facebook.com/dazzlebarbados
Issue 1
Romance at the office: Good or Bad?
Kimtara Clarke
The Girlfriend behind the Expo
Corey Springer
Labelled as A Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage
Katrina Ifill
Don’t Get All Tied Up!
Kyle Smith
Kicking it Curbside
Matthew Fewwture Ashby The PINK Elephant in the Room
Teaching the Art of Self-Love and Sexual Empowerment Try me!
The Samsung Galaxy Camera dazzlebarbados.com
//Feature
The PINK Elephant in the Room
Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby By D.J Simmons
Read about Matthew on page 26
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from the publisher
I
t is my pleasure to bring you the premiere issue of Dazzle Magazine. This marks a new kind of publication in Barbados focusing exclusively on a much talked about subject, entrepreneurship. The magazine promises to add a fresh and attractive spin on what many see as the lifeblood of a nation, and it will provide much needed exposure for young professionals, entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. We are living in a country faced with some hard economic decisions. Dazzle is timely and will serve to highlight a number of persons making strides despite these difficulties. Far too often young Barbadian entrepreneurs go unheard and through this medium their stories will compel those that can relate, those that have been there, and those that are thinking about taking the plunge into this amazing world. In this first issue, Dazzle Magazine focuses on trending topics and features young aspiring individuals who are in the process of becoming masters of their trade. Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby who has his eye on the prize, transports us to his “dream” world of humbleness, high rollers and entertainment. Katrina Ifill, a woman on a mission teaches us about self-love and sexual empowerment. Each story is unique and I hope that as you read them it will make you as optimistic as I am about the future of Barbados. It would be remiss of me if I did not say a big thank you to my team at Dazzle who helped to produce what I believe is a world class publication. To the advertisers, I thank you for your support to help us build this venture. We look forward to your continued support and welcome others on board. To the readers thank you for picking up a copy. This issue is the first of many more to come and with that I wish you happy reading and also a Happy Easter.
Ryan Wills Managing Editor
Dazzle Magazine Barbados is a new fresh Barbadian bi-monthly publication that provides much needed exposure to young professionals, entrepreneurs, and established businesses. It covers an array of topics and categories key to starting and running a business. It also offers practical advice on everyday living, tips for a healthy lifestyle and interviews with popular and up-and-coming personalities. Dazzle Magazine Barbados is designed to appeal to a diverse range of readers but is especially targeted at working professionals and business owners between the ages of 21-50 years. We provide our advertising clients with value for money by offering them a powerful medium to market their products, offer deals and build their brand. Best of all, we give them the opportunity to be a part of a nationwide and online marketplace of actively engaged consumers who are ready to buy, all at an affordable price. To advertise in The Dazzle Barbados Magazine, contact our sales agent via telephone 1(246) 234 8140 or email info@dazzleBarbados.com for more information and terms and conditions.
table of
contents Features
20. Kyle Smith - Kicking it Curbside 24. Katrina Ifill - Teaching the Art of Self-Love and Sexual Empowerment 26. Matthew Fewwture Ashby - The Pink Elephant in the Room
Profiles
12. Corey Springer - Labelled as A Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage 18. Kimtara Clarke - The Girlfriend behind the Expo
The 411
22. Romance at the office: Good or Bad?
Professional Progress
10. Innovation - The Key to Maintaining A Competitive Edge
Publisher 123 Digital Limited Managing Editor Ryan Wills Sales & Marketing JILL Media Orinje Nation Art Director Aldrin Henry Contributors Rankin Morgan Irvine Springer D.J Simmons Tracy Highland Photography Neil Springer Ryan Wills Accountants 123 Digital Limited
Health & Fitness
09. King of the Fruits - Mango! 14. Is Personal Training Right For You?
Style & Fashion
30. Don’t Get All Tied Up!
Out and About
32. Out and About
Eating In
34. Tropical Delight Salad
facebook.com/dazzlebarbados
Issue 1
Romance at the RIƂFH *RRG RU Bad?
Kimtara Clarke
The Girlfriend behind the Expo
Corey Springer
Labelled as A Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage
Katrina ,ğOO
Don’t Get All Tied Up!
Kyle Smith
Kicking it Curbside
Matthew Fewwture Ashby The PINK Elephant in the Room
Teaching the Art of Self-Love and Sexual Empowerment Try me!
Gadgets & Gizmos
The Samsung Galaxy Camera dazzlebarbados.com
36. The Samsung Galaxy Camera
38. Cuz Cutter
On the Cover Matthew Fewwture Ashby Photo By Neil Springer
contact us
For more information visit us at www.dazzlebarbados.com or call us at 1(246) 234 8140
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24
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18
//Profile
Corey Springer Labelled as a Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage
By D.J Simmons Read about Corey on page 12
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King of the Fruits - Mango! It’s the season of the delicious and succulent mango. Get the most out of mango season before it ends.
