Editor’s Note 4 Contributors 6 Somache 8 What to get him/her? 12 Aluko Bascombe 14 Life with Ink 18 Girl Friend Expo (Review) 20 MakeUp By: Lia Carter 30 Au.rellie 32 Places to visit 38 Kerra Loves Kids 40 Caribbean Delights 44 Happy 50th Barbados 46 Advertisement 48 Sugar Mas 50 Book Review 56 Advertise with Us 58 Contact Information 60 Thank You 62
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TANYA SMALL The Editor
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t has been a full year since we began this journey of providing you with the best entertainment, vacation spots and personalities the region has to offer. This being said, you are the ones we have to thank. You, the readers, sponsors and advertisers, are the reason we at Island Signatures continue to strive for excellence issue after issue. Our only hope is that we can improve our product offering so we can continue to serve and provide you with the highest class and quality. In this our anniversary edition, we also celebrate a great milestone for the island of Barbados. On 30th November, 2016, the gem of the Caribbean Sea completed 50 full years of pride, industry and independence. The staff of Island Signatures would like to take this opportunity to congratulate the people and the government of that great nation for persevering throughout the years and making Barbados the developing nation it is today. This issue takes a look at a broad scope of areas but all are equally interesting and informative. We included a little gift guide for Valentine’s Day so you wouldn’t need to burst your brain searching for the best present for your oh so special partner.
One of the goals here at Island Signatures is to encourage the creative arts to stand up and let it’s voice be heard. In saying this, we wish to hear from you the readers about what you would like to see in the magazine. If you truly believe you have an article of interest, piece of literature, photography, makeup skill or anything else that the masses need to see, make sure to contact us and let’s talk business! Advertisers, we also have spaces for you! Contact us to get your products marketed in the magazine at the most competitive rate currently available in this market. It has been my pleasure to be the editor of this issue and I hope you enjoy it as much as I do! Until next time! Tanya Small Editor-in-Chief
Tanya Small Editor
Justin Ellis ign Photography/Des
Angene Bluch Writer er
Kenroy White Writer
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Reann Edwards Writer
Daniel Boxill Writer
Kerra D enel Writer
Zhara K han Writer
Jael Joesph Writer
Ginger Tea Writer
Other Photographers: Shalana Bynoe, Kahlid Browne, Joshua Clarke, Natalia Nanton Island Signatures | 7
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Sofilia Blucher Written By: Angene Blucher
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1.Why did you decide to become a fashion designer? Sofilia: It wasn’t my plan to become a fashion designer, but as others recognized the talent in me and with all the encouragemvent and support from friends and family, it steered me into that direction. 2. What were your inspirations for the designs you created for the shoot? Sofilia: I love to express my creativity, so any opportunity where I can put a spin on something drives me. The Gothic theme was no different. I got the chance to merge fashion, art and drama for this shoot 3. Where do you see the brand in the future? Sofilia: At the moment, I receive many requests for areas that I do not currently cater to. I however plan to widen my scope and focus on the niches currently overlooked in St.Vincent and the Grenadines 4. What is your favorite part about being a fashion designer? Sofilia: The end product is always the most rewarding. I’ve been doing this for such a long time but I am elated when my creativity comes to life and when they’re complimented by my clients’ smiles.
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5. What have been your proudest moment? Sofilia: One of my proudest moments was my debut as a fashion designer at Fashion Caribbean 2010. I showcased a collection called “Sunset in Tobago� which captured the breath taking colours from my favourite places in Tobago. I had so much fun putting that collection together.
6. What was your first job? Sofilia: That would have been to design and make outfits for church. I started with those because they did not look too fashionable to me at the time. 7. What advice do you have for other aspiring fashion designers? Sofilia: As a fashion designer you can become overwhelmed especially when working with strict deadlines and short time frames. Those aspiring to be fashion designers need to always remember to have fun in the process and never take on more than they can actually handle or they will lose that passion. Island Signatures | 11
Valentines Day: What to get him/her? Written By: Zhara Khan
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alentine day is right around the comer and if you’re anything like me, you usually do a lot of last minute shopping. But fear not I am here to help No matter how long you wait to get the gift, these ideas are tried and true, so no one gets left out, with these few tip everyone will be happy. Spoil her and splurge on something special, but don’t rack your brain thinking about what you think she may like.
