Open Road Arts and Travel Magazine | June-July Issue 2 by OpenRoad Arts and Travel Magazine

ISSUE 2 | JUNE - JULY 2016

Travel Feature: Quinn Russell’s

WANDERLUST Art Feature:

I AM

KRÉYOL FASHION WITH PURPOSE

- Joelle Jean-Fontaine

Acoustic Soul from the W.I. - Sabrina Francis iTravel

with photographer Ishango

Lee-Ann Haslam on ART & ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Setting the Standard in Music

Nigel Powell and Dachan Morris

Welcome to Open Road Arts and Travel Magazine. We are an online magazine that showcases talented Caribbean people and how they are making an impact in their corner of the world. Whether it’s the arts, travel, health, finance or personal development, we aim to inspire our family of readers to be better and do better.

Credits and Photo Submissions: BigMike Photos Sabrina Francis Ishango Photos Quinn Russell (Traveller’s Bazaar) Joelle Jean-Fontaine (KRÉYOL) Nigel Powell

Layout and Design Kerrian Thompson

Magazine Photographer Michael Mighty

Open Road Arts and Travel Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine should or may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, transmitted in any form or by any means printed for duplication without prior written permission from the publisher.

THE EDITOR Over 700 readers!!

Who would have imagined that in just two months, we would’ve had over 700 people read our magazine. The Open Road Team is simply humbled. We owe it to you, our family and we’re extremely grateful and excited about producing more great content for you. Here at Open Road, we have been thinking up great stories to inspire you to do more with life. We stay committed to highlighting the excellent work that Caribbean people have been doing in the areas of the visual and performing arts. You can also rest assured that we will be serving up some tantalizing destination features for you. In this issue, you’ll be meeting a sultry Grenadian songstress, a talented Haitian fashion designer and two fantastic photographers who tell us about the world through their lenses. You’ll definitely be getting a belly full! We’d really love to keep the communication going so feel free to send your comments to theopenroadmag@gmail.com or send us a message on any of our social media pages. You can follow us on Twitter and Instagram at theopenroadmag; and our Facebook page, Open Road Magazine. I hope you enjoy this issue. Keep spreading the word, keep reading and look out for greater things to come. Love and Blessings, Rochelle

Content 6 Meet The Team

10 14

Acoustic Soul from the West Indies Sabrina Francis iTravel

18 Finance: Your Best Friend.... Time

20 30

Travel Feature: Quinn Russell’s WANDERLUST

Young Talent: Lee-Ann Haslam on Art & Entrepreneurship

Art Feature: Joelle Jean-Fontaine’s I AM KRÉYOL: Fashion With Purpose

39 Personal Development: A Free Professional Development

Tool for You!

40 Fashion & Lifestyle : A Bang For Your Bucks 42 Tech: 6 Fitness Apps To Match Your Lifestyle

Education: Setting The Standard In Music

46 Health & Wellness: A Green Smoothie A Day

Acknowledgement: We would like to thank everyone who supported this vision and the production of Open Road Arts and Travel Magazine. We are grateful for your contribution in helping us to showcase the talents and achievements of our fellow Caribbean brothers and sisters. Our deepest appreciation and thanks to the Heavenly Father who has blessed us with the time, talents and skills needed to accomplish this goal; for with Him, all things are possible. From the Co-Founders: Rochelle Mighty, Kerrian Thompson and Michael Mighty.

MEET th ROCHELLE MIGHTY

Rochelle has been a media practitioner for over seven years. Her career spans television and video production, alongside public relations. She specializes in video editing and motion graphics. She and her husband, Michael, are the co-founders of their own media production house. She is also a mom of one who enjoys spending time with her family, reading and travelling. She currently lives in Toyama, Japan. Co-Founder, roch.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

KERRIAN THOMPSON

Kerrian is an art teacher, freelance graphic designer, event planner, ESL teacher and the Creative Director for Open Road Arts & Travel magazine. She has a passion for nurturing creative ideas and talents, enjoys spending her time with people who love and celebrate life. Now living in Japan, she has taken on the adventures of solo travel. Co-Founder, kerrian.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

MICHAEL MIGHTY

Michael is the consummate artist. Having studied music at Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts, he went on to play for some of Jamaicaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s top reggae acts. Though a drummer by vocation, his natural talent in photography led him to hone his skills over his five year career. When away from the lens, Michael enjoys video gaming, video editing and colouring and spending time with his family. Co-Founder, michael.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

BRANDON BEWZA

Brandon is an English teacher in Japan. From Canada, his background is in education and business. On his off time, he is a mediocre skier. brandon.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

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he TEAM DAVE COLLYMORE

Dave Collymore is a poet, song writer, author of two books, teacher, company trainer and travel enthusiast. He has been living in Japan since March 2008. He likes playing soccer, karate, writing and entertaining people. davecollymore.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

JHANA GRAHAM

Jhana is wife to Gregory, and an inspiring speaker who is passionate about people development and training. She spent 7 years working in people leadership in corporate Jamaica. Presently, she works in Japan as a Certified Teacher of English as a Second Language. She is also an academic researcher in the field of Educational Leadership and a Certified Career Coach and Trainer. In her free time, Jhana enjoys family time, singing, and cooking. jhana.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

CHRISTINA RODNEY

Christina is a proud Caribbean native living in Brooklyn, NY with a passion for all things fashion, art, music, travel & photography. You can read about her NY adventures and hair journey on her blog www.curlsinbrooklyn.blogspot. Contentment: A friend to everyone who lives, laughs, & loves fearlessly. christina.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

DIDAN ASHANTA

Didan Ashanta is an author and life designer who teaches, motivates and inspires health-seekers to eat their way to vibrant health. By creating informative content and facilitating empowering experiences, Didan has been able to gently guide go-getters through the transition from a standard omnivorous diet to a lifestyle where they enjoy mostly whole, plant-based eats and treats. openroad@didanashanta.com

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ADVERTISE WITH US! theopenroadmag@gmail.com

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Sultry Grenadian Songstress: Sabrina Francis

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ACOUSTIC SOUL

FROM THE WEST INDIES

In the Caribbean, reggae, calypso and soca run the town, so it’s often strange to hear of or see the success of any other genre. In this issue, the Open Road Team caught up with sultry Grenadian songstress, Sabrina Francis. We enjoyed the candid discussion about her life in the Spice isle, her new hit single, “Echo” and her budding music career.

