Jamaican Miss World Toni-Ann Singh. Photo: IG @toniannsingh
Coronavirus may have brought the globe to a standstill, but that’s not stopping reigning Miss World Toni-Ann Singh from continuing her charitable mission. Adjusting for worldwide travel bans and social distancing efforts, the Jamaican-born beauty queen will resume her “Beauty with a Purpose” tour with more virtual events, says CEO and chairperson of the Miss World Organization, Julia Morley.
“The plan is to switch the activities to online over the next three months, and should freedom of travel be lifted before July we will revert to the ‘Beauty With A Purpose’ global tour visiting countries and projects,” Morley told a source.
Singh was programmed to visit several countries for various projects. These events have been shifted till later in the year. One upcoming engagement includes a fashion show fundraiser in Jamaica, as part of Singh’s Beauty with a Purpose charitable mission. The show will support her educational initiative providing distance learning facilities for teen mothers and pageant girls at the Women’s Centre of Jamaica Foundation. “This work will continue to progress, so when we get back to ‘business’ as normal, we will be in a position to act quickly,” Morley said.
Morley also gave assurances that the current pandemic will have no negative effects on the Jamaican beauty queen’s reign. Her charity events are all set to proceed at a later date. “She is still Miss World and will continue to use her influence to bring about social and cultural change, which will be even more relevant in these uncertain times.”
Singh also shared her eagerness to continue her mission with her followers on Instagram. “I cannot wait to get back to working with, and advocating for, the incredible Beauty With a Purpose projects all over the world,” says Singh. “There is still work to be done. There is still purpose to fulfill.”
Singh, who took the title in December 2019 at London, is the fourth Jamaican to have been crowned Miss World. Carole Joan Crawford broke the record in 1963, followed by Cindy Breakspeare in 1976, and then Lisa Hanna in 1993. Toni-Ann Singh was born and raised in Morant Bay, St. Thomas, Jamaica before she immigrated to the U.S. in 2006. She graduated from Florida State University.
New Jamaican Canadian player for the Dallas Cowboys, Neville Gallimore.
The Dallas Cowboys will be feeling a little more irie this upcoming season, as Jamaican-Canadian Neville Gallimore has been officially drafted to the team. The defensive lineman was the 82nd overall pick in the NFL 2020 draft third round, after he made waves for the University of Oklahoma Sooners.
Though born and raised in Ottawa, Ontario, Gallimore is open about his pride in his island heritage. Both parents hail from Trelawny as former farmers in the Wire Fence district, before moving to Canada in the 1990s. Gallimore describes a childhood filled with Jamaican culture. “I carry myself like a Jamaican, the Jamaican rules, the culture, the music, the way of talking, everything — they were all around me growing up,” says Gallimore. “And the food! Jerk chicken. Oxtail. Rice and peas. Curry. Bammy. Fried breadfruit. Fried dumplings. I’ve never been able to get enough of it.”
All that home cooking certainly had an impact on the powerhouse player, who attracted the Cowboys with his speed and nimbleness. Gallimore’s sprint time for 40 yards was an impressive 4.79 seconds. His stellar Oklahoma career saw him achieve 147 tackles, 8.5 sacks, and 17.5 tackles for loss.
The road to the NFL has been a labor of love for Gallimore, who began playing football at age 11. In high school, his speed and amazing sprinting talent were noticed by American football programs, and he received a whopping 30 scholarship offers. He also became the first Canadian to play in the U.S. Army All-American Bowl. His exceptional blend of size, speed, and strength earned him the nickname “Canadian Bulldozer.”
To Gallimore, family is everything. His father and mother, Carlton and Merdiva, and his brothers, Garry and Gary, play a very important role in his life. His parents ingrained a can-do attitude in Gallimore and his siblings from childhood. “My parents set the standard for me and my brothers, and the standard was hard work,” he says about his upbringing. “I learned from the examples they set and the guidance they gave. Whenever I was in doubt, I could always look to my parents.”
Prime Minister, the Most Hon. Andrew Holness (second left), observes as Chairman, Petroleum Corporation of Jamaica, Russell Hadeed (left), inserts the strip signifying Wigton Windfarm's official listing on the Jamaica Stock Exchange. The listing ceremony took place today (May 22), at the Jamaica Stock Exchange in downtown Kingston. Also sharing in the moment are (from third left) Minister of Finance and the Public Service, Dr. the Hon. Nigel Clarke; Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon. Fayval Williams; and General Manager, Wigton Windfarm, Earl Bennett.
