Today we’d like to introduce you to Liz Faublas.
Liz, before we jump into specific questions about your work, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
Funny thing is, I spend most of my time writing bios, autobiographies, speeches for and about others. It is so easy to tell someone else’s story. Meantime, I can’t find the words to articulate mine! It’s a brutal irony.
I was born and raised in Brooklyn, New York (Best borough ever baby!). I lived in the Flatbush section, and I attended Catholic schools in the neighborhood and eventually a Catholic University (St. John’s) in Queens, the borough I now call home.
I got my first job in the television industry right out of college and never looked back. I’ve worked as an audio board operator, Master Control Operator, Associate Producer, Producer, Writer, Editor, Reporter, and Anchor. I learned the industry early on from Matt Lauer, Katie Couric, and Bryant Gumble while working at the Today Show. I cut my teeth as a business-news producer and reporter at Bloomberg Television. I did all of this while raising my daughter Ashley as a single mother. Thank God for my family and friends (my village). They helped me progress from one level to the next. And my daughter, my greatest love, is one of the most amazing young women I know.
It wasn’t until around my 15th year as a media professional did I start understanding that my role and my career path were not just jobs. My journey helps other women (especially Haitian women and women of color) see that anything is possible. I am not the first, nor will I be the last to open doors; but I do not take my personal responsibility to kick quite a few off their hinges lightly.
Thanks to my husband Carlos Wallace, (who is my biggest cheerleader and tough love guru), I took my passion for encouraging young girls to speak up, speak out and be fearlessly, unapologetically confident in their own skin and placed that energy in my first book series about a strong, inspirational, HAITIAN FEMALE SUPERHERO (Yep, I had to shout out that line!). The main character, Mindi PI encourages young girls to find and use their gifts to inspire others. “You Have A Superpower: Mindi PI Meets Bailey,” is the first book in the series. The character is illustrated in my granddaughter Bailey’s likeness, making it even more special. The series is motivation for young men too. A message of confidence is equal opportunity!
Bottom line: there are so many inspiring men and women who have overcome challenges, defied odds, crushed stereotypes and in many cases encouraged and supported the progress of others. Their commitment to promoting a better world is relentless! I admire people like that. I am working to become one of those people. I am the daughter of Haitian immigrants from Port-au-Prince and I wear my heritage as a badge of honor and understand the importance and value of representing our culture and honoring our history as the first free black nation in the world. I have been working my entire adult life to remain true to that legacy.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Tough one. I mean, how do you determine when an obstacle or challenge is not really a blessing in disguise? That is how we are encouraged to think about difficult circumstances, right?
In answer to your question, before I understood “That which does not kill me only makes me stronger”, I believed, “That which seemed like it was trying to kill me might just succeed in doing so!”
My greatest challenge was insecurity. When I was younger, my own. I suffered from self-doubt and what I called my personal survivor’s remorse. I would ask myself, “What right did I have to be happy and successful when so many people around me were not?” Yes, that was an actual consideration; one I believe many women struggle with. Sometimes we really are our own worst enemies.
When I became more confident and found my power (my voice, my talents), the insecurity of others became one of my greatest roadblocks. That insecurity presented itself in many forms. I work in a male-dominated industry. Black and brown women are often overlooked. Their talent, contributions and ability to lead are challenged, questioned and many times undermined. Women, in general, are not paid equal wages and we definitely are not given the same level of respect as our male counterparts. Even with the “Me Too” movement gaining momentum and wage disparity becoming a major conversation in corporate America, and as the role of women as leaders in the boardroom, in sports, in cinema, television, science, literature, etc are being recognized, we still have a long way to go.
My career path took a dramatic turn twice in my life. Both times, because I was not willing to compromise who I am. And I flourished, after each experience. I worked too hard and sacrificed too much to become the woman I am today. I learned that there is no greater barrier to success than being in an environment that suppresses who you are and what you are capable of accomplishing. Whether it is in relationships (been there too), or with friends and family, or in the workplace…never stay where you are not appreciated; never compromise who God intends you to be, to become someone you can only pretend to be.
We’d love to hear more about your work.
I am the Founder and Managing Editor of literary company Million$Pen, Ink. and author of a children’s book series entitled “You Have a Superpower”. The books encourage young girls (and boys) to discover the greatness within them and use their unique talents (superpowers) to make a difference in the lives of others. I am a Publicist and Media Relations Specialist with a deep bench of clients and a Motivational Speaker.