Who is Sabrina Francis? Tell us a little about growing up on the Spice Island. Catharsis, It’s always a challenge to sum up my entire existence in one paragraph but nevertheless, I am a 21 year old girl, born and bred on the lush Caribbean island now affectionately known as “Pure Grenada”. I have fond memories of my childhood. I have 8 siblings, grew up with four of them and our yard was always filled with music. My mom was a calypsonian in a previous life so she wrote often and my dad’s first love is a brown box guitar

named “Betsy” that he’s had all my life. My younger days were a lot like a Broadway musical, in the sense that we would all randomly burst into song and have full on impromptu vocal sessions, and folks on their way to town or work would stand outside our house and listen until we were finished. We were not at all a wealthy family; music and our imaginations were at one time our only form of entertainment, so we were all taught at an early age to appreciate that and the power of words on paper.

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For how long have you been a performer? I’ve been singing live for a little over two years. How did you get started in your music career? When I was eighteen - shy and completely inexperienced - I was invited to do a two-song feature with a gospel band at the hotel “Le Phare Bleu”. The owner of the hotel, Dieter Burkhalter, who was the previous owner of a music school and music teacher, was apparently impressed with my potential. However, I lived on the other side of the island and was really hard to get ahold of, so over a year later I received a call asking if I would like to make some music. Of course, I said “YES!” and we never stopped. Since then we’ve done over 250 performances, from a couple celebrating their anniversary on the beach to the national stadium, to our sister isle to Switzerland. These have been some of the best years of my life.

We heard you were the big talk of this year’s Pure Grenada Music Festival. What was it like performing, and especially sharing the stage with some reknowned international singers? It was spectacular! It’s good to know that I am able to perform on the same stage as more experienced, weathered artistes and not stick out like a sore thumb :D. It felt natural and comfortable. I believe my audience felt this too. They were really supportive and we just got in the zone. I tell you, music is a beautiful thing. How do you view yourself as an artist? Simple, raw, relatable, mellow…..these are some words I would use to describe my sound. I appreciate real instruments and try to reflect this in my music and live performances; so we limit our use of computer loops and sample drum grooves and never perform with playbacks. We try to keep it as intimate and as raw as possible. How has your music evolved as an art and do you write your own music? Yes I do write my own music. I’ve practised writing as a child, always trying to mimic my mother and sisters. I always experiment with it and try different techniques and I can say that I’ve found a style that i’m more or less comfortable with but it’s still evolving and developing……and hopefully improving as it should. 12

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What inspires your music and your unique sound? We call our sound “Acoustic Soul from the West Indies”. My biggest inspirations stem from personal experiences that have had a direct and/or strong impact on my emotions. My mom and siblings have also played a major role in creating my sound.

A scene from Sabrina’s music video “Echo”. Click HERE to watch video Sabrina’s self titled debut album.

Tell us about your new hit single ‘Echo’. Echo is one of my many prayers. It’s featured on my recently released album “Think In Colour”. It tells the story of the frustrations I felt at that point in time. My mother teaches that we can always ask for help and wait for answers, and that positive things can grow out of negative situations as long as you have the right attitude and the right kind of people…..Echo describes my frame of mind in those moments. Do you think Caribbean musicians get a great deal of appreciation for their art? Because the dominating genres in the Caribbean are Soca, Reggae or Calypso, it can be a bit challenging for an artiste of my musical preference to make a huge impression. However, Grenada has given us some hope because over the past two years, there has definitely been a spike in interest of live entertainment and sultry sounds.

What do you think about the future of Caribbean musicians who may not have the usual Soca or Reggae sound, but a unique sound such as yours? Oh it’s very bright! When I first started performing, I would be lucky to see three local guests in my audience, and now locals turn out to every show to listen to my music and that feels good. When you’re not creating music what are you up to? I dress up as an Administrative Assistant during the day to pass time until I’m on a stage again. What’s next for Sabrina Francis? The main focus right now is to promote “Think In Colour”, which is my very first album ever, so that means more live performances, booking gigs on other Caribbean islands or internationally whenever possible. I also have “learn to play and instrument” on my to-do list, but whatever comes next I can assure you it’s all to do with this music! OpenRoadArts&Travel

nitely be Zermatt in Switzerland. It’s such a beautiful place and it was also my first time seeing snow. It was amazing there!

iTRAVEL Anyone who is on the Jamaican photography scene will probably have heard about Ishaka Shango – iShango for short. With roughly six years under his belt, Shango has been a staple in event coverage and has worked with some renowned corporate entities – both locally and regionally. However, some time ago, he ditched the corporate events scene for something a bit more exciting…or maybe a LOT more exciting! Today, he shares about his fairly recent globe trotting which included America and several European countries, all captured on his iPhone! Why did you decide to do a world tour? Well, there were many reasons. For one thing, I was getting bored with the photography scene in Jamaica and I have always wanted to see other countries. I had saved up enough and just wanted to do more in my life…so I decided a world tour would be a worthwhile adventure. Where did you visit? I visited many places. I started out travelling to New York, in the US. Actually, I have been there many times so I never counted it. Then I went on to England, Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, France, Belgium, Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Italy, Spain and that’s just to name a few of the countries. I spent a longer time in a few of the countries so I could visit many cities while there. What did you find most enjoyable and striking on your tour? For me, meeting new people and interacting with them overall was amazing! I could learn different perspectives of the world and just socialize with incredible personalities. I think that really made my trip. The most striking place would defi-

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Talk about the most spectacular scenery you captured while on tour. It would have to be Zermatt. This is where the iconic Matterhorn Mountain is located. It’s just a wonder to behold. I don’t think the best picture taken would ever capture the splendour of it. Which country holds your heart and why? Is it the memories, the people, the energy, the picturesque landscape? This one is hard, because many different countries have different meaning to me. For instance in Indonesia, it’s the people. In Germany, it’s the discipline. In Switzerland, it’s the natural beauty. I really can’t pick one specific country. Has this tour changed your perspective of the world or on life? How? Yep! It has changed my outlook on life overall. Firstly, that there are many persons out there trying to make ends meet despite their circumstances. Sometimes we forget that we aren’t the only ones who have difficulties. I have realized that no matter race, colour, or creed, everyone has their struggles and they’re working hard to take care of themselves or their loved ones. Also, I have seen in a tangible way how much more the world has to offer. I think everyone should take the time to just stop and look around at what the world has to offer – the experiences you can seep in by just taking time away from the hustle and bustle of daily life. I mean…you may not be able to take a world tour, but even just travelling in your home country and making the effort to communicate with people will show you that life is more than your routine. Which country would you recommend to the Open Road family to visit? Without a doubt, I’d recommend Switzerland, especially Zermatt. It’s a quaint mountain village and, in winter, it looks like something out of a Christmas movie. For the traveller looking for a new kind of experience, Zermatt is a wonderful place! Where do you want to go next and why? I think the next place would be Dubai. Actually, I stopped in Dubai to change flights but I wouldn’t really consider that as “going there”. I want to do a proper visit where I can skydive there and, of course, visit the Burj Khalifa!

