MANOUCHKA LUBERISSE

She is Beautiful! She is Brilliant! She is a Beauty- Queen! She is like any other very  beautiful woman  in Hollywood, but she does not live in Tinsel town. Manouchka  Luberisse is from Haiti and lives in Haiti. Some countries and communities get a bad rap. She was Miss Supranational Haiti 2013. 

We got a chance to chat with Manouchka and she speaks about her upbringing, ambition, career, modeling and a whole lot more.

BronzePage: It is so nice to be able to chat with you. Before we start, we need to complement you on your skin tone, it is very beautiful. What’s your secret or special beauty regimen? 

Manouchka: Thank you so much, that's such a kind compliment and one I hear often. Honestly, I don't have a very elaborate skincare routine. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started paying more attention to my skin, but I keep it simple. I get a professional facial about twice a year, and I take collagen supplements to support skin elasticity and hydration. Other than that, I try to stay hydrated, wear minimal makeup, and let my skin breathe. Simplicity works best for me! 

BronzePage: Many young girls dream of wearing a crown, you actually made it happen. Let’s start from the beginning, how did you know you wanted to participate in a beauty pageant? Did someone encourage you? How did it all come about? 

Manouchka: I’ve always had an interest in fashion and the creative world that surrounds it. But I never imagined it would lead me into pageantry. Everything started quite unexpectedly when I was approached by Roberto Stephenson, a talented Italian-Haitian photographer. He spotted me and told me I had a photogenic face. At the time, I had no professional experience and wasn’t even wearing makeup, but he insisted on taking a few pictures for a marketing company that was casting for a commercial. To my surprise, I was selected. That experience opened a door for me, and I began modeling more regularly after that.

Balancing this newfound path with my college studies was far from easy, but I pushed through. A few years later, Haiti was preparing to send a candidate to Miss Universe. The woman in charge of coordinating the national competition reached out and asked why I hadn’t applied. I told her I was working and didn’t have time. She smiled and said, “Let’s take it step by step.” She introduced me to a smaller competition Miss Global International in 2012. It wasn’t one of the major international pageants, but it gave me invaluable experience and confidence. The following year, I was honored to be selected as Miss Supranational Haiti, representing my country on a global stage. That moment affirmed that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, can take shape when you least expect it.

Photo: Teddy Alvarez

BronzePage: You grew up in Haiti. Tell us about your upbringing and your family. 

Manouchka: I was raised in a Christian household where discipline and structure were deeply rooted in our daily lives. My family was very religious, and growing up, there were strict rules—no jewelry, no short skirts, and definitely no makeup. My parents placed a strong emphasis on education, morals, and humility. In many ways, it gave me a solid foundation, but it also limited certain aspects of self-expression, especially in my younger years.

Music was one of my early passions. I played the violin and truly loved it. It felt like an extension of my voice. But sadly, I don’t think my parents ever believed it could be more than a hobby, and eventually, I had to let that dream go.

I come from a big family with six children in total, four girls and two boys. I’m the third, so I’ve always had the role of both older and younger sister, which taught me resilience and adaptability from an early age.

BronzePage: Tell us about your career as well.

Manouchka: Professionally, I’m someone who values continuous learning and adaptability. I earned my degree in Business Administration in 2012. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various sectors: public institutions, private enterprises, and international organizations. This diversity of experience has shaped me into a well-rounded professional.

Currently, I’m in law school not because I necessarily plan to practice, but because I’ve always had a deep interest in justice, structure, and governance. Having a law degree feels like gaining a new lens through which to understand society, and possibly prepare for other ambitions down the line.

Bronzepage: Tell us about the experience of being crowned Miss Supranational Haiti.

Manouchka: One of the most transformative experiences of my life was being crowned Miss Haiti. That title wasn’t just a crown, it was a turning point. It changed the way I saw the world and, more importantly, how I saw myself. In Haiti, we grow up with a deeply embedded admiration for the image of the colonizer: lighter skin, straight hair, European features. This beauty standard still has a strong hold on our society today.

Being immersed in the world of pageants and fashion forced me to unlearn those ideas. It helped me appreciate true, raw, and diverse beauty. It taught me to love what is real  my own features, my culture, my voice. That shift in mindset was powerful, and I carry it with me in everything I do.

And of course, becoming a mother is another chapter that has had a profound impact on me. It’s an experience that grounded me in a way nothing else ever could. Motherhood has deepened my empathy, my strength, and my sense of purpose. It made me softer in some ways, stronger in others and ultimately, it made me a better human being.
 

