2022
Janeisha John
Rihanna:
60 of our favourite looks throughout the years.
www.caribbeanposh.com
candles . soaps . skin + bath oils 100% natural ingredients
@naomibaaluxuries
Publisher and Founding Editor JANETTE N. BRIN Beauty Editor (s) AKEEMA CRABBE MUA DONELLA Contributing Writers GRACIOUS ROSS, COSIMA COMPTON, ALEJANDRA CERBALL, FRANCHESKA MORELAND Contributing Photographers RICKIE RICHARDSON NORMAN ALLEN Art Design & Layout BRYAN ODHIAMBO Join the conversation on Facebook Leave your comments at caribbeanposh.com Follow us on LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram @caribbeanposh Share all your POSH moments in real time @poshgirlpowerbrunch ON THE COVER Janeisha John Producer / TV Host / Model / Former Miss US Virgin Islands Creative Director + Photographer: Norman Allen Stylist: Germain Smith MAU: Akeema Crabbe Gown: Jamal Drummond [Admadz Fashion] Shoot Location: Scrub Island Resort, British Virgin Islands Contact: For editorial submissions: editor@caribbeanposh.com Advertising: sales@caribbeanposh.com POSHgirl POWER Brunch: brunch@caribbeanposh.com
Contents 6 Editors Letter 8 POSHgirl Picks 9 7 Things We Are Talking About
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POSH FASHION Brunch best Looks Pink + Posh Rihanna: 60 of our favorite looks througout the years. Vibrate & Bold!
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POSH BEAUTY Top 12 Clean Beauty: Bath & Body Clean Beauty by Akeema Crabbe 6 Fresh Fragances to Add to Your Beauty Bar What is Clean Beauty and Why it Matters?
POSH FEATURES 49 Sharnelle Nguyen 50 Janeisha John 58 8 Questions with with Nickie Nougaisse POSH LIFESTYLE 60 The Republic of Barbados
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EMPOWERPRENUER Trending Side Hustles How to Improve Your Social Media Presence A Brand With No Sales... 5 Smart Ways to Network Online
FOOD + DRINKS 72 Brunch Cocktails + Mimosas
Janette N. Brin Publisher and Founding Editor Photographed by Ricki Richardson Location: Tortola, BVI
editor's page 2022 is for Daring Dreamers By the end of 2021, while the world was still talking about the global pandemic, Barbados was making history in the realm of leadership. Changing the history of women leadership! The now Republic named its first President, who happens to be a woman, Dame Sandra Mason. The first woman to serve on the Barbados Court of Appeals, Dame Sandra has been governor-general since 2018. Now as President, she joins politician and attorney, Mia Mottley, Barbados’s first female Prime Minister in changing the status quo. Mottley herself has to be by far the most international recognizable Caribbean political leader. Since becoming prime minister she has been highly recognized for her intelligence and strong leadership. She has made international headlines and notably has had audiences with numerous world leaders. The UN Environment Program recently announced that Mottley was one of its 2021 Champions of the Earth, the world body's most prestigious environmental honour. No surprise after her lighten rod speech on climate change at COP26. Barbados must be so proud of its daughters of Bahian soil. As a Caribbean woman, I surely am proud on them. If that wasn’t enough, the world’s newest republic also honoured “Shine like a Diamond” singer and self-made billionaire, Rihanna naming her the 11th national hero of Barbados. As movers and shakers in the global community, collectively these woman are inspirations to women, particularly Caribbean women. Redefining and confirming all at once that little island girls throughout the Caribbean dare to dream. Bringing it home to my native Virgin Islands, our cover girl Janeisha John is another prime example of a little island girl daring to dream big. From her days in her parents St. Croix bakery, becoming Miss United States Virgin Islands, to now being on red carpets in Hollywood. CLEAN BEAUTY ISSUE
Join the conversation via Facebook or LinkedIn @caribbeanposh
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editor's
#POSHgirl
picks
By Janette Brin
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For me MAC tends to have the best eye shade colors. Antiqued is my new favourite. So chic and perfect for melanin girls.
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Since going natural about 2 years ago, I am absolutely obsessed with hair products. With no shame whatsoever I am a product junky. At the top of my product list right now is Mielle’s Rosemary Mint Daily Styling Crème. With color treated hair and hot Caribbean weather, daily moisturising is a must. For me this product retains moister very well. Mielle’s gummy hair vitamins are a bonus for me. I am seeing nice healthy growth so far, but I will let you guys know when I hit my goal.
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The Cardi B Sneakers by Reebook take me back to my days of living in New York. Perfect for my chill weekend vibes.
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Things we are talking about 1. Mia Mottley takes global view after landslide re-election in Barbados. [ft.com]
2. Goodbye to politics? 'This will be my last term,' says PM Mottley.
3. Montserratian actress Dionne Audain stars in new Cheetos & Doritos ad.
4. Rihanna's foundation donates $15 million to climate justice. [independent.co.uk]
5. Barbados Honors Rihanna as National Hero During Republic Ceremony.
6. Destra taps The Oval actor for new video. [Caribbean.loopnews.com]
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7. Antigua PM Urges U.S. To Increase Financing And Aid To The Caribbean. [caribbeannewsnow.com]
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source: meilinginc.com
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Brunch BEST Looks It’s 11 am on a Saturday morning, and you’re getting ready to meet your best friends for the most hallowed weekend ritual- Brunch. Maybe you are nursing a hangover, or perhaps you woke up early and went for a run today, or maybe your kids don’t let you sleep past 8 anyway; the circumstances are less important than the decision you need to make now. What should you wear? Whether you’re ready to try something trendy, or you want tried and true, or you value comfort above all else, we have you covered with our recommendations, with all pieces from Caribbean designers.
Breezy Babydoll One of the biggest trends started in 2021, the Babydoll dress is coming back with a vengeance. This version from Meiling is elevated with an elegant lace hem, and thick straps which balance the shape. Let your legs do the talking! Amy Dress $260, available at meilinginc.com
Sleepwear Chic
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Not quite a pajama set, the silky Gatsby Melon set by Fe Noel is stunning in it’s nonchalance. With an incredible bold color pallet and striking pattern, this set is chic enough for the swankiest brunch destination, but comfortable enough for a Netflix marathon when you get home. Wear the top open with the matching bra for a daring look, or tie it in a center knot for a more low-key look. Gatsby Melon Pant $570, Gatsby Melon Blouse $470, available at fenoel.com
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source: fenoel.com
source: @designerjangelique on Instagram
Ruffles for Days Avocado green is having a moment, and it feels so right on this form-fitted linen jumpsuit. The bold, larger-than-life ruffles bring the va-va-voom, and the cheeky plunging bustline (and open back!) balances out all of that fabric with some skin. Perfect with big earrings and an updo. Calli Slim Leg Romper $125,available at kimmysticlo.com
Pattern Play Speaking of matching sets, Barbados-born designer Jin Forde’s brand J Angelique has mastered them. Flattering, flowy skirts match knotted tops in patterns that are going to make your #ootd selfie pop. Little details like flared sleeves and a thick waist band keep the Bianca set fresh and fabulous.
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source: kimmysticlo.com
Bianca Blouse Set $133, available at shopjangelique.com
source: @jaejolly on Instagram
POSHfashion
Neon Neapolitan We’re always ready for a good color blocking moment, and this tri-tone jumpsuit from Jae Jolly fits the bill perfectly. Paired with a nude heel and statement headpiece for dressing up or some flatform sandals and a casual bag to dress it down, and you’re ready for mimosas. Kiara Melon Jumpsuit $140, available at jaejolly.com
She’s Like a Rainbow
Sundance Slip Dress $550, available at fenoel.com
source: @jackieaina on Instagram
If you can’t settle on a current trendy color, may we suggest all of them? This rainbow slip dress by Fe Noel is vivid in all the right ways- with a hint of trendy tie-dye. Stunning on it’s own with a pair of strappy heels, or perfect for layering with a slim turtleneck underneath or blazer on top.