Ishango standing tall at the Petronas Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia

Birmingham, England

Marina Bay, Singapore

The iconic Matterhorn Mountain in Zermatt, Switzerland.

Your

best friend...

TIME By Brandon Bewza

These numbers don’t seem like much, but when you are working with more money and a longer time frame, the numbers can be pretty staggering. Using a compound interest calculator, I crunched a few numbers. Let’s imagine you invest $1,200 a year for 20 years, at a 5% rate. 5%, in my opinion, is a pretty conservative return to expect if you are ok with a little bit of risk. Do your own homework. At the end of that 20 year period, you would have around $40,000 depending on when/how the interest was paid out. On a $24,000 investment, you’ve made about $16,000. Not bad!

When you look at investing, there is a tonne of information out there. A lot of it is needlessly complicated. Due to the fact that most specific investing advice has to be country specific and given our diverse audience, I thought I would talk about a very unknown and misunderstood concept. You have to remember, time is on your side. The ear-

Time I apologize in advance for this, but there will be some math in this article. I hate math, but it’s necessary.

Investing fundamentals are pretty simple: Make more than you spend, save as much as you can, and invest as much as you can. One thing that is not so simple is time. Compound interest is an important concept to understand here. In a nutshell, it’s the interest you earn on the money you invest + plus the interest you’ve already earned. For example, let’s say you invest 100 dollars the first year with an interest rate of 10%. At the end of the first year, you’ll have $110. Pretending you don’t invest anything else, you’ll have $121 the second year. Congratulations, you’ve just made interest off of your interest. This is how the rich stay rich. All you need is time, and a fair amount of it.

lier you start and the more you invest, the better off you’ll be. All of that interest works for you. Now, let’s imagine you invest the same $24,000 in a ten year period with everything else being the same. So, $2,400 a year versus $1,200. After the 10 years, you would have about $30,000, so $10,000 less. That’s a pretty big difference, for the same amount of money invested. Again, time is your best friend when it comes to investing, but you need a fair amount of it. If you expect to become rich overnight doing this, it will not happen. That said, even if you don’t have a lot to invest, that initial money will be worth far more when you are finally ready to cash in. Given the variety of different investments out there and their various risk profiles, you need to do your due diligence and homework. Many young people are afraid of the concept of investment because of this ‘spectre’ called Time. They are afraid of how long it takes before they get returns, the risks involved and the process in general. It is this fear that hinders them from understanding how investments work. These are legitimate concerns. To that, I say, fair enough. It’s a daunting topic. But, don’t be afraid to learn. Talk to professionals, your family, or anyone you know who is good with money. The internet has gobs of information. I’ve shown you the effect time has on investments, it’s up to you to use that time to the fullest. brandon.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

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STAY CONNECTED WHILE ON THE OPEN ROAD

SUBSCRIBE TODAY Escape into the pages of OPENROAD magazine and be inspired by Caribbean people who are making amazing contributions internationally. Bask in the beautiful locations they now call home and be mesmerized by talents that have superseded the boundaries of the Caribbean sea.

I AM

KRÉYOL FASHION WITH PURPOSE

Joelle Jean-Fontaine is a woman with a vision on a mission…a powerhouse on two feet. Proud of her Haitian heritage, armed with knowledge from life’s university and prepped to knock down barriers against the progress of all women, she takes her fight to the catwalk. Her fashion line, “KRÉYOL” is more than vivid imagination and bold prints. KRÉYOL embodies her identity and equally profoundly, aims to empower women to develop the identity they have long wanted to embrace. Joelle bares it all in a candid and powerful interview with the Open Road team.

Click HERE to watch Kreyol’s ‘Origin’.

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Who is Joelle Jean-Fontaine, and what is KRÉYOL? I am really just a simple Haitian woman living in America, trying to find her place in the world. I came to the States when I was eight years old, so it’s interesting because when I go home, I am not really considered a true Haitian according to the natives. I am definitely an outsider because I am somewhat Americanized, but I am an outsider in the States as well, because I am Haitian to the core. I counter attack this identity crisis by creating my own world - being an alien among the natives and proud of my uniqueness. KRÉYOL is my brand - a women’s fashion label that encompasses individuality, boldness, resilience and power with beautiful visual aesthetic and well-crafted garments (www.iamkreyol.com). We utilize fashion to raise awareness around various social causes, such as AIDS/HIV, clean water in Haiti, entrepreneurship and education. Our hope is to take it to the next level and impact women in impoverished communities around the world.

Tell us about your early years and why you pursued fashion design. I actually started designing completely by accident. Initially, I was going to school for architecture, and then I got pregnant and got married. My focus had changed somewhat and I ended up leaving school to stay home with my son. While at home, I was losing my mind because I’m so accustomed to being active and involved in the world. I started to teach myself how to sew by taking clothing apart and putting it back together. My mom sewed all of my life, and she would always try to teach me, but I was stubborn and never wanted to learn. Now here I was inheriting her skill and creating. I started with curtains and pillows, and moved on to garments. I had a friend who was working on opening up a boutique at the time, and she invited me to attend a conference with her for NY Fashion Week. When she sent me the information for the event, I noticed that they had a fashion show to close out the conference. In my ambitious excitement, I reached out to them and told them that I would like to be a part of the show. I told them that I was a designer (mind you I had only created maybe 3 garments my entire life at that point) and that I was interested in being featured on the runway. I sent them pics of the three garments I had, and to my surprise - they obliged! I literally created an entire collection (12 looks) in less than a week and my very first show on the runway was in NY Fashion Week.

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“...I actually started designing

completely by

accident. Initially, I was going to school for

architecture... ”

KREYOL’S talented designer, Joelle Jean-Fontaine

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This was over 10 years ago. I was not a designer then. I was just passionate about art and I knew that I wanted to present my creations to the world. Others began calling me a designer before I ever did myself. So for me, I believe that fashion chose me. It was simply a hobby that I used to keep me motivated and sane; and by being true to my artistry, I found that I could really have a platform for change.

