JAN 2016 ISSUE #1
Island IslandSignatures Signatures 2016 2016 2016
CONTENTS 4 Letter From The Editor 6 B.Couture 8 Deisha Dare Design 14 Swimsuits By Shiv 20 J’aime Crochet 26 Caribbean Delights 28 2016 Calender 30 Wave Element 32 CropOver 2015 Review 44 Hance John 50 Bringing In The NewYear 52 Royalink Ltd 54 Contact Information 56 Acknowledgements
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Letter From The Editor
It’s here!!! Colour! Culture! Class! ISLAND SIGNATURES!!! From our rich history to exciting present, the Caribbean has made a number of advancements. As we launch this first quarterly issue, our desire is to help fuel your passion for all things Caribbean. Regionally, the aim is for you our valued readers to foster an appreciation of our diverse culture which is reflected in the creativity of the featured work in the areas of fashion, art, music, culinary arts and mixology, festivals and the lifestyle of our people. While the vision is by no means unique, our approach and interpretation of ART is holistic with an eye and ear for detail. Our intention is to promote awareness of equality and diversity while embracing new and existing talent from all the islands. Our hope is that as the pages of vibrant colour and creativity come to life in your hands…or rather on your device…the call for further Caribbean integration will be answered. We welcome advertisers to get on board quickly as our estimated reach in this first quarter is over 1,000,000 viewers. So while we pop open our champagne and light up the pages with fireworks it is only fitting that we acknowledge the hard work of our CEO Mr. Justin Ellis who worked tirelessly in birthing this creation. Join us on this journey! Download your digital copy… send the link, pass the word, tag a friend and help us spread the vibe! Your action will help motivate more youth to get on board. Finally, I am excited to see entrepreneurs bravely stepping out when they see others who have taken the chance. It may seem unattainable but what do you have to lose? Art can be so dynamicthe possibilities are endless! Luanne Roberts-Hunte Editor-in-Chief
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CONTRIBUTORS Editor: Luanne Roberts-Hunte Writers: Latrishka Thomas Racquel King Sheria Brathwaite Sherilyn Patrick Anthony Bolden Risha Daniel Photography by: Justin Ellis Layout & Design: Daniel Boxill & Justin Ellis
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Written By: Luanne Roberts-Hunte
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wenty-five year old Deisha Baxam of Sangre Grande, Trinidad, has always been inspiredby art and fashion. Her exposure to the different cultures in the twin island Republic in which she was raised, helped to nurture her natural talent and gift from God. In 2010, Deisha dared to launch a fashion show entitled “The Serengeti”, inspired by the theme from the Serengeti plains of Africa. This young star went even further in 2013 to represent Trinidad and Tobago in the West Indies International Festival at Canoe Bay Beach Resort, Tobago, where on the runway she displayed her costume designs, which were featured on the road for Trinidad Carnival Celebrations 2014 in the band ‘Petlemas’. This commendable entrepreneur, who officially founded her company Deisha Dare Designs on August 1st 2010, says that her mission is to take fashion to the next level by enhancing and incorporating artistic expressions with fashion through hand painting, batik and tie dye. No stranger to high end fashion, she has worked closely with top designers such as Fashon Dandy, Deson Ayinde Sealey, Sheldon Warner and Richard Noel along with many others. This, she claims was her breakthrough. She was able to create remarkable pieces for clients she never thought she would be able to interact with. Some of these are Gage Amighty (Jamaican Dancehall Artiste), Skinny Banton from Grenada, Wave Element from Barbados, Whiteflag Entertainment, HS Productions, Fantasy Faces, Orlando Octive, Super Star ray (Synergy) Code 202 Production, Patrice Roberts, Dkrewe mas band, Sekon Sta (Soca Artiste) and SYO, just to name a few. Deisha Dare Designs style continues to evolve and her ultimate goal is to continue to build and establish her brand while tapping into the international market.