M
ango is rich in all vitamins (A, B1, B2, B3, B6, and C), minerals, proteins, carbohydrates (including sugar) and fibre. It restores elasticity to the skin and is great for providing moisture to dry skin. It helps relieve clogged pores and the rich vitamin C content helps treat pimples and acne. Although it’s safe to use mango pulp on the skin, it is not advisable to use the mango peel, as it contains Urushiol which is toxic and may cause allergic reactions in sensitive skin. There are so many merits that go along with not only ingesting this delightful fruit, but also applying it to various parts of the body. Mango and Honey face mask This is a very simple homemade mango face mask for glowing skin. Mash one mango and mix in one tablespoon of honey. Apply it to your face and neck and rinse it off with warm water after 30 minutes. Mango-Coconut face mask Cut up one medium mango and mush it in a small bowl until it’s pulpy. Add one teaspoon of coconut oil and apply the mixture to your face. Leave it for 1-3 minutes and then wash it off using warm water. Your skin should feel refreshed and smooth. Mango for your hair?? As weird as it sounds, mango is excellent for your
hair as it promotes healthy hair growth. It improves elasticity of the strands and moisturizes dry or brittle hair. The commercial mango butter is quite costly and may be hard to find, so why not whip up your own mango hair concoction! Mango Hair Moisturizer Peel a ripe banana and cut it up into large chunks. Place the banana chunks in a blender or food processor. Wash and peel a ripe mango and remove the seed. Place the mango halves in the blender or food processor along with the banana. Puncture a vitamin E capsule and squeeze the oil and some olive oil (or any oil of your choice) onto the mango and banana. Blend it well. Shampoo your hair as usual and slather the mango hair moisturizer into your hair. Use a large-tooth comb to work the moisturizer evenly through to the ends of your hair. Cover your hair with plastic wrap or a shower cap and allow the mango moisturizer to remain in your hair for 15 to 20 minutes. Rinse the moisturizer from your hair with warm water and shampoo it again (optional). Mango has many other benefits such as improving eyesight as it contains vitamin A. It also contains fibre which reduces constipation and is rich in iron which is good for those suffering from anaemia. Whether you’re making a creamy mango smoothy, a rejuvenating mango face mask or a moisturizing mango hair treatment, ensure that you make the most of this mango season and have fun along the way!
www.dazzlebarbados.com
DAZZLE 9
Innovation - the Key to Maintaining a Competitive Edge
W
e all know that innovation is imperative for business success. You didn’t? Then that probably explains why your sales are down, your profits are shrinking, and why your customers are going elsewhere, and business is stagnant. All is not lost though. There are measures you can implement to get your business back in the fray. Prominent business guru Peter Drucker once said “Every business needs to have at least one core competence: innovation.” Can your business boast of having any level of innovation? If it doesn’t, then you need to develop it quickly. This is the only way you can ensure that your business does not continue churning out the same old results. Innovation in business means doing something new and different, something better and smarter that will result in positive outcomes, including a healthier 10 DAZZLE
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bottom line. You can be innovative in your products, services or business processes. You can focus on developing new ways of doing business, leveraging technology or practising better management techniques. Whatever your priority, innovation is always good for business. It is about creating value and increasing productivity, thereby allowing for growth. The whole point of being in business is to make a profit, to be successful. Success however, does not come from merely settling for what is comfortable or familiar. With markets becoming more and more competitive, those who innovate best will win in the future. It can no longer be business as usual. If you keep doing the same things, do not be surprised if you keep getting the same results. The survival of your business and your ability to compete effectively in the marketplace is directly linked to your ability to innovate. Today, companies need to do more than simply deliver products or services that are better or cheaper than those of their competitors. They must also add new features,
improve performance and reduce prices more quickly. They must be quicker to launch new lines. To grow, they may even have to create entirely new markets and develop venture strategies. The challenge is to keep ahead of changing market conditions, leverage the power of business technology and get a firm grasp on human resource issues. Now don’t think this is something that applies only to big businesses with resources to invest in research and development. When it comes to business innovation, small businesses have an advantage over their bigger counterparts. Given their size, they can be more flexible and quickly embrace new ideas. So small businesses owners, innovation is for you too!!
What can you do to foster innovation in your business?
These simple steps can jump-start your innovative process: • Develop a creative business culture that encourages and rewards employees for new ideas • Seek customer feedback on your performance • Study the market and spot existing trends • Note what your competitors are doing • Use your networks to generate new ideas and learn from others Ultimately the approaches you adopt to foster greater innovation in your business will depend on the amount of time and financial resources at your disposal, what your business strategy is and what your needs are. Coming in the next issue of Dazzle Magazine, more tips on the different approaches you can take to foster innovation and achieve greater business success. Don’t miss it!
ADV E RT I S E WI TH US To advertise in The Dazzle Magazine, contact our sales agent via telephone 246.234.8140 or email info@dazzleBarbados.com for more information.
www.DazzleBarbados.com www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 11
Corey Springer Labelled as a Narcissist
//Profile
and Using it to his Advantage By D.J Simmons
A
t first glance the trained, tattooed physique of physical trainer Corey Springer may intimidate most men; however, after a ten minute conversation with this inspirational young man one would discover a level of articulate intellect that matches his well groomed exterior. Some call him Corey, many know him as Narq. This catchy alias has evolved from a focused image to a bustling brand. From the quiet personality of a young boy and the eldest of his siblings, he was raised to always take pride in his appearance. Growing up in the ghetto, he developed a reputation of being “too pretty� and he became ostracized and labeled as a narcissist. This only inspired Corey to place more effort in his hobbies and crafts, establishing a strategy to use this to his advantage. Following an unfortunate incident where a picture of him was being slandered on an online forum, he adopted this narcissistic persona and the nickname Narq was born. With the birth of this nickname he forecasted how he could make financial gain from it and build it into a brand. Through research and general interest of physical fitness, he not only became known for his great body, but also for his vast knowledge in the subject. Broadcasting living the fitness lifestyle, made him more attractive to potential clients. He pushed an eclectic, snobbish brand and people latched onto it. Hard.
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He began writing for a website in 2003 and instantly drew attention to himself. During this time he founded Narkside Tees and his first sale was acquired through the social medium Twitter from a client in Australia. T-Shirts were also sold to regions in the USA and the UK.