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PINK
What’s Pink, Chic, and Posh all over? This list of trends to celebrate the rosy hue, showcasing incredibly talented designers from around the world. Whether you’re partial to spotlight-stealing sparkles, classic but cool velvet, or fun and fluffy feathers, we’ve sourced a wide range of fun suggestions for when you need a dose of rose. Long live pink!
Candy Crushed Fall in love with formalwear with these deep pink crushed velvet trousers. Tailored trousers as evening wear are au courant, and the depth of the velvet brings a new dimensionality and light to the color. The fit is luxuriously loose and comfortable. By South African label VIVIERS and made in Johannesburg.
source: thefolklore.com
Viviers Cocoon Pants in Pink Velvet, $965, available at thefolklore.com
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Blushing Babydoll The babydoll dress goes luxe in this buttery pink silk-blend taffeta pouf by Colombian designer Kika Vargas. The balloon sleeves and voluminous skirt balance perfectly atop a long, bare legged look. Pair with sparkly party heels, or tights and lug-soled boots for an unexpected twist. Kika Vargas Pink Taffeta Mathilde Dress $650, available at ssense.com
POSHfashion
Girly Gladiator Searching for the most fun party shoes in the world? We may well have found a winner. Strappy sandals, square toes, and a little bit of fluffy feather— these heels have it all when it comes to current trends. Plus the pink metallic leather? Barbie called, and she’s jealous of how much fun your feet are having. By Italian designer Nodaleto.
source: @designerjangelique on Instagram
source: ssense.com
Nodaleto Pink Bulla Fran 45 Sandals, $685, available at ssense.com
Gilded Rose Designer Jin Forde of J Angelique knows a thing or two about party dresses. Her new Pantheon Collection is inspired by grecian gowns and goddesses- in modern metallics and bold hues. We love the silhouette of the stunning Selene gown, featuring an elegantly draped skirt cinched around a circular cut-out which also ties in the precisely cut top. J Angelique Selene Dress $250, available at shopjangelique.com
POSHfashion
Marbled Madness If the pink bow emoji is on your trend board, the joint LA & China based brand Selkie is making your sartorial dreams come true. This floor-length diaphanous pink gown is sure to bring out your inner princess, and is just begging to steal the show at your next event or star in a photo shoot.
source: @selkie on Instagram
Selkie’s The Romance Novel gown $320, available at selkiecollection.com
source: @farailondon on Instagram
Marbled Madness Slinky, sassy, and so in style- Farai London’s Gaia dress is an *it* item this season. Farai London, launched by Zimbabwean designer Maryann Msengi in early summer of 2021, exploded into popularity after the Gaia dress was posted by Kylie Jenner. In shades of punchy pink and fiery fuschia, the marbled pattern tops off the must-have look. Farai London Gaia dress $130, available at farailondon.com
POSHfashion
Pink Silk Grenadian designer, Fe Noel is a style favorite. With her latest collection, she makes the ultimate feminine statement in this sleek silhouette cut from delicate silk. The striking iridescent midi length dress creates an appealing silhouette perfect for day or night. Pair yours with sneakers or high heel. Fe Noel Flamingo Pink Silk Slip Dress $744, available at fenoel.com
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60Rihanna of our favorite looks througout the years.
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All Black
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source: fenoel.com
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All White
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Iconic Red Carpet
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Pretty in POSH PINK
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Prints
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Street Style + Causal
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Vibrate & Bold! Designer Kristin Frazer
launched her highly anticipated Trefle Black Collection. Special guests included Yvette Noel-Schure of Schure Media Group and Beauty Influencer Raynecia ‘Razor Empress’ Simmons. Location: Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport in the British Virgin Islands on 12/12/21.
POSHbeauty
Top 12 Clean Beauty:
Bath & Body Products
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Clean beauty allows us to nourish and enhance ourselves with only the cleanest and purest ingredients nature has to offer. When it comes to bath and body products, going with clean beauty options is the best choice. Whether you are a clean beauty newbie or you consider yourself a bit of an expert, learning more about some of the top options to turn to for ultimate bath and body comfort never hurt! Here are twelve of our top choices for bath and body brands so you can continue to nourish and pamper your body with some of the cleanest products on the market!
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source: ehoneyskin.com
E~honey Skincare E~honey Skincare was created by Erika Briana Clark, who was driven by a passion for skincare to create products that aided the skin. Having suffered from skin problems herself, Erika went on to create a brand after gaining her undergraduate degree in biology working with a dermatologist. E~honey Skincare offers a moisturizer, cleansing scrub, glow oil, and more products made of allnatural ingredients to pamper and soothe the skin.
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source: lihabeauty.com
PiperWai This black female-owned brand specializes in creating a variety of body washes, deodorants, and hand sanitizers with fresh all-vegan ingredients. Whether you are looking for scentless options or body products with refreshing natural scents, PiperWai is an amazing choice. Their natural deodorant cream and body wash are two very popular choices if you’re looking to give them a try!
source: piperwai.com
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LIHA Beauty Founded by two friends, LIHA Beauty blends Nigerian Shea butter with other natural ingredients to make beautifying oils, lotions, and soaps for the body. Browse their shop’s page to find a new product to try, whether it’s their Orinrin cleansing balm, Goddess roller balls, Gold shea butter, and much more. Get your clean beauty pampering ritual on!
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Afiya Beauty Founded by sisters Kaltum and Shamsa, Afiya Beauty is dedicated to natural and organic beauty. They strive to use only the finest cold-pressed, wild harvested, and sustainably sourced ingredients. Browse their shop for a variety of bath and body products, whether turning to their rose body oil, coffee infused under-eye serum, detox clay mask, and so much more!
source: afiyabeauty.com
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Brosily Bath & Body Brosily Bath & Body was created by Navine to help her daughter after she developed eczema and skin issues due to use of brand-name baby products. This line of soaps, body butters, and balms offer a luxurious and completely vegan pampering for your next bathtime routine. Some of their products include a skin soothing balm, lavender bliss bar soap, vanilla spice body butter, and much more.
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Champ Des Fleurs Champ Des Fleurs was founded by Ginger-vee Carter to share pieces of her childhood and the lessons of her mother. This line of natural Caribbeaninspired soaps promises to take you on an island getaway with ingredients that capture nature’s essence. Browse their collection of soaps to find your own dream scent, whether you’re in the mood for coconut milk, pumpkin, sugar, and spice, sea moss punch, and more.
Ellie Bianca Founder Evelyne Nyairo created this brand of non-GMO, cruelty-free, socially conscious, and sustainably sourced skincare that’s kind to the skin, to the earth, and to women. The brand’s products center around raw unrefined African shea butter and oil from the shea nut, so you can love on your skin all the time! Browse their skin oils, bath salts, face serums, and more.
source: cdfskincare.com
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source: store.elliebianca.com
source: brosilybathandbody.com
Gloryscent Founded by Rafaela Gonzalez, this brand of clean body products offers body serums, cleansing gels, and elixirs to completely soothe and revitalize the body. The best part is they have an extensive ingredients list right on their page, so you can be confident in the components that make these gels and serums the perfect boost to your nighttime routine!
source: gloryscent.com
9. INMYHEALS This luxury bath and body brand offers a variety of soaks, oils, and bath milks to give your body the ultimate nourishing relaxation treatment. Natural, crueltyfree, toxin-free, and ethically sourced, these products are handmade to make sure your bath and nighttime routine is filled with intention.
source: inmyheals.com
source: jdbathco.com
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jD Bath Co. Founder Jazmine Duke started this brand as a love letter to women who were looking for luxury bath products without the harmful scents or ingredients that could throw their bodies off balance. JD Bath Co. is luxury bath care for sensitive skin and is vegan, cruelty-free, sustainably sourced, dye-free, and alcohol-based fragrance-free. These adorable bath products are not only perfect for all skin types, but they are just so pretty to look at!