How do you view yourself as an artist? I am fascinated and inspired by the world and I see beauty in all things. As an artist, I consider myself an architect of sorts - whether it is with fashion design, interior planning and decorating, event coordinating or creatively directing a photo shoot - my aim is always to orchestrate an experience. I aim to stimulate others visually, mentally, spiritually through various mediums of art. I think that to be an effective creator you have to be free to an extent. I want to free minds through art… even for a brief moment.

God can make it better for others through me. I’d like Kreyol to be a connection between established women who purchase beautiful quality clothing, knowing that their purchase supports another woman across the oceans. We are our sister’s keeper. That is my “why” and the reason why I am continuously inspired to fight to make Kreyol a success.

When creating your designs, what’s the one thing that you feel connects you to your Caribbean (Haitian) heritage? The silhouettes I utilize are reminiscent of the dresses my mom used to make for me in Haiti or of old uniforms. I also think the colors and patterns I gravitate toward are highly influenced by the visual footprint of Caribbean culture. I am connected to the bold colors and the resilient, strong disposition of my heritage. I think this is very apparent with my brand.

Who/what continues to inspire Kreyol? My biggest personal inspiration is my son. He recently turned 15 and is basically towering over me at this point. I am amazed at how quickly he came into this world, suddenly woke up a mini-man one day, and now is this thoughtful, caring, brilliant human. I always tell him that the most important thing that he will have in life is the power of choice. He can be whomever he chooses. I work hard to make Kreyol a success so that I am a manifestation of what hard work looks like for him and the actualization of a life I chose and the person I fought to be. I am inspired to push Kreyol to the next level because I want to be able to give women all over the world the power to choose. In America, if you work hard enough, you can do whatever you want to do. People are becoming Instagram famous overnight and children are running businesses. In places like Haiti, there are people who want work, crave education, but are not afforded the luxury (which, to me are the basic necessities of life). Women compromise themselves in order for their children to survive. My aim with Kreyol is to be able to utilize fashion to provide impoverished women the necessary means for survival.

What’s the most exciting part of your creative process?

I want to produce in Haiti, Ghana, Lagos, etc. The goal is to teach a skill and watch it manifest into the power of choice. I’ve developed my personal formula: teach women to create + pay them a fair wage to create + provide health care and education for them and their dependents = watch them build a life they can be proud of. I believe in options and that we are all here to help each other in some way. This life is not about me, but rather how

Fabric hunting is the most exciting part of my process. I love different patterns and textures. I’m in the fabric store touching and rubbing fabrics against my skin - placing a variety of patterns together to see what works. I tend to work backwards. So, I don’t sketch out designs first or look for cultural/visual influence. Usually it’s the fabric - the colors that get my juices flowing and then the designs and concepts derive from there.

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In a 24 hour period, what goes on in the mind of Joelle, the fashion designer, entrepreneur, philanthropist and mother? Oooooo… Philanthropist. I like the sound of that I wouldn’t add that to my roster just yet. My efforts have been minor, but that is the goal. That’s where we are headed. As far as a day in the life of… (Geez. What a loaded question?!) I usually start my day off with croissants and tea looking out my back porch onto the pond, listening to Debussy (I’m kidding. That’s my dream obviously). But, I start my days thanking God and then frantically getting myself and my son together. In the car we have our daily devotions, talk about whatever is pressing and answer emails (he’s my virtual assistant). I drop him off. I head to work (Yup I work a 9-5). During lunch, I take KRÉYOL meetings - either in person or on the phone. After work, I usually have a meeting (3 out of 5 days of the week). I go home and make sure my son is on top of his work, debrief on his day, eat, answer emails, and sometimes sleep. I do a lot of internal planning. I design, fabric shop, gather some inspirations and unwind on the weekends mostly. My mom works with me and sews everything I design. My brother, sister and friends handle marketing, sales and PR. We are an awesome team. I am only able to juggle it all because they are so effective. Once in a while (only once in a while) I sleep, and every day I Love. 24 hours often seems like 48 in one, but it takes that time, commitment and dedication to run a successful business. It’s the Caribbean way - we do what we have to do until we are able to do what we want to do.

When you’re not designing, what are you up to? When I’m not designing, I’m usually still doing something KRÉYOL. (I’m a bit of a workaholic). I am always thinking of a new concept of some kind. I love my family and friends, so on a regular basis I like to have a good meal with my people, laugh, drink, go dancing, drink some more (I’m from the Caribbean. What do you expect?) I also just shoot for fun. I like to come up with photo shoot concepts on the fly and creatively direct a quick project to inspire me in a different way. This actually helps me to design more effectively because after a while designing can become really technical and sales focused. When I am a creative director, I am just free to manifest whatever is in my head. Lastly, I like to do absolutely nothing at all: sit in a quiet space in nature and enjoy the ambient sounds of life and just be alone with my thoughts. It’s actually one of my favorite things to do. I think quiet time is the key to staying focused. You have be able to hear yourself and hear God through you.

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“I am inspired by community, love, passion, colors, imperfections, leaning palm trees, dirty children’s hands, mango juice on a chin, cold concrete against my feet...” Where is your favorite or most inspirational place you’d like to visit, or you have visited? Haiti inspires me a great deal: from the way people interact with each other, to the vibrant colours, the food and the raw, gritty nature of it all. I appreciate the beauty and freedom that comes from simple living - from not having much but everything at the same time. In America, people can own a mansion, have multiple vehicles, an amazing salary but be miserable simply because happiness does not depend on worldly possessions. Their perception of success is a bit warped in my opinion. People work so hard for “things”, yet neglect the “people” who mean the most. There’s a lack of community. For me - I am inspired by community, love, passion, colors, imperfections, leaning palm trees, dirty children’s hands, mango juice on a chin, cold concrete against my feet, the smell of salt water and seaweed, the sound of crashing waves, Haitian paintings being sold on the side of the road, women at the marche selling straw hats and bags, people hanging out of the back of a camionette (Haitian tap tap bus), neighborhood car’s headlights all lighting the terrain for the children to play soccer after the electricity has gone out… that feeling you get when you step off of an airplane into Port-AuPrince, Haiti, and your spirit says out loud, “Welcome home”. This inspires me to create because it allows me to be uninhibited in my thoughts- free from worry and stress. Another place that inspires me (and I have yet to visit) is Japan. I’m totally fascinated by their culture and their artistry as it pertains to fashion, textiles, architecture, paintings, and dedication to excellence. Again - another culture that prides itself on simplicity and peace at all cost. In the city, you can live 28

