Conversations with the Inspiring Simone Bisous

Today we’d like to introduce you to Simone Bisous.

SIMONE Pellar Durand (26) grew up between France and Chicago, disciplining her artistry as a French-American contemporary r&b musician, songwriter, and dancer while participating in award-winning competitions. Inspired by severe heartbreak in 2016, SIMONE recorded her first alias-defining album, “BISOUS”. Tracks were featured on YesJulz 1 AM Radio playlist alongside artists, Ari Lennox, Drake, and Kehlani. In 2017 she released an EP titled “READY” that created a platform for her to visually conceptualize her music through self-choreographed video production, partnering with Chicago videographers Paul Araki and Eric Wilkinson. In partnership with LEADERS 1354, SIMONE held a private event to release her 2018 limited-edition “KISS KIT”, which included a hat, BISOUS branded KISS-STICK and sticker; the 50 editions sold out immediately.

SIMONE’s dance has developed from childhood to womanhood on the dance floors of intensive programs led by industry leaders KAOS, Aisha Francis, and Trae Turner. Premium dance fitness class, “BODY BY BISOUS,” was developed in 2018 inclusively for women of all skill levels, structured as a half personal training session, half choreographed routine using a wide variety of dance styles. From a series of heartbreak to a series of awakening, SIMONE has scaled up womanhood through transformational projects that will be visualized for public experience in 2020. In February 2020, SIMONE is hosting a private EP release party for her newest project, SET.

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
It’s never a smooth road. Anybody can tell you that if they are living out their truth. As a young woman, I should’ve not wasted all that time with boys (even though they led to good songs) and focused on making money! While I was In school, I should’ve Been applying out the a** to commercials. I just wasn’t in the mindset of the bigger picture. I didn’t Believe in myself like I could’ve. Struggles with lovers and friends will always happen. Stand up for yourself. Speak up for yourself. And LOVE YOURSELF! If somebody is treating you in a way you don’t appreciate, TELL THEM AND LEAVE! No excuses.

We’d love to hear more about your work.
Singer, dancer, fitness trainer, entrepreneur. What sets me apart is that I’ve always been myself – different. My mom put me onto it early. My journey is nothing but my own. I owe Everything to my mom.

What do you feel are the biggest barriers today to female leadership in your industry or generally?
Biggest barriers are working in a male-dominated industry, dealing with men trying to sleep with you when you said it was strictly working, other women being pushed to compete with you, and society telling us that women have to look a certain way (again a competition of women for the attention of men – Beyoncé said it best.)

Contact Info:

• Website: Www.simonebisous.com
• Email: simonebisousmgmt@gmail.com
• Instagram: @simonebisous
• Facebook: Simone Bisous
• Twitter: @simonebisous

Image Credit:
Jessie Dore and Lily McLaughlin

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