FRAGRANCES - t’s said that the sense of smell is one of the strongest
factors in both attraction and memory. Giving a bottle of perfume or cologne as a gift will automatically suggest romance. You can’t go wrong with a bottle or gift set in your significant others favorite fragrance. If you’re going to pick something new just for the occasion, choose a romantic fragrance with floral or musky tones.
JEWELLERY
- They say that diamonds are a girl’s best friend, but beautiful red rubies are just as appropriate for the holiday of love. Choose a heart-shaped necklace or a pair of diamond earrings or even a nice bracelet to show your love. If you’re looking for gifts for men, a pair of handsome cuff links or a watch is perfect.
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CHOCOLATES – The tried and true traditional gift on valentines’ day.
Chocolate has even been said to be an aphrodisiac, making it the perfect candy for the holiday of romance. go all out with an lavish assortment of gourmet confections for your loved one.
LOVE LETTERS - A little creativity goes a long way on Valentine’s Day.
The tradition of exchanging love letters is one of the oldest associated with the holiday. To fully indulge in the romance of this tradition, take the time to write that special someone a love poem or a letter detailing all the reasons why you love them.
FLOWERS
– Another tried and true tradition flowers have always been a symbol of affection. The great thing about flowers is that they can be appropriate for any level of relationship you’re in. Choose a dozen (or more) red roses to symbolize romantic love, pink roses for new relationships and crushes, and yellow roses for a friend. You can even opt for a fresh spring bouquet of mixed flowers, like snapdragons, daisies, and tulips, if you want to show you’re interested without overdoing the romance. Also, flowers are not only to be given to women, you can also give the special male in your life a bouquet.
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Written By: Kenroy White
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“Muhammad Ali did not wake up
developed my table tennis skills, I was sharp and keen to learn all I could one day and become the world’s greatest about the game. I was coached at that boxer, we all know that. What we don’t time by Mr. David Harris whom was understand is the type of thinking, the instrumental in my early success in type of training, the kind of spirit that the sport,” he noted. His first time in propelled him to such heights. I think competition was representing St. Gile’s that rather than being overly concerned on the B team in the annual primary with the titles and limelight, players and schools competition. “It was the first coaches should pay close attention to time I got to showcase my skills before the intricacies that made people I didn’t know,” not just Muhammad he explained. After Ali but other greats some hard practice extract what serves and progress, he got their situations.” Charge the chance to train with Aluko Bascombe. the advance players and observe the best The Barbadian, is a 32 in the island. After years old, Holistic St. Gile’s he went to Practitioner and a Parkinson Memorial Fromer national table where they dominated tennis player. Aluko the secondary schools professional life competition. “The late would have spanned Mr. Keith Alleyne saw many areas including the good that I and massage, reiki and names like Kevin Farley, so much more but Matthew Baptiste,Andre perhaps his longest Felix, Rommel Farley dedication has been an I.T.T.F and Revaldo Joseph did level one qualified table tennis coach. for the school and went on to sponsor He has been involved in the sport from our trips to the U.S Open table tennis the early age of 8 and has only now tournaments.” We had great teachers been absent from the sport as a result who not only took interest in our of the birth of his first child. sporting talents but also academics. He recollects figures like Mr. Eugene Aluko’s sporting life started with Pilgrim, Mr. Hillary Pilgrim and Mr. cricket, athletics and football. Then he Brathwaite; “these were great teachers,” began playing table tennis. “I quickly he noted. They made sure winning with 16 | Island Signatures
humility and a strong character were reflected in our personas. During my time at school, my skills continued to sharpen I was also representing Barbados in tournaments such as the Goddard’s International Junior Caribbean Championships.It was at the age of sixteen that I placed third in the Caribbean Junior Boy’s Singles Tournament and at 18 I was crowned Goddard’s under 20 open Boys Singles Champion. The sport however has not been without issues. Players and coaches were seriously handicapped in regards to highest quality training and exposure to upper level of competitions played locally and outside of Barbados. Table tennis is one of the least recognized sports in Barbados. In all areas of life people will differ in opinions and views however, they must be a common goal that gels diverse personalities and minds. The one thing i have come the realize over time is a group of people will get more done by working together rather than working alone.