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next to a millionaire and never know it. I appreciate humility in the world. What keeps you grounded with all the successes and recognition KRÉYOL receives? I think I am just a really grounded person in general because of my family and my faith. I couldn’t imagine being anything else. Success is totally subjective. People can look at me and say that Kreyol is a success and I disagree because I have a totally different vision of what success is. I don’t think success is recognition. It’s not having the “right” person wear my garments or the right magazine publish my editorial, but rather success to me is being able to fulfill my purpose on this earth by doing what I love being able to really make a difference by creating a piece of art. In that aspect, I would say—I’m not there yet. I’m working on it. When we get there, I will still be grounded with both feet firmly planted on the ground because I understand two things: (1) as successful as you can become, you can also lose it all within a blink of an eye, so you have to be grateful and humble for all things, and (2) any success I obtain is not my own doing, but rather a manifestation of the awesome team and support that surrounds me and the favor God has granted me. He keeps me grounded. What would you like to share with women who wear KRÉYOL clothing? For the women who wear KRÉYOLl, my goal is to make you feel like a superwoman. There are garments that make us feel comfortable and easy some make us feel sexy. When you put on a Kreyol dress, I’d like you to feel mighty, unstoppable, bold, unique, comfortable in your own skin, passionate, desirable… smart. Often times, women are made to feel as if they have to shrink who they are to adhere to a certain standard. My aim is for you to create your own standard. That is who we are - powerful beings who live boldly and walk in their purpose.

Click HERE to shop KRÉYOL’s store : www.iamkreyol.com

Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re working on some great feature stories for you!

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We want to showcase talented Caribbean people and how they are making an impact in their corner of the world. Whether itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s the arts, travel, health, finance or personal development, we aim to inspire our family of readers to be better and do better. Contact us:

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Wanderlust Quinn Russell’s

The “Quinntessential traveller”, Quinn Russell admiring the Topkapi Palace in Turkey.

Open Road Arts & Travel

In the world of luxury hospitality and travel, Quinn Russell is, without a doubt, a fine connossieur. Self-styled as “The Quinntessential Traveller”, he is a free spirit, always seeking new adventures. He took some time though, to stop by and share a bit about his life with us. He also tells us about his alltime favourite place – the magical island of Bali. Tell us a bit about yourself. Hi Open Road Magazine! I am thrilled to share my travels with you! I am an architectural designer residing between South Florida and the Bahamas. I was born in Minnesota, (Prince Country) but at the age of two months (thank God) my father, who is Bahamian born, relocated our family to Freeport, Bahamas. That was the best decision he could have ever made…it shaped my passion for exploration and design. Growing up in the islands, I was always exploring some remote cave, hidden beach or taking in all the pastel colours of our vibrant architecture. From a young age I knew I wanted to be an architect and take my wandering abroad. What inspires your travels? Every day I’m always thinking of the vastness of this planet we call Earth and thanks to advancements in technology we can see it! My island upbringing trained me to get up, go out, and see! My first big trip other than moving to the Bahamas at two months was when I went to Mexico City at the age of 12. On that trip I caught the wanderlust bug and ever since then I’ve been on the road experiencing as much of travel as possible. At the heart of my trips, architecture is always the motivator. Your passion is architecture. How did you connect it to travel? Going further to the heart of my travels, architecture propels most, if not all of us to explore the unknown. We all want to see the Eiffel Tower, observe the Taj Mahal and ascend Dubai’s Burj Khalifa. Every great destination has architectural icons we fascinate over and are driven to see firsthand. Architecture goes beyond four walls, it creates and enhances culture. It speaks for every citizen saying this is who we are, this is our story. To date, how many countries have you visited? I have visited 30 countries to date and honestly I am just getting started!!!

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Tegalalang Rice Terrace, Ubud, Indonesia.

Pura Tirta Empul, Bali, Indonesia.

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We’d love for you to talk about the best country you’ve experienced. By far my FAVOURITE destination is Bali, Indonesia! The landscape The landscape is exactly what drew me to the ‘Island of the Gods’. It is a lush tropical paradise. There are active volcanoes you can trek, verdant rice terraces, hidden waterfalls and great beaches for surfing!

The popular tourist spots and the lesser known ones Ubud is the cultural hub of Bali and it has everything a yogi hipster could want. You can experience raw food cafes, art galleries, co-living spaces for creative entrepreneurs and some of the best yoga studios in the world. Within Ubud is the Monkey Forest. It is a very well-known tourist spot to visit but it really is a must-see attraction. The inquisitive monkeys are everywhere roaming the sacred grounds freely. You can buy bananas at the gate and feed the monkeys. Be forewarned: the older monkeys tend to be aggressive, but the baby ones are friendly, so watch your back. Literally! How were the people? Balinese are wonderful people, I think culturally they share many similarities with Caribbean family living. Balinese extended families live together and the saying “it takes a village to raise a child” is so true there - just as it is in the Caribbean. Balinese are very spiritual people and you will see daily religious processions and colourful flower offerings scattered all across the island. How was the atmosphere? When I think of my time in Bali, I smile because the atmosphere is peculiarly cool. There is this cross between devout Balinese hinduism and western new age mysticism. All in all, it is a place of renewal and rebirth whether you’ve come to be one within or simply take in the Eden landscapes while “cozying it up” at one of the endless choices of luxury hotel accommodations.

Pura Tirta Empul, Bali, Indonesia. Click HERE to watch a video of Quinn’s Bali adventure.

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Balinese religious processions seem to be held daily on the streets of this Indonesian Island.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;Photography is such a powerful tool to remind us to slow down and seek thebeauty in the smallest of things.â&#x20AC;?