While Jamaica is well known for its dominance on the track, the island is not-so-quietly dominating in another surprising realm—the international stock market. In 2018, Bloomberg ranked the Jamaica Stock Exchange as the best-performing market in the world, generating the highest rate of returns. This strong showing continued in 2019, ranked as the fifth highest in the world on returns. The market earned an average 34 percent on investments. For the past five years, stocks have surged over 600 percent overall—achieving the world’s best performance among international markets.
This Cinderella story marks a dramatic turn of events for the island. At the beginning of the 2010s, Jamaica had been laboring under mountains of debt, says Leary Mullings, founding senior partner at Crichton Mullings & Associates, a Miramar-based business consultancy serving clients in the U.S. and Jamaica. The government, in order to raise capital, “had to offer higher interest rates to encourage people to buy their bonds, just to get money to pay teachers and police,” he explains. “This only created a vicious cycle, because they had to borrow more and more money just to pay this growing debt.”
The debt fever finally broke in 2013, when Jamaica took a controversial US$1billion, four-year loan from the International Monetary Fund. The decision received intense criticism for fear of further economic constraint. The loan agreement, however, finally helped “wean government off of all this borrowed money,” says Mullings. It enhanced tax collection and required more financial accountability from government departments. This became a boon for the stock exchange. As bond interest rates fell, institutional and individual investors at home and abroad turned to the market for more opportunities.
Thanks to some forward-thinking innovations, the government created the Junior Market. This platform allows smaller emerging companies to raise capital on the stock exchange. “It has helped a number of companies come out of their shadows, and become national entities,” says Mullings. It’s also become a valuable resource for non-profits. The Alpha Institute, a 140-year-old charity serving at-risk youth, is raising JA$19 million on the exchange to support their work.
Investing is far from a millionaire’s game. “The government has privatized a number of companies, tailoring the listings for small investors,” says Mullings. The Manchester-based Wigton Windfarm Limited is the most recent success story. Last May, the former government entity generated JA$14 billion for just 50 cents a share for its initial public offering (IPO). Over a third of the buyers were first-time investors.
PHOTO: RUDRANATH FRASER General Manager of Public-Private Partnerships and Privatisation Services at the Development Bank of Jamaica (DBJ), Denise Arana (left) listens attentively to a point being made by Operations Manager of Wigton Windfarm, Rohan Hay (right) during a tour of the wind farm in Rose Hill Manchester on November 30. Looking on is Deputy General Manager of JN Fund Managers Limited, Jermaine Deans.
The future remains bright as the market continues to innovate and improve accessibility. Last December, the Jamaica Stock Exchange adopted Nasdaq trading technology. This will greatly improve investors’ ability to monitor trade activities, strengthening the market’s integrity.
For those among the diaspora interested in investing, the process has become easier. About 13 certified, locally-based brokerage houses can facilitate their needs. Internet trading is available through the market’s online platform, JTrader. Trading through a broker allows investors to avoid charges like stamp duty and transfer taxes, which are significantly higher than the average brokerage fees. To open an account, potential investors need a Jamaican bank account, proof of identity, proof of address and a tax registration number. Some firms will also require references.
Though the future is never certain in any market, it’s clear the Jamaica Stock Exchange is on the right track. “This is really the time for small investors to participate,” advises Mullings. “Based on our analysis of the economy, we expect the conditions that support the strong performance of the exchange to continue for some time.”
Staying fit doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym – in fact, with the right exercises, you can get a full-body workout right from the comfort of your own home. Whether you’re short on time or prefer the convenience of working out in your living room, at-home workouts offer flexibility and effectiveness. To get you on track, we turned to three exercise experts for tips creating (and sustaining) a simple, balanced fitness regime.
Start Moving
Going faster, harder and stronger doesn’t always yield better results, especially for quarantine fitness. Instead, small daily habits like a 15-20 minute walk can greatly improve your overall health, says personal trainer RJ Deed. The trick however, is “to stay consistent. You won’t see results overnight, but if you make it a part of your lifestyle, you will see results.” Afterwards, Deed recommends 10 minutes of stretching to keep the body nimble, then pushing a little further with ten burpees—one of the most effective exercises for building muscle.
How To: Burpee
Stand with your feet shoulder width apart and your arms at your sides.
Bend your knees and squat.
Place your hands on the floor directly in front of, and just inside, your feet.
Jump your feet back to softly land on the balls of your feet in a plank position. Your body should form a straight line from head to heels.
