Have you ever dreamed of becoming your own boss and traveling the world? Look no further. In this interview, Alizé Utteryn demystifies entrepreneurship and shares:
· Her immigration journey leading to New York;
· Her own definition of the modern American Dream;
· The untold truth about the French ”raceless society”;
· Her recipe for success abroad.
Can you tell us more about your background?
I was born in Cayenne, French Guiana. I grew up in Paris. My educational background is in Human Resources with a specialty in Management. After my studies, I worked for big companies in France and received an opportunity to work for an American company in the Czech Republic. I seized this opportunity and stayed for two years because going abroad was a chance for visibility and international experience. I was in charge of payroll. I was the only Black person there. It was a cultural shock.
Alize Utteryn, CEO and Founder of Alizelavie Corp
I had never been to Czech Republic. When I arrived, they questioned me because they couldn’t understand my background. Sometimes, they stared at me because they had never seen a Black person before. It took me some time to get adjusted because my English wasn’t great at the time and Czech was hard to understand. I had no idea where this would take me, but it was a nice experience to grow, become more mature and work with people from a different culture.
After my successful expatriation, I wanted more. I asked my boss if I could be transferred to the United States. Fortunately, it worked out. When I landed in America, I felt like I had never learned English. It was difficult for people to understand me and vice-versa. I watched TV and read daily to improve my English. Eventually, I decided to go back to school. I studied at Brooklyn College for two years and took intensive English classes. It was hard without friends and family, but I was very dedicated on what I wanted to achieve. It was a lot of stress though. I ended up crying sometimes because I was so tired on the weekends and didn’t want to go to school. When you come to a city like New York people say you are lucky. However, once you live here, it is completely different. There are so many challenges. You don’t even share what you are facing with your family to avoid worrying them.
After two years, I went to a model casting to meet people. I was probably the oldest one, but I lied. I said I was 25. Surprisingly, I made it. I introduced myself to the owner of the entertainment company. When he heard my French accent, he asked if I wanted to work with him. He didn’t know anything about me, but he wanted to give me the opportunity. This was my first step into the fashion/entertainment industry. Gradually, I became more immersed. Coming from a Human Resources background into an Executive Assistant role, I learned on the ground: the best school of life.
You started off very focused in HR, and now you’re in media and journalism. Where did you find the courage to take the leap to become an entrepreneur? And what advice do you have for others?
I didn’t choose to become an entrepreneur. Circumstances made me do it. When I started working, people took advantage of my knowledge and didn’t give me credit. One day a Chief Editor told me,
“You will never be able to do business with your accent.”
I decided I had enough and quit my job. This brought out the best in me. When people underestimate you, prove them wrong. I didn’t think about how I was going to pay my bills. I was just fed up with being exploited. I realized I could do something on my own. I founded my company, AlizéLaVie and my magazine, a global platform where people can share their inspirational stories and challenges. Some people don’t know what it takes to be an entrepreneur. Sometimes you get money and other times, you don’t. You start doubting whether you made the right choice. Regardless, you must stay motivated and keep pushing.
If you want to become an entrepreneur, be ready to take some risks and fail. Failure is a part of the process to become successful. You will learn and get better. If you are not a risk-taker or not willing to go out of your comfort zone, don’t do it. If you decide to make the jump, you need a strong support system because being an entrepreneur is a long journey. You must be ready to win and lose. That’s part of the game.
As a Black immigrant entrepreneur, did you face any specific challenges? And if so, how did you cope with those?
In New York, I live in Harlem where there are mainly African Americans. I always felt like I was home. I always embraced both cultures; French Caribbean and American soon. So, I didn’t face challenges. On the contrary, being a Black French womanopened a lot of doors. My accent makes a big difference in how people perceive me. That’s really helped me build my confidence. I never let my skin color be an obstacle. I am proud of being Black and embracing my blackness, which is an asset for me.
What inspired you, and gave you that momentum to go to the United States? Can you elaborate more on that decision?
When I was little, I would watch movies and be in awe of the U.S. “One day I will go there,” I said. I came to America with my sister when I was 15-years-old. We went to Chicago first, then Milwaukee, and finally New York, which I immediately fell in love with. I dreamt of returning to live and work here. Things didn’t work out the way I thought. I started in the Czech Republic, then ended up in America. Without going to the Czech Republic first, I probably wouldn’t be here right now. After 14 years of expatriation, New York is home for me. When I travel a lot, I always have this feeling of missing home. I still visit family and friends in France and French Guiana, but in the end, I always want to return to my sweet home: New York.
We saw an interview on YouTube where you talked about the ‘’American Dream.’’ Now you’ve been in the US for a while. Do you still believe in the ‘’American Dream,’’ and, if so, for whom?
I think President Trump tried to make us believe that America was not what it used to be, especially with the hatred increasing every day. I was here when Obama won and it was a milestone to see a Black man become the President of the United States. Since then, I have been motivated to make it. Obama was a living example that everything is possible in this country. Chase your dreams and work hard because nothing comes easily, especially in America. It’s all about your mindset. The American Dream is not gone for the ones willing to make sacrifices, take risks, be bold and work hard. America will always be the land of opportunities. In France, it’s different. If you don’t come from a special background, elite school, and on top of that, being Black… I can tell you; it is more difficult to succeed. In America, you can be a Pastor, then become a politician. You can be anyone you want. This is how I qualify the American Dream.
In 2014, you were a Ted-X speaker about success and taking your destiny into your own hands. In the years since 2014, is there anything else you’ve learned that you would add?
