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Issue 2
Janelle Chase-Mayers Building communities through strength and conditioning Beating The Hangover!
Lloyda Springer Staying True to Foreday
Jonathan Carter Putting Bat to Ball
Damien Applewhaite Advantage to Apple Up to the Time
Amanda Reifer
The Business of Revelling Try me!
Our Top 3 Summer Bluetooth Speakers
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T
ime has truly flown. We are at Issue 2 already and what a ride it has been. Bringing a brand to market is never easy, especially based on the times we are in. I am grateful that the magazine has been well received and it encourages me to keep pressing ahead and raising the bar. It’s summer and “tis the season” for everything fun and entertaining. In this issue we focus on the sporting fraternity and also two Crop Over band leaders. Perfect combination because they don’t require an office and most of their work is done outdoors. With the CPL T20 at our doorsteps we take a look at one of Barbados’ up and coming cricketers Jonathan Carter and his journey of putting bat to ball. Swinging from the bat to tennis we get into Damien Applewhaite’s game and his fulfilling role as Coach Apple. Janelle Chase-Mayers of Crossfit 246 welcomes us into her community where everyone is treated like family and shows how crossfit is changing lives. Crop Over has many facets and without a lot of them it wouldn’t be a carnival. The bands which most of us jump with is one of them. We take a look at both a Foreday and Kadooment one and two band leaders who have been in the business collectively for almost 25 years. Lloyda Springer epitomizes the word Jambalasse and shares with us what it truly means to her. On our cover the beautiful Amanda Reifer is not only the band leader for Fantasy but a jack of all trades. Her story is one of family and on the concept of rebranding. To all entrepreneurs and young professionals keep believing in yourself; without doubt as you read this issue you will see this point constantly being reinforced. To our readers have a safe and fun-filled summer. Thanks to my Dazzle team and to the wonderful advertisers who came on board.
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
26. Damien Applewhaite - Advantage to Apple 32. Amanda Reifer - The Business of Revelling
Profiles
14. Jonathan Carter- Putting Bat to Ball 22. Janelle Chase-Mayers -Building communities through strength and conditioning 30. Lloyda Springer-Staying True to Foreday
The 411
12. Retrenched Workers- It’s Not The End Of The Road
Mastering Marketing
10 Behold, The Power of Twitter
Professional Progress
Publisher 123 Digital Limited Managing Editor Ryan Wills Sales & Marketing Orinje Nation Art Director Aldrin Henry Contributors N.L. Bowen Rankin Morgan Irvine Springer D.J Simmons Tracy Highland Folayan Taitt Photography Neil Springer Ryan Wills Accountants 123 Digital Limited
28. Increasing Business from your Inbox
Health & Fitness
09. 7 Miracle foods for Beautiful Skin 20. Beating The Hangover
Style & Fashion 18. Up to the Time
Eating In
38. Cauliflower Pizza
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Issue 2
Janelle Chase-Mayers Building communities through strength and conditioning Beating The Hangover!
Lloyda Springer Staying True to Foreday
Jonathan Carter Putting Bat to Ball
Damien Applewhaite Advantage to Apple Up to the Time
Amanda Reifer
The Business of Revelling Try me!
Gadgets & Gizmos
36. Our top 3 Summer Bluetooth Speakers
Out and About
40. Out and About
42. Top Gear Weekend Throwback
Our Top 3 Summer Bluetooth Speakers
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On the Cover - Amanda Reifer Photo By - Neil Springer OutďŹ t by: Intermixz Boutique
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Jonathan Carter
Putting Bat to Ball pg. 14
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7 miracle foods for BEAUTIFUL SKIN
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hat you eat shows on your skin. Health experts tell us that what we consume is important for beautiful skin, even more so than the creams and lotions many use for a sparkly look. Here are some delicious treats you can try. The right amounts could give you smooth, clear skin.
Almonds Almonds can eliminate toxins, making your skin smooth, soft and clear. It’s a cancer fighter, controls cholesterol levels and is great for digestion.
Oranges Oranges are fantastic for dark circles and bags under your eyes. The vitamin C found in oranges helps in reducing them and it strengthens collagen in the skin’s supportive structure by lifting the sunken areas which cause darkness or shadows.
Sunflower Oil Sunflower oil contains a fatty acid called Linoleic which is good for hydrating skin by creating a soft outer layer of cells. Go ahead! Bake or sauté with it for a silky smooth complexion.
Apricot Apricot, when eaten, is really good for wrinkles. Our bodies turn the vitamin A found in the fruit into retinol, a compound that helps produce new skin cells.
Green Tea Green Tea is rich in antioxidants, which help protect the body from free radicals - naturally occurring particles in the body associated with accelerated ageing, and an increasing cause of major diseases. The antioxidants can also restore bounce to your skin.
Chocolate Chocolate contains flavonols, which are believed to make skin supple and protects it against the sun’s damaging UV rays and wrinkles. Not too much of it though!