Jump your feet forward, landing just outside of your hands.
Reach your arms over your head and jump.
Lower yourself back into a squat for your next repetition.
To modify for knee or back issues, skip the jumps and step forward and back instead, alternating legs. Support your arms with a box or heavy chair to decrease upper-body strain.
Pro Tip: “Be careful not to let your back sag or your butt stick up in the air, as both can keep you from effectively working your core,” says Reed.
Keep It Simple
The road to failed workout resolutions is lined with overpriced equipment, which are all unavailable during social distancing. But our bodies already come fully equipped, says personal trainer Carlos Alonso. Known as the “Squat Doctor,” Alonso loves recommending this exercise to his clients. “A squat is a functional movement, something we do in everyday life,” he notes. “And it’s the number-one movement to boost testosterone, which decreases as we age.” The hormone is associated with sustaining bone density and muscle mass in both men and women.
How To: Squat
Start with a shoulder-width stance facing forward, keeping your back straight and clenching your stomach.
Extend arms, either straight ahead or holding hands, for balance.
Inhale, squeezing in your abdominals.
Bend your knees and sit back, aiming for an imaginary chair. Hinge your hips back. Hold your breath, ensuring your knees don’t pass over your toes as you descend.
Exhale as you stand up to repeat.
Pro Tip: Open the toes and drive your knees into the ground. This will pull the tension from your knees and activate the quadriceps.
Engage Your Heart
A healthy body starts with a healthy mind, so a well-rounded exercise regime should engage your emotional needs, says Sheba Munn Thompson, a hot yoga instructor at the Sol Yoga studio in Fort Lauderdale. “Stress can have a devastating effect on your overall health, causing a string of tension throughout the human body,” she explains. “We also tend to hold emotional trauma in our hips. As we say in yoga, closed hips lead to a closed heart.” To open up the hips and the heart, she suggests the simple “Kapotasana” or pigeon pose.
How-To: Pigeon Pose
Sitting down, start with five full breaths, inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the mouth.
Move to a table-top position on your hands and knees, palms down.
Move your right knee forward, behind the inside of your right wrist.
Extend your left leg behind you, in a straight line from hip to toe.
Lift your upper body from your fingertips, elongating your spine.
Gently heel-toe your right foot towards your left wrist. Work your ankle forward as much as possible, so your shin is perpendicular to your torso.
Gently work your right hip back and left hip forward to square your hips.
If comfortable, lift torso and rest hands on thighs.
Once properly aligned, walk your hands forward lowering your torso onto your shin, resting your forehead on the floor. Hold for five full breaths. Repeat on the other side.
Pro Tip: Place a yoga block or rolled-up towel under your right hip to align both hips parallel to the floor.
Find strength body and soul in Jamaica's wellness escape on the north coast, like the Jewel Paradise Cove Beach and Spa in Runaway Bay. Photos: Courtesy of Jewel Paradise Cove Resort and Spa.
When your body and mind tell you it’s time to take a break from the mundane stresses and strains of life, exploring a new place can provide the perfect opportunity for a reboot. Those seeking rejuvenation can discover a fountain of renewal along Jamaica’s north coast. From the lush greenery of Port Antonio to the east, to the decadent spas of Montego Bay further west, we sought out the best health and wellness vacation experiences to recharge from east to west. Whichever locale you explore, you’re bound to end your retreat energized and inspired for whatever comes your way.
Portland
Known affectionately as “Portie” by locals, the parish of Portland remains an authentic slice of Jamaica, removed from the hectic vibes of the island’s main tourist hubs. It doesn’t hurt that the area is especially blessed with natural wonders—the heavier rainfall makes the land lush with thick rainforests that meld into lagoons and beaches. These features all combine to create a soothing natural environment that invites and inspires.
To Explore:
With a long stretch of coastline, Portland’s beaches boast both high waves and smooth waters. Build your stamina surfing at Boston Bay and Long Bay—offering some of the best waves on the island. You can also rebuild your strength from battling the currents at the nearby Boston Jerk Center, the iconic spot for authentic and traditional jerk.
When you seek a spiritual reconnection to nature, you will be rewarded by trekking Portland’s verdant trails. The stunning natural surroundings motivate movement, encouraging explorers to wander the lush hillsides of San San. Other beautiful sites to explore include Reach Falls, a series of tiered cascades that tumble from one jade-colored pool to the next. You can dive in some of the deeper pools, then continue on a half-mile hike up the river through the rainforest to Mandingo Cave. Exploring Somerset Falls provides another invigorating experience, where you follow a winding path through rich landscapes to the deep rock pools and natural caves where the Daniels River falls into a 20-foot deep pool.