Bali Monkey Forest Temple, Ubud, Indonesia

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How hard or easy was it to get around? Ubud is walkable but I suggest renting a scooter or hiring a driver for the day which is quite cheap ($60 for 8hrs. small bus) which can be arranged by your hotel or guest house accommodations. I rented a scooter and it was such a cool experience, Balinese ride scooters everywhere so it was nice to get caught in traffic with some fifty riders all next to me. I “lived like a local”, but besides my faux localism, I loved using Google maps, hopping on my scooter and driving to a remote temple each day. How was the food? The food is amazing! There’s Betutu which is an iconic Balinese favourite. Betutu is whole chicken or duck stuffed with traditional spices, wrapped in banana leaves, then enveloped tight in banana trunk bark before it’s baked or buried in a coal fire for 6 to 7 hours. What you get is a slowcooked, fall-off- the-bone tender meat dish that is seasoned to perfection. Most dishes are meat or seafood based, incorporating seasoned rice and fresh veggie sides. What was the most impressive architectural design you saw while you were there? There was no one architectural monument that I loved more than the other. This is due to the thousands of amazing beautiful temples dotted across the land, which is why it’s called the ‘Island of the Gods’. What I loved was the collective exploration of all the Balinese temples, their architecture creates these unique pagodas and pavilions which

has now been replicated in villa accommodations. The indoor outdoor style of living is directly inspired by Balinese temple architecture. What images did you often strive to capture? What emotions did you want to evoke when you were snapping away? In my photography I try to capture the unseen beauty of a space, place or person; those moments in between moments. Photography is such a powerful tool to remind us to slow down and seek the beauty in the smallest of things. I love architectural style shots and landscape photography. I also enjoy natural shots of people but try not to photograph people so much because I respect their privacy. What was your most memorable experience there? My most memorable experience was visiting Tegenungan Waterfall. I was the only person there taking in all that beauty! While at the waterfall, I had to walk across a ravine in chest high waters, and I was so in the moment! As I was walking, the water was rapidly moving and I had my backpack on me with my computer inside! I didn’t realize how intense the situation was until I almost lost my balance and was taken downstream but thankfully that disaster didn’t happen! So you would think I would have turned around but I had to get closer to the waterfall and once I did, I realized the water was coming down way too hard to go under. It was a crazy beautiful adventure!

See more of Quinn’s luxury travel adventures on his travelblog: www.travellersbazaar.com

“If color is life, Bali is overflowing in abundance of it. These are flower offerings found all across the island.”

Lee-Ann Haslam

Art & Entrepreneurship on

By Dave Collymore Lee-Ann Haslam has spent the greater part of her adult life sharing her talents in the “Land of the Rising Sun”. Her love affair with the country started long before she even thought of studying there. Now, it has blossomed into a fruitful long term relationship. Lee-Ann talks Art and Entrepreneurship in By Dave Japan. Collymore Where are you from originally? I’m originally from Kingston, Jamaica. Where did you attend university? I did my undergrad in NY at Fordham University. I did a double major in Art History and Studio Art with a minor in Arts Management and a concentration in Graphic Design. I was the recipient of a scholarship, so I did my Masters in Creative Glass at the Tokyo University of Arts. What was your job before coming to Japan? Before coming to Japan, I was the Culture Coordinator and Assistant Director at the Centre for Arts, University of Technology, Jamaica. What brought you to Japan? I visited Japan in July 2004. I was interested in learning and experiencing the culture for myself. In New York during my undergrad, I worked in a library and in my down time I read many books. One was about Japan. Also, my mom’s very good friend represented Honda in Jamaica and she would often travel to Japan. On my 16th birthday she brought back a yukata for me and chopsticks. Maybe the interest started

then. I lived in Saga Prefecture, Kyushu first for 4 years. I also spent half year traveling and two and a half years completing my Masters study in Tokyo. What job(s) did you do in Japan when you just got here? I was a prefectural JET in Saga for 4 years. After graduating with my Masters, I worked full time at first. Then I took a part time art teaching job at a junior high school and 2 university jobs, one in hospitality and tourism and the other in the global studies department. I did this so I could have one day for creation of my own business. What is your job now? I run an organic products and artwork business in addition to being a Professor and a Junior High School art teacher. What is it like running a business in Japan? I guess anywhere has its challenges and opportunities. For me specifically, I run LeeCreates which is mainly divided into artwork and organic products. In Jamaica, people know me for my class and art. Usually when I’m on vacation, I always have at least 2-3 orders to fill and more work if I stay longer. In Japan, I’m known for organic soaps and beauty care, so when people need help with hair/ skin they contact me. I’m pleased that the products work for my customers. On another note, in Japan it’s very easy to register a business and it has benefits. I believe though no matter where you are, it’s up to your vision as to what you want

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to build and your will to achieve it. If you really want something no matter the challenges you will find a way.

I have a clientele presently that feels just right for me. Each customer gets personal care and my role at the end of the day is only to help and aid mutual satisfaction.In some ways, I have more support here

in terms of advice, inspiration and teamwork especially from other Jamaican entrepreneurs. We help and encourage each other. I’m not sure if it would be the same in Jamaica. Any advice for people from the Caribbean/foreigners in general here in Japan who want to start a business? It may be daunting at first to do something out of the box and step out on your own, especially since we are surrounded by myths of what cannot be done. However, every day I see people succeed or go for what they want. I think in life we must be true to ourselves and go after what it is that we truly want, and find a way to do it. Surround yourself with inspiring, achieving, encouraging and knowledgeable people and don’t listen to those who preach you can’t. If you have a gift/ talent/ idea you want to share, then go for it. Who is anyone to tell you you can’t? Your original ideas may change or be altered based on experience but keep flexible, keep growing, keep open and satisfy your thirst. What you have will benefit others so why not share who you are and make this place better? You can enrich others with your contributions. davecollymore.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

A Professional Development E E R F Tool for You! By Jhana Graham Heya family, In our last conversation about personal and professional development we looked at the benefits of having an elevator pitch, and how to go about designing one. I sure hope that you found it useful. This time around, I want to challenge you to engage in a reflective exercise. How about that? First, let me state that reflective activities are not necessarily the most comfortable, even though they play such a critical role in our development. That being said, if you are up for this challenge, I’ll give you a quick minute to go grab a cup of your favourite beverage, a pen, and something to write on. Go ahead, I’ll be here when you return. Now that you’ve done that, let’s get going! So, recently I was listening to Sheryl Sandberg’s 2014 commencement speech at Harvard University. The presentation was simply inspirational. During her speech, she told her listeners that her first marriage had failed after only one year. What I found most astonishing, were the comments made by her friends after the separation. They expressed that they ‘never thought it was going to work anyway’, or that ‘the relationship was not good for her’. Sandberg shared this life story to suggest that if she had been more honest with herself, or if she had sought the honest opinions of those closest to her she could have prevented the heartache and hurt she had to endure. She further suggested that the key takeaway here is