Water Water is great for the skin, although you may not need as many as eight glasses a day as many people suggest. Just keep hydrated as much as you can, depending on your environment. If you are not so big on drinking loads of water, fruits and veggies contain lots of it and can help make up for what your body may be missing. An apple alone provides you with about 1/2 a cup. Wow! www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 9
Behold, the Power of Twitter
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hat is all this “tweeting” about? What are these social media websites that people seem to be so obsessed with? While social media sites are often viewed as “those things all the kids are fanatical about these days,” they are actually more powerful and effective than many people realise. Although the younger generations often use such platforms for fun activities like chatting with friends, posting pictures and videos and general horse-play, Twitter offers businesses and professionals virtually unrestricted access to an ever-increasing and almost limitless range of prospective clients. Famous company CEOs and celebrities who endorse products from all over the globe are frequent Twitter users. Twitter allows you to post updates (called Tweets) as often as you like (but limited to 140 characters) similar to a text message. When you follow people on Twitter, you can see their tweets and vice versa. Twitter keeps a public record of all updates in the event of misuse such as the posting of offensive material, in order to protect the integrity of the site. 10 DAZZLE
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Industry estimates show that each day 5 to 10 thousand new people join Twitter and the total number of users currently stands at over 500 million. This is free access to over half a billion people who are only one “Tweet” away from discovering any information which YOU, the user, choose to share with them. In order to reach your target market or if you simply want to reach as many people as possible, use keywords in your tweets so that potential customers are able to find the information which you post. Interaction with other users and daily (even hourly) posting of updates will quickly prove to you whether
that they can connect with people and access bits of information in an instant. You can even gain a certain amount of “popularity” by being mentioned in other users’ tweets. This can become a vital part of your marketing strategies; letting others spread the word for you for free.
or not you’re reaching your target. If not, you will soon get adequate feedback from those whom you have been interacting with, giving you some ideas as to what keywords you should be using and who you should be following in order to get the most exposure.
Keeping Tabs on the Competition With Twitter, not only can you read what customers are saying about you, you can also read what customers are saying about your competitors. It can provide the perfect opportunity to intercept potential clientele who have had bad experiences with your closest competitors.
Gaining Brand Loyalty
Connecting with customers (and getting their feedback)
Once you have connected to your customers on Twitter, even for what may seem to be the most insignificant level of interaction, a certain sense of familiarity subconsciously develops. Research has shown that this feeling of familiarity is a critical catalyst in the growth of brand loyalty.
If you have a customer who has something to say, whether good or bad, you may well hear (see) them on Twitter and this will help your company to receive invaluable feedback and assist disgruntled customers as early as possible.
The commercial benefits to be gained from using Twitter are numerous. Marketing via the Twitter platform is definitely a great way to boost your business online, gain added exposure, send traffic back to your website, track industry buzz and position your brand message in front of fans and potential customers … the list goes on.
Sales, discounts, special offers, new products and future plans are all being discussed on Twitter right now by thousands of companies worldwide.
Coming in the next issue of Dazzle Magazine: Tools to Help You Optimise your Twitter Experience. Don’t miss it!
Twitter is Viral Within a few hours of using Twitter most users find
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DAZZLE 11
Retrenched WorkersIt’s Not The End Of The Road By N.L. Bowen
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n these trying economic times, many employers are using cost cutting measures in order to remain economically viable. As a last resort they are retrenching many workers, and during this period the Barbados government, the country’s largest single employer is leading the way in this mass exercise. The jobs of over 3,000 civil servants have been eliminated and many of those affected were left pondering their next move regarding their future financial stability.
On becoming unemployed it is natural to peruse newspapers and online job sites for vacancies advertised. It is also natural to submit many job applications and wait anxiously to receive a response with the words “you are hired”. However, it is not realistic to expect to be hired immediately, in fact it may take longer than anticipated. Nevertheless, it is not the end of the road for the unemployed. Individuals should therefore ask themselves these questions before considering the following options: a. Should I work again for others? b. Should I work for myself? c. Do I want to generate an income by working for someone, while working part-time for myself? d. Do I want a career change, or should I rely on my existing skills or qualifications when seeking a new job?
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Options:
Update or acquire new skills/ qualifications. If you do decide to be employed by others, this option should be seriously considered. Since it may take a while for you to be rehired, consider attending courses that will give you the skills/qualifications necessary for jobs that are relevant in the 21st century. Due to changing times there has been the creation of jobs in new fields of work. Thus updating your skills gives you a greater advantage in the job market, as compared to possessing skills in outdated areas. Additionally, acquiring new skills/qualifications can guarantee a career change which can expose you to a better lifestyle. Depending on your financial situation, consider attending courses conducted by the Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic, Barbados Community College and the University of the West Indies Open Campus. For those who possess limited financial resources, consider courses organized by the Barbados Vocational Training Board, Girls Industrial Union, etc.
Think entrepreneurship Due to limited job opportunities offered by existing organisations, entrepreneurship has been constantly promoted in recent times, especially by the public sector. If you have decided to take the bold but rewarding step into the world of entrepreneurship, consider creating a business using existing or newly acquired skills, or work experience. Possessing a great business acumen along with skills in areas such as culinary arts, cosmetology, or computer science to name a few, can guarantee a promising career as an entrepreneur. Professional advice on establishing and managing a business should therefore be sought from agencies such as the Youth Entrepreneurship Scheme or Barbados Youth Business Trust. For the more mature individuals, agencies such as Barbados Investment Development Corporation and Fund Access can also assist.
Exploring options in direct selling There are many international companies that offer opportunities for individuals to promote their products as independent contractors. This form of income generating self-employment allows for the establishment of a business in a shorter time frame, as compared to creating a business from scratch. With just a small start up fee, international companies and their brands such as Avon and Organo Gold, offer
these opportunities. Since you can work from home, this option which offers flexible working hours is beneficial, especially to single mothers with very young children. The recession has caused many consumers to control their spending by seeking bargains, and they are increasingly turning to flea markets. You can find store owners promoting their slow moving goods, as well as various organisations that use these markets for fund-raising purposes. Most retrenched workers would have accumulated unwanted household items over a period of time. Thus they can use this downtime to earn extra cash, by selling items at flea markets such as ornaments, clothes and CDs / DVDs.