possibilities. There are various ways in which to improve table tennis in Barbados. One way is to keep players and coaches seperate from administration. This would allow all parties involved to focus on their individuals roles. Another way is to have coaches come together and create a training program. This program would include proven and creative methods for training to ensure a player success. The final way is to have players seeking knowledge from their coache and also give suggestionns to push their training and the sport in general to a higher level.
Todays champions do not happen by chance they are made.
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au.r ellie Written By:
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design, and sewing. This past year she has decided to pursue music seriously. ntroducing Soca Artist: Au.Rellie Au.Rellie plans to present numerous out of the Nature Isle, Dominica. Her first major single, “Picture Perfect compilations with Caribbean/ International producers and artists. Remix”, is a mix of Soca and Dub fused together. It is a remix to Lyikal’s “Picture Perfect”, one of the top Soca She acknowledges several persons, both regionally and locally, who have songs for 2017. Au.Rellie, a current been instrumental in her growth as Accounts & Finance major at the a musician, namely: Peter ‘WildFire” University of the West Indies Cave Hill Campus, does not only perform Noel and Devon “Lyrikal” Martin of Trinidad, Kendoyll Simpson of Belize, this number but penned it herself. Her version promises to be a hit this Darien Bailey of Barbados, Krishna “Dada” Lawrence, Edmond “Chum” year, as well. Telemaque, Samuel Ryner, Wayne McLawrence, Christon Azille and Aurelle “Au.Rellie” Joseph was born Tommy Cognette of Dominica. and raised in the quiet community of Vieille Case. A very crafty young Au.rellie praises her family as her woman, she attended the then Portsmouth Government School and biggest source of motivation and she claims that she is ready to take on the subsequently completed her high Soca scene. school education at the Portsmouth Secondary School. Au.Rellie was Look out for Au.Rellie on YouTube, constantly scolded at school for Instagram & Facebook, Follow and scribbling and freestyling songs. After graduating from the Dominica Subscribe to her channels. Au.Rellie is managed by ACEM By State College, she worked briefly at Jael Inc, a Dominican Agency; for Discover Dominica Authority and bookings – au.relliebookings@gmail. was later employed by National Bank of Dominica; two positions she com or 767 295 3973. exceled at. Though her life has been riddled with challenges, Au.Rellie have continuously channeled her emotions through various artistic mediums, such as event planning, interior
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In an interview with the artist we discovered a few things about the beautiful songstress. 1. What is your Favorite Color? Au.Rellie: Black 2. Favorite Food? Au.Rellie: Roast bread fruit and codfish – Strictly local 3. Did you have a childhood dream job? Au.Rellie: I have always admired the skill with which designers such as Marc Jacobs use simple textiles and patterns and transform them into such lavish breath-taking designs and as such I have always dreamt of being a designer. 4. What is your Favorite Movie? Au.Rellie: Lion King - though it is an animated film, it shows that even after experiencing great lost we can overcome, grow and carry on the legacy of our love ones. 5. Do you have a favourite quote? Au.Rellie: Art is always and everywhere the secret confession, and at the same time the immortal movement of its time - Karl Marx. The artist pours himself into his art such that even through generations the emotional content can never be lost. 6. What do you like to do for fun? Au.Rellie: Travel- I love the experience of meeting new people, seeing new places, indulging in new cultures. It uplifts my spirit. 7 What is the best advice your parents have given you? Au.Rellie: Whatever is there for you in life you will get it. Walk with your head high. If someone before you could do it and succeed what makes you so less of a person that you can’t? 8. Who is your favourite artiste? Au.rellie: Vybz Kartel 9. Why music? Au.Rellie: My father, being a jack of all trades, could play almost every instrument to his own ability and made me a guitar when I was in grade four. He wanted to teach me the art of music but I was too stubborn. was the leader of a children’s choir at church of which I was a 36My| mother Island Signatures