‘honesty’, noting that honesty is also very critical as we seek to discover our gifts and live our best lives. So back to our reflection - what does personal and professional development have to do with honesty anyway? I’m so glad you asked. You see, by seeking feedback, and by evaluating our strengths and weaknesses, we can discover some of the most important steps that we can take toward becoming our best selves. Though this may sound like a simple task, I must tell you that I tested this reflective exercise recently and discovered that it is very far from simple. In fact, this exercise will require a great deal of vulnerability and humility. Most importantly, it will require your commitment to assessing the results, and making the necessary changes. The great news is that this will be a truly amazing and refreshing experience if you are on the journey toward becoming your best self. Here’s why, - you will develop a clear list of your strengths that will help you to make more focused decisions about your future. Also, you will better understand what opportunities for change exist, so you may start to seek mentors or identify books that will help you to develop personally and professionally. So, are you ready? If you are, simply take the time to fill in the following reflective chart. Remember, this is your personal development tool; you never have to share this information with anyone. Have fun! jhana.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

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Sometimes it’s a tough decision det earned cash on. And with so many ticularly difficult question to answer man and woman has a host of prod ing products have car

A healthy skin regimen is just as imp ferent things, even though many of there’s no reason they shouldn’t. G with pretty much the same ingredi cause “his and hers” products line the bank to find products that work grooming products that can be foun just as well as d Nike Men’s Tanned-Leather Travel Kit [www.amazon.com]

Every Man Jack Razor and Blades with Stand Black is one of the best razors there is. The modern looks of this razor are matched with a silky smooth shave without stripping the skin of moisture or cause razor burn. ($30.00; Walgreens.com) 2. Dove Men + Care Clean Comfort Body and Face Wash leaves you with a naturally fresh and clean smell.($4.99; Walgreens.com) 3. Ditch the bar soap. Try Neutrogena Deep Clean Scrub to wipe away clogged pores and build-up oil, it won’t over dry your skin and is gentle enough for daily use.($4.07; Target.com) 4. Because most men shave their faces, they tend to need moisturizer even more than most women do Nivea Men Maximum Hydration lotion is a 3 in 1, that moisturizes your skin without leaving a greasy feeling, heals dry skin, smells great and leaves your skin feeling hydrated.($4.92; Target.com) 5. AXE White Label Island Antiperspirant Deodorant has a refreshing fragrance scent to keep you confidently fresh and dry all day and night. Smells great on everyone and won’t clash with your cologne.($5.49; Walgreens.com) 6. Caffeinated Shaving Cream is a great go-to option if you want to achieve that perfect shave without the stress. ($5.49; Target.com)

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termining which products to spend your hardy great products on the market now, it’s a parr. To achieve his or her best look, the modern ducts to choose from, mainly because groomrved out a thriving niche market.

portant for men as it is women. Men do like diff them use products designed for women and Generally speaking, skin products are made ients and treat the same conditions. Just bethe shelves, doesn’t mean we have to break ks well for us.Here’s a list of some of the best nd online or at your local drugstores that work department store products. By Christina Rodney

Marc Jacobs Make up bag [www.shop-nordstrom.com]

christina.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

Alberto VO5 Shine, Glow & Go Beauty Oil for Radiant Hair & Skin won’t clog pores, will help replenish dry hair and skin to feel soft. (Walgreens.com) 2. Dove Dry Spray Antiperspirant goes on completely clear, dries instantly, and delivers 48 hours of protection against odor and wetness. Comes in eight different scents. ($5.47; Walmart.com) 3. Skintimate Skin Theraphy Moisturizing Shave Gel is a super foamy gel that is rich and creamy in texture. It softens your skin and does the job it is intended to do. ($2.97; Target.com) 4. Queen Helene Oatmeal ‘n Honey Natural Facial Scrub draws out impurities, unclogs pores and removes dry dead cells from the surface of your skin.($4.60; Drugstore.com) 5. Olay Fresh Outlast Champagne Mango & White Ginger Body Wash will leave your body silky smooth. It does a great job of cleaning and moisturizing your skin, and smells amazing!($4.99; Target. com) 6. Olay Complete All Day Moisturizer with Broad Spectrum SPF 30, Sensitive is formulated with vitamin E, B3 and Aloe. This gives you the right amount of moisture and helps brighten your skin. ($12.49; CVS.com)

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FITNESS Apps LIFESTYLE to match your

Have you been seeing fitness app results popping up all over social media too? Friends and family members are working out together and keeping track of each other’s progress virtually. With the aid of several smart phone fitness apps (most of which are free) you can do weight training, meal planning, prepare for a marathon and even become a superhero while working out. Just a few weekends ago, one of my friends living in Japan was able to co-ordinate a walk/jog/run

ANDROID

By Kerrian Thompson

event with others hundreds of miles apart in the same country. At the end of their 3k/5k workout, they shared and celebrated their achievements with each other via social media. That was pretty motivating. So, to get you sweating, and “saving the world”, I’ll be sharing with you 6 fitness apps that Android and iPhone users can easily use to beat the bulk. kerrian.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

iOS

1.RunKeeper [Free with in app purchases] RunKeeper is an Android app that is pretty popular amongst professional and amateur runners alike. It can track runners’ pace and performance, elevation and calorie burn for any fitness activity. It can also create fitness plans, measure your heart rate and even create running/cycling routes using GPS in your phone. There’s even audio coaching you can create or download.

4. Lose It [Free] Lose It! helps you set goals for weight loss, exercise, macronutrient intake, blood pressure, sleep, and more! You set the goals, the app will help you with the plan to achieve them. Access your support network from your fingertips through their social features. With Lose It you can connect to friends, family, and peers around the clock for the support you need, when you need it.

2. Superhero workout [Free with in app purchases] If this doesn’t get gamers a tad bit excited about exercise I don’t know what will! Imagine for a second you’re a pilot of the prototype AEGIS One battle suit, tasked with defending Earth against alien invaders. Your punches become plasma blasts and your abdominal crunches power your suit’s reactor! Superhero app uses your device’s front facing camera to track your reps and calories- it’s super interactive and pretty cool. It has 20 epic missions, 12 rapid workouts and 42 body weight exercises (squats, punches, mountain climbers etc.) all disguised as an interactive battle game. You can climb the ranks of the Orbital Defence Corps by earning medals and Achievements for every rep and every workout you perform.