To Stay:
Tucked away in the rainforests of San San overlooking the water, the chic Geejam Hotel provides the perfect place to escape. Though recently expanded, the hotel retains its boutique intimacy, and provides onsite snorkeling, scuba diving and freediving. No wonder the hotel has become a favorite getaway for international musicians like Drake, Alicia Keys, and John Legend, who come for creative inspiration at the hotel’s villa and accompanying state-of-the-art recording studio nestled among the trees.
Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay
picturesque views at the Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa.
Amid the bustle of popular North Coast beach towns like Ocho Rios and Runaway Bay, one can still find enclaves of intimacy to reconnect with loved ones and take on new challenges together. For young families and couples, it’s worth it to wander off the beaten path, away from the big resorts and commercial districts. At these new spots, they can discover something new and authentic about Jamaica—and about themselves.
To Explore:
If we are what we eat, then nothing satisfies the soul quite like the authentic and wholesome delights at the amazing Miss T’s Kitchen in Ocho Rios. Tucked away just off the main thoroughfare, this memorable dining spot draws you away from the noise of the town into a rustic and welcoming dining space. In addition to classic Jamaican dishes, the restaurant offers fresh and healthy vegan fare. Think creamy coconut vegetable rundown and spicy chickpea curry.
To Stay:
Taking on new challenges feels easier when you’re with a crew. And it feels extra luxurious at the Jewel Paradise Cove Beach Resort & Spa. This Runaway Bay property offers an invigorating health and wellness program that’s ideal for group experiences. Take on the great outdoors with classes like water aerobics, spinning, yoga, beach volleyball and soccer. Explore their nature trail hikes and join in on a little beach cricket. After a day testing your limits in the sun, nothing refreshes like their on-site spa, featuring organic, plant-based treatments.
Montego Bay
Participants hit the pavement at the MoBay City Run.
You may know Montego Bay as the ultimate destination for a chill vacation. It’s the perfect place to spend days lounging on the beach, taking in the sun. But travelers and locals alike may not know the Second City’s more adventurous side. The city is filled with heart-racing attractions and spas that will heal you up for the next escapade.
To Explore:
If running for a cause is more your speed, check out the annual MoBay City Run, the 10K/5K event held every May to raise funds for local education. If you can’t make it to these events, you can still find your adrenaline rush here any time of year. For example, try flying over the treetops on the popular zip line tour at the Montpelier Jungle Outpost, located just outside the city.
The ancient Roman-inspired baths at the Irie Baths And Spa, S Hotel, Jamaica
To Stay:
After an adrenaline-filled day, recover for your next adventure at the Irie Baths And Spa, located at the luxurious S Hotel. Their holistic wellness program takes inspiration from therapeutic treatments both old and new. Their subterranean marble plunge pools take inspiration from ancient Rome. Meanwhile, their modern kinetic energy therapy is designed to improve circulation. Guests can also sample other rejuvenative massages, using local ingredients. Think invigorating Blue Mountain coffee grounds for exfoliation and 100 percent cold-pressed coconut oil for that healthy glow.
If your style should announce to the world your personality, this charming couple Mark and Marie Cameron has a lot to say. Marie, a top executive at Carnival cruise lines, is a fierce and beautiful fashionista with the most humble spirit and a heart of gold. Husband Mark Cameron is an artist, chef, furniture maker, poet and political activist. As a fashion and interior designer, I know that with a little creativity it’s possible to infuse more personality and design at home on a thrifty budget. I call it living like a “Thrifty Trillionaire.”
So to celebrate this couple’s diverse interests and eclectic charm, we reimagined their at-home vibe, transforming their stunning Tudor-inspired house to reflect their interests. I combined glam finishes and artsy accents to represent both their personalities. Plus, we gave them a fashionable makeover so they can chill at home in style. Use some of these tips to dial up your own level of fabulous.
Table Style
Add personality to your coffee table with a mix of styles and textures that reflect your personality. I added glitz with mixed-metal vases filled with leaves from the garden, a mirrored jewelry box and high-end books. We brought it more artsy flair with ethnic-themed coffee-table books, and thrift store pieces like the carved wood “LOVE” box.
