B3 Parenting Mini Mag - Island Child Style Edition 2018

CHILD

EDITORS NOTE

There’s something magical about seeing a child, once shy and fearful, step out in confidence, knowing that he or she can do the very thing that once caused them to be afraid. You can’t help but feel proud. Over the past 8 weeks, we have witnessed some incredible transformations as many of our ‘babies’ wiggled out of their cocoons and have started to fly in true butterfly form.

We have been an uno cial agency since our very first casting call in 2014. Today, with more than 1,300 children listed, we are ready to go full speed ahead to becoming the Caribbean’s leading model and talent agency for children. Exciting times are ahead. Stick around folks, we’ve only just begun….

This is our very first mini magazine, created especially for Island Child Style. We are honoured to have our pages filled with

stories of strength, triumph and passion. Actress Holly Robinson Peete shares with us about her journey as an ASD mom. Holly was the guest speaker at BeachesMoms, a powerful amalgamation of influential mothers from across North America. Her story starting on Page 38 serves to encourage other parents with children on the spectrum and reminds us that often being a parent to one, also means that we directly and indirectly parent others.

I love each and every one of ‘our children’ as if they were my own and I pray they find all the tools they need to become whoever they are supposed to be. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - ‘the most beautiful child is a confident child.’ And the time to build that confidence is now.

Start now, wherever you are and don’t stop until your child sees limits as a license to try harder and never give up.

Boy O Boy Limited PUBLISHER

Michelle Gordon EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

Dwayne Jureidini ART DIRECTOR & LAYOUT ARTIST

Dwayne Watkins

PHOTOGRAPHY DIRECTOR

Kimberley Dunkley SPECIAL PROJECTS COORDINATOR

Norma Williams CREATIVE DIRECTOR

Ayesha Barnett

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT

• Contributing Writers

Francene Noel Sericka Sterling Ayesha Barnett Natz Graham Brittany Singh-Willilams

Special thanks to Brandon Ferguson e Jamaica Constabulary Force Andre Rattigan Commercial Concepts Mellissa Powe Tammy Warren Ayesha Creary Creative Marketing Associates Gar eld 'Bucka' Taylor

Advertising Sales Jamaica and the Caribbean advertising@b3caribbeanmagazine.com

Digital Newsstands www.issuu.com and www.ezinesreader.com

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Copyright © 2 018 Boy O Boy Limited . All rights reserved. is material may not be reproduced, displayed, modi ed or distributed without the express prior written permission of Boy O Boy Ltd. For permission, please contact myboyoboy@gmail.com

MUSIC IS HIS LANGUAGE: An Autistic Drummer's Musical Journey

by Francene Noel

Every morning at his sisters school my son Zachary, drums on his little red cushion. Students and teachers sometimes stop and listen while on the way to their classrooms. Some of them say he’s a really good drummer and he in turn acknowledges them with a nod and minimal eye contact, but there’s no actual conversation.

It’s been almost nine years since Zachary was diagnosed as having autism spectrum disorder, with very limited expressive language. He has come a far way since then. He can now answer to yes or no questions, and to a certain extent tell you how he’s feeling, whether happy or sad. He cannot however, at this moment, have a regular conversation in the same way his peers can.

What he can do really well though is drum and make music, and for Zachary that’s more than enough because for him

music speaks louder than words. Music and drumming have been a part of his life since he was given a toddler drum set for his third birthday. That’s when we discovered how passionate he was about drumming and just how talented he was at playing the drums. It was also at this time that we received his o cial autism diagnosis.

We were referred to various therapists who encouraged us to do exercises with Zachary including singing particular songs with him and reading various books to him. The books that resonated with him the

most were the ones that had rhythm and sounded like music to his ears. For example, Green Eggs and Ham and Brown Bear, Brown Bear What Do You See? We’d read these books and sing and dance to them to keep him engaged. We’d pause at certain intervals and encourage him to say words, to fill in the blanks so to speak. Eventually he joined in, and soon thereafter would recite the words to these books throughout the day and sometimes in the middle of the night! We weren’t having typical conversations with him but he was finally “talking”.

Zachary can now say “Good morning mommy, daddy, grandma etc,” and he will tell you he is “good” when asked “how are you doing?”. He will say if he is hot, cold, thirsty or hungry and will tell me “happy face mommy” if I look sad. If he knows he’s done something to upset anybody he will promptly start singing “I’m so, I’m so sorry” which is a song from one of his favourite shows. Some days he’ll take you by surprise and speak beautiful and complete sentences.