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Written By: Racquel Written By: Racquel King King Island Signatures | 15
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ho exactly is “Shiv” you may ask? Shiv, short for Shivonne, is originally from the beautiful, tropical islands of Trinidad and Tobago. Well known for its beaches, history, Carnival and soca music, this twin island republic boasts a diverse and exuberant culture. She epitomizes what a T&T national is -outgoing, personable, spiritual and chatty. As a young child she always had a creative side, using her hands to create one of kind items. However, upon entry into secondary school and enrolling in Clothing and Textiles class, she truly started to explore her innovative side. In the interview, Shiv revealed that she enjoyed sewing her own clothing since she was quite petite (probably 100lbs) as many stores did not cater to her size. The idea emerged about 7 years ago when she went to purchase a swimsuit. There were no sizes available and those in kids stores were too childish for her taste. She was even advised to buy the smallest size and pay to have someone adjust it. In that moment, she thought, “but Shiv, why not make one yourself?” After a quick examination of the construction and type of stitching used for the swimsuit, she proceeded to the fabric store, bought some spandex and made her first swimsuit which fit perfectly. This spurred her on to design and make so many pieces that persons would stop her to enquire as to where she got the swimsuit she was wearing. Today, Shiv does custom made swimsuits and engages the services of her partners Amanda and Darriane (depending on which country the customer is from) to deliver free of charge and make any necessary on the spot alterations all for a reasonable price. Her aspirations are to provide ladies with some proper fitting, sexy and comfortable pieces to add to their swimsuit collection without charging top dollar. Island Signatures | 17
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Written By: Luanne Roberts-Hunte Written By: Luanne Roberts-Hunte
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’aime Crochet,’ which means “I love crochet” in french was created and conceptualized by Metasebia Talma in December 2013. Her love for fashion and expressions as well as home teachings from her mother led her down this path. After watching her mother make bedspreads and tablecloths, she was amazed at how one string can make so many different items. Metasebia took this curiosity and created modernized items such as swimwear, baby items, dresses and scarves. Her main focus however, is on the swimwear. Living in the tropical island of Barbados, where it is almost always hot and sunny, persons are encouraged to frequent the warm and cooling waters. Having the perfect swimsuit makes going to the beach a more enjoyable experience. The varieties are vast catering to plus sized and petite; toddlers and teenagers; the young and the young at heart! All swimwear is custom-handmade, giving the swimsuit a more personalized touch. ‘J’aime Crochet’ swimwear enables persons to express themselves as individuals through different designs. The material is long lasting and very comfortable for the Caribbean climate since it is breathable. ‘J’aime Crochet’ attention to detail shows in her designs and is evident by the consistent praise she receives from clients. This businesswoman on a steady path to success seeks to revive the lost culture of crochet as well as to inspire more individuality.
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Holiday Pumpkin Cheesecake Recipe By: Sherilyn Patrick Crust ½ cup almond nuts Large pk. Digestive biscuits 1½ tbsp. margarine Place nuts and biscuits in a food processor and chop into a fine mixture. Melt the butter and pour into the mixture and mix until the crust starts to clump together. Spoon into your baking dish and evenly spread along the bottom of the dish, you can determine how thick you want it. If you are allergic to nuts you can omit them. Filling 2 packages 8oz. cream cheese 1 cup pumpkin puree Pinch of fresh nutmeg ½ tsp. cinnamon ½ tsp. ginger powder Pinch of salt ½ cup brown sugar 2 large eggs ½ tsp. vanilla extract Prepare your pumpkin puree first by steaming your pumpkin in a small pot with a little water. When the pumpkin is cooked, add your nutmeg, cinnamon, ginger and salt and crush until smooth. You can also purchase canned pumpkin puree from the store and add your spices. Mix your cream cheese batter by adding the cream cheese (at room temperature), sugar and eggs to a bowl and mixing. After adding your puree to the cream cheese batter, spoon into your dish on top of your batter. Bake in the oven at 350°F for 25 minutes or until centre of cheesecake is set. Allow to cool and chill for at least 6 hours. Serve your first slice with any topping of your choice; my family loves cherries, whipped cream or a drizzle of Hershey’s chocolate syrup. 26 | Island Signatures
Peach Sunset Cocktail 1 1/2 0z Malibu Coconut Rum 1/2 0z Peach Snaps 1/4 0z Grenadine 1/2 0z Craneberry Juice Shake ingedients straing in Cocktail Glass Top with Pineapple
Mixologist: Mojo’s Bartender: Anthony Bolden
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CropOver CropOverReview Review
Written Risha Daniel Written By:By: Risha Daniel
CC
rop rop Over Over 2015! 2015! One One can can only only describe describe thethe approach approach asas international international - evident - evident inin thethe quality quality and and execution execution of of thethe events. events. Every Every event event was was strategically strategically thought thought outout and and well well implemented implemented with with sophistication sophistication- from - from thethe decor, decor, availability availability of of drinks drinks and and surprising surprising special special effects. effects. There There was was anan astounding astounding increase increase of of International International media media covering covering these these events. events. The The quality quality of of music music inin particular particular was was what what made made aa huge huge difference, difference, both both new new and and veteran veteran artists artists brought brought outout such such infectious infectious material material that that could could rival rival any any music music genre genre onon anan international international level. level. Kadooment Kadooment was was thethe culmination culmination which which diddid not not disappoint, disappoint, asas it was it was one one of of thethe best best jumps jumps toto date. date. Jumping Jumping with with Krave Krave forfor thethe first first time time was was such such anan exhilarating exhilarating experience, experience, I now I now seesee why why it is it is called called thethe party party band! band!
