Marriage can wait: Haitian author Cottecheese Pierre launches bold guide to women’s self-worth

CORAL SPRINGS, Fla. — In a compelling new addition to modern feminist literature, Haitian author Cottecheese Pierre has launched her debut book— “Marriage Is Not Plan A” —a 26-chapter manifesto of women’s empowerment. 

Through each letter of the alphabet, Pierre encourages women to reject societal pressures that prioritize marriage as the ultimate goal and instead embrace self-worth, independence and limitless ambition.

“Writing this book to debut my career as an author is deeply personal,” Pierre told The Haitian Times.  

Pierre, 41, an MBA graduate living in France, is also a fashion designer, entrepreneur and social media influencer. Her activism is rooted in global Afro-feminist movements and cyberfeminism, using digital platforms to expose abuse, promote sisterhood and celebrate the richness of Black womanhood.

She recounts how her mother was raped at 13 and died at 46 after years of relentless domestic abuse, and how her aunt was forced to marry a violent man to “avoid being left behind.” Pierre’s writing channels the generational trauma and systemic patriarchy she witnessed in Haiti and abroad—now confronting and seeking to dismantle them.

Launched first at the Haitian Embassy in Paris, France, on May 29, followed by a packed signing event in Coral Springs, Florida, July 27, the book tour has drawn an enthusiastic audience of readers, feminists and influencers. Pierre’s next stop is Montreal, Canada, on Aug. 22, with plans to expand to the Caribbean and Africa by Spring 2026.

The book was initially published in French and English. Since its official launch in Paris, over 500 copies have been sold. Pierre’s goal is to translate her book into all major languages, making it accessible to readers globally instead of just in French and English-speaking countries.

“We must challenge the expectation that a woman’s worth is measured by her marital status,” Pierre said in an exclusive interview with The Haitian Times during her Coral Springs event. “Our dreams, careers, and peace of mind matter.”

An alphabet of liberation amid priorities before marriage—if it ever comes at all

In Marriage Is Not Plan A, each letter of the alphabet represents a plan with detailed steps that women can follow as a guideline for their well-being and happiness. The following is a synopsis that captures the book’s essence:

• A — Affirm Self-Love: Treat self-love as rebellion and the first act of freedom.
• B — Break Cycles: Break patterns of abuse, betrayal and silence.
• C — Create: Women are creators; their contributions must be recognized.
• D — Disconnect: Deconstruct patriarchy and awaken from its programming.
• E — Elevate Savings: Financial independence is key to freedom.
• F — Forge Ahead: Claim your space and stop letting others define you. “A woman’s place is wherever she chooses it to be. We are go-getters!”
• G — Glorify Women: Pay tribute to other women and reject society’s glorification of harmful men.
• H — Heal: Don’t suppress emotions—heal to reclaim power. “A healed woman is free, powerful and indomitable.”
• I — Illuminate: Let your light shine unapologetically. “We will shine with a thousand sparks, as we were always meant to!”
• J — Juggle: Master the art of balancing roles without being trapped. “We will challenge the patriarchy and turn every move into a dance of resistance.”
• K — Kiss Life: Celebrate every moment and pursue what sets your soul on fire.
• L — Lie Down: Rest is revolutionary. “Get ready for a generation of ‘lazy’ Black women who sleep and prioritize their rest.”
• M — Marry or Militate: Reimagine marriage or dismantle it. Negotiate every aspect if you choose it.
• N — Nourish: Nourish yourself without apology. “A woman who eats is a woman who owns her humanity.”
• O — Opine: Speak up. Women’s voices and experiences are essential.
• P — Protect: Women are protectors by nature and don’t need to rely on men for protection.
• Q — Question: Deconstruct imposed beliefs to discover true freedom.
• R — Read Women: Read books by women to understand and empower yourself.
• S — Sororize: Protect your sisters. “Warn them against those who mean them harm.”
• T — Transgress: Rebel against patriarchal and racist norms. “You are not a sheep blindly following the herd.”
• U — Unite: Feminism’s strength lies in unity. Build inclusive movements.
• V — Visit the World: Travel to broaden your mind and deepen your story.
• W — Be Woke: Stay alert and refuse manipulation. “Every feminist is woke.”
• X — Practice Xingyiquan: Learn self-defense to reclaim personal safety. “Until parents stop teaching boys toxic masculinity, we’ll teach our daughters to fight back.”
• Y — Own a Yacht: Embrace abundance and live with opulence. “It’s time for Black women to step into the spotlight.”
• Z — Live Zen: Prioritize peace and healing. “Being a Black woman in a misogynistic society is already a battle.”

Pierre emphasized that each woman must define success on her own terms. “Whether marriage comes or not is trivial,” she writes. “The goal is to live fully and find happiness.”

Still, she cautions those who may— intentionally or not— mischaracterize her book as anti-marriage or anti-men.

“My book is not a referendum on men or marriage,” the Haitian feminist who is herself happily married, told The Haitian Times. “In fact, the guide is for men, too.”

“Men sometimes get pressured as well to marry before they feel ready. Societal norms may favor them, but the weight of women’s suffering rests on them also,” the mother of three girls added.

 “Men need to be conscious of their responsibilities and be women’s allies for a better world—for sustainable transformation to happen. The good news is that, the author continued,  “many men understand that. However, understanding needs to be followed by concrete and consistent actions.”

A collective celebration of women’s power

The Coral Springs event at Lotus Mansion featured a panel of influential Haitian women:

• Darline Délice, entrepreneur and founder of Dada’s Cuisine, which promotes Tonmtonm Take-Ova—a mobile party-like catering of breadfruit-based specialty food.
• Karoll-Ann Fanfan, renowned business leader, tax consultant and CEO of TaxFit LLC.
• Pharah Larrieux, community organizer, communications strategist, co-founder and director of the marketing firm THELAR Management Group.

Each speaker brought a unique message of affirmation. Larrieux, a long-time TV personality, now an advocate for Temporary Protected Status (TPS) recipients, connected Pierre’s message to women’s broader struggles for visibility and justice.

For Délice, a divorced mother and successful entrepreneur, marriage is only good when both spouses are happy and working together in harmony, knowing they share responsibilities for their family’s and each other’s well-being. 

“But one can be successful without being married,” she said, citing herself—an orphan since age nine—and her grandmother, who raised her alone, as prime examples. 

“Self-confidence is key,” Fanfan said. “For a woman to do what is good for her, not what other people demand of her, she needs to love herself and be confident wherever she goes and regardless of what people think of her.”

“This book is more than pages,” added Larrieux. “It’s a declaration that Haitian women deserve to live boldly, without shame or limitation.”

As she continues her tour, Pierre said her mission is to ensure that no woman feels pressured into shrinking her life for the sake of acceptance.

“This book is for the girl approaching 30, feeling like she’s failing because she isn’t married yet. You are not behind—you are exactly where you need to be.”

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