If you’ve been in a supermarket in Jamaica and heard or have seen a boy dancing and singing in the aisles or while in the line, it’s probably Zachary. He sees a room full of people and just wants to say hi so he starts singing to get your attention.

It takes too much effort to speak, I think, or to make those words come out. It’s

probably easier to just sing what he wants to say.

Music has always been Zachary’s biggest motivator. We’ve used music and will continue to use it to help to teach him new things because it works. He does drumming, piano, and voice lessons as well because it’s so obvious that he’s great at it and music is everything to him.

Zachary’s still not able to have typical conversations an 11 year old would have with his parents or friends. But he does speak to us in his own way, using music as his language and that’s not a bad thing. We’re absolutely okay with that.

Music has built Zachary’s confidence and developed physical coordination between his feet, hands, eyes and breath. It has also helped him and continues to help him to express his feelings and emotions which is important when communication doesn’t come naturally for him.

I’m not a musician, neither am I a music therapist but as a parent, when I see the magic that happens with music, and the windows and doors it opens for my son, I have to tap into it and use it.

To sum it up, music ROCKS! It’s a powerful tool in learning and development and it’s easy, fun and motivating. So get some instruments, gather your children and make some music!

"HE SPEAKS TO US IN HIS OWN WAY, USING MUSIC AS HIS LANGUAGE AND THAT’S NOT A BAD THING."

B3 Books

“

3year old Dara is in a terrible mood when her tower of blocks comes tumbling down! She is pouting, frowning and crying - there is absolutely no trace of her smile anywhere! They search high and low, going to and fro! Where could it be, does anybody know? The search is on because it is missing indeed! Such a mystery! I wonder where they will find Dara’s smile! “

About the Author

Kamille is a lover of buildings, photography, poetry and travelling. People inspire her writings daily and she pours it into literary pieces and photography. This is her first published work, and it was inspired to publication by her toddler niece Dara, upon the foundation of experiences with her 4 o cial godchildren, and 16 uno cial children. Dara makes 17. Kamille is a Chartered Structural Engineer, and a real estate professional. She lives and works in Kingston, Jamaica. Service to God is the basis for her work.

@kjaerekamille on Instagram. www.kamillejackson.com

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#BeachesMoms

Social Media on the Sand 2018

When 100 Elite Digital Mom Influencers spend five days learning modern day marketing secrets from some of the most extraordinary businesswomen in one of world’s most beautiful backdrops, amazing things happen. That was the promise of Beaches Resorts’ 4th annual “Social Media on the Sand” conference that took place at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort Villages and Spa from October 17-21, 2018.

And they delivered.

The sold out, invitation-only event offered attendees a unique opportunity to learn from these highly successful, motivated women eager to share their stories and advice on how they’ve effectively used social media to connect with targeted audiences. Forbes recently equated the modern “power of social media in society” with “the importance of sunlight on earth,” while AdWeek specifically credits the evolution of mom influencers for today’s era, indicating that “this organically-grown movement became a thousands, then millions-strong, network of women listening to other women.”

Debbie-Ann White, SVP, Public Relations and Promotions at Unique Vacations, Inc.

“We are excited to have this outstanding group of women sharing their inspirational stories with our conference guests,” offered Debbie-Ann White, SVP, Public Relations and Promotions at Unique Vacations, Inc. “In this era of female empowerment, paired with the reach and importance of social media, our ‘Social Media on the Sand’ event offers a truly unique forum for personal and professional growth. We couldn’t be more proud of our #BeachesMoms community that is Social Media on the Sand.”

This year, Beaches’ handpicked list of guest speakers and keynotes included three of the most accomplished modern brand builders and role models: Rebecca Minkoff (co-founder and creative director of the eponymous fashion powerhouse), Alli Webb (founder of Drybar, the nation’s premier blowout salon) and Holly Robinson Peete (award-winning author, actress, entrepreneur, philanthropist and brand spokesperson).

Also new to this year’s conference, a selection of fun pop ups including the “Just Chill” Registration and the Beaches Swag Bungalow. Beaches deconstructed the traditional conference day gift bag and

created a VIP gifting lounge. Attendees had the opportunity to meet and greet with great sponsors and enjoy complimentary gifting.