Corey possesses a deep love for Barbados and his people, and he truly defines the term “support local”. He enjoys pushing commerce to other Barbadian companies and entrepreneurs so commerce can return and cycle therefore building a sustainable model. However after observing the experiences of his father, who is also an entrepreneur, he knows all too well the rises and dips in the local market. He has learned Barbados follows cycles and climates instead of indefinite support, hence his strong focus on the international market. Corey believes strongly in social media and its advantages which have assisted him to extend his reach. He considers it to be the evolution of e-commerce. Several years ago the idea of making money online was a trendy topic; there were no provisions for it. It was very difficult for entrepreneurs to acquire credit cards and PayPal options were unavailable for our region. He developed creative ways of acquiring money utilizing the benefits of Western Union and Money Gram, among others. Although the procedures were tedious, through determination they proved successful. Corey’s flagship enterprise is Apollo Fitness Barbados and apart from the aforementioned Narkside Tees, he also has an online forum and catering operation called Narkside Nutrition and partners to produce the popular weekly workout event Barefoot Bootcamp. However from developing these businesses over the last decade, he realizes that entrepreneurs are still not viewed as being professionals in the eyes of mainstream financing facilities. Corey commented that start-ups for an entrepreneurship are still perceived as a viable liability. Whenever a proposal for funding is submitted most of the time small business owners are met with negative answers. When asked about a realistic solution to this challenge Corey suggested while there may not be a quick turnaround of this perception of how entrepreneurs are viewed, they can however purposely push funds to support up and coming small businesses. In addition, an operable functioning unit of entrepreneurs can be established with access to a pool of funds, who can analyze proposals and ideas of other entrepreneurs and funnel money to sources efficiently. Corey has worked from his early teens. The way in which he was treated was demoralizing both monetarily and also to his personal discredit. This is how he learnt the unfortunate lesson of exploitation
and decided that instead of struggling at the mercy of another person, he would struggle and work hard on his own two feet. Dazzle learnt from Corey the importance of comprehending the difference between managing and building a business. Corey shared that success is not necessarily looking at sales figures because it does not genuinely equate to knowing how your business is growing. Success is the maturation of people speaking about your business and persons identifying your business as quantifiable and tangible. Simply put; success is people. Networking is also crucial for business. “Networking is like oxygen”, Corey said. “Businesses that do not network have no legs to stand on. They have no longevity. No active reach outside their general circle of supporters.” His service is affordable for the average Bajan. Where it may lack in financial gain, it makes up for in the human element. The satisfaction of seeing people reaching their goals gives Corey Springer the inspiration to get up every morning and go again.
fun facts Favorite Food: Pork. I honestly believe that it is the most flavourful meat in existence. Fish is bland. Chicken is bland. I eat it every day of the week. Squats or Bench Press: Squats over bench presses any day. My maximum box squat is 675 lbs. A squat is the exercise that sets the men apart from the boys. Weekend warriors only do bench-press, abs, and curls. They can keep that two dimensional look, and their chicken legs. No thanks! Two things you can’t live without: My laptop and blackberry handset. I spend my entire day on the road. Without these two pieces of equipment, I could not run my businesses. Would you rather be Arnold Schwarzenegger or Sylvester Stallone? Neither. I’d prefer to be Jean Claude Van Damme. We both work out half-naked. :)
www.dazzlebarbados.com
DAZZLE 13
Fit Factor Workout
Is Personal Training Right For You?
T
he biggest problem today is the lack of self-motivation to go to the gym. For some reason, out growing your blue jeans is not enough of a ‘butt buster’ to get off the couch and workout. Unfortunately, many people are forced to get into an exercise routine because the doctor just hit them with, “you’re 45, overweight, and have high cholesterol” – the three primary risk factors for heart disease. Of course, others have chosen a career that doesn’t allow them enough time to workout. In either case, a personal trainer is the best way to go! Personal training has become very popular over the last 5-7 years. It certainly is the new hip way to work out! Many people used to think it was only for the rich and famous – not anymore. Thanks to fitness establishments personal training is now much more affordable for the average person, almost as cheap as a regular gym membership.
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Personal training packages start at BDS $70 per month, but without the negative side effects of regular local gym membership, which include impersonal, intrusive, little attention and guidance, no programme, no diets, no standardised progress checks or results monitoring, and in most cases, little to no results. Of course, there are trainers out there that are less expensive, but remember, you get what you pay for. So be sure you’re getting a qualified professional for a price that will fit your budget. In any case, the questions you must ultimately answer are these: “Is pursuing a healthier lifestyle worth the money?” and “Can I forgo some of the other expenses for a better investment in my own health?”
Choosing A Personal Trainer
Now, the first questions that you might want answered are, “What exactly is a personal trainer?” and “How do I know whether he or she is qualified?” A personal trainer is not simply one who can prepare a workout specifically for you to reach your health and fitness goals but one who is professionally acknowledged as having sufficient knowledge and understanding of the human body – how it works, nutritional information, how to apply it and of course, one who exercises.
and machines • Stretching for flexibility • Sport - specific training (if needed) • Pre/postnatal training (where necessary) • Post rehabilitation (only for specific type of clients) • Nutrition consultations, etc If you are a person who has a hard time getting motivated to work out – you find it boring, you have reached a plateau or you feel you are spinning wheels on the bike but getting no results – you are a prime candidate for a personal trainer. So, happy hunting!
You want to make sure the trainer has the ability to meet your needs – whatever these needs might be. Never hesitate to emphasise an old injury or diseases such as diabetes or asthma, or hereditary factors that could hinder your workout. Always ask the trainer for his or her training approach, where satisfying your needs are concerned.