I took risks and left everything behind to start from scratch in America. Today, if I had to do it again, I would but not without a mentor. It’s important to have someone push you towards your goals. Now, I mentor others so they avoid making the same mistakes. I would also add long-term projections. When I started my business, AlizéLaVie, I didn’t have a business plan. I was doing it out of passion. Now, I see things differently. Make sure your passion brings you revenue. You have to pay bills. At some point, you must know where you are putting your time and realize time is money. If I had thought more like a businesswoman rather than an artist, I probably would be much further today. But, you need to learn at your own pace. Sometimes we only understand the hard way. I think there’s no time wasted. It’s a learning process.
There are differences in perception of race in French and American society. Living in the U.S., your work is very focused on race and diversity. Is your work in some way inspired by your experiences living in France – a raceless society?
I don’t like France’s hypocrisy. They are the first to criticize America. I worked in France within large recruiting agencies. When clients called, they didn’t know I was Black because I don’t have an accent.
They would say, “Don’t send us any Bamboula (negro) please.”
I couldn’t identify with that. I also worked with organizations, companies, and schools where I would hear stuff like that. You must respect corporate culture, otherwise you’re at risk of losing your job.
France likes to say they are a country that welcomes everyone. This is not completely true. In America, at least it’s clear; they ask about your race on your application. In France, it’s forbidden since it’s considered discriminatory. Do you prefer a system that pretends to be equal but is secretly more racist? I love France, but I am just being honest. I’m sharing what they don’t show us behind the scenes.
It is crucial for Black people to be educated. Our next generation has the power to create an impact. Education is the passport to the future. My mission is to educate people on how our differences can be valuable and how we can empower one another. Immigrants in America face challenges. Some may deal with racism, language barrier, and culture shock. It’s very difficult.
I focus on serving and giving back to the community to transform the narrative. With the COVID-19 outbreak, I’ve realized how blessed I am. While watching TV, I was touched to see those who are most affected are Black or Latino. They usually don’t have access to proper healthcare. I’m lucky because I have the choice to stay here or go back to France.
Today I have the luxury of traveling the world and making a living from my passion. I want to be an inspiration for young people willing to become an entrepreneur. If you come from a poor background, you can still make it. I want to elevate my people and give them a second chance. I brought 52 students from the French Caribbean and offered them an internship and/or an immersion program through my professional network. Minorities need this kind of help. The earlier the better. Young girls need to be educated to avoid them dropping out of school and/or getting pregnant. Expressing your voice is important, especially if you have a platform and fame. That’s what I do while connecting the diaspora and empowering others.
Walking down the street, I feel very bad when I see Black people in desperate situations. I want them to realize they can make other choices to change their destiny. Decide what you want to do, find your purpose, and be surrounded by the right people. Everything takes time, you will fail, but it’s ok. Remain faithful and don’t give up until you achieve your goals.
We were intrigued about your work with BelleLaVie Corp. What do you hope this work will accomplish for the African diaspora within the next few years?
What we are doing is very important because we want to disrupt the normal system. The problem in the diaspora is a lot of people are in debt because they don’t learn financial literacy at school. I think it’s kind of purposeful. The less you know, the more they can control you. Look at Africa, how many African countries still depend on Western countries?
Despite being the richest continent on earth, Africa is still the poorest and continues to be exploited. Its resources make other countries rich. Additionally, Africa has the youngest population. Soon they will become the biggest population in the world. Africa has immense business opportunities this new generation can develop and benefit from. An increasing number of Black people have the knowledge and education required to change the narrative. If they don’t learn that at school, we have to mentor them and educate them about financial literacy and business.
We must break this poverty cycle and build wealth within our community. We also connect investors with entrepreneurs to fund their projects. I am confident this work will have positive effects. The many creative minds in our community just need guidance to be successful. Thankfully, we are moving in the right direction. More Black people are investing in Africa. Africans study in America or in Europe, then return to the motherland. There is a wake up call to develop our economy and embrace our greatness.
Any final thoughts or advice that you have for anyone thinking about studying, working, or living abroad or anyone who might read this blog post and be inspired by your story?
Have a plan. Be ready to go abroad. It is critical because it has become even more difficult to come to America with so many restrictions. Make sure you have enough money to execute your plan because you don’t want to end up having odd jobs to survive. Trying to make it in a new country without financial resources is not an option. This is when you can become depressed, may find the wrong people and fall into bad paths. Ask questions to those already there. You have nothing to lose. While talking to them, you might be more inspired and get new ideas. Follow your dreams. Surround yourself with the right people who have positive mindsets. Don’t be afraid of competition. Never stop educating yourself if you want to reach greatness. Be a leader, not a follower!
About Alizé Utteryn
She is an award-winning multitalented media entrepreneur, businesswoman, and community leader. Born in Cayenne (French Guiana) and raised in Paris, Alizé is a graduate of Paris’ Institute Superior of Human Resources (ISGP) with a Master of Sciences degree in Human Resources Management. Since she came to the United States in 2009, leaving everything behind to take up new challenges and live her American dream, she has quickly built a name for herself. Today she is a recognized journalist, accredited at the United Nations, member of the Society of Professional Journalist& Media and National Association of Black Journalists. She is also a member of the US National Committee for UN Women, advocating for gender equality and the empowerment of women. She is the brain behind AlizéLaVie Media and the founder of AlizéLaVie Magazine, an international multicultural bilingual magazine promoting diversity and cultures around the world. She runs AlizéLaVie Agency a creative marketing and branding agency. In May 2018, she was appointed as the Vice President for Media& Public Affairs for United African Congress (UAC) the premier Pan African Umbrella Organization. She received the President’s volunteer service Award 2020, a coveted medal from the President of the United States.