Who Are You?
I am a Haitian-American freelance writer and blogger from Miami, FL but I grew up in Boston, MA. I run the blog, Margo’s Creative Life. I spent many years working in accounting after earning a degree in English and Professional Writing from the University of Massachusetts Boston where I graduated in 2009. I knew I wanted to be a writer since I was in the 6th grade. I love traveling and have always been eager to learn more about other cultures and languages and I feel that’s allowed me to expand my worldview.
Where do you currently reside?
I currently live in Lisbon, Portugal. I came here on vacation in 2018 and was completely charmed by the city, the food, the people and slow pace of life here. I contemplated the idea of moving to Portugal since that time and the pandemic was the unexpected jolt I needed to make that dream a reality. I saved and limited my spending on certain items during the 2 years since my visit to Portugal. I was already working remotely for Cuisine Noir magazine and freelancing with a few other publications before work-from-home policies were imposed due to the pandemic. The idea of moving abroad was reignited in June of 2020 when all of Europe closed its borders to U.S. passport holders. That was a blow that I was not expecting.
So I took a chance and applied for a student visa in August 2020 and was granted my visa the first week in September. I was surprised at the speed with which my visa request was granted. Not too long after that, I began downsizing and getting rid of things, took a COVID-19 test and boarded a plane to Lisbon. The creative community is incredibly rich in Portugal, especially in Lisbon. In the short month and a half since moving here, I have secured over 4 freelance gigs and am grateful to be a part of a supportive community here.
I highly recommend more Black women writers move abroad. Lisbon is the sweet spot for me as the cost of living here is much cheaper than Boston. Be open to new experiences and challenges because our perspective, as Black women, is unique. One project I have while I am in Lisbon is to document the African diaspora’s impact on Lisbon in the arts, culture and food industries. There is a large community here from all over the African continent, including Angola, Cape
Verde, Guinea-Bissau and Mozambique. Artists, designers, entrepreneurs, writers, activists, doctors, painters, and many more creatives are making a name for themselves in Portugal.
How long have you been writing professionally?
I have been writing professionally for over 5 years but have actively marketed myself in the last 2 years as a freelance writer.
Who or what inspires you to write when inspiration is lacking?
My love of music and artists like Donny Hathaway, Nina Simone and Sade have always inspired me. Toni Morrison’s words inspire me when I experience writer’s block. I have always been fascinated by storytelling and learning about a person's history. Toni Morrison once said, “If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn't been written yet, then you must write it.” Those words have anchored me as a creative when self-doubt emerges. I created a Writing Playlistto make days when I am home writing motivating.
When did you or will you know you’ve arrived as a writer?
For me, I feel like I have ‘arrived’ to some extent. In my 20s I remember following the work of Cuisine Noir and Edible Boston, two food and culture publications that I have wanted to have my words published since college. Working with Cuisine Noir’s Editor-in-chief, Mrs. V. Sheree Williams, is an honor and I am proud to work for a publication that’s championed the work and voices of Black entrepreneurs from the African diaspora for 10 years.
My mentor has taught me to celebrate my wins as they come and knowing my words live online and in print is something that carries me through when writer’s block sets in and staring at Google Docs is frustrating. I am grateful my editors took a chance and hired me. My next goal is to write a book about how travel has changed my life for the better. I have toyed with the idea for years, and now feel like that goal is within reach due to the immensely supportive community behind me.
What piece of writing are you most proud of and why?
I am so proud of the story I did on Thamy’s Kitchen, a catering business based in Limbé, Haiti by Rémy Monexant and Samentha Vixamar for Cuisine Noir this year. I am of Haitian descent and to showcase the best of Haiti was a dream come true.
Do you have any current published pieces?
I completed an interview with a winemaker Abner Montfleury of Montfleur Duvin from Boston now based in Baltimore, that story is now live on Cuisine Noir. I also have a feature interview for Edible Boston with Chef Douglass Williams of Mida, my favorite italian restaurant in Boston, MA. I have work published in Cuisine Noir Magazine, Edible Boston, Solstice Literary Magazine, Steele Magazine and Grit Daily.
What is your favorite quote from yourself and from your favorite writer?
The quote, “Bet on yourself” is one I borrowed from my brother who is a UX designer, which to me represents a commitment to challenge myself and take smart risks in every area of my life. My favorite quote from Toni Morrison is,
“If there’s a book that you want to read, but it hasn’t been written yet, then you must write it.”
What does being a Black woman identifying writer mean to you? Especially in the food space.
Our experiences have tremendous value. Being a Black woman and a food writer means I have full creative control over the narratives I share. I believe representation matters so I am eager to motivate the younger generation to consider a career in the arts if that’s what they love. My pursuing a career in the arts and getting paid for it was something my mother was uncertain about because in the Haitain culture, you’re expected to become a doctor or a lawyer. Neither of those careers interested me so it took some convincing my mom that I wanted to study English.
Everything I do I often think of the legacy of my family, the sacrifice my late parents made in emigrating to the United States from Haiti. Even in their absence I want to make them proud. Their power and resilience is not lost on me and that is why I am open to new experiences and opportunities. Food writing is an overwhelming white space, and honestly, that intimidated me because I felt I didn't have the connections necessary to start my career, hence why I worked in accounting for most of my adult life after college. I am still very new to food writing, but my passion for documenting the nuances of food, culture and people is what’s kept me hopeful in my freelance work. The past year has been really encouraging as more brands and publications diversify their staff and leadership.
What do you wish you knew before embarking on this journey?
I wish someone told me how much administrative work there is in being a freelance journalist. There’s a lot of work that goes on behind the scenes. That’s my least favorite part about being in the industry.
What do you do when you’re not writing?
I love music and I am the queen of creating playlists. I have a Writing Playlist for when I am working on my assignments. I also love going to concerts. I also enjoy cooking for family and friends when I am home. When I am not writing I am traveling either within the U.S., in Europe or Africa. Now that I am in Portugal I look forward to exploring more of Europe once things improve with the pandemic.
Any last words?
Yes, I say be open to new experiences. Always bet on yourself, because you never know how things will turn out. One decision could be the start to a new life and new opportunities.
How can people keep in touch with you?
You can keep reach me via email, margofreelancewriter@gmail.com, Instagram @margoscreativelife, Facebook Margo’s Creative Life, and Twitter: @Margo202_ . Thank you so much and I am excited to connect with more creatives.