But just as important as snagging great swag is the ability to be able to give back too (something at the heart of the Beaches organization.) Influencers participated in an extraordinary “school makeover” at the Ianthe Pratt Primary School – home to 6 00 children ages five to eleven. Sponsored by the Sandals Foundation and School Specialty, this activity provided the opportunity to paint the school’s existing playground and outdoor stage, along with a collection of inspirational murals. Prior to travel, attendees also received special backpacks encouraging them to join Beaches Pack for a Good Cause campaign. They each filled their backpacks with five pounds of desperately needed school supplies and distributed them personally to the school children on site. Participation in this activity is always 100%, which equates to 500 pounds of new educational supplies headed to the island in October.

For more information on “Social Media on the Sand,” please visit socialmediaonthesand.com.

Holly Robinson Peete

Ali Webb of Dry Bar

For My Sons, Who Are Already Great!

by Natz Graham

They say a mother without a daughter is a mother in waiting. They seem to think a mother’s ‘real’ lessons are wasted on boys. “They” need to take a seat and pay attention, because I’ve got a lot to say about that.

My sons are my joy. I despair over their grass stains and rejoice in their imaginations. I count the hours until they’re asleep, but tiptoe into their rooms to hear them breathe. I alternate between imagining their gorgeous, future babies and talking myself down from non-existent fights with their non-existent wives. These sons are my world.

So of course I wonder what kinds of people they’ll turn out to be. What kind of student, what kind of worker…what kind of dad.

I

think about my own dad, who is still not one for the soft words, but who will ALWAYS show up for me. My dad is the kind who builds stu ff, fixes stu ff, delights in his 52-piece tool kit gifts. When I was an 8-year old migraine-su fferer, he would drive around at 2am until he found the exact addresses of parties playing their music too loudly so the police knew where to show up to shut it down. Yeah that was us, sorry.

Then there’s my husband, who’s been just the most in love, involved dad ever from day one. He’s never needed to be told when is bedtime, or what bath time should look like. He tucks them in and reads them stories. He does pick ups and drop off s and playdates. I have many mom friends who sigh enviously watching him work.

My dad and my husband have almost no overlaps, but they’re both amazing dads. That’s how I know that the secret to raising the next generation of great dads really comes down to raising great HUMANS.

But how do you even begin doing that? For me, I’ve stuck with what I know best: I give them words.

Just as we teach them ‘milk’ and ‘mama’, before they could speak I also taught them words like “sleepy”, “hungry”, “happy”. I taught them that not only was it okay to have feelings, but it was okay to name them and to ask for help with them.

I want my small sons to grow into large sons who can still say “I’m angry” and “I’m hurt” and know the di fference between the two. How to heal with “I’m sorry.” “I forgive you.” “I love you.” I want them to understand that “frustration” only feels like “despair”; how to choose between “action” and “reaction”. I want them to understand

"I TAUGHT THEM THAT NOT ONLY WAS IT OKAY TO HAVE FEELINGS, BUT IT WAS OKAY TO NAME THEM AND TO ASK FOR HELP WITH THEM."

“privilege” and “disadvantage”… to use the former fairly, and fight the latter wisely.

I don’t want to shove a broom in their hands and bellow “SWEEP!”. I want them to look at the messy floor and see “problem” then look at the mop and think “solution”. I want them to view “cooking” as “caring” and see “nurturing” as its own kind of power; that it’s NOT the opposite of “strength”. I want them to dance if they want to dance, and play if they want to play; to run, build, create. I want them to know all the ways to say “freedom”. I don’t just want to teach them “church”, I want their very souls to sing “God”. I want them to live with their hearts wide open, but their hands on guard and to know that the words they’re looking for are “Wisdom”. “Preparation.” “Protection.”

These words are my love. My lessons. My prayers. I’ll weave them into lullabies and time-outs and everything in between.

I’ll give my sons the words they need to make their way through this world strong, confident and whole. My lessons will not be wasted. Our sons are worthy students of all we know. Give them everything they need to be great. There are generations waiting for these truths.

Call her Creative Director, Blogger, Wife and Mom, Natalie justs needs to write. Follow her at Napalilli.wordpress.com or twitter.com/napalilli

BrandED

BY NORMA WILLIAMS

Seth, the Survivor by Sericka Sterling

Nothing ever prepares you for the pain and devastation of losing a child.

Ioften heard of parents losing their children and couldn’t help but imagine how that would feel.

In my 27th, week of labour, on May 10, 2017, I was admitted to the hospital due to complications. Two days later, I went into labour with my triplet boys. Knowing that triplets rarely get to full-term, we were hoping to make it to 33 weeks.

All efforts to stop my labour proved futile and the doctors, due to the high risk, tried to have me airlifted to a hospital overseas. This too proved futile as I was battling multiple complications at the time.