Seek opportunities abroad. Since Barbados has a small population and limited job opportunities, consider working overseas in countries with a more positive economic outlook and unlimited opportunities, such as Canada and the United States. There are international recruitment agencies that are constantly seeking individuals to work in hotels, restaurants and construction to name a few. The Ministry of Labour can therefore facilitate this transition for job seekers, as well as offer relevant advice. For those who have decided not to re-enter the world of work, because they may have been near retirement age, volunteerism is also an option because it is another way to make a contribution to society. On the other hand it is also beneficial to those who have been unemployed for a long period, but want to contribute to the society. It gives job seekers additional work experience and exposes them to potential employers. The Heart and Stroke Foundation, Constituency Councils and religious organizations are examples of places where many can volunteer their services. Although financial difficulties will arise on becoming unemployed, the options previously mentioned can be considered during this harsh period. This can be a time for retrenched workers to re-evaluate their desires and needs, and realise that options are always out there.
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DAZZLE 13
Jonathan Carter
Putting Bat to Ball By Ryan Wills
C
ricket has truly transformed from its glory days of test matches to today where a new and exciting format of play called 20/20 has dominated the scene. It has presented huge opportunities for cricketers to gain even more fame and fortune. Dazzle Magazine takes a look at one of Barbados’ up and coming cricketers and his journey on becoming a professional West Indies player. Meet 26 year old Jonathan Lyndon Carter, a left hand batsman and a right hand bowler. Let’s take a glimpse into his game. Where were you born and raised? I was raised in Gall Hill, Christ Church and attended Christ Church Boys School. I later moved at age 7 to St. Andrew. Growing up in Gall Hill wasn’t an easy life. I remember seeing police chase guys on the block and times I would hear gunshots not too far away from home. What were some of your fondest memories growing up? From the age of 3, I was playing cricket with my uncles and brothers every Sunday after church. My dad was the pastor there and also an avid cricket fan. I made the cricket team when I transferred to St Andrew’s primary. I was given the ball to bowl and it was the captain who was batting. The first ball hit the paling before he could get his bat down and the next ball had his stumps flying. The captain stared at me, told me to come with him, took me to the coach’s office and said I had to play. My first record was at 9 years old where I took nine wickets for nine runs. The year after that I scored two centuries and also took ten wickets for nine runs.
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Did you continue playing cricket after primary school? Yes, in 1st form I played for the National Sports Council under 13 team, where I captained the side. I attended Alleyne School and there was a brief period I stopped playing cricket because I wasn’t doing any school work. I repeated a form and my dad banned me from cricket and my coach from all sports. It was a hard time then because I felt like the world was against me. I was also dealing with an attitude problem and used to get agitated very easily. However my parents made me focus a lot on work and I made it to 5th form. What happened next and how did you end up playing overseas? At 17, I went on to Alexandra School where I met Kemar Roach, another up and coming talented West Indies cricketer. I became popular at that school because I was playing almost every sport there. I captained the under 19 team and the next year I was selected for the Barbados Senior team.
matches as far away as India. I made my first century there and the feeling was ecstatic. I have also played for the Barbados Tridents and will be again this year. How has cricket become a business for you? Through cricket I have been able to make a decent living not only from playing for other clubs and the West Indies but I am also a qualified English Cricket Board and WICB level 2 coach. Where do you see the future of cricket? Cricket has a very viable future but there needs to be improvements made in the local and regional management of it. Better structured development programs should be in place to allow youngsters to reach their full capability and also mechanisms need to be in place that won’t favour selections. What advice would you share with other young people interested in cricket? What I did was a risk in not doing my school work, but
After I left school I was asked to play cricket in England, I decided to go and get some experience. I left Barbados and went to England not knowing that I would’ve been held for three days because I did not have the correct documentation to get through customs. It was the worst experience of my life; they kept me in the airport where I was amongst guys from other countries I’ve never heard of before. The facilities weren’t in good condition at all. That situation didn’t work out but luckily another opportunity would come my way to play for a club in England. What are some of your accomplishments to date? I have already played for the West Indies A team in
fun facts
What do you do in your spare time? Spend time with family and friends. Favorite cricket ground to play on? Kensington Oval; because the atmosphere is great and it’s our home ground. Outside of cricket, what is your other love? I would say my first love is my 2 year old daughter Jasmine, she keeps me level headed.
I used my talent in cricket to further myself. If you are interested in cricket and have a passion, and you believe you want to succeed, go and pursue it. Dazzle Magazine wishes Jonathan all the best in his cricketing career.
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DAZZLE 15
Janelle Chase-Mayers
Building communities through strength and conditioning pg. 22
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DAZZLE 17
Up to the Time
By Folayan Taitt
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n Barbados there is an expression “Tekking time ain’t laziness”. While this may prevent you from jumping to a hasty decision it’s not going to work when it comes to that important meeting. You will probably find greater success with the old adage “time is money”. Punctuality saves you the stress of running late and it’s just common courtesy.
