The US may be the Land of Opportunity, but that opportunity must be pursued. Marie Renée Thadal shares the obstacles and the opportunities in her memoir, “Stability, The Belle of the Ball.”

“Nearly a decade ago, on a relaxing vacation in Sint Maarten, I found inspiration on my condo balcony watching cruise ships gracefully passing by,” she told Happi. “But, one particular morning, a profound sense of inspiration enveloped me, compelling me to embark on a journey—to document the narrative of my life as a way to pay tribute to those who played a part in my story.”

Thadal is no stranger to the cosmetics industry. She’s been an industry fixture for years, first as an executive in the raw material side of the business and now, as a vice president with a leading software company. Her highest profile position may be as chair of the New York Chapter of the Society of Cosmetic Chemists (NYSCC). During her tenure, Thadal oversaw the NYSCC Suppliers’ Day move from the New Jersey Expo Center in Edison, NJ to Javits Convention Center in New York City. That transition cemented NYSCC Suppliers’ Day as one of the major events on the global cosmetics industry calendar. Nearly a decade after that move to New York City, Suppliers’ Day continues to expand and attract thousands of industry executives from around the world.

It’s an impressive resumé for a woman who arrived from Haiti at 13 in search of an education and a better life. Four years earlier, Thadal’s father, Joe, left Haiti to find work to support his family. He regularly sent money back to his wife, Aline, to support Marie and her two older brothers, Yves-Antoine and Max. But her life changed forever when her father called her to New Jersey.

“Marie Renée Michaud, go and show the world what you are made of,” said Aline as she hugged her daughter goodbye.

Joe’s aspirations for his youngest child and only daughter included medical school. He was strict about school work and social activities. But what Marie missed most when she was in America was her mother. She implored her father to send for her, and nine long years later, Thadal was reunited with her mother—just in time for Aline to see her youngest child graduate with a degree in biochemistry from Douglass College at Rutgers University.

Thadal didn’t get a chance to attend medical school. She had bills to pay and a mother to support. Instead, she joined Mary Kay Cosmetics, where she rose through the ranks to become a top sales representative. In time, she married and had a son. But like so many women juggling career and family obligations, she lost her sense of self. Divorced, but with her mother’s support, Thadal returned to college and obtained her Master’s degree in Cosmetic Science from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

She married again and had two girls. But the marriage didn’t work out and Thadal turned inward, focusing on goals that included buying property, starting a business (a chemical distribution company) and climbing the ranks of the NYSCC.

“My story, deeply rooted in Haiti's vibrant culture, reflects resilience and determination shaped by my parents,” she explained. “Honoring their legacies, I've navigated life's challenges to excel and uplift my family. “Like growing a business, life tests grit, but with commitment, success is achievable. This inspirational tale shares my highs, lows and personal evolution, emphasizing the lessons learned on the path to achieving my goals.”

Itiah Angels for Learning

One of those goals was helping others. Having raised three children with a strong focus on education, Thadal recognized the need to extend educational opportunities beyond her own family. In 2018, she founded Itiah Angels for Learning, a 501(c)3 nonprofit dedicated to enhancing education for girls at the elementary school she attended in Haiti.

“Our motto emphasizes treating all children as our own and embodies the principle of ‘Love Thy Neighbor’ taken to the highest level. I believe that every child can prosper with the right support, assistance, and encouragement,” Thadal explained. “Unfortunately, in many countries, education is not compulsory, and systems often lack resources, especially for girls in Haiti. Drawing from my own experience of overcoming poverty, I understand the transformative power of a helping hand.”

Fully aware of the impact of early and consistent education exposure, Thadal established Itiah Angels for Learning to provide a comprehensive set of experiences, fostering self-belief and success for the children it serves.

Looking back, Thadal says she doesn’t harbor many regrets… although there are moments when she wishes she had pursued a career in medicine to fulfill her father's aspirations.

“(It) represents a missed opportunity, as becoming a doctor would have allowed me to provide greater support to those in Haiti who don’t have access to medical care,” she explained.

Missed opportunity? Hardly, Thadal’s story is a rich tapestry of life lessons and achievements that are inspirational to friends, business partners and anyone who reads Stability, The Belle of The Ball.

Discover Marie's inspiring journey of overcoming challenges by purchasing her book today! Your purchase will directly impact the lives of the girls supported by her charity.


Stability, The Belle of The Ball
Author: Marie Renée Thadal
Genre: Inspirational
Publisher: Halo Publishing International
Release Date: November 6, 2023
Available Formats: Hardcover, Paperback, Kindle
Where to Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble
Overall rating: 5 Star, 100%
Charitable Contribution: For each Hardcover book purchased, $2 will be donated to the education fund of  Itiah Angels for Learning charity organization.