Meet Yehlie Metayer

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Yehlie Metayer a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Yehlie, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?

Whenever I experience an artistic block, I return to my roots—specifically to Haitian culture and the literary works I studied growing up. My inspiration is deeply grounded in my heritage, and I create pieces that emulate Haitian culture through my own distinctive painting style.

I began painting while living in Haiti during high school, and I later reconnected with my art during a period when I had to leave home to pursue my education. During that time away, painting became more than a creative outlet—it became a bridge back to everything I knew and loved.

My work serves not only as a personal reconnection to my roots and my country, but also as a conscious effort to spotlight Haitian literature and cultural narratives that risk being forgotten over time. Through my art, I aim to preserve memory, honor tradition, and shine a positive light on Haitian culture.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I am a Haitian visual artist who has always taken my art seriously—creating, exhibiting, and selling pieces over the years—but I am now stepping fully into a deeper commitment to my practice and to the broader Haitian artistic community. I am currently completing my Master’s program in Counseling, with graduation expected in May 2026, and this season of my life feels especially meaningful as I align my academic growth with my creative purpose.

I am a member of Atizay, an artistic collective of young Haitian artists who come together to push our work forward, support one another, and create space for collaboration and cultural expression. Being part of this collective has reinforced the importance of community in my artistic journey and has allowed me to grow alongside other creatives who share a deep love for Haitian art and culture.

I am also part of the Ayida Creations collective, which participates in markets, pop-ups, and various vending opportunities to showcase and uplift the work of young Haitian artists. The collective highlights a wide range of artistic practices—from drawing and painting to crochet and fiber arts—creating opportunities for artists to be seen, supported, and celebrated.

What excites me most right now is this shift from working primarily as an individual artist to intentionally committing myself to both my own art and the collective advancement of other Haitian creatives. My work is rooted in culture, storytelling, and preservation, and everything I am doing now—academically, artistically, and collaboratively—is about building a sustainable and visible future for Haitian art.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most important qualities in my journey have been introspection, courage, and curiosity. Introspection has allowed me to stay connected to my purpose and create work that is honest and rooted in my identity. Courage has pushed me to share my art, take risks, and commit fully to my practice. Curiosity continues to guide my growth—encouraging me to learn, explore new ideas, and remain open to evolution.

My advice to those early in their journey is to make space for reflection, trust yourself enough to take risks, and stay curious. Growth happens when you allow yourself to question, explore, and move forward even without certainty.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

The biggest challenge I face is self-doubt and the constant feeling that time is running out. It’s easy to compare myself to others or feel behind, and I’m still learning how to move forward without letting those thoughts take over.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://yehlowbyyehlie.squarespace.com/?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio
• Instagram: @yehlowbyyehlie
• Other: Tiktok: yehl.dy