Name: Marvin Bienaime
Profession: Commercial Photographer / Publicist
Age: 25
One word that describes you: Industrious
One of the leading Haitian commercial photographers and publicists in the entertainment industry, Marvin Bienaime is raising the bar. The founder of Bienaime Agency, a boutique public relations company best known for its creative photography style, and effective branding services for aspiring models has consistently garnered the attention of mass media outlets including radio, magazines, newspapers, and television. Bienaime’s work has landed clients on The Wendy Williams Show, KTLA Morning News, NBC New York Nightly News, Fox, CBS, CW and countless other television programs.
While growing up in South Florida, Marvin’s dream was to become the biggest star in the world after being inspired by the legendary Michael Jackson. To make his mark in the highly competitive and glamorous modeling industry, Bienaime began shooting with many commercial photographers & landed several huge print ad campaigns. “I simply love the idea of being able to express how I view certain things in life through still images,” Bienaime tells BE Modern Man.
Resilient and never afraid to fail, Bienaime grew grew up in a predominately Black neighborhood where everyone was trying to find ways to become successful and live a better life. “My circle of friends was extremely small but very supportive,” says Bienaime. “A few of my friends would assist me on certain photoshoot sessions and made sure the environment was very comfortable and fun. My friends simply wanted me to succeed and become an inspiration to others who are trying to pursue a start-up company.”
Although he had the backing of his friends, there were many others that were not as supportive. “Being told that my work and talents were “not good enough” to be accepted by the very industry that I truly love and work hard in was a hard pill to swallow.” Bienaime tells BE Modern Man
. Witnessing managers who represent white models tell their clients that he wouldn’t know how to market them, Bienaime faced an uphill climb. “Sometimes I feel the color of my skin plays a major part of not being accepted but I try not to feed into it,” says Bienaime. “I hate the idea of racism, but I still face that to this day.”Read more on page 2…
Pushing past the racism, Bienaime remained steadfast and focused on his goals. “I do not allow anyone to “forget” that the Bienaime Agency is a force to be reckoned with,” Bienaime tells BE Modern Man. “I post on social networks about projects (in progress and upcoming) frequently to ensure that I stay at the forefront of everyone’s minds.”
With his work in the public eye, Bienaime sets extremely high standards for himself. “My advice for the young up and comers in the game is to develop consistency in your quality of work and marketing efforts,” says Bienaime. “Never give up even during the toughest times. One day your signature will become an autograph to someone who you’ve inspired”.
Tough times hit Haiti during the devastating earthquake on January 12th, 2010, and Bienaime quickly became instrumental in relief efforts. In 2010 he founded a non-profit organization called Smile 4 Haiti to assist children with limited financial means, resources, and support. Since its inception Smile 4 Haiti has been a committed resource to helping the Haitian people rebuild their lives through raising awareness of the needs of the Haitian people, including
providing food, clothing, and school supplies. Creating an impact within the African-American community, Bienaime aims to build a vibrant, diverse, and global company that provides jobs for others. “Becoming a voice for those who are afraid to take risks in life, and changing the perception of being your own boss is part of the legacy I want to leave.Faced with challenges both internally and externally, Bienaime says “a BE Modern Man is a beacon of hope with the ability to inspire and create more self-confidence in young Black men.”
The BlackEnterprise.com team salutes Marvin Bienaime for facing his challenges and vigorously overcome all trials. We look forward to seeing more of his creative photography style and vision throughout the media landscape.
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