12. source: donata.co
source: nolaskinsentials.com
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Nolaskinsentials Nolaskinsentials is a female black-owned company that combines skin-loving plantbased ingredients with a refined hand-crafted process to bring you the perfect body scrubs, serums, cleansers, toners, and more for that healthy glow. Some of their most popular products include the Oats of Glory body wash and hyperpigmentation soap.
Donata Skinfood Named after its founder, the Donata brand of vegan skin products is made from ingredients outsourced from Haiti. Their message is one of nourishment and promotes finding the most amazing products that make your skin happy. On their page, you’ll find a variety of products to learn about, such as their oatmeal healing salve, magnesium oil, luxury soap trio, and more.
POSHbeauty
Clean
Beauty by Akeema Crabbe
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Clean Beauty is making is way to the forefront and the truth is, it matters what you put on your skin especially it being your largest organ. You might be thinking, is it really possible to love all things beauty, create your favorite makeup looks and avoid harsh ingredients. I am happy to let you know that it very possible. Whether you are new to clean beauty or have now decided to jump on the band wagon. Here are my top 5 clean Swap to create the perfect look.
POSHbeauty
Mascara ILIA LIMITLESS LASH MASCARA If you are a makeup lover. Its hard to leave the house without it. This mascara is perfect for Curling, Lengthening and Volumizing all at one. It is buildable and flake-free natural mascara that weightlessly lifts and extends lashes with one coat. This bat-worthy alternative is formulated with beeswax and shea butters, and although made to last all day, can easily be removed at the end of the day. Limitless Lash Mascara is ophthalmologist-tested, and is safe for sensitive eyes and contact lens wearers.
Eyeshadow LILY LOLO LAID BARE EYE PALETE Whether you want to create a simple day time look or add some evening drama to your look this eyeshadow palette is perfect. This palette contains eight wearable eye shadows that are easily blendable, lightweight and long lasting. It is chemical free and contains natural oils like Pomegranate and Manuka oil.
Cream Blush LIVE TINTED HUESTICK Multistick is a multifunctional beauty product that is very buttery and easy to apply due to its demimatte finish. If you are a lover of monochromatic makeup looks or just not really a product junkie, this multistick is perfect as it can not only be worn on the cheeks but on your lips and eyes. It is loaded with Hyaluronic Acid, Squalane, Vitamins C + E. Doing a full face has never been easier!
Highligh LIVE TINTED HUEGLOW Perfect for all skin types this skincare-first multitasker is designed to create a lit from within glow. It is formulated with a sustainably-sourced squalane and a superpowered blend of botanical extracts with light reflecting properties. Hueglow can be worn under, in and over your face makeup and/or slather onto your body for that healthy glow.
Lip INDIE LEE NOURISHING LIP TINT
This product comes in a Pink, Nude and Mauve.
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Suitable for creating that everyday makeup look, this ultra-lip conditioner is a little bit of color and a whole lot of hydration. The coverage is sheer and buildable while the finish is satin. Formulated with Squalane oil and organic beeswax this lippie locks in moisture while boosting your lips with vitamin e adding antioxidant benefits.
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fragances
to add to your Beauty Bar
A variety of perfumes to learn about also allow us to explore new scents that we can make uniquely our own. Go for a fresh and smooth perfume to instantly liven up and inspire your own beauty habits! Looking for a few suggestions? Here are six fresh fragrances to consider adding to your beauty bar:
Artsy- Kimberly New York Kimberly New York was founded in 2016 and is led by black female perfumer Kimberly Walker. Artsy is the leading fragrance that has stolen the hearts of many with its delectable scent. This sweet fragrance combines notes of crushed violets and creamy sandalwood with red candied apple and marshmallow fluff, perfect for the person with a sweet side who is looking to add something new to their perfume rotation!
source: hiveluxuryfragrances.com
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Sterling Botanical Perfume- Anu Essentials Anu Essentials was founded by Anu Prestonia, an innovator in natural hair care. With Anu Essentials, natural ingredients and botanicals are the main focus to provide nourishment and beauty to all aspects of the self. The Sterling Botanical Perfume is a blend of notes of lavender, tuberose, cognac, lemon peels, white grapefruit and prickly ash. A strong, cooling, and clean scent, this is a perfect choice for the fragrance expert looking for something a little more natural and refreshing.
source: anuessentials.com
source: kimberlynewyork.com
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fresh
A new fresh scent can do wonders for your beauty routine. Having that perfect signature scent can elevate your daily rituals as you get ready to take on whatever the day brings. With so many fragrance options constantly hitting the market, it may be overwhelming to find the right choice that speaks to you. It’s important to take note of any scents you personally gravitate toward, or if there is a certain note or scent that must go in your fragrance arsenal (i.e. vanilla, citrus, floral)? This can help you narrow down choices to find something that feels both comforting and familiar, while also daring to push you into new fragrance territory.
Grace- Hive Luxury Fragrances Hive Luxury Fragrances is Bambi Montgomery’s creation to curate the perfect fragrance selection for all types of lifestyles. If you are looking for a fragrance that is delicate and refined, Grace by Hive Luxury Fragrances could be the scent you’ve been looking for. This fragrance combines peony, black honey, cassis, and bergamot for a rich and elegant scent. Grace is an amazing choice if you are the kind of person that appreciates a classic and floral fragrance.
source: laboticanyc.com
Soho Eau De Parfum- La Botica Studios Founded by Dawn Marie West in New York City, La Botica Studios provides lovely candles, home fragrances, and perfumes to give off amazing scents in a variety of spaces. Soho Eau De Parfum is a rich scent with notes of vanilla and cashmerean, as well as added layers of peach blossom and violet flower. This luxurious scent is perfect if you want to try something new, effortless, and timeless!
Les Fleurs- Maya Nije Swedish-born Maya Nije moved to London and began to experiment with sense of smell as a medium while working in the art space. Founded in 2016, her fragrance brand dives into perfecting artisanal blends of scents that inspire and invoke nostalgic happiness. Les Fleurs is the perfect floral musk scent, offering notes of citrus, fig, neroli, and magnolia. This fresh green scent is a favorite for many! Maya Nije currently ships to the UK only, but many retail spaces worldwide stock this fragrance brand for the next fragrance fan looking for something refreshing and new for their collection.
Moon Dust- Aspen Apothecary Aspen Apothecary was founded by sisters Kaja and Keta in homage to their mother. This line of CBD infused fragrances are free of unnecessary sulfates, nitromusks, phthalates, and animal testing. Moon Dust is the perfect scent for those looking to give this brand a try. This intoxicating fragrance combines a melody of scents, including sweet jasmine and grapefruit along with peppermint, anise, Palo Santo wood, and Haitian vetiver. source: aspen-apothecary.com
Finding a new scent to mix into your routine as you get ready each day should be a fun opportunity to allow you to experiment with brand new smells. The suggestions above all come from different brands you may not find in a traditional retail store, but have been favored by many fragrance newbies and experts. Discovering that fresh new perfume you may have never smelled before can even push you to try new beauty choices you would’ve never thought about in the past! This is the beauty of finding that special fragrance, suddenly, you may find yourself a changed woman. Is there a new fragrance in this list you’d love to try out for yourself? Dive in, and happy searching!