With technology at the forefront of today’s society we rely heavily on electronic devices for emails, instant messages, media and the time. Who needs an alarm clock? That’s what Smartphones are for. If you need to know the time, one glance at your mobile phone or tablet provides a quick answer. 18 DAZZLE
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When you consider it, a watch is not necessary and there are some who don’t even own one. But for those of us who do a wristwatch says class. Maturing meant graduating from a digital watch with a rubber strap to an elegant timepiece with character and style. With statistics showing that on average business people can attend up to 62 meetings each month a watch can go a long way to ensure that you’re up to the time. Despite being invented over 400 years ago the wristwatch was first only popular with women. It wasn’t until 1917 that men embraced the device after they were seen on the wrists of soldiers. Today’s wristwatch runs the gamut from digital to analog,
from telling us the time of day to going swimming with us, from rubber to diamond-encrusted; there are no limits to the style of watch you can sport.
Ladies watches have recently made a move from petite, feminine forms to a unisex or boyfriend style. Women can now be seen wearing larger metallic pieces with secondary dials and knobs common to men’s watches. Materials have also changed, once gold and stainless steel reigned supreme but silicone and ceramic materials have now gained popularity. Monochromatic colours are having a moment and the Swiss Swatch brand, popular in the 1990s, has made a resurgence with their fun, colour pieces.
presented with leather, rubber or canvas straps, suitable for braving any element. An emerging trend in the men’s department is exposed mechanisms. Showing the powerful internal working of a watch lets the wearer know he has a quality timepiece while still maintaining an air of mystery on what actually makes a watch tick. View our list below of major players in the world of watches and see how you can complement your wardrobe with one of these current brands. Take the time to know these leading watchmakers: • Rolex • Omega • Movado • Citizen • Audemars Piguet • Timex • Patek Philippe • Seiko • Bulova • Casio • Tissot • Swatch • Tag Heuer • G-Shock • Breitling
On the other hand, two main themes can be identified in the design of men’s watches – classic analog and functional. Elegant timepieces can often be found with gold, stainless steel or leather straps. While more rugged functional styles may be
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DAZZLE 19
Beating The Hangover
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or the rest of the world these months spark the beginning of summer, however in Barbados this is when we celebrate our Crop Over season. For many, it is our favourite time of the year filled with friends, culture and fun. Sometimes a little too much fun, enjoying the variety of alcoholic beverages that flow with the good times. We’ve been there. That heavy hangover the dreaded morning after – but who wants to feel bad after feeling so good? Exactly! So here are a few tips on preventing that slow start to the next day.
Never underestimate the healing powers of water. Drinking lots of water during alcohol consumption, and having a couple more glasses right before you go to bed hydrates and replenishes the body, lowering the chance of any headaches sneaking up on you.
Eating a few slices of cucumber at night also rehydrates you. The sugar, vitamins and electrolytes found in this veggie aid to lower the chances of a hangover or headaches as well. Another great tip for you; try pressing a slice of cucumber onto the roof of your mouth with your tongue for thirty to sixty seconds and this can eliminate bad alcoholic breath. 20 DAZZLE
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This comes in especially handy if you have to lean in close for some intimate communication after a couple.
blender with some other fresh fruit to make a smoothie, is an even more delicious cure. One of the symptoms of this evil hangover is nausea, and a known remedy is ginger. Try having a strong cup of ginger tea to help settle your stomach. Adding some honey will combat the hangover even more. If the tea isn’t available the next best thing is a glass of ginger ale. We do recommend keeping some ginger tea stocked in the cupboard though. Plus it tastes so good!
One of the most enjoyable preventions of the hangover is to dance. Yes use that energy and confidence induced by the alcohol to groove the night away. Dancing enhances the body’s overall metabolic rate, which can clear alcohol out of the bloodstream faster. After all it is the Crop Over season, and with all the great music and good people around, celebrate with a nice drink and lively dancing.
The potassium content in bananas helps to replenish the amount drained from the alcohol. Eating a few in the morning, or better yet, throwing a couple in a
Of course we advise you to drink responsibly but just in case you have two drinks too many, it is a good idea to keep this magazine close to your bed.
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Janelle ChaseMayers
Building communities through strength and conditioning By D.J Simmons
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hen we think of crossfit the first thing that usually comes to mind is high intensity strength training. While that definition holds true for Barbadian business CrossFit 246, there also lies a heavy theme of family and community, lifting individuals to surpass their limits. Allow Dazzle to introduce you to its founder Janelle Chase-Mayers, former volleyball star, now improving strength and conditioning across the island.
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ove for sports began in secondary school where Janelle ran track before switching to volleyball competing locally and regionally, eventually leading to a scholarship to the Central Connecticut State University. After transferring over to Louisiana, she represented Barbados in a myriad of tournaments while completing her masters in psychology before returning to Barbados in 2005.