What Are The Benefits Of A Personal Trainer?
1. Motivation – Consistency is the name of the game. Personal training keeps you consistent and gives you the incentives to keep you going and dedicated to your fitness plan. 2. Form/Guidance – Many people injure themselves trying to work out on their own, especially given the advent of video based programmes like, ‘P90X’ and ‘Insanity’. This can lead to discouragement and ultimately failure in your plan. A trainer will guide you through your exercises showing you proper techniques and teaching you how to incorporate them into your lifestyle. After all, video based programmes are not interactive enough to offer the same utility value of an actual trainer. 3. Maximising Time With Results – A personal trainer will maximise time that might otherwise be wasted, wondering what to do next. Many people don’t get the results they want, so they quit.
What’s Involved In A Session?
• Assessment of goals • Body fat analysis (not every session) • Girth measurements (not every session) • Cardiovascular conditioning • Muscular conditioning with body weight, free weights
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DAZZLE 15
//Feature
Kyle Smith Kicking it Curbside By Tracy Highland
Read about Kyle on page 20 16 DAZZLE
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The PINK Elephant in the Room
Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby By D.J Simmons
Read about Matthew on page 26
//Feature
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DAZZLE 17
Kimtara
CLARKE The Girlfriend Behind the Expo By Tracy Highland
A
sk about Girlfriends Expo and it would be hard to find someone in Barbados who hasn’t heard of it. The two-day expo, a combination of products, services, art, fashion and workshops geared towards women, is one of the most popular annual events in Bim. Ask about Kimtara Clarke, the “girlfriend” behind the Expo and you might get a different response. She works tirelessly behind the scenes. You might not even notice her in her jeans and t-shirt, moving among the exhibitors and keeping an eye on things; but she is there, and central to the Expo’s success. A graphic designer by profession, this creative business woman, wife (she met her husband Paul trying to get tickets for a Carl Thomas show he was organising) and mother of three has mastered the art of balance. Through Girlfriends Inc. and the Girlfriends Foundation, which focuses on self- development “Feminars”, she fulfils her mission to help young women and empower emerging entrepreneurs.
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//Profile
Dazzle Magazine got the chance to find out what makes this phenomenal 35 year old (and former pageant girl-yes, don’t ask) tick. Your name, Kimtara, is unusual. Who came up with it? It’s actually not my name. My name is Kim Tara Allisia. My mother wanted to name me Tara, so everyone called me Tara. I had no idea that my name was Kim until the first day of secondary school. They were calling for Kim Amory and I was looking around like “There’s another Amory in here?” They ended up calling me KimTara so I wouldn’t get confused. What were you like as a child? I’ve always been more of a creative person. I always liked to paint and draw and that kind of thing. I love to swim and I love to play the piano (she started at age 6). I am one of these “grandparents’ children”. I spent most of my off time with my grandparents at the beach. You said your dad was an accountant and your mom an accounts clerk, where did your creative streak come from? My grandmother, whom I was very close to, was like me, very free spirited, very hands on, very creative. At my grandparents’ house I could do all the things that I loved to do. Not that books didn’t matter, but it wasn’t a focus. She died when I was in my teens. Did you envision yourself doing what you do now when you were growing up? I wanted to be an architect, but wasn’t accepted to the programme at BCC because I hadn’t done CXC Physics. Graphic Design was my second choice. It was tough to get in to, but I did, and never looked back. I actually started my first business with a classmate when I was there, Acumen Designs, but the business closed before it could start because no one would give us the funding for equipment. How did Girl Friends Expo Start? People could not understand the idea of a girlfriends expo when Paul and I thought of it back in 2006. They were supportive of the idea of the Foundation and the Feminars, but no one thought the Expo could work. It wasn’t until 2009, when I approached the team from BMEX for help, that the Expo started to take shape. They literally held my hand every step of the way. I remember being hugely pregnant with my third child at the time.
Are you pleased with how far Girlfriends Expo has come? In 2009, we had 30 exhibitors and did not see 1000 people. This year, we had 110 exhibitors and we’ve seen as many as 9000 patrons in one expo. I would like to see it going outside of Barbados, not just the brand but some of the exhibitors as well. I would like to see them get more export possibilities. London, New York, Boston, Jamaica, Bahamas, St. Lucia, Trinidad and Canada have expressed serious interest. I’m looking at putting together teams in those territories to execute or the possibility of franchising. Do you encourage your children to think like entrepreneurs? My children’s favorite TV show is Shark Tank, and that is not a parental influence! My children will not go to bed on Wednesday nights until they watch it. We will involve them but we’ve never pushed them to be entrepreneurs or told them they have to take over the business. This year my daughter Parys, 7, who is very much like me, was there at the Expo working. After the show she always has ideas of things she wants to create. Paul Michael, 8, is completely the opposite, if he’s at the show he’ll say, “Let me count the money”. Paiden, 4, is a like a mixture of both. He’s still young but he tries to be helpful too. Any advice to young entrepreneurs? I strongly believe 1% of a hundred men is better than 100% of one man. You cannot do it alone. I believe in building a team to execute anything that you are doing. Not everybody is going to believe in your dream, so you definitely have to stick with it. There will be some hard times but don’t let that deter you. Keep going.
fun facts Favorite Holiday Destinations: Disney World Pet Peeves: Disorganisation What do you do after a hard day: Play legos with my kids, paint or playdoh.