Photo: Roroli Studio  

BronzePage: Tell us about your career.

Manouchka: Professionally, I’m someone who values continuous learning and adaptability. I earned my degree in Business Administration in 2012 . Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various sectors: public institutions, private enterprises, and international organizations. This diversity of experience has shaped me into a well-rounded professional.

Currently, I’m in law school not because I necessarily plan to practice, but because I’ve always had a deep interest in justice, structure, and governance. Having a law degree feels like gaining a new lens through which to understand society, and possibly prepare for other ambitions down the line.

BronzePage: What’s next for you—any big plans or ambitions? 

Manouchka: Politics is definitely on my radar. I’ve always believed that change starts with us, and if we want to see a better Haiti, then our generation has to get involved. We can no longer sit on the sidelines while the country struggles. The generation before us had its time and while they did what they could, many systems have failed. It’s now our responsibility to build something new.

Beyond politics, I want to be an advocate for civic education and social values. Our youth are brilliant, creative, and full of potential but many lack guidance in basic principles like civism, respect, and patriotism. I want to help reshape that narrative. Whether through mentorship, public service, or education initiatives, I’m determined to play my part in rebuilding this nation from the inside out.

Photo:  Eddyson. P

  You have a fashion line, Manu by Manouchka Luberisse. What inspired it? 

Manouchka: Manu is a project very close to my heart, though I hesitate to call it a full-fledged fashion line just yet it’s still evolving. While many people know me from the beauty and pageant world, I’ve always identified first as a businesswoman. The idea for Manu came from observing a gap in our local market. In Haiti, most fashion brands operate on a made-to-measure basis, which makes their products expensive and inaccessible to a large segment of the population.

I wanted to change that. Manu is my attempt to offer something different, affordable, ready-to-wear pieces that are stylish yet practical. My goal was to create a local brand that feels international in quality but remains deeply rooted in Haitian identity.

Initially, I planned to produce everything in Haiti. But sourcing suppliers and managing production locally proved difficult and expensive. So I opted to manufacture the line in China while maintaining design and branding control myself. It’s not ideal, but it was a practical first step. One day, I still hope to bring the full production back home.

BronzePage:  Which brands have you modeled for? 

Manouchka: Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few notable brands. One of them is Jenny Polanco, a Dominican fashion house known for elegant and timeless pieces. I've also represented several local Haitian brands, including Bijoux Lakay, which creates beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Most of my modeling work has been tied to supporting and uplifting local entrepreneurs and creatives.

BronzePage: Have you done any acting? Can you name the shows or movies you’ve appeared in? 

Manouchka: Yes! I’ve dabbled in acting over the years. I appeared in a Haitian television series called DESTINÉ, it was a long time ago, but it remains a fond memory. In addition to that, I’ve been in a number of commercials for brands like Lesly Center, Casami, Minoval, and others. Acting was never a full-time pursuit, but it allowed me to explore another side of storytelling and performance. 

BronzePage: After your law degree, you probably should run for president....since you are very interested in politics. That would be awesome. We need younger people in politics. Would you run for President for Haiti one day? Won't that be great? Hope you announce it here first? 

Manouchka: I do have political ambitions; I’ve had them for as long as I can remember. However, I don’t think the country is ready to have honest people in power. The institutions need to be functioning first. Being in politics right now, given the current state of the country, means you don’t care about your character being destroyed. Right now, they don’t believe in the youth, and it would have been a suicide mission. Maybe one day, if something changes, I’ll consider it. For now, my studies are solely for personal knowledge. And yes, you’ll be the first one to know. 

BronzePage: She is absolutely remarkable!

Photo: Teddy Alvarez

A note of appreciation from Manouchka

Dear Bronze Page Team,

It is with a grateful heart that I write to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed by your amazing platform. I truly appreciate the care and attention you put into highlighting the voices and stories of Black women in all their forms, shapes, and origins.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and for sharing both the personal and professional aspects of my journey. Your thoughtful approach means a great deal to me.

Please continue the incredible work you’re doing. It is impactful, necessary, and deeply appreciated. I look forward to seeing your platform grow and reach even greater heights.

Warmest regards,

Manouchka LUBERISSE 

BronzePage Team:

We truly appreciate this show of gratitude. Some people cultivate class, while some others like you are born with class. You are a natural.

We are cheering you on!