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anelle continued the spike in her career becoming national captain before retiring in 2011 at the top of her game, however still contributing greatly to the sport as a strength and conditioning coach, a passion she always possessed. To supplement her interest Janelle sought to increase her knowledge of CrossFit, an international brand which focuses on strength and conditioning operations for athletes and tactical professionals. After following the suggestion of a peer, she began coaching and the evolution begun. While the aforementioned statement rings true, in her opinion, CrossFit also develops varied exercises to focus on peoples’ functional movements while adding high intensity. To sit is a squat, to pick groceries off the floor is a dead lift. The more efficient you are at performing these daily duties, your potential to produce more throughout your day is increased. It relates directly to real life! CrossFit 246 is dedicated to building a community of individuals who push past their limits. This promotes growth. This natural development occurs as individuals invite others into the community. This is where Janelle’s skills as a marriage and family therapist benefit. She is able to provide occupational therapy, and assist effectively with interpersonal relationships or family issues. This enhances the way individuals relate to their coaches, exercises and people around them giving them the drive to succeed. The community spirit is built strong and Dazzle was able to experience some of it when one of Janelle’s clients stopped by during our interview so she could say hello to little Lily. Another toddler, one year old Logan who comes with his Mom just learnt to walk and gets involved in sessions by doing burpee exercises. Janelle’s own son T.J often acts as a mini coach when he attends on Mondays and Fridays. There is an official children’s class on Tuesdays however most parents feel comfortable bringing their children who usually look forward to coming to see their friends. Being so observant, children have a great start in strength and conditioning picking up the activities very quickly. Due to popular demand, a Retirees class is also carried out. As one becomes older, you are plagued with arthritis and other challenges and CrossFit helps to prevent these discomforts from overtaking your lifestyle. The longer the elderly live healthy, the more
they contribute to the strength of the community, and that is very important to Janelle. In her opinion, the focus on building a community and allowing people to effectively work together, defines the difference between CrossFit and personal training. The international body of CrossFit is very supportive of Janelle’s local box. They would send posters and flyers, and make calls to share information. Through the network, CrossFit 246 has had visitors from England, Trinidad and Canada. These affiliates are not usually charged since fitness may not be in their budget when they travel, however they can still partake in a similar experience. Although some advertising is done through the Barbados Volleyball Association a conscious effort is made not to do any grand scale marketing but to focus more on letting existing clients invite who they want to include. CrossFit 246 was founded in 2013 and Janelle has been able to hire interns as part of her business to share her knowledge with them. CrossFit also serves as an effective rehab for athletes who are recovering from injury and others who want to stay as competitive as they can in their field. CrossFit246 is all about progression. You never start at the top and as you progress there is always room for improvement. This is the vision behind Janelle’s business. A business which started in a living room before evolving to the gym today located in Lowlands Christ Church. When she walks into a room and she is able to see people relating to each other regardless of race, sex or age (clients spread from one to seventy-seven), that is her most joyous experience of CrossFit 246. Janelle is dedicated to building stronger people both in physical strength and mental capacity and with the peek time of the Crop Over season upon us, CrossFit keeps lunging ahead!
fun facts
She doesn’t like watching volleyball. She only really enjoys it when she is playing it. Her favourite TV show is “Shark Tank” Her mother gave her the nickname “Runaway Pancake” because she was never at home. Her favourite local entrepreneur is Andrew Bynoe of the A1 Supermarkets.
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DAZZLE 23
Lloyda Springer Staying True to Foreday pg. 30
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Let’s build a more
INNOVATIVE and COMPETITIVE BARBADOS! Be part of NEEX and NIX Surveys and help move Barbados forward! To participate ... • Go online to www.nisebarbados.org • Visit our Public Survey Stations islandwide visit www.nisebarbados.org for details. • Complete the survey at your place of employment.
For more information visit www.nisebarbados.org or call 426-4186.
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Damien Applewhaite
Advantage to Apple By D.J Simmons
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et Dazzle introduce you to Damien Applewhaite, founder of Advantage Tennis Services(ATS), better known as Coach Apple. From a young age he knew he wanted to be an athlete. Who wouldn’t? After attempting to play various sports and not naturally excelling in them, he remembered receiving a friendly suggestion from our very own Ryan Wills. “Apple” then tried a tennis summer camp where he found one of the passions to fuel his future.
During his time at the Christ Church Foundation school, although he started his tennis career later than ideal, Damien was still able to successfully represent Barbados in regional tournaments. After resigning from an accounting post at an insurance company at age 19, Damien began teaching in 2000 since he saw a void in the market and he wanted to bring youth and more professionalism to the art of coaching. After he branched out on his own, he established his business in 2006 and has expanded ATS to include his partner Jeffrey Duncan Evanson, and another senior associate who is in charge of the tennis school. Looking at ATS’s exciting website and hearing “Apple” speak, the love of working with children is evident and includes programs to bring out the Pee Wee Power in all the Tennis Tots. The link between ATS and the Barbados Tennis Association(BTA) is very strong as Damien is also the director of coach education on the island. He manages the BTA’s social media and also manages their rankings. He was once told never to put his rackets down so let’s hear what they have achieved for Coach Apple: 26 DAZZLE
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Why is the name of your company Advantage Tennis Services? I wanted it to begin with the letter A and Apple was my first choice but I didn’t want the company to be all about me because it is a business service instead of an individual service. In tennis, advantage means you are ahead in the game so Advantage Tennis Services it was.
When did you decide to be a full-fledged entrepreneur? My family comes from a financial background and I followed suit until I suffered my first tension headache. If this was a glimpse of how my life could be patterned, I decided to pursue some of my other passions. While accounting was one, I began my focus to combine that, tennis and tourism.
Were you able to merge your three passions? Yes. When I resigned from the financial post I took up coaching in hotels. That linked tennis and tourism. When my business was formalized, one of my responsibilities was to handle the financial side so with accounting now also fulfilled this made me very happy.