member; that is where I started singing. My mother had the sweetest voice. In high school I would participate in talent shows which involved singing and dancing. I have been scribbling words on my note books from way back when, even got scolded for it many times. I liked chilling with my friends after school and recording songs....rap....hip hop....they always wanted me to sing but I always wanted to rap because I thought I was hard core (tomboy). Most times I got in a studio the engineer would tell me I should pursue music. 10. Tell us about “Picture Perfect” Au..Rellie: Peter “Wildfire” Noel (Trinidad), Lyrikal (Trinidad) and Krishna “Dada” Lawrence (Dominica) are the geniuses behind Picture Perfect...I was preparing to MC an event hosted by my sister and contemplating using an old song I wrote as my intro but Lyrikal’s Picture perfect was playing and the lyrical juices of my version started flowing. I researched the producer, sent him a DM asking to buy the beat to use as promo (to do a response to Lyrikal’s version) and thankfully he told me he would give it to me free of charge. I wrote down the Lyrics and sent him a voice note of how it would sound. He then asked me to hit the studio because he really liked it and would love to help me musically. Dada gladly coached me through it and BAM...picture perfect. Picture Perfect was produced by Wildfire and engineered by Dada. If I was going to do soca it had to have a dub vibez and well started off in the DM. 11. What advice would you give someone wanting to pursue soca music? Au.rellie: Soca is the force that unites not only Caribbean people but people around the world. Its market has expanded and surpassed boundaries never thought possible. Once you remain focused, motivated and humble in addition to having the God given talent, follow your passion and do it to your utmost. 12. Closing remarks? I am so thankful to my family for the continued support: my aunty Cato, sisters Jerelle and Jael (my biggest fans who inspire and motivate me) my Evie and Jojo, Pablo, Janice, Elka, Borboy, Hina, Christon, Wendel, Kenisha, Simmz, Carla, Satya and Elisha Benoit whom I sang with in 767 the band. Thanks for the exposure. I do this...in remembrance of my musically inclined parents. Island Signatures | 37
Grand Anse Beach I
South Coast,Grenada
t is the biggest and the most beautiful beach in Grenada. Grenadian natives describe Grand Anse as “the granddaddy” of Grenada’s 45 beaches, it is about 4 kilometres long and is located on the South Coast of the island. Natives of Grenada say it is their favorite beach due to its clear waters and never ending hotels along the shore. Once at the beach there are water sports for both tourist and locals and you’re guaranteed to find starfish are two. At the beach, there are various bars in which you can grab a nice cold beverage and enjoy the sea breeze. Grand Anse is on the South Coast of
Grenada. So when ever you get a chance to visit Grenada you must put Grand Anse Beach as one place you must visit !!!
Written By: Reann Edwards
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erra Loves Kids is a non-profit organization whose mission is founded on the principles and beliefs that we must not only encourage the growth of our youth by educating and engaging them, but also equip each child with the necessary tools they need to motivate themselves. Kerra Loves Kids was founded in October 2014 by Kerra Denel; Kerra’s Grandmother Ms. Gloria is the main inspiration behind “Kerra Loves Kids.” Ms. Gloria was a true giver of love and Kerra strives to be a reflection of her. By founding Kerra Loves Kids, she was able to do just that.
Based in Toronto, Canada, we also have an office in Trinidad & Tobago, and are currently working on extending our reach to other Caribbean islands, United States and the rest of the world. 40 | Island Signatures
Through the Kerra Loves Kids organization we are dedicated to giving back to the community and those who are less fortunate, as well as foster growth and development of our children, whether borne from our wombs or not. It is our mission to empower children from all walks of life and teach them the importance of kindness, love and education. We aim to encourage our youth to be creative, to dream and to believe that they can and will achieve their highest potential.