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DAZZLE 19
H
ave you ever eaten at Curbside Café? The colorful food truck in the parking lot at Simpson Motors Warrens serves up a Mexican-American inspired menu of tasty lunch treats with one thing in common - they are all deliciously finger smacking good. If you have stopped by for lunch, chances are you’ve met the owner, Kyle Smith. At 23 years old, he and his mom-partner Janice are tackling the food industry in a unique and refreshing way. Since opening on the 25th July, 2013, he’s built a reputation for quick, tasty food and good service. He’s there almost every day, greeting customers, making them feel welcome and turning Curbside into one of the most popular midday eating spots in the Warrens area.
But how does a 23 year old, with a Bachelor’s degree in Accounting and no cooking experience (he admits he can’t really cook) end up running a food truck? “I don’t really like work at all actually,” Kyle said jokingly. “I was working part time at an accounting firm and I couldn’t see myself pursuing an accounting career. I never really saw myself working for anyone,” he added. Kyle, an only child, got together with his mother, an entrepreneur herself with food experience, and they started brainstorming. At first they thought of a burger shop, but after difficulty finding space and some marathon TV watching of the Food Network’s Eat Street and the Cooking Channel’s Food Truck Revolution, the idea for Curbside Café was born. “We didn’t want to do the traditional stuff like pie, rice and stew,” Kyle explained. “I started to do research
//Feature 20 DAZZLE
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on food trucks. Where do you get them from? Who makes better ones? We found some companies in Miami and went to check them out.” One year and one Fund Access loan later, the Curbside Café trailer landed in Barbados and Kyle recalled the horror of driving it home from the Bridgetown Port. “It was my first time driving with a trailer attached and the brakes weren’t connected,” he remembered. “I was so nervous; I was literally sweating by the time I got home. I thought I was going to crash the business before it started.” These days, driving with the trailer is a breeze and Kyle has settled into the day to day rhythm of running the business. His day starts before dawn and sometimes ends around 7pm in the evening. When the Café closes at 3:30pm, there is still the business of moving the trailer, unpacking and doing the accounting. But Kyle insists he doesn’t mind. “When I’m at work, I don’t watch the clock to say 4:30 is soon here. I actually enjoy it. It’s not an issue of time. My favourite part is interacting with people,” he said. He added that to their surprise from day one they were doing well. “Our top sellers are the taco bowl salad and Philly cheese steak sandwiches, but it varies,” he explained. On top of all of this, Kyle is also pursuing his Master in Management with Marketing at the University of the West Indies. How does this young entrepreneur handle all of this? He has had to make some sacrifices in his personal life, for one giving up football, a sport he’s been involved in since the age of nine. He’s played for his Alma Mater, Queen’s College, the Barbados Under 17 football team, Soccer Academy, Pro Shottaz, Tudor Bridge and the University of the West Indies. “I love football, but I just can’t commit to the training necessary to play on a team right now. It’s not forever though, I hope to pick it back up later on,” he said. Kyle will admit that he has a lot less time for himself and his loved ones these days and that it’s not easy juggling everything. He credits his faith, his family, especially his parents, and help from his very understanding girlfriend with making everything work. He has great plans for Curbside Café. He’s taken the food truck to a few events including the Food Wine and Rum Festival’s Sizzle Street, Mud Dogs Decem-
ber Mud Fest, Girl Friends Expo and the Gold Cup. He wants to do more of that and to introduce a catering element to the business. He also wants to look at setting up in more than one location and loves the idea of bringing in young guest chefs to switch up the menu from time to time. What’s his advice to other young entrepreneurs looking to get into the food business? “Be prepared for a lot of hard work, but if you are passionate about it, you will enjoy it.” “Just go for it!”
Curbside Café, located in the Simpson Motors car park in Warrens, is open from 8am to 3:30pm, Mon –Friday and serves breakfast and lunch. For more information you can find them on Facebook at www.facebook. com/curbsidecafe246 or follow him on Twitter or Instagram @curbsidecafe246
fun facts BBQ Chicken or Spare Ribs: Spare ribs everytime! Any form of pork lol. Favorite tee-shirt brand: Locally Kizzy, Internationally Johnny Cupcake. Benefits of being an only child: Guess I was spoilt as a child but I think I’m running out of luck with that haha. What is the first thing you do when you wake up in the morning: Reset my alarm for that extra 5-20 minutes and then after re-waking up I go to brush my teeth and get ready to move the trailer.
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DAZZLE 21
Romance at the Office: Good or Bad?
G
iven the amount of time we spend at work, it’s only natural that some of us would consider the office as an ideal place to look for romance. What’s more, businesses are increasingly demanding longer work hours, and this means there’s less free time for employees – and for dating outside of the job. Also, people working together usually have common goals and interests, even though much of it is work related. They also tend to have a pretty good idea what are each other’s likes and dislikes. And given that more women are in the workplace than ever, that’s a big plus for the guys! Office romances, however, have their drawbacks. No matter how desirable the relationship may be, it is a potential recipe for disaster. 22 DAZZLE
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For example, due to the very fact that couples are in constant contact with each other, this can eventually cause friction between them. We all need to have some time to ourselves to cool out with friends and family or pursue hobbies. Another potential problem is jealousy. All too often, office romances are kept secret. Because of that, other colleagues may end up flirting unwittingly with your partner. If this happens (and it often does) will you be able to keep your cool and not let it interfere with your professionalism? Another thing to remember is that if the relationship goes sour, you still have to face each other day after day at the office. This could be painful to deal with and very distracting, and it can seriously affect your performance on the job. Consider another scenario. You’re a manager and you have a crush on one of the members of your team. If romance develops between the two of you, would you be able to resist showing favouritism towards that person? This is what usually occurs, and even when there is no romantic attachment between the two individuals, the other employees may have the impression that there is. This can create an atmosphere of tension in the workplace.