MDPI has four Amazon bestselling books to its credit. We’ve written bios for television actors, comics, CEO’s, noted social activists. I am honored that my writing has been seen/read by hundreds of thousands and my clients have been featured on CNN, Dateline, 48 Hours, the Houston Chronicle, Associated Press, Business Insider, Daily Mail TV, and many others. Most of my clients are comics that perform at the Arlington and Addison Improvs. I also represent clients in the Houston area (my second home).
As a stand-up comic, I divide my time between New York, Houston, and Dallas, where I perform in the Improv circuit. I also perform annually in Montreal.
As an award-winning journalist and anchor, I discovered the power of storytelling. I produced a television program based on my husband’s second bestselling book, “The Other 99 T.Y.M.E.S”. With him by my side as a Creative Consultant (and my manager), our show earned six media and television awards. That. Was. Mind. Blowing!
My biggest realization as a business-owner: I am reminded, every single day, there is a dearth of Haitian and Haitian-American women recognized for the strides they make in media and in the literary world. So I make that a big part of my business. I create outlets and platforms where I can use my voice. I built my literary business and answered the call to authorship as a way to highlight my gender and my culture. Win-win.
I don’t see myself as different from, better than or any variation of exclusivity when it comes to others. I am just Liz Faublas. A work in progress. I do call myself a multi-threat (a play on the idiom Triple Threat). I am a Writer, Comic, Producer, Journalist, and Actor (I had a role in a great film called “Getting Grace” written, directed and produced by Daniel Roebuck). Basically, there are a few things I will not try.
What were you like growing up?
Same as I am as an adult. All over the place. -laughs-
Basically on a path of self-discovery.
I attribute it to the fact I was never taught how to (nor was I encouraged to) share feelings. I was raised in a very strict Haitian household. Do what you are told, go to school, earn a degree, get married, have a family, don’t rock the boat, respect authority. Period. Suffice it to say, repressing my emotions and muting my voice slowed my emotional, mental and professional growth.
I was often conflicted about who I wanted to be versus who I was. I became a walking paradox: An introverted extrovert; an outgoing recluse. Not quite a “trouble-maker”, but definitely a wise-ass! I was sad a lot (because I never felt I was understood). I had a creative mind, but no real outlet.
I was, however, always telling jokes; making people laugh remains a huge part of my personality.
I was kind of spoiled too. -laughs-
In our culture, Haitian grandmothers were notorious for just giving us whatever we wanted! My Granmanman and I were thick as thieves. She made it hard for me to hear the word “no” as an adult. I would always be like, “But, wait, you mean…yes, of course, right?” Let’s just say, I had a few reality checks before I realized my Grandmother was the only one who felt that way about me! -laughs-
I miss that woman every day. She was a firebrand! I became more like her as an adult.
I loved to read and absolutely LOVED to talk… I was always talking! That helped when I was performing or competing. That also got me into trouble with teachers! -laughs- Although now, since I am still an active alum at both my High School and College, many of my former teachers share they liked that about me (just not in the classroom!).
Mind you, none of my internal conflicts kept me from being smart, outgoing, and engaging. I was too terrified of disappointing my Mom (and or getting my butt beat) to be any different. I was a straight-A student, on the honor roll, a winning member of the speech and debate team in High School and College, graduated Cum Laude from St. John’s University with a degree in Communications. That was what I “had” to do. I know now I had a so-called choice, but back then, I did not see it that way.
Ultimately, today, I don’t hold any emotional growth stuff against my parents. I used to resent not being given the tools I may have benefitted from to navigate this crazy thing called life and I do wish they had drilled in more of the fearlessness I later developed as an adult. But I think I turned out ok! I owe so much to them. My parents are the most amazing, loving, supportive people, ever. Definitely, have to shout them out: Serge and Kathy Champagne, I love you to the moon and back!
In the end, it all works out. What I experienced, I now teach. What I learned, I now impart onto others. My strength as a woman is shared with young girls who need a role model. And every day I am granted the breath of life, I grow and mature. Thank God, it’s all good.
Pricing:
- “You Have a Superpower: Mindi PI Meets Bailey” now available on Amazon.com – $9.99
- Motivational Speaking / Hosting: Price Range $1,500 to $10, 000 (Book on www.lizfaublas.com)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://milliondollarpenink.com/
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/efaublas/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/MindiPi/
- Other: https://www.facebook.com/thefabuliz1
Image Credit:
Deonne Moore, Justin McClure, Charles Andrews.
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