How did your experience as an exchange student in Denmark influence your tennis coaching?
fun facts What is Apple’s playing style on the court? I am not a power player. I am more of a grinder. I will wear you out. Do you introduce yourself as Damien or Apple? I will introduce myself as Coach Apple and if people begin to giggle with a serious face I ask them, “What happen?” After the uncomfortable silence I would break out into a smile. What is your favourite sport after tennis? Cricket. But it isn’t any more for obvious reasons. Next up will be football. What is your favourite gadget? My Blackberry smartphone.
I developed the trait of patience which has served as a huge asset in entrepreneurship. When dealing with people from different backgrounds, patience allows you not to approach the situation out of ignorance.
Do you think you have the talent to still go out there and compete? Last year I reached the semifinals at Nationals at my advanced age. So you can pass judgment from that.
Do you think there are prominent faces in sport today in Barbados? Sport is not viewed in high regard as a revenue generator. I started coaching at fifty dollars a week. Some may not be able to absorb that financial sacrifice initially but, I saw a light at the end of the road.
How much effort do you put into branding and marketing of your business? A great effort. It boils down to professionalizing the service and that is what helps us to stand out. Since what we do is such a personal service, the initial contact with the customer is very important.
Have you ever considered being an entrepreneur in any other field that some may deem easier than tennis coaching? The operative word is easy. Once you have found your passion, executing it is not difficult at the end of the day. People may ask how can I stand up all day in the hot sun but this is my joy. It doesn’t faze me. I have faced challenges in my industry but my passion helps me to battle through them.
Are you respected in social circles as an entrepreneur? Once when revealing to a family member overseas I was a tennis coach I was met with the response, “Your mother sent you to school to do that?” Another family member supported me and responded, “His mother sent him to school to learn how to earn a living and support himself.” That is an example of difference in mentality there.
Do you follow all forms of tennis? I am a huge sports fan generally. I do appreciate a good table tennis game and I have been my gap champion in road tennis for many years and I am proud of that.
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DAZZLE 27
Increase Business From Your Inbox!
using Email Marketing Campaigns in your business
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n today’s world, email marketing is one of the most economical and effective ways to promote your business. It is easy to use and can assist in improving your business’s customer service by facilitating and providing an additional means of communication with existing customers. This kind of direct communication builds relationships between your business and its customers.
1. Gather the email address of your business’s target audience – you do not want to send unwanted emails (spam) to individuals who are not interested in your goods or services.
A major time to use email marketing is when your business is having specials, events or to announce something newsworthy. Customers can be contacted on a weekly or monthly basis through a campaign that is interesting and relevant to their needs. In addition to informing readers on happenings within your business, good email campaigns can be used to direct its readers to your website. This will increases the business’s web traffic. As they view your website, viewers will be encouraged to make further contact via email or telephone, be directed to your store/ office location and purchase your goods/services.
3. Always insert your business’s web address and email – this encourages users to click through the email and visit the business’s website for more information. There, they can contact you with ease if necessary.
Here are some tips in running a successful email campaign: 28 DAZZLE
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2. Use a very powerful subject line to grab your reader’s attention at a glance – this will encourage them to open the email and continue reading.
4. Write with enthusiasm – give the users a pleasurable and exciting reading experience. Readers should not be turned off by your email at all. 5. Send your email in the middle of the week – individuals are more receptive between Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8am-11am and 2:30pm-4pm.
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by Tracy Highland
Let’s play a game. Can you guess what business I’m referring to?
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t started in 2001 with a small music truck, 120 of the owner’s friends and family, a drinks truck supplied by her hairdresser’s brother, and some blue body paint that wouldn’t come off for weeks. Its name begins with “J” and is a play on a popular Trinidadian calypso tune. Still stumped? Here’s one more clue. It’s run by professional landscape architect and self-professed Crop Over addict Lloyda Springer, and has been one of the most popular Foreday Morning bands for over a decade. The answer is Jambalasse and Dazzle got a chance to sit down with its 39 year old owner to find out more about her unusual business.
How did it all start? I grew up in a household with my parents jumping in Kadooment, having a band or associated with friends who have bands. I did my first Grand Kadooment in first or second form and I haven’t missed it since with the exception of one year when I went on a family vacation overseas.
How did you make the transition from taking part in the festival to actually owning a Foreday Morning band? Was it planned?
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It didn’t really start out as a money making venture. I used to go to Wadadah parties in Bank Hall and one year Wadadah decided to put speakers on the back of a truck and just go down the road. A group of us went and really enjoyed it. By our third year taking part, and after some negative experiences, we realised that if we were to continue doing Foreday Morning we would need to create a formal band.
Did you do it on your own? I had the support of my friends and family. My people are Crop Over people. We sat down and I asked them, “Do you think we could get 75 to 100 people?” We made our debut following a small Suzuki truck with a speaker behind it. We had white rum, five star and beer. That was it. The music truck broke down three times. But everyone had a blast!
When did you realize you had to structure it as a business? There was always some business element to it. It was for me to have fun, but I always said I’m not paying for everyone to have a street party. Worst case scenario I had to break even. By 2003 our numbers had doubled to 250, by 2006 they had they had increased again to 400. We had to get more security. Costs went up and a lot more time and effort started going into the planning and structure. We couldn’t just put two speakers on a truck and go down the road. I was taking people’s money so I had to deliver.
jumping and the same number lining the route spectating.