Once I went into labour, a paediatrician explained that the chances of all my children surviving were slim. Being born prematurely, their bodies would be underdeveloped and the hospital would not have enough medical equipment to save them all.

After 16 hours of labour, I was told that three ventilators were found and the doctors decided to deliver my babies via an emergency c-section. However, they had to do the surgery without blood on hand since the blood bank had none available.

Our babies and I were blessed enough to survive the operation. Born May 12, 2017, Adam, Eli and Seth were all alive and in the NICU. I thought this was God’s indication that all was going to be okay.

Eli, the strongest, was able to breathe on his own for 24 hours but was placed on the ventilator thereafter. He only lived for 5 days. We saw him active and alert, a few hours before he died. The news of his death was gut-wrenching, as he died before we could get to the hospital.

That’s the night that the reality of our helplessness set in.

Adam, the firstborn, went through a very rough 7 weeks in the NICU. His weeks were marked by illness after illness, over 24 blood transfusions and multiple close calls. The doctors finally explained to us that there

was nothing else they could do for him. He passed away on June 30, 2017. Unlike Eli, we got to spend his last moments with him, still praying for a miracle.

Seth, our survivor, spent 4 months in the NICU. He overcame sepsis, meningitis, Klebsiella, jaundice, pneumonia, among other illnesses and finally made it home with us.

During my 4 months in the NICU, I met other preemie parents, all equally devastated. We all pulled together to keep each other sane. I saw the plight of the doctors and nurses, having to operate with a shortage of resources. I met parents who lost babies to prematurity, not because they couldn’t live, but because the hospital simply did not have the resources to care for them. I realized how commonplace this situation is and how ill-equipped Jamaica is for such occurrences.

Out of this experience, The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica was born to be the voice of our premature babies and their families. Our mandate is to: solicit and provide funding for medical equipment for NICUs, medical training for NICU sta ff, funding of research into prematurity with the hopes of minimizing its occurrence, a support group for parents with a child in the NICU or who have lost a child to prematurity and financial support for parents with high medical bills.

The loss of my children has left such a profound sense of grief that will never truly go away. But I’ve made the choice not to stay broken and silent, but to be fearless and the change I want to see.

Help The Preemie Foundation of Jamaica to raise awareness by following us on social media (@thepreemiefoundationjm), attending our fundraisers and events and donating to our cause. You can email us at preemiefoundationjamaica@gmail.com

Learning in STYLEwith Spark Education

by Brittany Singh Williams

Rocking your Learning Style is just as important as having great fashion sense. Whether you’re really good at remembering people’s names or, you enjoy learning from video presentations or whether you would rather participate in activities instead of watching from the sidelines, we all have a unique Learning Style that helps us excel in work and play. A Learning Style refers to a particular trait of understanding that we all possess and use to learn, and to optimize the intellectual processing of an experience.

While most of us can use all three styles – Visual, Tactile and Auditory – each individual tends to have one dominant and developed learning style.

It is important to recognize your child’s primary Learning Style to enhance his or her educational experiences and make

maximum academic and social gains. Knowing and developing personal Learning Style builds confidence! Surveys show that children who know how to best engage their learning environment are more confident and poised for success. Parents and educators who know children’s learning style are better able to relate to them and better able to help them grasp, comprehend, engage and recall facts.

While we foster our children’s fashion and creativity, let’s also make bold statements with their education by helping them to Learn in Style.

To discover your child’s Learning Style visit www.spark-education today to book an individualized Learning Profile. FOR A 10% DISCOUNT* USE PROMO CODE: B3SPK1 * valid November 24, 2018 – December 31, 2018

Raising RJ

Holly Robinson Peete on life as an ASD Mom

Iremember being about 15 or 16 years old when I used to watch Holly on television. She played the role of Judy Hoff s, a compassionate and sympathetic police o cer who, it turns out, is not much unlike her real life persona.

Holly Robinson Peete was an early 9 0’s television icon who earned the admiration of fans from far and wide, with her roles in several television show including Hanging’ with Mr. Cooper and weekly series The Talk.

Her successful acting career is topped only by a picture-perfect family life, that after 23 years of marriage, sees The Peetes ‘giving back’ on a several levels - personal, professional and now on a national scale. Holly and her husband, former NFL quarterback, Rodney Peete, have 4 children. Twins Ryan and Rodney Jr. are now 21, Robinson is 16 and Roman is 13.

Ryan is the only girl and when the twins were 3, her brother Rodney Jr. -RJ, was diagnosed with autism. It was a di cult time for The Peetes, who like many other ASD families experienced denial, anger and frustration.