Photography: Stephan Joseph/m_photography776
What is Clean Beauty And why it matters? By MUA DonellaD Let’s face it, finding makeup for black skin is still not as easy as it should be. For years, there has been a distinct lack of shade options for people of color, especially when it comes to clean beauty. Luckily today, there are more innovators bridging the gap in the clean beauty space and helping to make the industry more clean, diverse, and inclusive. So what is Clean Beauty? Clean beauty is basically products that are made without ingredients shown or suspected to harm your overall health. While it’s hard to believe that conventional beauty companies would ever include such ingredients in their products, the fact is that they do and it’s still common practice and perfectly legal. Ladies do we love luxurious, incredible-smelling, super effective, beautifully pigmented beauty products? Yes we do! I have carefully curated a list of some of my favourite clean beauty brands for dark skin woman in no particular order to achieve the right look: 1. The Lip Bar – Do you love a bold lip colour? Then this brand is perfect for you, the colour pay off and the pigmentation of these lip colours are the best fit for a woman who isn’t afraid to go bold with her lip stick , personally this is by far some of the most nourishing liquid matte lipsticks I have tried to date. 2. Beauty Bakerie – Founded by Cashmere Nicole back in 2011 this beauty brand is 100% cruelty-free, vegan makeup brand. Their signature item? The “lip whip" no-smudge liquid lipsticks that are perfect for a brunch date with the girls! 3. Mented Cosmetics - If you’re looking for luxury products for your ‘melanated’ skin, then look no further , this beauty brand was curated especially for women of colour and has some of the best Lip gloss and balms that are suitable for dark skinned women, one of faves right now is the Cranberry Paint Pink Lip gloss, the lip glosses are extremely nourishing and are suitable for those who prefer to wear a glossier lip. 4. Laws of Nature Cosmetics – Admittedly, this is not a product I use often , the Loose Mineral Foundation from Laws of Nature, however, Its clean formulation allows it to be ‘suitable’ for all skin types and conditions. Its more specifically focused on eczema, sensitive or oily/acneprone skin types. This is also perfect for makeup lovers who don’t like the heavy feel of foundation and prefer a light powder application.
8. Prime Beauty Cosmetics – When we talk about bronzers for dark skin women, we cannot forget to mention the Prime Beauty Brownzers! These bronzers, Oh I mean ‘Brownzers’ instantly became a staple in my makeup drawer, they are the brown girl friendly bronzers that are highly pigmented, has a matte finish and adds an extra sun-kissed finish to your overall look. 9. Range Beauty - Do you have acne or eczema-prone skin? Allow me to introduce you to Range Beauty where skincare meets makeup. RB provides an exclusive range of shades for melanin-rich, acne, and eczema-prone skin types. I have so many faves from this beauty brand that it is hard for me to choose only one product, my current faves are their True Intentions Hydration Foundation, the Smooth Out Translucent Powder , and the True Intentions Bronzing Primer. 10. Kosas Tinted Face Oil - I was obsessed with how naturally ‘glowy’ my skin looked the first time I tried this skin tint, this was one of the products that made me fall in love with dewy finish products. It feels so lightweight. It's perfect for the girls who don't like the "heavy" feel that can come with a face full of makeup and the formula goes on easy like a serum and feels super comfy. Just shake it up and apply with your hands and voila!
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6. Lys Beauty – Although this beauty brand was just launched in February 2021 it quickly became one of my faves, The products are formulated with skin-loving ingredients that redefine the meaning of clean beauty, one
7. A J Crimson Beauty - Are you a lover of creamy foundations? Not sure what to look for? Try the AJ CRIMSON Beauty Dual Skin Creme Foundation Compacts and Rounds. This unique formula can be used as both a foundation and concealer, additionally ,this multiuse product can be used to contour and highlight some other benefits include an 18 hour wear (when set with AJ Crimson Universal Powders), water-resistant formula and has buildable coverage for my full coverage makeup lovers and here’s the best part , it is perfect for oily, dry and combination skin types.
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5. Black Girl Sunscreen – Have you been searching for the perfect sunscreen that does not leave a white cast? moisturizing, gives all day protection against the sun’s harmful rays? Then look no further! BGS is by far the best sunscreen I have tried, it fights against damage, hyperpigmentation, and fine lines. I recommend applying a healthy amount from your face down to your neck just before you apply your make up.
of my personal faves is the Standard Satin Matte Cream Blush in the shade baked coral.
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POSHfeatures
POSHfeatures
Nguyen Sharnelle
Virgin Islands Ink | @viink.tattoo
Sharnelle Nguyen grew up in the BVI before leaving to attend school in New York. She then returned to the BVI after completing school where her passion for creativity and entrepreneurship grew. Sharnelle has had conventional jobs in corporate offices but as time went on she knew that was not her passion or what she wanted to do with her life. She took some time off to focus on motherhood but then shortly after revisited the idea of being a business owner and working for herself. With this desire coupled with the right opportunity she opened her first business with her husband TLC Bikes. This saw an expansion into Esmé Nail Spa, a one of a kind nail spa, that Sharnelle herself decorated to perfection, as well as Virgin Islands Ink employing a very skilled and experienced artist. Sharnelle has an eye for detail, design and impeccable service. She is now setting her sights on expanding her business ownership portfolio and bringing services and products to the BVI that are much needed with a focus on customer satisfaction. 1. How did you get your start in business? I became an Entrepreneur after Hurricane Irma. My husband and I decided to bring in scooters to sell after we found that there was a need and a convenience in owning a scooter during that time. It was a risk we took as we knew nothing about owning a business or selling bikes. Fortunately that decision paid off and led us to opening other businesses we were passionate about and more familiar with.
2. What would you say is your deepest motivator? My deepest motivators are my children and being someone they can look up to. I want them to know and see that they are capable of making their ideas reality. 3. What do you love the most about your work? Being on my own time. It’s often said being an entrepreneur means working 24/7, which is true, however nothing beats being in full control of your time. 4. What drove you to make your ‘big idea’ a reality? My passion. Once you’re passionate about something, it will always be in the back of your mind and it's up to you to make that initial step. 5. What would you say is your best-selling feature/ service/product? Surprisingly, the Piercings. When we first announced that we are offering piercings, I didn’t expect to receive such overwhelming support. 6. What unexpected change did you have to make because of the pandemic? Mask wearing and hand sanitizing.
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7. What advice would you give to an aspiring entrepreneur? Have a strong support team. Starting a business is difficult and tiring. There will be days that you want to give up but, having people who believe in you and what you do will help you see it through.
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John
Janeisha John is a force to be reckoned with. Janeisha, proudly raised on the beautiful island of St. Croix, has spent her life learning what it means to stand in the limelight. As a model, television host, producer, and most notably the title-holder of Miss U.S Virgin Islands Universe 2010, her beauty is unfathomable, her talents unquestionable, and her positive influence on all of the Caribbean remarkable. Although inspiring, her journey in the entertainment industry has been riddled with highs, lows, and difficult decisions, but despite it all—with the guidance of her core values, the support of her community, and her determination to stay true to herself—she has always come out on top. In a recent ZOOM interview with Janeisha, she humbly sat down with Caribbean POSH magazine to give the inside scoop on her childhood, her career, and the decisions she has made that have shaped her into the success that she is today.
ha Photographed by Norman Allen Location: Scrub Island Resort, British Virgin Islands MUA: Akeema Crabbe Styling by: Germain Smith for Kymasia Designs
Gown: Jamal Drummond [Admadz Fashion]
POSHfeatures
FOR THOSE THAT DON’T YET KNOW YOU, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF? Ultimately, I'm a small island girl with big-city dreams. I am extremely family-oriented and community driven. Like, I love my home and I love my family. I'm very outspoken, very ambitious, and I’m very loving—although I can also be a little firecracker sometimes. Us island girls have very bold spirits, and I epitomize that. But all-inall, I’m a very loving, kind person with a bold, fiery personality.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR HOME? Oh, I love home. Every time I’m flying home, I always try to grab the seat by the window that gives me the best view of the island. And I’m always that person that’s grinning from ear to ear while we’re landing, because there’s this spirit that overtakes me when I’m home; it always makes me feel so, so nurtured and safe and free in a way that’s unmatched by any other place I’ve traveled to. St. Croix, and the Virgin Islands, is probably my favorite place on earth. It’s my peace and safe-haven—the place where I feel most protected and loved.