Thus far, Kerra Loves Kids has executed many successful book drives, educational/sports days, reading clubs and charity events at orphanages in Canada, USA and Trinidad & Tobago. By reaching a global audience through various charity initiatives we believe that we will be able to bring people together to create a greater impact so that our future leaders can have a better and brighter tomorrow.
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Written By: Amanda Joseph
Ingredients
1medium sized breadfruit 1 egg ½ cup finely chopped onions 2 cloves of finely chopped garlic 2 stems of celery and parsley (finely chopped) 2 cups of grated cheese 2 cups of bread crumbs salt to taste The Method
1. Cut the breadfruit in four and clean it by removing the skin and the center stalk. 2. Boil the breadfruit in water with salt until it is soft. 3. Drain the excess water and place the breadfruit in a bowl. Mash it with a potato masher. and allow it to cool down. 4. Add the rest of the ingredients, and mix it thoroughly. Allow it to cool. 5. Make balls with the mixture at the sizing of your choice. Roll in bread crumbs and they can be fried or baked.
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If you are baking the dish, then place in oven for approximately 35 minutes at a temperature of 200*c.
Ingredients: 1 ½ cup mango, in slices 1 cup milk, fat-free ½ cup plain yoghurt, fat-free ½ cup natural pineapple juice ¼ cup Splenda no Calorie Sweetener, Granulated 1 cup ice Method: Place all ingredients in blender and mix for approximately 30 seconds.
Written By: The Gleaner’s Independence CookBook 2012
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Mixologist: Tania Devonish
Ingredients 2 med sliced Cucumbers 2 med sliced Tomatoes 3/4 Lemons Soda Water 2oz Mount Gay Silver 2oz Simple Syrup 15 Mint Leaves 3/4 Blue Curacao 1oz Grand Marnier Dry Ice 11/4 Passion Fruit Puree
Method 1. In the shaker add 2 med Cucumbers and Tomatoes,3/4 Lemons,2oz Mount Gay Silver,2oz Simple Syrup,15 Mint Leaves, 11/4 Passion Fruit Puree, 1oz Grand Marnier. (Mixture) 2. Pour 3/4 Blue Curacao in a glass,add dry ice to the bottom of the glass,add normal ice, pour the mixture into the glass an add soda water on the top. 3. Garnish with cucumber slices Island Signatures | 47
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The biggest event of the year is undoubtedly the St. Kitts-Nevis National
Carnival, also known as Sugar Mas. For the whole period between Christmas and the New Year, the streets erupt with every colour of the spectrum as a host of processions and street performances take place.
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A Review of Offset written by Delvin Howell Illustrated by Tristan Roach Written By: Daniel Boxill
Writer: Delvin Howell (Illustrated by Tristan Roach, Coloured by Jenny Chiu& Ludwig Olimba) Publisher: Beyond Publishing Genre: Fantasy, Martial-Arts, Graphic Novel/Comic Set in an alternate version of Barbados (‘Bimshire’), “Offset” follows the life of a young man named Kyle Harding who stumbles upon an underground society filled with magic and violence collide. sugarcane his mother left behind. But when the shadows come for his life, Kyle Offset is a graphic novel written by Delvin Howell and Illustrated by Tristan begins to wonder if the cane would be enough to protect him and his family. Roach which shows influences of Far East Asian culture, particularly Japanese Join Kyle Harding as he enters the animation and graphic novel styles and underground of Bimshire and the world storylines (‘anime’ and ‘manga) aswll as of the Dark Arcs.” Chinese martial arts but with emphasis Issue 1 is a great introduction to this and Barbadian/African traditions and styles particularly the use of the martial series. I look forward to seeing how this story progresses. Whether you art of Stick-Licking by the protagonist. are a comic book aficionado, lover of Barbadian and/or Caribbean literature From the creators: “The Caribbean island of Bimshire became a dangerous and folklore or just a casual reader I place for Kyle Harding after his mother think Offset will interest you. died. Bus stops glow. Flute music haunts Rating: the air. And the very shadows seem to stalk him. Kyle only finds comfort in the 56 | Island Signatures
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Review of Home Fuh Christmas by Aprille L Thomas Written By: Daniel Boxill Avalaible: http://www.aprillethomas.com/thelatest Genre: Family, Christmas, Short Story ‘A drunken uncle, a liard aunt and nuff, nuff pork!’ Multi-Award-winning writer Aprille L Thomas brings us a hilarious and very Bajan look at the holidays with Joneses in her shovrt story “Home Fuh Christmas”. It’s a light, humorous
take on a modern-day Barbadian Christmas and is sure to bring smiles to anyone who knows that ‘cheese on bread’ has nothing to do with food. Much of the conflict which drives the story revolves around ‘Aunty Pam’ who has a few secrets, like “Steve” and how she affords the lifestyle she wastes not breath trying to be modest about (even if not truthful in her boasts). It’s a story of love, family and sacrifice for the sake of peace marinated in rum and served with a slice of ham in front of the cricket match on TV.