Holly and Rodney had previously started The HollyRod Foundation, an outreach program that provided patient services for those with Parkinson’s Disease, who had limited financial resources and little or no healthcare insurance.

RJ’s subsequent diagnosis was the catalyst that saw the Foundation expanding its reach to dedicating help and hope to those living

with Parkinson’s disease and autism. Both conditions have the ability to shake families from both an emotional and financial standpoint and the mission of the HollyRod Foundation is to mitigate the challenging effects of either type of diagnosis.

Holly and I are basking in the beauty of the Turks and Caicos islands. We sit for a chat and she tells me more about how she’s balanced her acting career, being a wife, being a mother and daughter, and also parenting a child with special needs. Her dad was 46 years old when he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease. That’s so young, I think to myself. But for Holly, everything has come full circle. “Caring for my dad and parenting RJ have taught my husband and me so much about the human experience. Children with autism have no guile. RJ is the sweetest boy you’ll ever meet. He is pure in thought and action, and while we committed to caring for RJ, we

also wanted him to experience the magic of independence and living a fulfilled life.” RJ’s Place was created to do just that. Simply put, they help persons on the spectrum to learn and develop the skills to be able to function at the highest levels they can, find a job and eventually become self-reliant and independent.

The statistics say it all. In the United States alone, 1 in 68 children are diagnosed with autism, and for boys, it’s 1 in 42, and an estimated 50,000 Americans with autism spectrum disorder turn 18 each year. The training and instruction offered at RJ’s place increases the chance of a successful transition to adulthood.

I ask her about her dreams for Holly today. “I love working,” (She currently stars in reality TV show Meet The Peetes), but my biggest dreams are all about RJ’s Place. When we see what we go through with RJ, it puts us in a better place to be able to deal

with other families in similar positions,” Holly shares. It’s her passion to help other kids, ultimately helping other families…t’s always about family.

She laughs again when she relates one of her most precious memories with her father. It was her introduction to ‘show biz’ when she was auditioning for a cameo role on Sesame Street, where her father played the role of Gordon. “I just couldn’t get my lines right, and I kept calling my daddy,

friends and family who volunteer to help in some way or the other, step out of your comfort zone ask them for help. You’re not required to be a super hero!” Holly’s advice is is heartfelt. And for hundreds of kids across the US, Holly is a superhero. Through her Foundation, she’s empowering and enabling children and families with autism, to not just survive, but rather to thrive.

Against the backdrop of one of the

Daddy.” Today, as if there is a blessing on her life’s current mission, Sesame Street has introduced the world’s first autistic character, Julia. “RJ didn’t have friends when he was growing up. I think Julia can open eyes from early out, to sensitize both children and parents about ASD children.” Holly describes their journey as one marked by goals and milestones. “At 6 years old, we wanted RJ to be able to hold a conversation.” The achievements every child makes as the grow and develop are that much more celebratory for a child on the spectrum. Today, RJ sets his own goals.”

The truth is it’s virtually impossible to raise an ASF children on your own. Parents have to recruit support. “If you don’t have

Caribbean’s most beautiful beachesBeaches Resort, Holly takes a break from her incredibly busy, mom-on-the-go schedule, and basks in the glow of some well-needed ‘me time’. She’s basking in the moment, while also looking forward to heading home as RJ - who’s job today is such a proud achievement for not just RJ, but for his entire family. "He’s driving now and happy and functioning in a job where he feels needed and useful."

knows exactly what you're looking for.

ISLAND CHILD STYLE TAKES TO THE STREETS!

Photography: Dwayne Watkins • Styled by Norma Williams Makeup by Tiffany Lawson

When normal activity on Knutsford Boulevard came to a standstill at approximately 4:20pm on a random November Tuesday afternoon in Kingston, it wasn’t because of the downpour that was in progress, neither was it because of the city’s road works issues. It was because 12 #BOLD kid models took to the streets and literally stopped tra c. (Thanks to the Jamaica Constabulary Force for showing up to protect and serve!)

Internationally acclaimed photog Dwayne Watkins led the B3 Parenting team photoshoot as they rolled out another in the series of exciting sneak peaks for the upcoming Island Child Style children's runway show set for Saturday, November 24.

10-year-old Emily Black wearing designer Mahambeth who debuted her 2018 children's collection 'Spanish Town' at Island Child Style's runway show.