Photo: Hugue-Robert Marsan

She is Beautiful! She is Brilliant! She is a Beauty- Queen! She is like any other very  beautiful woman  in Hollywood, but she does not live in Tinsel town. Manouchka  Luberisse is from Haiti and lives in Haiti. Some countries and communities get a bad rap. She was Miss Supranational Haiti 2013. 

We got a chance to chat with Manouchka and she speaks about her upbringing, ambition, career, modeling and a whole lot more.

BronzePage: It is so nice to be able to chat with you. Before we start, we need to complement you on your skin tone, it is very beautiful. What’s your secret or special beauty regimen? 

Manouchka: Thank you so much, that's such a kind compliment and one I hear often. Honestly, I don't have a very elaborate skincare routine. As I’ve gotten older, I’ve started paying more attention to my skin, but I keep it simple. I get a professional facial about twice a year, and I take collagen supplements to support skin elasticity and hydration. Other than that, I try to stay hydrated, wear minimal makeup, and let my skin breathe. Simplicity works best for me! 

BronzePage: Many young girls dream of wearing a crown, you actually made it happen. Let’s start from the beginning, how did you know you wanted to participate in a beauty pageant? Did someone encourage you? How did it all come about? 

Manouchka: I’ve always had an interest in fashion and the creative world that surrounds it. But I never imagined it would lead me into pageantry. Everything started quite unexpectedly when I was approached by Roberto Stephenson, a talented Italian-Haitian photographer. He spotted me and told me I had a photogenic face. At the time, I had no professional experience and wasn’t even wearing makeup, but he insisted on taking a few pictures for a marketing company that was casting for a commercial. To my surprise, I was selected. That experience opened a door for me, and I began modeling more regularly after that.

Balancing this newfound path with my college studies was far from easy, but I pushed through. A few years later, Haiti was preparing to send a candidate to Miss Universe. The woman in charge of coordinating the national competition reached out and asked why I hadn’t applied. I told her I was working and didn’t have time. She smiled and said, “Let’s take it step by step.” She introduced me to a smaller competition Miss Global International in 2012. It wasn’t one of the major international pageants, but it gave me invaluable experience and confidence. The following year, I was honored to be selected as Miss Supranational Haiti, representing my country on a global stage. That moment affirmed that dreams, no matter how distant they seem, can take shape when you least expect it.

Photo: Teddy Alvarez

BronzePage: You grew up in Haiti. Tell us about your upbringing and your family. 

Manouchka: I was raised in a Christian household where discipline and structure were deeply rooted in our daily lives. My family was very religious, and growing up, there were strict rules—no jewelry, no short skirts, and definitely no makeup. My parents placed a strong emphasis on education, morals, and humility. In many ways, it gave me a solid foundation, but it also limited certain aspects of self-expression, especially in my younger years.

Music was one of my early passions. I played the violin and truly loved it. It felt like an extension of my voice. But sadly, I don’t think my parents ever believed it could be more than a hobby, and eventually, I had to let that dream go.

I come from a big family with six children in total, four girls and two boys. I’m the third, so I’ve always had the role of both older and younger sister, which taught me resilience and adaptability from an early age.

BronzePage: Tell us about your career as well.

Manouchka: Professionally, I’m someone who values continuous learning and adaptability. I earned my degree in Business Administration in 2012. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various sectors: public institutions, private enterprises, and international organizations. This diversity of experience has shaped me into a well-rounded professional.

Currently, I’m in law school not because I necessarily plan to practice, but because I’ve always had a deep interest in justice, structure, and governance. Having a law degree feels like gaining a new lens through which to understand society, and possibly prepare for other ambitions down the line.

Bronzepage: Tell us about the experience of being crowned Miss Supranational Haiti.

Manouchka: One of the most transformative experiences of my life was being crowned Miss Haiti. That title wasn’t just a crown, it was a turning point. It changed the way I saw the world and, more importantly, how I saw myself. In Haiti, we grow up with a deeply embedded admiration for the image of the colonizer: lighter skin, straight hair, European features. This beauty standard still has a strong hold on our society today.

Being immersed in the world of pageants and fashion forced me to unlearn those ideas. It helped me appreciate true, raw, and diverse beauty. It taught me to love what is real  my own features, my culture, my voice. That shift in mindset was powerful, and I carry it with me in everything I do.

And of course, becoming a mother is another chapter that has had a profound impact on me. It’s an experience that grounded me in a way nothing else ever could. Motherhood has deepened my empathy, my strength, and my sense of purpose. It made me softer in some ways, stronger in others and ultimately, it made me a better human being.
 