Mobile Masterpieces
To create a dynamic look that the couple can change to suit what-ever foliage is in bloom, I mixed huge woven planters with large branches and leaves from their backyard garden. Mark’s artwork is propped on the back of the sofa so he can change it as often as he paints a new masterpiece without drilling holes in the wall. The A.R.T. pillows, mixed in with some store-bought shag ones, are from my new home collection.
Fashion Forward
Mark embraces his artistic background with paint splattered cargo shorts and a Miguel Duvon crocheted shirt. We finished the look with Kente cloth accents, African wood beads and a handmade turban. Marie also embraces more bohemian flair with a hand-embellished silk halter maxi, paired with with black lace pants and coordinating silk duster.
There is no greater joy than a bellyful of Caribbean food. Now readers can indulge in with even more recipes with new cookbook, “Taste the Islands: Culinary Adventures in a Caribbean Kitchen.” Based on the popular PBS cooking show Taste the Islands TV, this cookbook is a collaboration between hosts Hugh “Chef Irie” Sinclair and Cynthia “Chef Thia” Verna, and show producer Calibe Thompson. Due for release April 20, the new Caribbean cookbook features traditional and gourmet Caribbean recipes, plus interesting behind-the-scenes anecdotes from the making of the Taste the Islands TV show.
Ahead of its release, check out a few delicious recipe samples from the new book.
Pate Kode
In Haiti many people in the rural areas, especially students, buy this deep-fried, meat-filled pie from street vendors. It’s a complete meal in one pocket. Pate kode was thought of only as street food in the past, but in recent years, Haitian chefs have been changing that perception by focusing on foods from our roots and celebrating them with updated approaches. My version has a light, thin crust and a flavorful creole-style shredded chicken filling. The patty is golden and crispy on the outside, and soft on the inside.
Traditional pate kode has boiled eggs mixed in, but I’ve left them out. Add them if you like, and feel free to experiment with ground beef, codfish, or herring fillings instead of chicken.
Makes 4 to 6 patties
For the Filling:
2 tablespoons butter
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1 teaspoon salt
3 tablespoons evaporated milk
1/4 cup minced red bell pepper
1/4 cup minced green bell pepper
1/2 cup finely chopped yellow onion
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
3 teaspoons Chef Thia’s spice*
11/2 cups shredded cooked chicken breast
1 teaspoon black pepper
For the Dough:
2 cups all-purpose flour, plus 1/2 cup to sprinkle on sticky dough
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon baking powder
4 tablespoons butter, softened
1 teaspoon Chef Thia’s Spice*
Vegetable oil for frying
Make the filling:
Heat the butter in a large frying pan over medium-high heat. When the butter is melted, add the tomato paste, salt, evaporated milk, bell peppers, and onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes, until the vegetables are tender.
Stir in the red pepper flakes and Chef Thia’s Spice, followed by the chicken. Sprinkle the black pepper over the top and continue to cook for 3 to 5 minutes, until heated through.
Remove the pan from the heat and allow the sautéed mixture to cool.
Make the dough:
Put the flour, salt, and baking powder in a medium bowl and stir well. Make a small well in the center of the mixture and add the butter, Chef Thia’s Spice, and 1/2 cup cold water. Stir until a smooth and elastic dough is formed, adding up to 1/4 cup more cold water by the tablespoon if it’s too dry. Cover the bowl and allow the dough to rest for 15 minutes.
On a floured surface, roll the dough out to about 1/4 inch thick. Use a sharp knife to cut out rectangles that are 4 by 3 inches.
For each dough rectangle, place a little of the sautéed mixture in the center, fold, and pinch the sides closed.
Heat the oil in a large frying pan or deep-fryer to 350°F. Fry the patties until golden and crispy, 2 to 3 minutes per side, carefully spooning the hot oil over them as they cook.
5.Remove the patties from the oil and place on paper towels to drain. Serve hot.
Breadfruit Pumpkin Salad
I grew up eating breadfruit boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried. I always heard people talking about breadfruit salad and so wanted to make something similar. Here, I pair it with pumpkin for contrasting color and texture. Both flavors play nicely with the selection of spices and seasonings I’ve used.
The texture of both must be soft, but still firm. It’s easy to overcook the pumpkin, so be careful. It needs to be firm enough to not fall apart when you start stirring it together with the other ingredients.
You can substitute butternut squash if you can’t find calabaza, but there is no substitute for breadfruit. You could use white sweet potato for a similar color and texture, but the flavor will be different, sweeter. Serves 4.