PART OF YOUR HOME IS YOUR FAMILY AND THEIR SUPPORT SYSTEM. HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THEM, AND WHAT DO YOU LOVE MOST ABOUT THEM? What I love most about my parents is that they are very selfless. Growing up, they always took the time to talk to people and engage with people’s stories. And they were always so giving to everyone they encountered. They love community, they love people, and they’re also successful entrepreneurs—which is something that I also really admire about them. My mother’s bakery—Centerline Bakery—was in business for 32 years, and my father owned one of the first music studios in the Virgin Islands—which really piqued my interest in entertainment. Overall, my parents are really great, hardworking people that have always given back to the community and have always shown love to others. Being around them and seeing their entrepreneurial spirits while seeing how they interacted with people definitely lit a fire within my siblings and I.
My sisters are my built-in best friends. Growing up, my dad always used to make us stick together. It forced us to be best friends, and with the way we protect each other and are always there for each other—I know I will always have built-in friends because of my sisters. My little sister can create a vibe out of anything, anywhere. I think that’s her superpower. I’m the talker—the chatterbox in the group—and my older sister is probably the strongest person that I know. She’s bad-ass, and one of the most resilient people I know. She brings us all together and makes us complete. My older brother and I are also really, really close, ndhe’s been very influential in my life. But as for my sisters, since we’re all girls, we’re a little more glued to the hip.
WHAT IS ONE OF YOUR MOST VIVID MEMORIES FROM CHILDHOOD? One of my proudest moments from being a child, and feeling like my parents were superheroes, was during one of my dad’s annual reggae fests. My dad organized a headliner and other artists for the event, and I remember my dad making sure that we were at the front of the stage. We were so young, but they pulled my older sister and I onto the stage and we got to sing the songs along with the headliner, and it lit such a spark for my interest in entertainment. So that was a big moment. Seeing my parents put on a full production and having us be involved at such a young age onstage, it made me really proud of them. I thought to myself, “Hey, my parents are really doing it!”
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SINCE BEGINNING YOUR CAREER IN ENTERTAINMENT, IN WHAT WAYS ARE YOU A DIFFERENT PERSON TODAY? Honestly, moving to LA was probably the best decision for my career. I tried living in New York for two years, but I couldn’t do it—the weather was too cold for me. So after some deliberation, I moved to California, and I’ve grown and learned so much about the industry here—about the business side of it all. I’ve definitely become more aware of how this industry works. I understand the importance of relationships, and I understand the importance of being innovating and evolving—because entertainment is always evolving. I’ve learned that you have to be open to growth. My ultimate goal is to take everything that I have learned from the industry to share with others back home and help younger generations navigate the industry as well.
WHAT WOULD YOU SAY IS YOUR NUMBER ONE PASSION TODAY? Lately, I’ve mostly been producing and experiencing how it feels to be behind the scenes. I’m one of the few female execs on a Black-owned network, and I enjoy it; I’m happy. But if I had to pick, I would say modeling. It doesn’t matter what I do, I always find myself doing some sort of modeling. As a dancer, modeling allows me to tap into movement and art like dancing does, and posing and expressing myself in front of the camera reminds me of my passion for dance. I feel like modeling is something that I’ll be doing forever.
HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE YOUR LOOK? HOW WOULD YOU DEFINE BEAUTY? I definitely think that less is more. When you’re in your most natural state, you really shine through. But, you know, there are two sides to my personal style. There is very much the island girl that loves colors and loves flowy materials. That’s where you’ll find the most vibrant side of me, the colors, the playful dresses and prints. And then there’s another side of me that’s a little more monochromatic and edgy. But a red lip is definitely my signature look. I really love my red lipstick. My friend actually forced me to try red lipstick years ago, because she was obsessed with Sex and the City. We would watch it all of the time, and there would always be these little fashion tidbits that we would take with us from the show. When I cut my hair into this short pixie cut, I decided to try it, and I’ve been wearing it ever since. It definitely takes a really confident woman to wear a red lip, especially with the short haircut like mine, so that’s my thing. And I’m a little curvy too, so I love things that are form-fitting as well. So, that’s just me. You get the fun, flirty colorful side of me, which is very much the island girl, but you also get the chic, bad-ass, red lip, walking-through-a-room-and-commanding side of me. Overall, though, I know it sounds cliché, but I think beauty comes from within. And I think the people who are most comfortable with themselves shine a positive light in the world, and they have no choice to be considered beautiful because it comes from within.
HOW DID YOU FEEL THE FIRST TIME YOU SAW YOURSELF IN MAJOR AD CAMPAIGN? My first national ad campaign was a Malibu Red commercial featuring the artist Ne-Yo. I’d booked it within the first couple of weeks of moving to LA, and it played all around the super bowl! Everyone was blowing up my phone to say, “I saw you! I saw you!” And it was such a big deal. I was like, “Whoa, oh my God!” And it’s crazy because, around the same time, I was featured in a video with Two Chains and Pharrell, and I remember being in the shower, coming out to see a ton of messages on my phone, and freaking out! I was like, “What is going on? Did something happen?” But it was just everyone congratulating me. So between that and the Malibu Red commercial, I felt like, wow, I’m actually out here doing some of the things I said I wanted to do!
LOOKING BACK ON YOUR CAREER, WHAT IS SOME ADVICE YOU WOULD GIVE TO OTHERS WISHING TO FOLLOW YOUR FOOTSTEPS IN A MODELING CAREER? As for modeling, I would say to build your social media presence to best represent who you are and how you want the world to see you, because a lot of agencies require you to have a large social media presence. Do a lot of research, build relationships that are important, and definitely have a strong sense of self, because then nobody can pull the wool over your eyes. There have been times where I have had to choose between a high-paying job and my moral complex, and knowing who you are, where you are coming from, and the people that you are representing helps in situations like that. Always be open to advice—advice that will help you make better decisions—never lose faith, and don’t let negativity or other people’s jaded spirits keep you from pursing your dreams. At times in Hollywood, I would start to second-guess myself. Like why am I here? I should give up, etc. etc. But being open to advice from instrumental people and not letting negative spirits keep me from pursuing my dreams may have helped me make better decisions then. Another big piece of advice would be to incorporate some form of self-care into your routine. Whether that’s therapy, yoga, or, my personal favorite, tea, find a way to center yourself. And finally, always be open to growth. One of my greatest failures was a point in time where I was in a losing streak of pageants—winning first runner up three times in a row, but never the crown—and I really had to take a second to humble myself, because I had gotten a little cocky. But taking a second to pay attention to my thoughts and opinions on things helped me have a better sense of purpose and remember what my end goal was. And I can honestly say I have grown so much from that experience. So always stay grounded, be open to growth, and never lose your sense of self.
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FAQ Q: How can I be featured in Caribbean POSH?
A : For consideration send us a well written write up or press release with professional images to editor@caribbeanposh.com
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POSHfeatures
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with Nickie Nougaisse a Haitian born entrepreneur is the founder of Curls Dynasty!
1. CAN YOU DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN FOUR WORDS? Unshakable, Creative, Insightful, Limitless 2. YOU’VE EXPERIENCED POVERTY, HOMELESSNESS AND RACISM. HOW HAVE THESE EXPERIENCES SHAPED YOUR LIFE AND MADE YOU WHO YOU ARE TODAY? Early on as an immigrant in the USA, I quickly learned that I’d need to steel myself against all my obstacles if I were to survive and thrive. Everything I’ve overcome has made me dangerous in the sense that my spirit is not easily broken, and I literally now KNOW that anything is possible as long as my mind is right. 3. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO WOMEN GOING THROUGH WHAT YOU’VE GONE THROUGH? Hang tight! - I promise it is true that there is a way where the is a will. Get out of your own way, open your mind to possibilities and be willing to pivot. There’s a solution to everything. 4. WHERE DID YOU GET YOUR ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT? I’d say it’s a combination of my mother and life experiences. She was a warrior, a go-getter who stopped at nothing to make sure her kids were on point. Her drive and a desire to improve quality of life for myself as well as those I serve keep me motivated and disciplined. 5. WHAT WOULD YOU SAY WAS THE BREAKING POINT FOR YOU IN MAKING THE TRANSITION TO NATURAL HAIR? The severity of the chemical burns from my last relaxer. It was HORRENDOUS. Having to deal with the scabs and peeling scalp for weeks after just really had my self-esteem in the dumps.
6. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO IS FRUSTRATED WITH THEIR NATURAL HAIR – THEY ARE PERHAPS FEELING IT’S TOO MUCH WORK, THEIR HAIR ISN’T GROWING, ETC. Our hair is always growing (our armpits remind us too often). The issue is retaining that length. Natural hair is not hard to take care of once you establish a routine and have the right tools/products. I used to dread wash days, particularly detangling. With the right moisturizing products that allow me to breeze through the process, consistent regular deep conditioning treatments, I have been able to maintain soft, hydrated hair that breaks less - thus, retaining length. 7. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU OFFER TO CARIBBEAN WOMEN IN BUSINESS TRYING TO ACHIEVE INTERNATIONAL SUCCESS? Be unashamedly relentless in your belief in yourself, your product/ service and the pursuit of your heart’s desire. 8. YOUR BRAND CAN BE FOUND IN TARGET AND DOZENS OF HAIR SUPPLY STORES ACROSS THE US. CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT WHAT THIS ACHIEVEMENT MEANS TO YOU? I just want the next little black girl with limitations stacked against her to know that she CAN. Having my brand sold in Target, Walmart, Kroger, and beauty supplies stores throughout the world is a beacon that does just that.
POSHlifestyle
Barbados Prime Minister and Minister for National Security and the Civil Service Mia Amor Mottley speaks at the UN General Assembly 76th session General Debate in UN General Assembly Hall at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 24, 2021. John Angelillo/Pool via REUTERS
The Republic
months before the independence ceremony, Mottley went viral for the powerful speech she addressed to the United Nations. In her address, she fervently called on her fellow leaders to take collective action against the COVID-19, climate change, and food insecurity crises. With an air of dignity and an unmistakable command of the room, Mottley beseeched, “How many more variants of COVID-19 must arrive before a worldwide action plan for vaccinations will be implemented? How many more deaths must it take before the 1.7 million excess vaccines in the Quoting Bob Marley in her plea, Mottley continued, possession of the advanced countries of the world “‘who will get up and will be shared with those who have simply no stand up for the rights access to vaccines?” of our people?’…Who will get up and stand Mottley both rattled and inspired many with her up in the name of all puissant address. In the span of sixteen minutes, she those who have died in this pandemic? Who will shook the stage and solidified Barbados’ place as a stand up in the name of nation with powerful, intelligent leaders to reckon all those who have died with. because of the climate
of Barbados Three cheers to the Republic of Barbados! On November 29, 2021, in a momentous ceremony that coincided with the country’s 55th anniversary of independence, Dame Sandra Mason was sworn in as the first Black, female president of Barbados. The ceremony, attended by influential figures such as Prince Charles and Barbadian singer Rihanna, signified the end of nearly 400 years of British rule. With the inauguration of the new president and the commemoration speech given by Prime Minister Mia Mottley, Barbados officially removed Queen Elizabeth II as its head of state—joining other nations such as Guyana, Trinidad and Tobago, and Dominica as the latest island nation to do so. This shift of power and reclamation of independence was preceded by the powerhouse moves of Barbados’ Prime Minister—and most authoritative political leader—Mia Mottley. Just two
crisis? It is not beyond us to solve this problem. If we can find the will to send people to the moon and solve male baldness…we can solve simple problems like letting our people eat.”
Following her address to the United Nations, Prime Minister Mottley met with both United States Vice President, Kamala Harris, and Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau to discuss the nations’ responsibility to its Caribbean neighbors. In their talks, they discussed the need to create
economic fountains in the Caribbean region, possible plans for economic recovery amidst the devastation of COVID-19, and the responsibility of wealthy nations to finance solutions for climate change—especially in the countries that do not contribute to, but are nonetheless affected by, climate change. Prime Minister Mottley’s recent power plays amongst the world’s top leaders have awarded Barbados the world’s recognition as a major force. Now, whenever Mottley speaks, the world knows to listen. It is Mottley who once again showcased her wisdom through her speech during Barbados’ independence ceremony in which she bestowed the honor of National Hero on singer and entrepreneur Robyn Rihanna Fenty. Following an address in which Prince Charles acknowledged the dark history of Britain as a colonial power and denounced the, “appalling atrocity of slavery” from which the island nation was formed, Prime Minister Mia Mottley took the stage. With pride, Mottley addressed the crowd, explaining, “Commanding the imagination of the world through the pursuit of excellence—with her creativity, her discipline, and above all else her extraordinary commitment to the land of her birth—Ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty has given service to Barbados…which has been exemplified by visionary and pioneering leadership, extraordinary achievement, and the attainment of the highest excellence [and honor] of Barbados. My government has the distinct honor of recommending to the president (who has kindly and graciously
(via The New York Times, image: Toby Melville – Pool/Getty Images)
accepted) that ambassador Robyn Rihanna Fenty tomorrow morning shall have conferred upon her the order of National Hero of Barbados…may [she] continue to shine like a diamond and bring honor to your nation by your words, by your actions, and to do credit wherever you shall go.” With the conclusion of her speech, she called Rihanna to the stage to acknowledge the newly bestowed honor. It is an honor very fitting for the billionaire singer and entrepreneur—one who recently made history by earning the accolade of worlds’ wealthiest female musician—to gain the title of National Hero on the night of Barbados’ independence. After years of proudly representing and giving back to Barbados throughout her career, she sparkled in a silk, one-shoulder orange dress by Bottega Venetaas as she accepted her country’s highest honor. She beamed beneath her mask as she shook hands with both President Mason and Prime Minister Mottley. As the three women exited the stage, it was clear to all just how powerful and influential Barbadian women are—to their own country and on the world stage. The sight of the three, historymaking women standing together—Barbados’ first Black, female president, Sandra Mason, Barbados’ first female Prime minister, Mia Mottley, and Barbados’ newly appointed National Hero, Rihanna Fenty—further proved the significance of Barbados’ independence that night.
Source: Getty Images
As Barbados embarks on its new journey of independence, the world waits excitedly for the powerful moves it is bound to make. As a republic, the power of the country is now held by their people and its elected officials—and if the actions of President Mason, Prime Minister Mottley, and National Hero Rihanna are any indication—Barbados going forward will be one powerful country indeed. As Rihanna explained in her acceptance speech the following morning, “Barbadians are a proud people. We are probably the proudest people I know, and no matter where I go in the world, I take that pride with me. No matter where we go, the world is going to know that we are Bajan to the bone.” With the independence of Barbados and the influence of its powerful female leaders, we know that Barbados, with the Bajan pride of its people standing behind it, is a country that will take the world by storm.
Empowerprenuer
Trending
Side Hustles you can do right now
To Make Extra Cash By Alejandra Cerball / Photos Courtesy: Unsplash
Whether you're looking to pay off debt or treat yourself to a little something extra, a side hustle can help you reach your financial goals. Today it's easy to find a job that matches your skills that you can do anywhere in the world. In the United States, 20 to 30 percent of the working-age population—engage in some form of independent work. The Gig Economy is made up of consultants, independent contractors, freelancers, and side hustlers. The good news is that there are plenty of jobs and ideas that you can start doing today to make extra cash. If you're not sure where to get started, jot down your skills and see what jobs are advertised on sites like Upwork or Freelancer. Once you have a clear idea of the type of work you can do and the time you'll be able to dedicate to side hustles, you'll be able to make money to add to your savings account. Side hustles can be anything from teaching English online, delivering food to someone's home, or working as a virtual assistant. The upside of the side hustle is that you can set your schedule, and you can do many jobs from the comfort of your own home. Here's a list of trending side hustles you can do right now to gain additional income to help you pay off debt, save money for your next trip, or buy something from your wish list. Teach English Online If you have a Bachelor's Degree in anything and some teaching or tutoring experience, you can teach English online. Some companies may ask for a teaching certificate like TEFL or TESOL, which you can get online for under $20 (Check Groupon.) You can set your schedule, teach when and where you want, and you don't have to create lesson plans. You can make up to $22/hour teaching kids on VIPKid, and you can teach adults and children on iTutorGroup.
