Meet Marie-Claire Mercier

With the fast-paced changing digital society that we live in, it is easy to get lost with all the distractions that present themselves both personally and professionally. I am an artist and I always thrived in creating and collaborating thru music, performing arts and fashion so it comes to me naturally that I crave to do something that allows me to be in a creative realm whether it’s via projects that I do within my social platform or collaborating with like-minded, creative individuals and artists. It is important also to consider and distinguish what are the new trends that will allow me to be unique and relevant.

Last but not the least, my creativity within my projects and collaborations allow me to grow, be productive, and at times, a way for me to have a balance when things or challenging moments in my life happen. I know that within this space, I am able to express myself freely and if I am able to inspire and motivate fellow creatives and artists is an added bonus and what keeps my creativity alive.

Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I wear different hats at the same time so it becomes overwhelming but also is a rewarding feeling. I used to work in corporate America (in the financial services) and I was burnout and unfulfilled and took a big step to pursue other personal ambitions and goals. Currently, I am planning to go back to pursue another degree (in Engineering) while simultaneously continuing to focus on my social platform and brand, The Parisian Panda.

Last year, I was blessed to experience a magical and unforgettable time to have lived in Negril, Jamaica and also mentored under a successful local hotelier, Ariel Absera, who taught me the intricacies of the hospitality business. With his guidance and help during the early stages of the concept I was planning allowed me to open up and venture to a new project and expand my brand to an alternative and holistic wellness services called Movements.

Movements is a holistic wellness retreat that focuses on different movements of the body thru fitness, yoga and dancehall (which is a form of dance in Jamaican culture). Our first retreat will be launching in May of this year (from the 18th to the 22nd) and it will be incorporating the concept of Movements program during this weekend getaway in Negril, Jamaica for participants. (Anyone interested in learning more can check my website and social media platform).

This was an important step and venture for me as my experience living in Negril left an indelible mark in me that I wanted to create a program while collaborating with local businesses like my partner instructors to give back to the community of Negril while executing the concept and vision of what Movements is all about.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
Looking back at my journey, the three things that allowed me to stay the course would be: dedication, discipline and perseverance. My road was never a straight path and certainly it was not as easy as it may sound. There were times and up to now, when I feel like I have no idea of what I am doing reminds me to practice and have the mental fortitude to tell myself that things will be OK no matter what and to have the perseverance to continue especially when life throws me a curveball is what keeps me in this game and have the discipline and dedication to stay the course. The willingness to take calculated risks and surrounding myself with a good and trusted support system was also and still is a major factor and quality I consider important when it comes to my personal and professional development.

How would you spend the next decade if you somehow knew that it was your last?
If I knew that the next 10 years of my life would be the last, undoubtedly, I would like to travel more and discover places I have never been and learn about their culture. Certainly, I will also spend more time with my loved ones and letting know how much I appreciate each one of them. Most people these days tend to be reclusive in the defense that opening up leads to vulnerability to which more often than not, is taken as a form of weakness. I have always been an open book for the most part and I have always strived to live in the moment but also knowing that there is so much strength found once you become comfortable within yourself.

I am also learning more and more that having balance and drawing boundaries with people within my personal and professional circles is paramount to my productivity and overall well-being will. The balance to be able to have quality time just for myself and also time for the people around me is challenging but a journey that I am enjoying while learning.

Lastly, I would like to continue to expand my platform, The Parisian Panda, in the hopes of motivating and inspiring others which is a daily reminder for me to live my life with zest, at its fullest.