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk
3 cups peeled and chopped breadfruit (1/2-inch cubes)
3 cups peeled and chopped calabaza pumpkin (1/2-inch cubes)
2 tablespoons canola oil
2 tablespoons honey
2 teaspoons mustard
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon Cajun seasoning
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro
4 scallions, chopped
1/4 cup julienned red onion
1/2 Scotch bonnet pepper, julienned
Juice of 1/2 lime
Directions:
Heat the coconut milk in a large saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a boil. Boil for 5 minutes, then reduce the heat to low. Allow the coconut milk to simmer for 30 to 35 minutes, until it has thickened and reduced by about half. Allow to cool, then transfer to the refrigerator to chill completely.
In two separate pots, bring salted water to a boil. Add the breadfruit to one and boil for 15 to 20 minutes, just until tender. Add the calabaza to the other and boil for 10 to 15 minutes, just until tender. Be careful not to overcook. Drain and allow to cool.
To the chilled coconut milk, add the oil, honey, mustard, salt, black pepper, Cajun seasoning, and garlic powder and whisk to combine.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked breadfruit and pumpkin, cilantro, scallions, red onion, and Scotch bonnet pepper. Add the coconut dressing and the lime juice, and gently toss the salad to coat. Serve chilled.
Are you stuck at home and going a little stir crazy? During these stressful time of a worldwide pandemic, it’s the little things in life that give us moments of joy. So we’ve gather our favorite self care essentials that also support innovative Caribbean brands. So make your everyday quarantine self care a little more special with this handcrafted goodies, while supporting innovative businesses.
Stuck inside and dreaming of an island break? Take the soothing island scents home with these handcrafted candles wafting refreshing sea breeze scents. Designed by Caribbean-Canadian Amanda Bryan, each Under Sea Candle also features real sand and seashells.
Being fresh faced never felt so good with a boost from this nutrient-rich serum oil by Caribbean skincare brand Choiselle. Inspired by classic island remedies, St. Lucian-born model and skin maven Nydia Norville blends a bevy of extracts from neroli to soursop.
Just because you have nowhere to go, doesn’t mean you don’t deserve to get a little dressed up. An nothing feels more stylish than an extra sprint of the decadent Lili Bermuda perfume. We love their flirty SunKiss fragrance, with notes of orange flower and vanilla cream. For those who prefer heartier scents, we also love their gentlemanly Nautilus scent, which conjuring the romance of stormy seas with bergamot and verbena.
Want to get out of those pajamas, but aren’t ready for anything complicated? Dressing up never felt so easy in the flowing kaftans and jumpsuits of Jamaican designer Janel Jolly of Jae Jolly. We particularly love the flattering lines of this effortless jumpsuit in warm, spicy shades. It’s the perfect thing to throw on for your next web chat.
A quiet moment of meditation feels extra sleek in this chic chaise lounge, available at Karmen’s Kollection and Furnitureland in Jamaica. The contemporary lines are softened with plush upholstery in cozy warm shades.
For some, business is just business—making a profit for profit’s sake. But a new generation of businesswomen across the Caribbean diaspora is paying it forward—building stronger companies as well as communities. We connected with two of these inspiring Caribbean-American woman entrepreneurs changing the game: beauty business maven Rochelle Graham-Campbell of Alikay Naturals, and media pioneer Wanda Tima-Gilles of L’Union Suite. These Caribbean businesswomen share the secrets to their success, the challenges along the way, and what it means to use your ancestry to create a legacy.
College is a time for personal transformation. In 2008, University of South Florida student Rochelle Graham-Campbell was going through hers. She had decided to leave relaxers behind and embrace her natural texture. Hair care after the “big chop” however, wasn’t pretty, with only mainstream products filled with harsh chemicals at her disposal. So she turned to her Jamaican roots, whipping up homemade aloe vera and avocado hair treatments inspired by her grandmother’s natural formulas.
These concoctions may have stayed a family secret if Rochelle hadn’t shared the goods on her YouTube channel, BlackOnyx77, which soon attracted millions of views and loyal followers begging her to sell her homemade blends. With just $100 in savings, the 22-year old launched hair-care venture, Ailkay Naturals. Now her company has grown into a multi-million dollar lifestyle brand, operating at a 7,000 square foot facility in Fort Myers, Florida, where they distribute their products around the country through Target, Walmart, Bed Bath & Beyond and more.
The products, like her popular lemongrass leave-in conditioner and shea butter hair moisturizer, are free from parabens, alcohol, silicone, petroleum and sulfates. She considers her products “a tropical escape for the mind, body and soul” that encourages hard-working women to embrace their natural beauty.