Also, what if a couple working in the same department are having a fling, but later they break up? Will the inevitable tension in the air make it difficult for others around them to do their work effectively? By the same token, if you’ve been having an affair with your boss and it falls apart, and you’re later passed over for promotion or you don’t get the raise you had been hoping for, can you be sure the breakup isn’t the real reason why? Or just imagine a manager falls in love with one of the young men in her department and later, due to some issue related to his work, she is forced to tell him that he’s fired. One can easily see her being torn between her duty to her employer and her love for her partner. Nevertheless, if despite everything, you still find yourself being irresistibly attracted to someone at the office, and you decide to follow your heart, here are some suggestions you may wish to give some thought.
• It’s always wise to ponder carefully over how our actions can affect our employer and co-workers, and our own future. Sometimes the best way to avoid the complications associated with romance on the job is to prevent it from happening in the first place. • In all fairness to your employer, your time on the job should be spent on your work, not on your relationship. • Even if it happens and others in the office know about it, try and be discreet and don’t flaunt it. It can make those around you uncomfortable and make you appear unprofessional. • If it’s a serious relationship and you and the other person plan to spend the rest of your lives together, it may be a good idea to tell your manager or HR.
• Proceed with caution and consider all the pros and cons, bearing in mind that if the romance fades and your work begins to suffer, or colleagues in your department start complaining, at best you could end up getting transferred to another department, and at worst, fired.
Generally, employers tend to frown on romance in the office, but the reality is, like it or not, they can’t prevent it from happening. If they tried, for example by putting a ban on dating on the job, it would only go underground. Some workers might even be offended and view it as an infringement on their right to privacy. Arguably, a company’s best option is to have a clear policy and guidelines to manage such relationships.
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eet Katrina, a Sensual Empowerment Coach. Caught your attention? While sex may be the first thing that comes to mind, allow Dazzle to share how integral self love is to the intimate story behind Katrina Ifill of Waves of Bliss. atrina gave herself this title because she empowers women to accentuate and celebrate their femininity by using their senses and sexual energy to heal and empower themselves. While society is very fast paced and male driven, she encourages women to slow down to really effectively practice sensuality. She shares the teachings and lifestyles of Afrakan Jade Kawaida (AJKA) through orgasmic/sensual living. While there may be similarities, she assures us that there is a difference between what she practices, and being a life coach. She is currently pursuing further training in these fields. She also has done khemetic and tantric training through the Shakti Pati Tantric Guru Yoga system and she was instrumental in hosting a workshop facilitated by Saida Desilets in March last year. The birth of Katrina’s practice began approximately five years ago while seeking to heal herself after a physically, emotionally and spiritually abusive relationship. This is when she discovered the positive effects of the ancient practice of the Yoni egg ranging from its effect on toning vaginal muscles after pregnancy to the holistic approach of the lifestyle. This experience revealed the power of self love to her
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and not satisfied with just keeping all her knowledge for personal benefit, Katrina reached out to her social circles. She was also largely inspired by a dream she had where she was in a room full of women laughing and bonding, the floor glowing with vibrant colours and in the background, a silhouette of the Yoni egg. This image was the inspiration of the workshops she conducts. These Glowing Goddesses workshops, or Playshops as she likes to call them, focus on educating women on the female anatomy, dealing with personal relationships, positive interactions between women and men, women and women and other opportunities to empower themselves. There are also practices of Yoni egg exercises, the art of orgasm and relaxation, the importance of kidney health, among others. Katrina describes herself as; “A flamboyant, vibrant, orgasmic, sensual woman naturally.” She adds her signature flair of this authentic living to truly make Waves of Bliss and the AJKA unique. Through the nature of what she does and our conservative society, she is met with some reluctance from potential clients, but Katrina is always poised to meet their questions. She was a contestant on the local television show “Bank On Me” which focused on up and coming entrepreneurs. “The experience was great,” she said, and she is thankful for the exposure and the great business tips she received during the workshops they provided. Her confidence speaks volumes and being a professional, she is ready to present her business proposal to any company. Self love is paramount in the business because she advocates effective communication with yourself because once you have a good understanding of this you can transform other relationships. She has also seen phenomenal results in single women who have had medical issues ranging from cramping pains induced by the menstrual cycle, to dealing with fibroids, cysts and hormonal issues which are medically diagnosed. She is the sole operator of the business currently, however within a year she is aspiring to hire some administrative staff, and in the very near future expand even more by training other women to do workshops both here in Barbados, and outside of the island. Katrina has been selected to attend the Women Innovators Network of the Caribbean’s Grow
Your Business 3-day conference in St Lucia in April this year, which is sponsored by the World Bank. She sees this opportunity as another outlet to solidify the infrastructure of her business and for valuable networking. Most of her revenue comes through the workshops, private coaching and retailing the Yoni eggs. She is also looking to develop mother-daughter sessions since she believes in the importance of this information passing down correctly through family. She is also developing a program for teenagers with focus on self respect and dealing with the trend of rough sex and how damaging it is both physically and mentally. The mother of four makes sure her children also know her business. She is raising sons who would be able to show a woman who she is if she does not know her, and a daughter who understands love and demands self respect. What Katrina does with Waves of Bliss is so fulfilling for her. It is her divine destiny. When she encounters the shock some people may experience when exposed to what she does she simply states, “We go to the gym, so what’s the problem with a little vaginal weight lifting? Being able to manipulate and control your vaginal muscles, along with other beautiful things…”
fun facts Favorite place in Barbados? Pothouse Spring, St John Favorite dish? Cornmeal cou cou and flying fish, with lots of okras and a healthy serving of toss salad. Funniest travel experience? Traveling to Orlando, Florida with my (then) three children, and with a tight 20 minutes left of our intransit in Miami to board our connecting flight, I had to take them all into the restroom with with me with all of our luggage. Being in such a hurry, I didn’t realize that the toilet paper roll had got caught in my pants, and I left a long trail half way running to catch our connecting flight.