Photo: Roroli Studio  

BronzePage: Tell us about your career.

Manouchka: Professionally, I’m someone who values continuous learning and adaptability. I earned my degree in Business Administration in 2012 . Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to work in various sectors: public institutions, private enterprises, and international organizations. This diversity of experience has shaped me into a well-rounded professional.

Currently, I’m in law school not because I necessarily plan to practice, but because I’ve always had a deep interest in justice, structure, and governance. Having a law degree feels like gaining a new lens through which to understand society, and possibly prepare for other ambitions down the line.

BronzePage: What’s next for you—any big plans or ambitions? 

Manouchka: Politics is definitely on my radar. I’ve always believed that change starts with us, and if we want to see a better Haiti, then our generation has to get involved. We can no longer sit on the sidelines while the country struggles. The generation before us had its time and while they did what they could, many systems have failed. It’s now our responsibility to build something new.

Beyond politics, I want to be an advocate for civic education and social values. Our youth are brilliant, creative, and full of potential but many lack guidance in basic principles like civism, respect, and patriotism. I want to help reshape that narrative. Whether through mentorship, public service, or education initiatives, I’m determined to play my part in rebuilding this nation from the inside out.

Photo:  Eddyson. P

  You have a fashion line, Manu by Manouchka Luberisse. What inspired it? 

Manouchka: Manu is a project very close to my heart, though I hesitate to call it a full-fledged fashion line just yet it’s still evolving. While many people know me from the beauty and pageant world, I’ve always identified first as a businesswoman. The idea for Manu came from observing a gap in our local market. In Haiti, most fashion brands operate on a made-to-measure basis, which makes their products expensive and inaccessible to a large segment of the population.

I wanted to change that. Manu is my attempt to offer something different, affordable, ready-to-wear pieces that are stylish yet practical. My goal was to create a local brand that feels international in quality but remains deeply rooted in Haitian identity.

Initially, I planned to produce everything in Haiti. But sourcing suppliers and managing production locally proved difficult and expensive. So I opted to manufacture the line in China while maintaining design and branding control myself. It’s not ideal, but it was a practical first step. One day, I still hope to bring the full production back home.

BronzePage:  Which brands have you modeled for? 

Manouchka: Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of working with a few notable brands. One of them is Jenny Polanco, a Dominican fashion house known for elegant and timeless pieces. I've also represented several local Haitian brands, including Bijoux Lakay, which creates beautiful handcrafted jewelry. Most of my modeling work has been tied to supporting and uplifting local entrepreneurs and creatives.

BronzePage: Have you done any acting? Can you name the shows or movies you’ve appeared in? 

Manouchka: Yes! I’ve dabbled in acting over the years. I appeared in a Haitian television series called DESTINÉ, it was a long time ago, but it remains a fond memory. In addition to that, I’ve been in a number of commercials for brands like Lesly Center, Casami, Minoval, and others. Acting was never a full-time pursuit, but it allowed me to explore another side of storytelling and performance. 

BronzePage: After your law degree, you probably should run for president....since you are very interested in politics. That would be awesome. We need younger people in politics. Would you run for President for Haiti one day? Won't that be great? Hope you announce it here first? 

Manouchka: I do have political ambitions; I’ve had them for as long as I can remember. However, I don’t think the country is ready to have honest people in power. The institutions need to be functioning first. Being in politics right now, given the current state of the country, means you don’t care about your character being destroyed. Right now, they don’t believe in the youth, and it would have been a suicide mission. Maybe one day, if something changes, I’ll consider it. For now, my studies are solely for personal knowledge. And yes, you’ll be the first one to know. 

BronzePage: She is absolutely remarkable!

Photo: Teddy Alvarez

A note of appreciation from Manouchka

Dear Bronze Page Team,

It is with a grateful heart that I write to sincerely thank you for the opportunity to be interviewed by your amazing platform. I truly appreciate the care and attention you put into highlighting the voices and stories of Black women in all their forms, shapes, and origins.

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about me and for sharing both the personal and professional aspects of my journey. Your thoughtful approach means a great deal to me.

Please continue the incredible work you’re doing. It is impactful, necessary, and deeply appreciated. I look forward to seeing your platform grow and reach even greater heights.

Warmest regards,

Manouchka LUBERISSE 

BronzePage Team:

We truly appreciate this show of gratitude. Some people cultivate class, while some others like you are born with class. You are a natural.

We are cheering you on!

Photo: Hugue-Robert Marsan