Alikay Naturals’ popular Caribbean Coconut Shampoo and Conditioner
Recipe for Success
Rochelle attributes much of her Cinderella success story to harnessing the power of the web. “Social media has helped me build my brand essentially for free,” she explains. “I started my YouTube channel without the mindset of a business, building connections with a community. But I was able to leverage that community and capitalize on that audience by converting them into customers. That allowed my business to grow and get noticed by superstores like Target and Walmart.”
She advises budding entrepreneurs to nurture their social media presence into meaningful commerce. “You must have a strategy to keep your socials compelling. Think about what your audience needs and provide them with something of value.”
Rochelle regarded her venture seriously from the start. “As black people, we are operating in our areas of genius and passion, but are not getting paid for it. We’re providing a service for people, but are afraid to charge for it because ‘it’s just a hobby.’”
Instead, Rochelle encourages small business owners to not sell themselves short. “Take it seriously from the beginning,” she said. “Time is an asset and it’s not something that you should take lightly.” She enforces these principles in her new book 90 Days to CEO, providing tactical knowledge for budding entrepreneurs. She also launched Rochelle Graham Business University, a new online business course.
Rochelle’s new book, 90 Days to CEO.
Teaching others to lead themselves became a foundational strategy when she established her own operations. “One of the biggest reasons people struggle with work-life balance is because they refuse to give up control or ask for help,” explains Rochelle about a common entrepreneurial pitfall. “They fear that no one will be able to do what they do when it comes to their business. If you can’t ask for help or teach someone else to do what you do, then you aren’t running a scalable business.”
This strategy has also helped Rochelle focus on what keeps her grounded—her family. “I set uncompromised time with my family. Period. No matter how demanding your business life gets, just remember that business without family is lonely, both physically and mentally. Don’t consider your family separate. Start thinking about how you can integrate them into your life.”
Growing up in South Florida, Wanda Tima-Gilles was culture-starved when it came to her Haitian roots. When she was just a baby, she left the island of her birth with her family. Once stateside however, her Haitian parents forbade her from speaking Creole and visiting home. “My mom was only about lakay [home], lekol [school], and legliz [church],” shares Wanda about her upbringing. “I was a Haitian, but had no connections to my country. As a Haitian-American, I just wanted to know more.”
Seeking a deeper connection, Wanda began researching Haiti online. What she found, however, wasn’t inspiring, and didn’t truly feel reflective of the island’s rich culture. “I would only see things about how Haiti was filled with poverty and starving children,” she said. “There had to be more to Haiti than that.”
That unrelenting thought was the start of a passion project that would, in 2011, become L’Union Suite—a media company that highlights and celebrates the Haitian diaspora throughout the world. Starting out as a humble blog, L’union Suite is now the number one Haitian media platform with over 10 million visitors weekly. Her work for the community has led to features in Forbes, Black Enterprise, and the Miami Herald—transitioning her from a young girl who didn’t know anything about her roots, to a world-renowned expert on Haitian culture and issues.
Finding Your Voice
L’Union Suite also runs educational charity initiatives, including launching a computer lab for students at College Bell Angelot in Cap-Haitien, Wanda’s hometown.
On the site, readers can tune into a witty and incisive podcast, discussing all things Haitian pop culture. They can also explore the latest news from Haiti and across the diaspora, and read exclusive interviews with Haitian luminaries.
L’Union Suite has now become an essential platform, featuring Haitian celebrities like NFL football players Pierre Garcon and Mackenzie Alexander, community leaders like digital media strategist Karen Civil, and business people like TV producer Mona Scott-Young.
Since the very beginning, the site has enjoyed the enthusiastic support of the community. “Once I started, more and more Haitians wanted to be recognized and featured on my blog, and wanted me to cover events.”
Money Moves
Making the transition to full-time entrepreneurship, however, was a labor of love. She was taking classes online and traveling to Haiti on the weekends—all while working a 40-hour week.
Wanda also seeks to build a network connecting women in media, hosting destination events through her new initiative, Girlfriends In.
“I was exhausted,” Wanda confesses. “It was just me traveling with all these cameras on my back and a bunch of apps. It was like 10 people were working for me.”
After she had saved up six months worth of expenses, she felt ready to quit her job and dive all the way into L’Union Suite. She still felt apprehensive, however. “I was like God, you need to give me a sign,” recalls Wanda. And he did. The day after I quit, the Obama White House administration called me to cover an event for Caribbean Heritage Month. That’s all I needed.”