Use your skills to be a Virtual Assistant or Social Media Manager Are you highly organized? Are you good at multi-tasking projects? A virtual assistant's duties vary, but you could manage email, help with social media management, or post content to a blog. Make sure you do your research, apply for jobs that match your skills, and get clear expectations from the client beforehand to ensure you are set up for success.
Write articles/blogs If you're a talented writer, use those skills to help companies with their blogs or web content. Sites like Upwork, Fiverr or Freelancer allow you to search for writing jobs in any field. The key to getting paid what you deserve per article is detailing what you can provide for the client in your profile and cover letter. Be sure to ask questions, so you know what the client's expectations and deadlines are. Don't be afraid to set a higher price per project to cover any fees set by the freelancing websites. Remember, if you think an offer is too low, it probably is! Sell Clothes Online If you've got clothes in your closet that you no longer wear, sell those gently used clothing items on Poshmark or Depop. These online marketplaces let you sell new and used items so you can make money and give your clothes a second life in someone else's home. To list an item for sale, post a photo, add a description, and add the price you want to sell it for. Once you sell an item, you'll have to pack it and ship it to get money into your account. Cha-ching!
Start a business making something you love. Use your creative skills to make something and sell your designs on Etsy. Design printables, fashion jewelry, or sew decorative cushions. If it's handmade and vintage, you can sell it on Etsy. There are more than 60 Million items for sale on Etsy and 42.7 Million active buyers. Get creative, create a profile, and start selling your ideas to make extra money doing something you love. Get Paid to Drive Create your schedule and work when you want. If you have a valid driver's license, insurance and meet other requirements for the job, you can start driving for Uber and Lyft. You can work a few hours a day, week, or month to add extra money to your travel or adventure
Sell stuff on you no longer use Don't let that good furniture go to waste. If you've got stuff in your home that is collecting dust because you no longer use or need it, have a garage sale or sell it on Facebook Marketplace. List trinkets, or holiday decorations on eBay. Take a picture, post the listing, and wait for those notifications to start popping up.
funds. If you don't feel comfortable driving people around, sign up for UberEats to deliver food to people from their favorite restaurants by car, motorbike or scooter. Keep in mind; you'll still have to pay taxes on these side hustles, so it's a good idea to set aside some cash for this purpose. Remember that your time is valuable, and if you are spending too much time on one side gig, try your something new. Try to think of the bigger picture, and instead of becoming a dog walker, try opening up a dog walking business. Look for ways to maximize profit and turn anything you love doing into a side hustle.
How to Improve
Your Social Media Presence By Alejandra Cerball / Photos Courtesy: Unsplash
A strong social media presence can help your business grow. It’s about connecting with your audience, sharing valuable content, and asking questions to keep them engaged. It starts with brainstorming your ideas and developing a plan for your social media strategy. The goal is to understand what your audience wants to hear so you can create content that motivates them to write a comment or like a post. When you're able to tailor your message, you can focus on creating more blog posts, and social content and create a community that trusts your voice. Whether you’re starting from square one or already have a decent following, start by creating a schedule to keep your thoughts and posts organized. Use these tips to help you boost your social media presence.
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IDENTIFY GOALS AND OBJECTIVES
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You want real followers, and buying followers to boost your follower count, won’t get you the engagement you need to help your business grow. Create a brand bio or description to let people know who you are what you’re all about. By identifying your goals and objectives from the start, you can start to build a connection with people who come across your profile.
You can use up to 30 hashtags on Instagram. Identify 5-10 hashtags to follow that relate to your brand and start engaging with accounts in your niche. Leave a comment and start to build a relationship with other creators. Gary Vaynerchuck uses the $1.80 Instagram strategy to connect with his audience. It’s called $1.80 because you are leaving your personal .02 cents on the top 9 trending Instagram posts for ten different hashtags that are relevant to your brand or business every single day.
CREATE A CONTENT CALENDAR - BE CONSISTENT. A content calendar helps you plan, and keep your team organized. You won’t have to stress about not knowing what to write or post because you’ll already be ahead of the game. Whether you have a team or it’s just you, it helps to have a schedule so you can be consistent with what you post. You’re followers want to know what you’re up to and what’s new with your business. Keep them up to date by posting regularly. Check out these content calendar examples for inspiration to help create your own. Repurpose your blog content into social media posts, and always think in terms of quality over quantity. Create content that answers a question or provides value. Spend some time creating an outline of what you want to share and which platform you want to use, and organize it in your content calendar. If you spend a lot of time creating a blog post, don’t just post it once on your social accounts and forget about it. Share it a month or two later with a different picture or headline to reach people who may have missed it the first time.
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CREATE A COMMUNITY WITH YOUR AUDIENCE. Would you keep talking to someone if they didn’t respond? Probably not, and your followers will likely take notice if you don’t reply to DM’s or comments. To grow your social media presence, you want to create a community around your brand. Try to avoid selling something in every post. Be transparent, share your story, and listen to what your followers are saying. Create call-to-actions that motivate people to stop what they are doing and reply with a comment. A Facebook group is an excellent way to showcase your expertise and establish yourself as the goto resource in your niche.
4 LINK YOUR ACCOUNTS AND CROSS-PROMOTE Share your social accounts on your website and use your profile descriptions to let your audience know about your blog. Optimize your profiles by using keywords that help people find your brand. Share your email, website, and fill out your bio with a clear message about your brand. Don't leave them guessing what your business is all about or how to find you. You want to direct traffic to your channels and eventually lead them to your website or blog. Use your newsletter to share your blog posts and use blog content to grow your subscriber list. Remember to stay true to yourself and your brand and do what works for you. Experiment with different methods, post photos, and videos to see what your audience connects with and use IG Stories to figure out what’s trending in your community. Use these tools to help you grow your social media presence.
USE POLLS AND INSTAGRAM STORIES TO GET TO KNOW YOUR AUDIENCE If you’re not sure what you’re audience wants to hear from you, ask them! Instagram stories is a great way to find out what’s on their mind. Ask questions, create polls, and use stickers to create an account for your brand. When you use these features, Instagram gives you access to a list of people who’ve answered your poll or question. Send them a direct message to continue the conversation.
Model Spotlight Model: Sasha Wintz Country: British Virgin Islands
Photographed by Keano Brin
Want to be a model spotlight? email: editor@caribbeanposh
A BRAND WITH NO SALES… by Francheska Mooreland
ate urgency to cre e th l e fe rs u e ren spir ing entrep ir first dollar or e th e k a m Today, many a n e v e uch ty' before they end way too m sp e om S a 'brand identi . ll a , t avagant logos assessment a t tr e ex rk , a es m it y bs n e a w do retty orks. nd energy on p g, the whole w in g a time, money a ck a p e v si es, expen farfetched nam a hen to make it w d n a is ’ d n nd what a ‘Bra Let’s understa prior ity.
"Francheska Mooreland is the owner of 3 retail brands, 1 wholesale company, 1 hair studio, and a full-service marketing agency. To learn more visit francheskamoreland.com"
ple:
Here's an exam
1
3
Your registered company’s name is EXAMPLE, LLC. This is your legal name, not a part of your Brand.
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You have a collection of products that will be sold under this company. This is your offering, not a part of your Brand.
Now Customers see the name abcjewelers.com or ABC Jewelers whenever they see your products. This is called a DBA (doing business as) This is a part of your Brand.
4
But now you need to fully determine how you want the world to perceive, identify and remember your Company’s Products/Services. Now we’re talking “Branding”!