14-year-old Jahcrisi Beadle wearing King's Kreation by Pebbles King

11-year-old Ashley Dousounmou wearing Shenna Carby

11-year-old Zoe Morrison wearing Kokobeenz

Child models Ayden Burke, Spiwe Hope-Freckleton and Amaris White, all strike a pose in designs from nLightn, by Donna Nahima Buchannan.

Akeel Graham and Isabella Chin for Appaman and Zaid respectively.

Sydney Matalon takes a splash in Ajyah Collection by Alvita Knight.

Justin Clough steps up his style game in Blessed by Mamayashi

MARK ANTHONY

Noted male designer, Mark Anthony, envisions a father and son collection for Island Child Style. “Just imagining a father and son strutting their M.A.D on the runway brings me loads of excitement. I cant wait.” He describes his collection as fun, funky and flattering.

The Business of Fashion

By Ayesha Barnett

When we think of the fashion capitals of the world, undoubtedly New York, Paris, Milan and London come to mind, with world renowned designers such as Derek Lam, Ralph Lauren, Marc Jacobs, Hermès, Valentino and Versace, often premier their collections at the varying fashion weeks. If you’re fashion minded, then you know that this multi-billion dollar industry can be an economic dream to a country. But what of the Caribbean?

The Caribbean has always been seen as a mecca for tremendous talent and unique creativity. In Jamaica, the fashion industry is fast becoming one to watch, with many of our local and regional designers slowly but surely making a name for themselves on the international markets with our unique culture and stylings. Through events such as Saint International Style Week, Pulse’s Caribbean Fashion Week, Collection MoDa and now, Island Child Style, we’re seeing the evolution of fashion as we know it in the Caribbean and the introduction of our talented designers and young models to the Global Fashion Market. These events have been curated for the development of new and emerging talents in the fashion industry of the Caribbean.

Despite the notable strides made in fashion, there’s still much further to go. With much more emphasis to be placed on more designers securing international retail contracts for boutiques and department stores worldwide and more international exposure for our designers on the much larger fashion stages.

Island Child Style is one such avenue that aims to contribute to the Caribbean’s Fashion Industry by continuing the conversation surrounding Caribbean children’s fashion, its importance, its aesthetic and its place as a recognizable economic power house on the local and international stage.

“This is such an exciting time for children’s fashion in the Caribbean, as we are witnessing a distinct interest in building our regional economies by supporting home-grown talent,” shares editor Michelle Gordon.

Island Child Style 2018 runway show features 16 notable designers, all creating unique looks that complement the island child’s style. Together the sesigners create an enigmatic blend of cultural interpretation and style diversity. With over 75 child models on the show, the runway event is a true representation of the Caribbean’s ethnic and cultural diversity; and undoubtedly the largest child fashion event in the region.

Island Child Style’s Style Director Norma Williams identified designers including Cotton Candy, Mahambeth, FlowerChild1999, Polkadotz and Mark Anthony among others to join in collaborating to make this year’s staging as memorable as the 2016 staging. The collections provide a unified representation of the island child fashion and some mini-me looks. The influences of the Caribbean can be clearly seen in this year’s collections with uniqueness, attitude to vibrance and beautiful colours.

This season the cohort of designers will be making 12-piece collections that range from resort wear to formal, fun & funky to chic and classic.

MEET THE DESIGNERS:

ASD

ASD’s first children’s collection is a mini version of ASD’s current illustrated clothing line featuring the illustrated faces of children. ASD is a fun and whimsical brand that appeals to adults and children alike, will be able to identify with- representation matters.

COTTON CANDY

Cotton Candy is simplymade kids clothing for our island lifestyle. A genuine need for clothing that is light weight natural cotton blends, fun, tropical and easily mixed and matched was a key driving force. The first presentation of The Cotton Candy Collection will be a bold juxtaposition of delicate yet vibrant. A fusion of organic fabrics and straight forward lines that are a reflection of our Caribbean, Island life. Filled with colour, prints, and always an unexpected twist on fabric mixes of cottons, linen, muslin and voile. The collection will set aside a space for the “organic neutrals” with a peek a white cottons and oatmeal linens.”

FLOWERCHILD1999

FlowerChild1999 is comfortable island style with some edge, using fabrics not typically used for kids clothing. “The fact that kids fashion is so limited in Jamaica and there is such a huge market for it here. I am happy that designers doing kids fashion have this platform!” FlowerChild1999 is the creation of designer Kaysian Bourke

KOKOBEENZ:

Kokobeenz, by Ann-Marie Robinson-Chin, providers of high quality unique apparel made from natural fibres, consistently creating unique pieces whilst maintaining our focus on customer satisfaction. Being in the fashion design industry for over 10 years now, Kokobeenz has been building their brand as leaders in resort wear. “Seeing the children on the catwalk makes the show so much fun compared to the standard fashion show. This year our collection is fun, flair and sophisticated.”

