Featured Trailblazers: Tico Armand

Born in one of the poorest but richest islands in the western hemisphere, Tico likes to remind the world that as a pioneer, Haiti fought for freedom and granted that freedom to Blacks around the world. The first black republic to gain its independence, Haiti has instilled in Tico the fervor and poise that keeps her grounded and lifted at the same time. Searching for a place to share her inner greatness with the world, Tico came to the United States and migrated to Brooklyn, New York, where, without the guidance of a mother or father, she empowered herself and embraced life as it was.

The reflection of a strong Haitian young woman looking back at Tico in the mirror even through the hardest of times made modeling a freedom that she could lean on. The freedom to embrace a world of fantasy while allowing prominent photographers and designers to use her as their canvas to showcase their art.

Tico’s experience in front of the camera is vast. Some of her published work with Schön!, Barnes and Nobles, Desert Fishy, SociaLite, Blindfold and 977, led to magazine work, that open doors to fashion shows for Bloomingdales, Luis Valenzuela, Sahari Fashion, Phelcia Dell, and Jacinta among others. Never shying away from a challenge, Tico took to television like a pro with appearances on VH1, MTV, BET, CNN, NBC local and Caribbean, while also serving as lead inspiration for music videos for Grammy Award Winner Wyclef Jean “Midlife Crisis” and Haitian Artist JBeatz “It’s Getting Late.” From commercials to movies, the name Tico has taken on its own brand, so much so that she has become a voice for young girls who are looking for a Role Model who can teach them self-worth and great self-esteem. Empowering the next generation, Tico has become a powerhouse, a motivational speaker and philanthropist who shares her story of struggles and triumphs in the hopes of inspiring one person at a time.