What do you think about the move to have costume styled outfits for Foreday Morning Jam? I am a J’ouvert purist. I believe in t-shirts, paint and mud. The dirtier you are at the end the better. That’s how J’ouvert is across the region. The dirty mass, freeing of the spirit concept is very much different from costumed mass. I think the two should remain separate and distinct.
What is the secret to Jambalasse’s success over the years? Everything as it relates to Jambalasse has to be good value for money; good advertising value for our sponsors, good entertainment value for our patrons. I try to keep that as my priority. It’s easy to get sidelined by profit and greed. I do business fairly and won’t compromise on the quality I offer to my patrons.
Where do you see Jambalasse going in the next few years My years of experience have taught me that there are enough people who enjoy what I have produced to keep it going, but I am always looking for ways to be creative to enhance my product. As long as I am bringing a positive influence to Foreday Morning, I will continue to do it. If I reach a point where people are no longer entertained by what I do, then I would consider saying I’ve done my part for the festival and it’s time to hand the baton over.
fun facts
How does running the band now compare to those early days? It’s all work now. I don’t jump and have a good time at all now. There is too much to do. The event starts at midnight but I am there from 8pm making sure all the trucks are there, security is briefed and everything is organised.
What is the most challenging thing for you? Foreday Morning is not being given the priority is deserves from the NCF. It is now the biggest and most popular event on the Crop Over calendar but it’s always been treated as kind of an afterthought. You are now looking at ten to twenty thousand people
She hates flying but is an avid traveler, having visited the US, UK, France, Holland, Belgium, Spain and much of the Caribbean. She streams movies to unwind and is also a fan of Scandal and Game of Thrones. She was a handful at her alma mater Queen’s College (QC) and gave back by teaching there for 4 years after she completed her degree in Geology and Environmental Science. She represented Barbados on the Carifta swimming team while at QC.
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Amanda Reifer
The Business of Revelling by Tracy Highland
T
o say she is a people’s person is an understatement. Amanda Reifer’s business IS people – over 600 beautifully costumed people in her Crop Over band, Fantasy. This year the theme is Great Empires of the World. The colours are vibrant. The designs are bold, confident but still warm – a reflection of the woman behind the concepts of this band that has stood the test of time. At first, Amanda’s kind, welcoming demeanour and sunny smile seem at odds with the kind of shrewd business acumen you would expect of someone who has been in the business for 11 years. After five minutes of talking with her, you realise she is a quick thinker, refreshingly candid, passionate about her band and ambitious enough to propel the steady growth Fantasy has been blessed with over the years. She is a “business woman with a heart”, a perfect combination of the quiet resilience of her now deceased father John Forde and the outgoing personality of her mother, Beverley Griffith, a former Physical Education Teacher at Amanda’s alma mater Queen’s College. She always knew she wanted to run a business and when the opportunity came in 2003 to team up with partner and now husband, former Barbados and West Indies Cricketer Floyd Reifer to start the band Radikal, she ran with it the only way she knew how, with complete focus and determination. “I remember playing in a band at about 18 or 19 and I was hooked on the experience”, she recalled. “When we started Radikal, it was an opportunity to start a business but also an opportunity to give everyone the experience,” she explained.
The couple’s thinking was that everyone should be able to play mass. It was a band for the people. The costumes were at an affordable price and the entertainer associated with the band was none other than the people’s champion himself, Lil Rick. The first day on the road was a triumph for Reifer. “It was an amazing experience,” she said, “Seeing the band come alive; the colours, the vibrancy.” But that triumph soon turned to difficultly, and the same noble motive that inspired the band’s creation in the first place became its greatest curse. “We had a lot of challenges in the early years in terms of perception of the band,” admitted Reifer. “Challenges with security, people breaching the band, violence on the road – we just couldn’t get away from how Bajans saw us.” They began to have problems growing the band. “This business is about the experience and people will remember the bad experience,” she explained. In 2010, with the help of G&A Communications, who had been sponsors from the start, they decided on a “Radikal” change. They did a complete rebrand, and in 2011 Radikal died to make way for the birth of Fantasy. “With the help of G&A we created something new. We talked about what we wanted in terms of image. We looked at what the market was offering and decided to be a premium band. Every customer would have a premium service,” she said. Fantasy launched in 2011 with a bang. The price point had changed. They attracted a different market. The website was different and more appealing to international patrons. Even the location of the band house had changed, moving onto the campus of the University of the West Indies.
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One thing they were adamant about though was that they would never let go of their connection to Lil Rick. Luckily it never became an issue. “At that time Rick had started to rebrand too and it worked out perfectly,” Reifer said. “It was like a new birth for us and a new birth for him.”
passionately. “If you are an entrepreneur how can you get a job letter? People have to realise the model can’t be the same as if you are going for other loans.” “A lot of it is dynamic and innovative so sometimes there won’t be track record!” “People in some of these industries are stuck in their ways and not innovative thinkers. They have to create positions for people who understand entrepreneurs,” she insisted. Since 2011, Fantasy has grown from 300 revellers to over 600, with more than 50% of its patrons coming from overseas. This is not by accident. Reifer, who completed her Masters in International Management from the University of the West Indies in 2012, understands the value of maintaining a global focus. “Barbados is too small. The world is my market place. I have people from Paris, Finland and Australia jumping with me. That’s my focus,” she explained. “If you want to be successful and make money you have to think global,” she emphasised. She thinks government has a bigger role to play in the support of young entrepreneurs. “It is very challenging for entrepreneurs in Barbados. We speak of the movement towards entrepreneurship but the financial support is not there,” she said 34 DAZZLE
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Despite this climate, which she describes as “stifling” sometimes, Amanda presses on, balancing family
fun facts What’s your most memorable Crop Over and why? 2011. It was the first year we launched Fantasy. We set a high bar that year and the vibe was amazing. Early Riser or Night Owl? Night owl. If you could be a model who would you want to be? Tyra Banks; she’s hot, not too skinny, bomb personality and has a strong business acumen.