Written By: Luanne Roberts-Hunte It’s great and quick read which elicited quite a few chuckles from and maybe a ‘belly laff ’ or two that you’ll definitely want to reread and share. One can only hope that there we’ll be seeing more of Aunt Pam in the future. Rating:
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CONTACT INFORMATION CONTACT INFORMATION Au.Rellie is managed by ACEM By Jael Inc, a
Dominican Agency; for bookings – au.relliebookings@ gmail.com or 767 295 3973.
Kerra Denel Kerra Loves Kids Trinidad #: (868) 491-1717 USA # : (786) 452-6721 Canada #: (416) 804 - 0781 Twitter/Instagram : @kerraloveskids https://www.facebook.com/ Facebook : https://www.facebook.com/kerraloveskids kerri.hortonwiltshire
Sofilia Blucher 784-4335991
Ridge Boyce
Life with Ink instagram: @lifewithink246 For inquiries -829-2477
Aluko Bascombe 1246-823-1122
SoShine Media
http://soshinemedia.com/ soshineink@gmail.com +1246 268-9323
Delvin Howell Facebook: Beyond Publishing Caribbean Aprille L Thomas
http://www.aprillethomas.com/the-latest 6064 | | Island IslandSignatures Signatures
Model: Simone Elliott Photography: Justin Ellis/ Wave Element Island Signatures | 61
Tanya Small Luanne Roberts-Hunte Simone Elliott - Cover Page Angene Blucher Amanda Joseph Kerra Denel Ragoo Jael Joesph Shane Forde Daniel Boxill Aluko Bascombe Tania Devonish Lia Carter Reann Edwards Joshua Clarke Aurelle joseph Ridge Boyce-Life with Ink SoShine Media Kahlid Browne Delvin Howell- Offset Comic More than Gifts Kerra Loves Kids Zhara Khan Sherilyn Patrick Petula Alie Nicolette Regis Melissa Harris Natalia Nanton Wave Element
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Shaquille Layne Caleb Straker (Tribe of Leb) Ruby Tech (Razor’s Edge) Sasha Melody JSG Coaching & Consulting Destination246 Jamillah Rojas Vanessa Phillips Franz Gittens Tremaine Agard Kenroy White DeCarla Applewhaite Jermaine Bourne Damian Greaves Marita Simmons Paula Lynch Daresque Niska Stewart Niaomi Herbert Nicolette Lewis Danielle Gonsalves Rhea Bovell Anmarie Clarke Greta Williams Trica Marshall Tamara Malcolm Reon Augustus Jerelle Joseph
B Couture Ayo Alleyne Kadijah Maxwell I-Candi Pictures White on the dock White Flag Chenic Smith Rashane Campbell Kemar Roberts Cyan Sylvester Dameain Williams Justyn Woodley Kael London Lyle Roberts Ocean’s Little Rooms KMH Creations Lucid Club Lounge Sade Thompson Kimberly Riley Babara Mcmillan Deisha Dare Designs J’ame Crochet Swimsuits By Shiv Shalana Bynoe Ashley Thornton Leanne Knight Girl Friend Expo Shalaina Joy
Kimon Baptiste Cher Designs Khamal Scantlebury
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