Behind all the hard work and sacrifices, she hopes sharing the stories of Haitians around the world will inspire more people of Haitian descent to leave a legacy. “I want to encourage people to know that they can do anything they want to do,” shares Wanda to those dreaming of launching their own ventures. “Don’t overthink it. If there is a missing piece, link it, and remember: prayer, passion, and purpose.”
From its Art Deco roots to today’s glistening glass skyscrapers, Miami has always been a playground for cutting-edge design. And few have mastered the Magic City’s forward-thinking design perspective like Brian Dumervil, a lead interior designer at Interiors by Steven G.
Though a Canadian transplant, it didn’t take long for the Montreal native to adapt to the contemporary oasis in the sunshine—perhaps because of his own Caribbean heritage (his mother hails from Trinidad and Tobago, while his father has roots in Haiti). “The culture is so mixed down here,” notes Dumervil. “I think what helps with my background is just my openness to different ways of thinking and different ways of life.”
Interior Designer Brian Dumerivil of Interiors by Steven G.
He certainly tapped into this Miami interior design sensibility when working a model condo project at Park Grove—the luxe residential tower project in Coconut Grove. Inspired by the property’s tropical foliage and stunning views of the bay, “we wanted to bring the outside in, so we kept the palette neutral” says the designer. The result is a medley of warm whites and silvery grays framing the greenery outdoors. Rich walnut finishes used throughout also introduce organic qualities into the streamlined space.
To add dimension to the new build, he incorporated additional interior architectural features, like the LED-illuminated troughs highlighting the 11-foot-tall ceiling. Textured statement features like the detailed wall millwork in the great room were also installed—a distinctive feature in Dumervil’s work. “I really believe that the architectural background is important to focus on first and foremost,” he explains. “So I like to treat our feature walls with something so they can hold their own within the space. We want to make sure that we have the canvas to display our furnishings.”
When selecting these pieces, the designer also kept true to the contemporary architecture with modern Italian designs that “were contemporary, but comfortable. This allows us to focus more on the texture, accessories and artwork.”
Dining Room
When entering the great room, “the dining area is the first thing you see,” notes Dumervil. To attract the eye immediately, “I knew I wanted something sculptural for the base of that table.”
This wave-like design fits the brief perfectly, accentuated with a glass top. He continued the warm walnut finish along the trim of the dining chairs “to tie everything together.” To preserve sight lines throughout the space, he chose a linear lighting fixture “that wouldn’t interfere with the view.”
Living Room
The designer carved out cozy intimacy for the main seating area with the large striped area rug. “It’s very important to anchor your furniture with a correctly scaled area rug to distinguish the space from everywhere else,” explains Dumervil. “In South Florida, we use a lot of hard surfaces. But if you’re lounging in your living room, you want something soft under your feet. So we made sure to have the rug run to the edge of the sofa.”
He also kept the modular sectional restrained, adding patterns and texture with throw pillows. This “allows the homeowners to change the look easily by replacing accessories.”
Bedroom
Sleek contemporary lines continue in the master bedroom, featuring the designer’s signature floor-to-ceiling paneling instead of a conventional headboard. Though preserving the bed’s low-profile, Dumervil also maintained “a minimum standard height for comfort” with a raised frame and platform. To complete the space, he added sculptural club chairs with a u-shaped silhouette. “Because they float in front of the bed, it was important to have some character in the piece.”
Den
Even in this massive apartment, economical use of square footage is always crucial. This inspired the den area to serve as “flexible space,” says Dumervil. “Considering how the room needs to function is so important.” By day, this room serves as a lounge area. Instead of a cumbersome coffee table, three tree stumps transformed into cocktail tables. This provides the same functionality with a slimmer footprint. The trunks help “bring more notes of nature into the apartment.” They are also easy to move at night, giving way for the sleeper sofa to be converted into a bed.
Mark embraces his artistic background with paint splattered cargo shorts and a Miguel Duvon crocheted shirt. We finished the look with Kente cloth accents, African wood beads and a handmade turban. Marie also embraces more bohemian flair with a hand-embellished silk halter maxi, paired with with black lace pants and coordinating silk duster.
I grew up eating breadfruit boiled, mashed, roasted, or fried. I always heard people talking about breadfruit salad and so wanted to make something similar. Here, I pair it with pumpkin for contrasting color and texture. Both flavors play nicely with the selection of spices and seasonings I’ve used.