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The PINK Elephant in the Room
Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby By D.J Simmons
“E
ntrepreneurship is not just a job, it’s a lifestyle.” That is a great way to introduce you to 31 year old Matthew “Fewwture” Ashby and his brand Dream Real Projects. Founded in 2010, the successful company has evolved into one of Barbados’ leading entertainment agencies and handles event and artist management. The nickname and image “Fewwture” highlights entertainment and lifestyle. It came from the suffix of his name Matthew and the futuristic beats he created when he first started producing music. While his plan was not etched in stone, what he knew for sure is that he wanted to be an entrepreneur. Matthew’s journey wasn’t a straight road. He dropped out of St. Leonard’s School in fourth form. “I wasn’t happy there, I felt like if I was just killing time,” he explained. He entered the world of work, landing a job at A&B Music Supplies where he was for 2 years. Insistent that he should continue his education, his mother, Marcia, encouraged him to go to the Polytechnic, where he studied Computer Science and Electronics. “It was the best time I ever had at any school; I was doing something I love and could use later in life,” he recounted. Following his passion he went on to work at Music n’ Echo supplies which would allow him to dabble in music production. Matthew got his break when he did a demo and a friend used it to produce a song. Chris Allman from Slam City heard it, was impressed, and invited him to train in his studio where he learnt
the art of engineering. From training he went on to manage and use his skills at Cottage Studios which was owned by Kirk Brown. The rest is history. He credits his dad Michael Welch, a former member and producer of the band Syndicate with shaping his outlook on the entertainment world. These experiences allowed him to make the transition into the entrepreneurial world establishing Dream Real Projects and the subsidiaries under it. Matthew believes in the importance of self-brand and the art of observing yourself and your business as a product. Even before being able to truly define or understand image, Matthew knew from a young age he possessed a passion for creating a brand and recognized it was something he would excel at. “Your image creates the perception of what you want to portray. In a succinct couple of seconds you need to share the story about yourself through that image,” he explained. Some say Matthew has the uncanny ability to sometimes see the future in talent. An example of this could be seen with DJ Andre “Puffy” Parris. Matthew was recruiting models for an event he was hosting called Glitz and Glamour and saw Andre’s profile. After working with him, Matthew discovered Andre mixing music in the popular local nightclub formally known as The Ship Inn and was immediately impressed by his skill. He became interested in his talent. The inspiration to nourish and build Puffy’s talent was the catalyst for Fewwture to create a branch of the company dedicated to artist management. He loves the challenge of developing a person or
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service rather than doing product management. Matthew has a strong team involved in Dream Real Projects including a creative firm which deals with the more corporate side of branding and marketing of products. The other side of the team, Ad Freaks is a brand more focused on audio recording and advertising jingles. When one observes the two entities you can see a clear difference between the polished appeal of the creative company and the grass roots attraction of Ad Freaks. Since Matthew never intends to mix branding, this works to help him cover all demographics. Instead of fixating on numbers in a bank account, Matthew looks to the value of the brand from the public’s point of view. He always looks at situations in a future tense. “If you are too concerned with what you currently have access to, it will distract you from foreseeing the potential you can obtain,” he shared. “When investing, you need to believe in your brand and visualize its worth multiplying.” “People will be attracted to your business because of your passion. Money will follow,” he added. He also stressed that while it is important to follow the guidelines of what have made others successful in similar fields, the passion you have for your craft should enable you to place that unique twist to ensure your business is different to competitors. . “I want to be the pink elephant in the room”, he said. And this is what Matthew has been able to do. What Matthew has accomplished is a network and social circle that is vast and makes him a well connected man. Some of the people he would have come into contact with include Jay Z, Justin Bieber, Kim Kardashian, and several other A-list celebrities. He quickly realized though that while knowing these personalities was great for his image, the real knowledge he received regarding the entertainment arena came from the guys behind the scenes. Those are the people he places a heavy focus on associating with. In building those relationships over the years, Matthew has embraced the evolution of social media whole heartedly since it makes it a lot easier and instant to communicate with his local and international contacts. He also understands the significance of making sure the image showcased on social media is what people perceive your brand to 28 DAZZLE
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be, since it is a form of advertising as well. “As an entrepreneur, every single aspect of your life is an ad,” he shared. Being involved in the entertainment industry, Matthew would have been accustomed to limited views on what he does as just planning a couple of parties, but he sees his role as much greater than that. He views recreation as being just as important as any other field or industry, especially in the Caribbean, where it has such a direct impact on tourism. True to his name, Fewwture has already conceived ways to market outside of the island to attract visitors, which involves working with hotels on bundled packages. The success of projects like this need the assistance of potential partners to also grasp the long term vision Matthew has. He believes that if we are going to attract visitors to the island we need to market in their home town on the same level as other well-known advertisers. Again the image of the brand is important. If it isn’t present overseas it will be harder to attract people to Barbados. While others
would view entrepreneurship as an upward slant, Matthew views it rather as a set of stairs. The top of the staircase is a plateau where he can enjoy each step he has taken. Matthew is exactly where he wants to be; moving forward. He is able to employ a team, providing various job opportunities for qualified young
people even within a challenging economic period. Each morning when he wakes up and thinks about his brand the first thing that comes to mind is that he needs to work harder. While others may look on and commend him on what he has achieved, Fewwture is now getting started. His dream is soon about to become reality; some may even say his future is bright.
fun facts Favorite Music Producer: Timbaland (because he pushes the boundaries and breaks rules) Brandy or Vodka: Vodka (no headaches in the morning) What’s your personal style: Casual and Street
Don’t Get All Tied Up! Choose The Best Necktie Colour For You
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any corporate men like to wear ties to complete their daily business look. The majority however, may not be aware that different colours send different messages about their personality. Dazzle looks at what message different colours send to your colleagues, how you can choose the colour to help you feel your best and match each situation.