The Branding phase is the act of creating a Brand Identity. (Logo, brand colors, symbols, packaging, etc.) Branding is usually done after conducting your market research and defining who your target audience is. But many fail to realize the importance of this step when thinking of their new business or side hustle. What if I told you I literally started my first company out of the trunk of my Ford Fusion for the first year in 2013; no packaging, no logo, no website, no name, etc. Would you believe me? I designed and created one Ring and all I knew was that it was a unique idea I had come up with. When I decided to share that one ring with the world, I received lots of positive feedback, thank God! So I made the leap and made my first 25 silver rings to actually sell. Sold out in less than a week. Took the profits, and made another 50. At this point, I then registered for a legal business because...I was now conducting business. Still no packaging, no logo, no website, no name, etc. People just wanted that ring and I focused on just that. The rings got delivered in little plastic 'dime bags' (haha). The customer was happy, and I made the profits I needed to grow!! I grew to where I was able to pay myself a full salary after my first 2 years.
However, I still did my own logo on Microsoft Word (free), learned to build my own website to service the overseas customers ($29 per month), and did minimal upgrades to my packaging (no fancy boxes our pouches with my name on it. Just secure packaging to keep my products safe). Here's how I built my "strong community" around my creation, and grew my company, without focusing on a "brand". My first 2 years consisted of me meeting and interacting with people face to face; getting feedback on the service and designs. All opinions were needed and welcomed. During this time, I was busy collecting data about who my customers were, what age groups / ethnicities favored my designs, how much they were happy to spend, etc. I used all that information to set my prices, and perfect my designs. To this day, I still monitor and take notes and use the data to perfect my marketing/advertising campaigns to attract new customers and keep previous ones coming back. This is how companies become successful, this is how they stay strong and continue to grow. It's all in the data, not your branding. I am not saying that Branding isn't important, and it may have just been a coincidence that not focusing on Branding worked out perfectly just for me. But, I still sincerely believe lots of awesome startups would have made it further if they had focused on building and understanding their community, studied their data and perfected their craft before focusing on branding.
This proves to me, that as a small business, you don’t need superb branding or branding at all at first, in order to make good money. I then opened a store with staff and expanded to more designs. It was now time to build an official company.
My 2-cents: • • • • •
Focus on your offering first. Make sure people even want or NEED what you have to offer. Invest time and minimal funds in perfecting the product/service. Understand your market, audience and customer. Ensure your process for accepting payments is easy and seamless for your customers. DO NOT do this by accepting DM’s, because you still want to appear professional, so get a simple website that accepts PayPal and/or Major Credit Cards, its much more affordable now than back when I was getting started.
Then when you start to build some momentum, it's then time to become official. Invest in your logo, decide on your colors, upgrade your packaging if necessary, get a professional photo shoot done and even upgrade your website to one that is bigger and has more features to assist with sales. Your priority in the beginning as a new small business, is to validate your idea and see if it’s even worth investing real money into. xoxo Francheska
5 smart ways to network
Online
Since COVID-19, we’ve been hanging out online more than ever.
This means that there are different rules of engagement when it comes to networking.
While you should always proceed with caution, forging connections in the digital world is great because it significantly reduces those potential awkward moments that can come from face-toface internations. Plus, if you ever do meet them offline, any nervousness you would have had would be pretty much nonexistent because you’ve already gotten to know the person. Here are some ways to get started:
SHOW THAT YOU’RE INVESTED FOR THE LONG HAUL Take the time to comment on other people’s social media posts. We’re not talking about low value comments like the high-five emoji. Leave a thoughtful message. Commenting gives you an edge. Check it out for yourself. Influencers can get thousands of likes for something but only a few comments by comparison. When someone sees that you have a genuine interest in them and their passions, they’ll take notice. Now if you happen to share their
MAKE MEANINGFUL CONTRIBUTIONS TO PRIVATE GROUPS
post with a thoughtful comment and mention them in updates,
There are literally millions of groups online. Whether you find them
you’re likely going to get an immediate response.
on Facebook or LinkedIn, it makes sense to join a few related to your industry and personal interests. Since private groups
It pays to be consistent. Sometimes you have to engage with
are exclusive in nature, members see it as a safe space to ask
the object of your connection’s content over a couple of months
questions and connect with people like them. Groups tend to have
before they take notice. If that seems too long, then you’re not
a high level of engagement, so it’s important that you participate in
serious enough about getting to know them.
conversations often to stand out. SHOUT OUT OTHER BUSINESSES It also gives you the opportunity to share your knowledge and
Is there a product or service you absolutely love? Or maybe
magnetic personality. Consistently offering value will attract the
someone in your industry copped an award. I’m a firm believer in
attention of other members’ who need your expertise, which opens
‘collaboration over competition’. If you feel positive vibes about a
the door for collaboration.
fellow business owner or their product, take the time to promote it on your blog and social media platforms. Not only are you doing
Don’t go overboard with joining multiple groups. Select about
your part to empower other entrepreneurs, you attract attention
3 - 5 that you can really sink your teeth into. You want to be able
and increase your chances of getting referrals from the object of
to invest enough of your time to make contributions on a regular
your connection.
basis.
GIVE THEM SHARE-WORTHY CONTENT People remember when you’ve assisted them with something they actually needed. Ask yourself what benefit the other person gets out of having a relationship with you, and see how you can offer that. Another option is to give them something they can use. Scan the person’s brand, and create image quotes using their own words. Not only have you stroked their ego, but you’ve also saved them the time it would take to create content for themselves. You don’t have to be a graphic artist to do this, Canva is a great option for creating quick and attractive designs. If you are a creative genius, this allows you to show off your skills.
Gizelle Riley is a communications strategist, B2B copywriter, and published author. She has spent over a decade helping executives and entrepreneurs from startups, nonprofits, and Fortune 500 companies stand out in a noisy digital world with share-worthy stories. Learn more at gizelleriley.com
SLIDE INTO THEIR DMs Once you’ve built up a reputation of being an attentive and loyal follower, introduce yourself by sending a direct message. You can drop a line simply to say hello and let them know how much you admire what they do and their content. If you want to dive in and try to make a partnership, let your message be brief, and ask if you can share further details with them via email. This has worked for me immensely because: A. you take out the SPAM factor by sharing specifically what you admire about them. B. you get right to the point of sharing your mission and making the request. C. you give the other person the opportunity to accept or reject your request to share further information. That last part is important because no one is obligated to support you. If you give them an option, you’re likely to get a favourable response. One more thing, don’t be disheartened if you don’t get an answer right away or even at all. You can try again at a later date while moving onto another prospect. I like to reach out at least two times spaced out within a week or two. Keep in mind that the object of your connection may have missed the message or forgot to respond.
Brunch Cocktails Mimosas With the POSHgirl POWER Brunch in mind, we are loving these cocktail and mimosa recipes. Turn up your brunch experience with recipes fitting for many seasons or occasions.
Pink Spritz INGREDIENTS • 2 oz. bosford Rose Gin • 2 oz. lemonade
72 CARIBBEANPOSH.COM
• Topped off with Prosecco
FOOD&drinks
Cherry Bomb Mimosa INGREDIENTS • 1 c. pineapple juice • 1/4 c. maraschino cherry juice (from the jar of cherries) • 1 bottle champagne • Orange slices, for garnish
Apple Cider Mimosas INGREDIENTS • 2 tbsp. granulated sugar • 1 tbsp. ground cinnamon • 1 c. apple cider • 1 (750-ml.) bottle prosecco or Champagne
Peppermint Bark Mimosas INGREDIENTS • 1/4 c. semisweet chocolate chips, melted • 3 candy canes, crushed • 6 oz. peppermint schnapps, divided • 1 bottle champagne or prosecco • 6 candy canes, whole
Lemosasa INGREDIENTS For the syrup
For the Mimosas
• 1 c. sugar
• 2 c. lemonade
• 1 c. water
• 1 bottle champagne (or prosecco)
• 2 c. blueberries
• Fresh blueberries, for garnish
• Zest of 1 lemon
Raspberry Cream Mimosa INGREDIENTS • 1 bag frozen raspberries • 1/4 cup sugar • 1 cup half and half cream • 3 bottles sparkling wine or champagne raspberries rolled in sugar for garnish , or just plain raspberries