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KRAVE THE BAND VIDEO
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Hance John came on to the entertainment scene at the tender age of 7 years where he performed at church.In 2003 he entered the Junior Soca Monarch competition for the first time and won. He also went on to win this competition in 2007, 2008, 2009 creating history by becoming the first junior to ever win a hatric. He then went on in 2011 to join the most prestigious Soca group in St. Vincent and the Grenadines Lime Soca Dans. Hance was featured in most of the big shows in St Vincent and the Grenadines for Vincy Mas 2011 and also went on the becoming a finalist in the Soca Monarch competition in 2011. Hance has shared the stage with some of the worlds biggest soca entertainers like Machel Mantano, Bungi, Lavaman, Kes, Fay-Ann Lyons, Fireman Hooper, Luta, Skinny Fabulous and Cassi to name a few. Hance is also a song writer an has written all his songs thus far as well as for other local artistes. Hance has also worked with top producers in the business like Neil Bernard of Trinidad and Tobago, Parry Jack USA, Adrian Bailey of St Vincent and the Grenadines and Wayne Greene of Grenada.He has performed in countries throughout the region. Hance’s future aspiration is to reach the highest possible level in the entertainment business becoming an internationally acclaimed artiste, producer and song writer. Songs he has done over the years includes:Heat it up, Can’t Stop, Mash Up The Place, Jouvert Morning, Mass On The Road, Blaze it up, Turn Yoh Bumper, Rodents, Jump. Hance is under the management of the Island Network Inc. owned by Mr. Herric Horne.
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Bringing in the New Year Written By: Latrishka Thomas
Another year has ended and we instinctively resort to making presumptuous
statements commonly referred to as ‘New Year Resolutions’. These statements rarely ever become a reality because they are empty desires of self. Instead, we should make declarations over our lives-declarations of success, growth and change on a whole. Words, just like a stone into pond, often leave ripples on the surface of our lives, the impact of which is determined by how hard and how well we throw that stone (powerful declarations).
Future success requires change As a celebratory act it is important that hope for future success exceeds fear of future
failure. This may require change in thought and posture, or changing some persons with whom you associate. Claim this as your year, make the necessary changes whether for health and fitness, spiritual or for your personal relationships. Whatever you do- do not give up, do not look back and love yourself.
Don’t settle! Firstly, we must never settle for less than the best. We often make compromises or
changes to our value system or our goals based on the things (or people) we meet along our journey but the moment we lower our standard, we fail; fail at unmasking our true potential.
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Use pain from the past as motivation In hindsight we will recognize that the pain from our struggles is what makes the future
beautiful. In this statement, an important reality is spoken of, that is, our past. Sometimes the past can be a good motivation but often times it sucks us back into a whirlpool of painful memories and thoughts of failure. If we refuse to look back we are declaring continuous and consistent forward movement and a step forward is ALWAYS a step in the right direction.
See opportunities‌not obstacles We should also refuse to give up or refuse to turn back. Sometimes along our journey
we face obstacles that appear to be bigger than us and we allow it to defeat us. However, it is important that we see the opportunity to grow and not the obstacles ahead. Our goal could just be beyond that one obstacle so keep the faith and hold on to hope, it is the only thing more powerful than fear.
Love yourself! Most importantly, love yourself! Loving yourself is not an act of vanity but a way to
lay hold of who you truly are‌your identity. This means that you not only gain sight and appreciation of yourself, but your purpose on a whole. If you love yourself, you can more accurately love others and step into every situation with humility and surety.
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Royalink Ltd. - Connecting you to a wealth of business strategies. Royalink embarked on a secondary school tour and over 200 students and their parents have signed up to be part of their incubator. Royalink helps create tech startups with young people after healthy personal development sessions. At Royalink, they teach and create websites and apps. All students enrolled have started their own business. In August alone, 15 startups were created. Royalink teaches them to turn their passions into a reality to incorporating technolgy. 52 | Island Signatures
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CONTACT INFORMATION Deisha Dare Designs
Telephone Contact: 1 868 749- 4146 Email: deishadaredesigns.info@gmail.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/deishadaredesigns Instagram: @deisha dare
Swimsuits by Shiv
Email: swimsuitsbyshiv@gmail.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/swimsuitsbyshiv Instagram: @swimsuits_by_shiv
J’aime Crochet
Telephone Contact: 1 246 821-6507 Email: jaimecrochet@gmail.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/Jaime-Crochet Instagram: @jaimecrochet
B Couture
Telephone Contact: 1 246 436-3160 Email:bmcmillan2004@yahoo.com Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/B-Couture-468585569822912
Wave Element
Telephone Contact: 1 246 248-5295 Email: waveelement1@gmail.com Facebook page: www.facebook.com/WaveElements Instagram: @wave_element
Royalink Ltd
Facebook- www.facebook.com/royalinkup Twitter - www.twitter.com/royalinkup Website: www.royalinkonline.com Instagram - @royalinkup 54 | Island Signatures
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Acknowledgement Models: Niska Stewart, Niaomi Herbert, Nicolette Lewis, Danielle Gonsalves, Aurelle Seaman Joseph, Rhea Bovell, Anmarie Clarke, Greta Williams, Tricia Marshall, Tamara Malcolm and Reon Augustus Supporters: Kimberly Riley, Babara Mcmillan, Franz Gittens Designers: Deisha Dare Designs| J’aime Crochet | Swimsuits By Shiv | B Couture Other Photos by: Ayo Alleyne | Kadijah Maxwell | I-Candi pictures | White on the dock | WhiteFlag
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