(she is mother to son Allen, 14, who is a cricketer like his step father, and baby Victoria), and multiple careers (she also works in the Academy of Sport at UWI) with the year round commitment involved in leading a Crop Over band.
With passion you will not be defeated when you fail or come against obstacles or challenges.” Great advice indeed.
“I delivered my daughter Victoria on the 25th of March at 5am and by 2pm I was on my smart phone responding to overseas customers about costumes and sending out registration forms,” she chuckled. “Don’t worry, baby was sleeping,” she added with a smile. Even though she admits her schedule can be overwhelming at times, she credits her family and God with making it all work. “I have a very good support system; my immediate family, in-laws, very few but phenomenal friends, my husband who is my rock and foundation, and the grace of God,” she said.
Her husband provides a good balance to the optimistic dreamer in her that will risk it all. “Floyd is positive but he will err on the side of caution. We’ve been together for 11 years. He brings a dose of reality to the table,” she said lovingly. As they continue to build Fantasy together she sees the band expanding further, increasing their overseas members, which she sees as a vital component to aiding the growth of the local economy, and possibly having a presence in carnivals outside of Barbados. “We are definitely looking at having a presence in overseas carnivals in 3 to 5 years. You have to make sure you understand the dynamics of different places and different carnivals and how they do things,” she added. She’s intent on building a legacy, one that she whispers into the ears of her four month old baby. She lets her know that it will all be hers if she wants it. It’s never too early to start planting the seeds. Her advice to other young entrepreneurs? “Do something you are passionate about. With passion you will get funding, you will find the people that you need to make your business work.
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Our Top 3 Summer Bluetooth Speakers
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ummer is here and that means the beach and several social events. Where there is a fun there is sure to be music. Dazzle is going to review the 3 top Bluetooth speakers on the market to help you turn up the volume and get the good vibes flowing.
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Fugoo Style Bluetooth Wireless Speaker This elegantly styled unit looks as good as it sounds. Its ultra-portable weighing in at just over 1 pound and it kicks out some good sound. It has six drivers on four sides for a 360-degree sweet spot. With its Core-X technology the path from your music files to the amplifier that drives the speakers is digital, all the way. Meaning cell phone interference is less likely to occur. The built-in omnidirectional microphone gives your speaker high-quality full-duplex speakerphone functionality. On top of all of this the Fugoo is also waterproof, mudproof, snow and shockproof. It can last up to 40 hours on a single charge.
Ultimate Ears Boom This cool looking product resembles a capsule. The BOOM is also a 360 degree speaker that kicks out some bold immersive sound in every direction. Its sound is pretty agile and can play from Nina Simone up to Red Plastic Bag. You can also download its free iOS/Android app that adds some nifty features. The main highlight is that you can link two BOOM speakers together and get a bigger better sound. The BOOM has a tough sturdy construction with a “plasma coated” finish that’s water and stain resistant. On a full charge it lasts for 15 hours. Bluetooth pairing is fast and easy, and you can connect via NFC. It can also double up as a speakerphone.
Incipio Technologies Braven BRV-1 wireless speaker If you want to talk hardcore in the literal sense, the Incipio Technologies Braven BRV-1 wireless speaker takes the cake. It comes in two colour options (Turquoise Blue and Orange Relief). This ruggedized unit is water resistant and is built for outdoors and can take a few drops. The speaker sounds good, maybe not on the same level as the others but enough to get the vibe going. It has dual 3W speakers (6 watts total) with a bottom port for bass resonance. It can be used as an external 1400mAh battery pack and also has a speakerphone. Rechargeable battery will power the speaker for about 12 hours at lower volumes - at peak volumes it will be less.
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r e w o l f i Caul Pizza
ingredients 2.5 cups grated cauliflower 1 large egg, beaten 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese 2 tbs grated Parmesan cheese 1 tsp basil, diced 1 tsp dried oregano Pinch of salt and pepper
method Pre-heat oven to 425 degrees. Spray or grease your pizza pan with cooking spray and set it aside. Place the cauliflower crumbles into a large bowl and microwave for 7 minutes or until they soften. Remove the bowl from the microwave and allow it to cool for at least 10 minutes.
healthy & delicious This low-carb, low calorie Cauliflower Crust pizza is simple, delicious and healthy and full of great flavour. It can take on any of your favourite toppings. 38 DAZZLE
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In a separate bowl, mix all of the other ingredients together, then add the cooled cauliflower to form a dough. Spread the dough out evenly onto the pan, making sure it’s not too thin in any spots and then bake it for 15-20 minutes. Remove it from the oven and add your sauce and toppings. Place the bowl back in the oven for an additional 5-10 minutes.
A leading digital advertising company 20 locations across the island Screens as large as 55 inches Flexible advertising packages
Visit: www.digiooh.com
Call us direct at 823-7571 Email: sales@digiooh.com
see more pictures on www.dazzlebarbados.com & facebook.com/dazzlebarbados
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Dazzlebarbados
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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.
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