Founders Corner
Temple University: Stephane Jean-Baptiste’s Journey of Identity, Philanthropy and Entrepreneurship
Stephane Jean-Baptiste, KLN ’06, first waded into entrepreneurship when he launched his own graphic design company following his graduation from Temple. Not unfolding the way he had hoped, he found himself calling on the grit and determination that Temple instills in all its students and alumni. He bounced back by co-founding several nonprofits with his partner, Yve-Car Momperousse, who later became his collaborator in Kreyol Essence, a hair care company. Their journey then culminated in an appearance on ABC’s Shark Tank in 2019. While they didn’t secure an investment from the sharks, Kreyol Essence has since flourished, with products now available in Ulta Beauty stores nationwide. Hoping to see students persevere the same way that he did, Stephane recently launched a scholarship at Klein College of Media and Communication earlier this summer.
The success proved that while one door may have closed for Stephane earlier, another had clearly opened—and widened. Stephane further cemented his connection to Temple after the launch of Made for More, the university's new scholarship initiative. It was important for him to give back, creating a new scholarship for students at the Klein College of Media and Communication this past June, hoping to inspire and assist students who have aspirations just like he did nearly 20 years ago.
In our interview below, Stephane shares insights into his beginnings at Temple and how his humility, passion and determination fueled his dreams, and allowed him to dive even deeper into representing his Haitian American identity.
Let’s go back to the beginning. When you were looking at colleges, what made Temple stand out, and why did you ultimately decide to attend?
It's interesting to think back—this is 20 years ago! In ninth grade, a teacher gave me the autobiography of Malcolm X to read. Growing up Haitian American in the Boston area, I often felt confined to different silos, especially within the immigrant community. I struggled to understand what it meant to be Haitian American, and that book sparked my desire to learn more about Black history and my identity. I initially wanted to pursue theater and acting, so I auditioned for several MFA programs, including Emerson. Deep down, I felt the urge to immerse myself in a vibrant Black community—something I didn’t experience growing up. I applied to Howard and Temple, and when I visited Philadelphia, it just felt like home. The mix of colonial, urban and suburban elements resonated with me. The campus and its diversity reminded me of Boston, but it offered a chance to expand my horizons. Ultimately, Temple’s theater program excited me, and I loved its diversity of thought. I later switched to communications because I wanted to explore various creative interests. My time at Temple helped me escape the New England bubble and connect with new communities, ultimately shaping my identity.
You started in theater, then moved to communications. What led you to graduate with a communications degree, and how did that transition into your career?
As I turned 40, I found myself reflecting on my formative years at Temple. Those years laid the groundwork for my future endeavors. Few schools allow students at 18 or 19 to manage budgets or plan events. I realized those experiences were vital for my career. I switched to communications because I wanted a broader range of experiences. I took classes in advertising and public relations, which opened my eyes to the world of mass communications. After graduating, I founded my first company, Nouveau Concepts, a graphic design agency. Skills I learned at Temple—like budgeting and event planning—proved invaluable.