1.Red This bold colour suggests confidence, power and strength. A red tie is an excellent choice for stepping into a situation when you need to be on top of your game. Keep in mind that this colour may also suggest which political party you support. In Barbados it’s the Barbados Labour Party and in the United States, the Republican Party.
2.Blue Whether baby, navy or royal, blue is great for sending out a cool, calm and collected vibe. This colour can be particularly empowering when going into a high-pressure meeting and you need to remain confident and unfazed. 30 DAZZLE www.dazzlebarbados.com
3.Black A very formal colour, black is associated with fancy events, hence the term ‘black-tie’ affair. When worn more casually, in the work place for instance, black is classic and sends the message that you are sharp and efficient.
4.Green This colour has long been associated with money, particularly in the United States. It has other positive associations like growth, whether that is growing your wealth or knowledge. Green is also the color of being eco-friendly. Keep in mind that bright green however could read as being ‘green with envy’.
5.Yellow Formerly, this colour has been associated with weakness but that has since changed. When paired with a blue shirt, yellow ties say that you are bright as the sun, out going and a go-getter who will get the job done. Wearing this color can definitely serve as a confidence booster.
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ingredients T R O P I C A L
DELIGHT SALAD
1 firm under-ripe mango 2 large tomatoes (sliced) ½ red onion (sliced into rings) ½ cucumber (peeled and thinly sliced) 2 tbsp sunflower or vegetable oil 1 tbsp lemon juice 1 garlic clove (crushed) ½ tsp hot pepper sauce Sugar to taste Salt Freshly ground black pepper Chives to garnish
method 1. Cut two thick slices from the mango. Cut into slices and peel the skin. 2. Line the bottom of a large serving plate with the tomato, top with cucumber slices and then mango slices. 3. Blend oil, lemon juice, garlic, hot pepper sauce, salt and black pepper in a blender or food processor, or place in a jar and shake vigourously. Add a pinch of sugar to taste and mix again. 4. Pour dressing over the salad and garnish with chives. Serve at room temperature or chilled. 34 DAZZLE
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Serves 4
A leading digital advertising company 20 locations across the island Screens as large as 55 inches Flexible advertising packages
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Call us direct at 823-7571
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The Samsung GALAXY camera is a compact camera that allows you to access all your favorite Android apps while shooting stunning photos with professional shooting modes, editing features and a variety of apps.
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W
ith the Smart PRO MODE feature everyone can now shoot like a pro! You can instantly photograph high-speed scenes with the Action Freeze mode or capture perfect light trails at night on a busy intersection. This camera also has a Slow Motion Video option that allows you to capture memorable moments at an amazing 120 frames per second and play them back slowly in crystal-clear video. The 121.2mm (4.77”) HD Super Clear Touch Display allows you to review and edit your photos on a big screen right away. You don’t have to wait until you get home to properly review and edit your photos, with 65 powerful editing features to choose from. The new White Magic Technology allows you to double the brightness of your photos without worrying about battery consumption. The GALAXY Camera does more than take great pictures; it has a voice recognition feature that allows you to speak to the camera. You can tell it to zoom in or out, set the timer, and snap the photo when you’re ready. Even when you’re in the gallery you can tell it to rotate, delete, and share your photos. The GALAXY Camera’s Smart Content Manager intelligently creates folders for you, tagging faces, and
even making suggestions to Smart delete pictures that didn’t come out quite the way you wanted. You can also choose how to view your content with a dynamic range of viewing modes. Straight from the camera, you can connect, upload, share, and even post to your favourite social media sites. You no longer need to worry about possibly losing your photos. The GALAXY Camera’s convenient Auto Cloud Back-up feature automatically saves your precious family photos in the cloud the instant you snap them.
Overall, the Samsung GALAXY Camera delivers good image quality and offers benefits that a traditional digital camera cannot provide. It brings together an Android Jellybean operating system, seamless photo-sharing, WiFi, 3G connectivity and a large HD display, all in one great device!
Technical Specifications • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Lens: 23 mm wide angle lens, aperture F2.8 / F5.9, 21X long Zoom Display: 4.8” HD (1280 x 720) Super Clear LCD Sensor: 16 MP BSI CMOS (unknown size) Flash: Number 5 Xenon Flash Wireless Connectivity: Wi-Fi, 3G, Bluetooth 4.0 Connectors: HDMI out, micro USB OS: Android 4.1 Jelly Bean Processor (SoC): 1.4 Ghz Quad-Core Exynos 4412 RAM: 1 GB Internal Storage: 8GB (actual formatted capacity is less) MicroSD: up to 64 GB (card sold separately) Max image size (still): 4608 X 3456 Video recording: MP4 – max 1920×1080 @ 30 fps Size and weight: 2.79 (H) x 5.07 (W) x .75 (D) inches, 10.76 oz Battery: 1650 mAh – up to 4.5 hours in-use
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