GABI GIRL

Kingston-based designer, Romi Toyloy loves family, being creative and Jamaica. The collection is island girl-friendly, pro Jamaica, stylish and fun.“Island Child Style is a quality event and an ideal forum for next generation designers like myself to grow and be seen. I took my first steps as a designer in 2013 but it was the 2016 Island Child Style show that really sealed the deal. It pushed me to dig deep and really see what I was capable of.”

NEAHLIS

Lisa McIntosh-Aris is a mother, a wife and double threat as a celebrity hairstylist and fashion designer. She studied business and fashion art at Boston University and favours the dress as the foundation for her collection. Her designs feature brightly coloured eyecatching knit prints that flow over the female form creating comfort and style. Her boutique in Kingston, Jamaica is the hub of the business where clients can have both ready-to-wear as well as custom offerings.

your family's financial future in safe hands?

KINGS KREATION

For Designer, Pebbles King of King Kreation, lsland Child Style is the only avenue that seeks to groom the next generation with style, class, beauty, while building their self-esteem. Having been in the industry for more than 20 years, Pebbles is no newby and understands that the business of fashion takes time and a lot of hard work. Her youthful, fresh and trendy collection for Island Child Style promises to wow and inspire.

ZAID

Zaid Smith fashion evolved out of the passion for art and modeling. “My art work was the fundamental thing that led me into the fashion industry, inspired by nature and fascinated by colours and shades, my pencil and paint brush became the main tools to express and push forward my artistic skills. “Island Child Style fills my heart with excitement and my eyes with tears of joy just to the next generation walk the run way at such a young age, and to know that a avenue like this existed for the younger me, as a model and now a designer. This gives me hope for the industry.”

AJYA RAINWEAR BY ALVETA

Jamaican import but Bahamian by birth, Alveta Knight is a kaleidoscope of all things Caribbean. Her ethos encompasses roles as a professional to philanthropist to conceptualizer. All in all, this designer who has raindrops that keep falling on her head, laughs in the rain and embraces the blessings. Excited about the ability to explore her creativity with this line, seasoned Island Child Style designer Alveta describes her collection as colourful, exuberant, energetic.

BLESSED BY MAMAYASHI

The youngest designer on the show is Blessed by Blessed Gilligan, 5-year-old son of fashion designer Mamayashi and selector/producer Rory Stone Love. Inspired by his mother’s online business, he expressed his vision of having his own clothing line designed for children.

Blessed has travelled worldwide alongside his mother to garner experiences with a variety of cultures. At home with his father, he interacts with some of Jamaica’s greatest and upcoming musicians. His life is the marriage of fashion and music.

MAHAMBETH

Mahambeth Lawrence has been sewing for 8 years and this year she launches her children’s collection on the runway of Island Child Style. Excited at the prospect of being a part of such a phenomenal production, she hopes that her pieces will influence and help to propel a new era of children’s fashion and styling in Jamaica. “What is exciting to me about doing Island Child Style is the challenge to create children’s clothing that is fashionable but appropriate. I’ve always stayed away from it because I simply thought I wouldn’t be good at it.” With a collection called Spanish Town, reminiscent of the old capital, with its juxtaposition between classy and urban, I am keeping my eyes open for wow pieces from this collection.

POLKA DOTS

Polka Dots resort wear line by Cheryl Robinson, is the epitome of island style through the symbolic use of breezy crushed cotton and fluid tropical prints. Their brand of comfortably chic, easy breezy, versatile clothing lends itself to widespread appeal. “I am excited about Island Child Style more so because of the level of professionalism of the show’s production and also the kids. I have often said that I think they can compete with the adult models any day. They rock!”

