility and focus into your life. If you desire candles that feel tailor-made for your moments of relaxation, look no further than 1940Candles.
HAS IT BEEN A SMOOTH ROAD?
Embarking on the entrepreneurial journey is far from a walk in the park. It’s a path filled with unexpected twists and turns, and at times, it feels like an emotional roller coaster like no other. There have been moments when I was absolutely certain I could change the world, creating a platform for girls and young women to shatter every glass ceiling hovering above them. However, these highs were met with overwhelming challenges, leaving me feeling defeated. Yet, in those moments, I reminded myself that giving up was not an option—neither for them nor for myself.
The uncertainties and risks surrounding every decision can be daunting. Juggling school, leading Beauty Without Borders, maintaining a full-time job, and launching Refinedbysm have turned my life into a rollercoaster ride. Financially supporting BWB, as a new non-profit, posed a significant challenge. The process of accumulating enough data to apply for grants takes time, but the show must go on, and funds must be secured. Another hurdle is finding mentors willing to dedicate an hour a week to guide a young sister. The demand for mentors exceeds our capacity, emphasizing the need for more women willing to uplift and guide the next generation.
Despite the overwhelming demands and the limitations of a mere 24 hours in a day, giving up has never crossed my mind. Each setback becomes an opportunity to rise again, mirroring the resilience of life itself. Just like living, this journey is a struggle, but there is a beacon of light at its end. As a business owner, I’ve encountered numerous plateaus and seemingly insurmountable walls. Yet, I’ve learned to press on relentlessly toward my dreams. I know how to persevere.Beauty Without Borders is indispensable to my community, and I am committed to the fight for its existence. Even on the toughest days, I’ll keep pushing forward, knowing that every day is a chance to make a difference in the lives of girls and young women. My journey has taught me that failure is not a roadblock but a stepping stone. Regardless of the obstacles, I am unwavering in my dedication to serve my community and empower girls and young women to recognize their worth.
FOLLOWING PURPOSE & PASSION
Beauty Without Borders (BWB), a 501(c)3 non-profit organization nestled in the heart of Boston, Massachusetts, is on a transformative journey to emerge as the leading force in instilling unwavering confidence in girls and young women. Our mission transcends mere beauty myths, as we strive to imbue these young minds with the power of common sense, fostering not just self-confidence, but also intellectual growth, personal development, and leadership prowess. We aspire to mold these budding individuals into dynamic leaders, innovators, and public servants, transcending societal expectations. Our vision is to be the unwavering support system that listens intently to the voices and needs of our cherished audience, empowering them to blossom into influential women, community advocates, and future global leaders. As a testament to our commitment, Beauty Without Borders proudly carries a trademark—a symbol of our dedication to the cause.In a world where societal influences shape the destinies of girls and young women, Beauty Without Borders stands as a beacon of change. We recognize the pervasive impact of societal interactions on personal development, especially when shaped by external opinions. Our organization is crafting a platform that empowers girls to forge their own destinies, rather than passively waiting for doors to open.Our overarching goal is to impart the understanding that these girls have the strength to overcome challenges and become the role models they aspire to have. Beauty Without Borders is not merely an organization; it’s a catalyst for life transformation within and beyond its confines.What sets us apart is the unique blend of clinical expertise that fuels the leadership of Beauty Without Borders
What sets Beauty Without Borders apart is the unique composition of its leadership. A majority of us are clinically trained professionals, immersed in the human services field, and intimately acquainted with the challenges these girls face. This firsthand understanding allows us to connect with their needs on a deeper level, offering a level of support and guidance that sets us apart from other organizations.
Staying true to our values and objectives, we take immense pride in the impact BWB has on the lives of the girls we serve. Our commitment is not just to enrich their lives within the organization but to spark a transformative journey that extends beyond its borders. The trademarked Beauty Without Borders symbolizes our dedication to listening to the voices and needs of our audience, ensuring they evolve into women of influence, community advocates, and global leaders.
For us, the true measure of success is the tangible difference we make in the lives of these young women. It is a fulfilling experience to witness the positive transformation, to be part of their journey toward self-discovery, and to empower them to live their best lives.
Our ultimate goal is not merely to inspire dreams but to fuel the courage to pursue and execute those dreams, fostering a generation of resilient, empowered women who leave an indelible mark on the world. This, above all else, is what we are most proud of—being able to make a difference that echoes through the lives of the girls and young women we serve. My personal goal, and the collective heartbeat of Beauty Without Borders, is to ignite a fire within these girls, encouraging them not only to dream but to fearlessly pursue and execute those dreams. In this symphony of empowerment, we compose the melody of change, sculpting a world where every girl is a beacon of beauty and resilience