Dr Mellissa

Green-Powe

BSc(Hons), DDS, FICOI

Dr. Mellissa Green-Powe, Dental Surgeon, has been practising dentistry for over 10 years and is experienced in cosmetic and general dentistry for the entire family. Both of her practices offer:

Oral Examinations

Oral Prophylaxis

Fissure Sealant

Fillings

Root Canal Therapy

Crown & Bridges

Minor Oral Surgery

Teeth Whitening

Normal & Surgical Extractions and more

The Tooth Centre

Dental Practice

The Tooth Centre provides dental services for both children and adults. We have a kiddie play area while they wait. Our professional team consists of:

Dental Surgeons

Dental Hygienist

Located at 13 Oxford Terrace, Kingston 5

Telephone: (876) 906-0565 & (876) 906-1360

Sylvan Family Care

Dental & Medical

Sylvan Family Care is a holistic family centre providing care in Medical and Dental Services, with a kiddie dental room. Our professional team is comprised of:

Dental Surgeons

Family Physician

General Surgeon

Dental Hygienist

Gynecologists/Obstetricians

Located at 4A Sylvan Avenue, Kingston 5

Telephone: (876) 754-2537 & (876) 754-3453 Website: www.sylvanfamilycare.com

N’LIGHTN

A self-proclaimed island girl at heart, Nahima Buchanan is N’lightn! Having been in the business for a little over 9 years, Nahima is not new to island child fashion. The recurrent theme of NlightN collections have been, eclectic yet traditional with a modern twist. Each collection represents an evolution in regards to modern concepts, while maintaining traditional ethnicity particularly through fabric choices. “We are all Island children. The concept of Island Child Style resonates cultural representation and fashion - for the youths! That has been a vision of mine for some years now and is cultivated through the N’lightN brand.” This collection has strong displays of Caribbean culture and fashion as a statement of self and purpose.

SHENNA CARBY

Shenna Carby is a Jamaican women’s wear designer. Her beautiful designs ruled the catwalk as she became the winner of the first staging of Mission Catwalk 2011. She is a vivacious, creative and eccentric designer. Shenna’s environment influenced her love for fashion through the bold, unusual and stylish nature of its people. This will be her fist children’s collection.

While this event is an excellent opportunity for local designers to showcase their wares, Island Child Style hopes to be able to do more by bringing added global recognition to these local designers.

The fashion industry in the region is growing and strengthening all the time, through events of this nature. There is movement in all directions of the industry, which bodes well for the development of the industry. Undoubtedly, events like Island Child Style have played a role in adding definition to the Caribbean as being stylish and fashionable. It is an opportunity for Caribbean designers to create with greater freedom and innovation, truly showcasing their creations and interpretations of beauty in the Caribbean.

‘Believing’ in Local Football

It’s no secret that Jamaicans love football. It is central to just about every community in this country, having the ability to provide social change through character building, athletic and academic enhancement, leadership and community development.

The recent launch of #BELIEVE sees some 50 boys benefiting from the expertise of volunteers in several disciplines. “Many of these boys struggle academically and #BELIEVE was created to facilitate academic growth while encouraging sporting development. The programme offers remedial lessons in Math and English, while they’ll also be learning a trade (electrical science). The boys receive instruction in chess from celebrated Jamaican player Ian Wilkinson. Among those providing football training and mentorship include National Coach Jerome Waite, retired Reggae Boyz Striker Walter ‘Blacka’ Boyd, former ‘ballers’ Jeff rey ‘Agent Sasco’ Campbell and businessman Kimani Robinson. “We have a strong team of mentors from both the business and entertainment communities, who provide social and emotional support as needed along the way.”

Arnett Gardens and its surroundings has produced many noteworthy Jamaicans in various fields, including sports and music. These persons excelled through great hardship and could be defined as exceptions to the norm. “For me, it’s simple. We are believing in boys, who generally have little to believe in. Unless confidence is inspired and success is presented as being attainable, then we have failed our youth. We must believe in them so that they too can believe in themselves,” shares Programme Director Kurt Boothe. “In a country challenged by political, social and economic divides, the

sport of football remains a catalyst for change for our nation’s youth. I believe that if these boys are mentored and guided with genuine passion, not unlike children of privilege, they can equal or exceed the task before them.”

Local government MP Mark Golding has endorsed the programme. “Jamaica must invest in our youths, if we are to achieve our national destiny of greatness. We are blessed with great talent in South St. Andrew, which must be nurtured to achieve high levels of performance. Our vision is to promote the holistic development of our youths, building on their love of football. Effectiveness in sports requires discipline, fitness and sharp cognitive skills. including tuition in Mathematics, English and exposure to Chess in our summer football programme, will help to strengthen logical thinking.”

The goal of the programme is to use football to pursue scholarships to tertiary institutions, developing a generation of young men who excel in all aspects of life: mentally, physically, socially, spiritually, and emotionally. To ultimately help develop this inner city community into a model of personal, social, and economic transformation.

For

"WE MUST BELIEVE IN THEM, SO THAT THEY TOO CAN BELIEVE IN THEMSELVES."