5. iTreadmill [$1.99, not free but very worth it!] iTreadmill is pretty simple, turn it on, drop it in your pocket or purse and go about your day. It will track your steps, distance and speed. It measures the natural up and down motion of your body when you take a step. No GPS is needed with this app so you can take it indoors as well as outdoors and also not worry about data connections. The counter pauses when you stop and restarts as you head off to the rest of your day.

3. Freeletics Bodyweight [Free with in app purchases] Freeletics boasts that it has highly efficient workouts developed by athletes and scientists. You can discover more than 900 workout variations that target strength, endurance or both. You won’t need any equipment or weights with this app as it uses only your body weight. You can choose a 3, 6, or 12 months subscription with 100% individualised coaching. Another great perk with Freeletics is that it allows you to follow your friends and compare times with other athletes on the Freeletics leaderboardtalk about motivation!

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6. Yonder [Free] Think of this app as your personal fitness adventure guide. It’s a facilitating interactive web experience powered by community generated content by outdoorsy backpackers and adventure seekers. So let’s say you’re traveling and still need to get your sweat on. You can enter your location and Yonder will suggest and give directions to hiking trails, kayaking, biking, rock climbing and skiing spots. Yonder connects you to the people, places, and experiences that inspire. This will definitely be my next download!

Source: Google and iTunes App stores.

Charlemont High School music teachers, Nigel Powell (L) and Dachan Morris (R).

SETTING THE STANDARD IN MUSIC

In the little-known town of Byndloss, St. Catherine, is a school that is raising the bar of musical excellence. For years, Charlemont High School has been boasting awards year after year in the Jamaica Cultural Development Commission’s Performing Arts Competition. Winning in just about every category, the school’s band has been called on a number of occasions to perform at national events. Not only has this boosted a positive image for Charlemont, but naturally, the students as well. We met up with the teachers responsible for the band’s ongoing success. The tag-team shared their personal journeys in music and how that has translated into inspiring their band. Meet Nigel Powell and Dachan Morris. By Rochelle Mighty

Nigel and Dachan with members of the award winning Charlemont High School. Kingston, Jamaica.

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How did you get started in music? Nigel: My passion for music started in the church as a child. I often observed the musicians. That allowed me to direct my focus and create my goal of becoming a musician. Music lessons began at age 14 and were facilitated by Mark and Gary Rose-Green, brothers who resided in my community. They introduced the details of the Rhythm Guitar. Having a vision to teach different families of musical instruments, I acquired bass lessons from Neville Hamilton and later learned the keyboard, saxophone, flute and recorder. Dachan: My musical journey started with my dad back in 1998, when he took me to summer school to do recorder lessons. I was not intrigued initially, but I eventually acquired the interest after playing “Mary Had A Little Lamb.” After my father realised that my passion for music had grown, he transferred me to piano. Since Charlemont is my alma mater, you can be certain that the culture of the well-established band had also captured my attention. There was a music programme that was founded by Bishop Frank Otto in 1999, so I took advantage of the opportunity and elevated myself to being the top music student in that class. My Bishop was very impressed by the growth in my talent, so he gave me a scholarship to attend classes with one of Jamaica’s top musicians, Dennis Rushton. Then, I went on to the Edna Manley School of Music. When did you decide to go into music education? Nigel: My decision to teach music was made in 1996, when I was at the Edna Manley College of the Visual and Performing Arts. I specialized in Caribbean, Latin and American Jazz Music with my principal instrument being the bass guitar. Dachan: The inception of my musical career was in 1999, through the inspiration of a colleague, Marlon Davis. His remarkable talent had inspired me to the extent that I decided to go into Music Education. For how long have you been teaching at Charlemont High School? Nigel: I have been at Charlemont since 2001. Dachan: And I’ve been teaching there for 8 years. What’s the best thing about your experience so far? Nigel: I am motivated when I see my students transition from students with no passion for music to some of the world’s best musicians and music teachers; using their musical skills and knowledge to provide for their families. I am also proud to experience them giving back to the institution they started, through several workshops. Dachan: One of the best factors of my experience is the cohesiveness among my co-workers and especially with Nigel. It is because of the relationship, why we have

accomplished and achieved so many awards over the years. Recently, the Charlemont Band won several awards in the national competition. Tell us about that. Nigel: Dachan and I worked assiduously with the students. This competition is open to all high schools island wide. At the parish level, we won 15 gold medals, 10 silver medals and 1 bronze medal while at the national level, the students garnered 5 trophies: • School band- Best Pop Instrument Ensemble • Jemari Richards- Best Instrumentalist in the Open and Advanced Category • Kevon Clarke- Best Drum set Solo Class 5 • Group Ensemble- Best Jamaica Pop Ensemble • Group Ensemble- Best World Music Presentation Nigel, over the years, you have led several of Charlemont’s bands to numerous awards and national events in Jamaica. What do you think contributes to that? Firstly, we have talented kids. Also, our teachers carry a vision for the band. Added to that is the unrelenting dedication of both teachers and students. We want to win! And that means remaining committed to the process. We get tremendous support from parents, the general staff, and our past students. With all those covered, we set our goals and work towards them. And nothing is better than seeing the joy that success gives to my students. What keeps you motivated? Dachan: Over the years, achievements have been one main element of my motivation. To see students receiving their awards after working vigorously is joy unspeakable. Nigel: For me, it’s seeing growth in my students - seeing how music can transform the personal traits of a reserved individual into an expressive one. I am also intrinsically motivated by my thirst for music. What would be your motivational word to the Open Road family? Dachan: Getting involved in music will never be a regrettable decision. Many parents in Jamaica, and perhaps the Caribbean, still hold on to the view that music does not provide sustainable income. Music has many benefits - financial, academic, local and global exposure. If nothing else, it is, without a doubt, a soul-fulfilling experience. Nigel: When I took the initiative to establish a band, I was told it was a “waste of time”. A few years later, I shook the hands of Prince Charles and his wife because of how impressed they were of the quality of the band, which was comprised solely of students. My encouragement to the Open Road family is “Aspire to be the best at whatever you do and to challenge yourself by surpassing your best. Never let anyone tell you that you can’t be great.” roch.theopenroadmag@gmail.com

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e i h t o smoa day!

A green

By Didan Ashanta openroad@didanashanta.com

Haven’t had a green smoothie as yet? You’ve probably seen your friends posting pics of them or heard them talk about green smoothie challenges that they’re doing. Well, since you haven’t mustered up the courage to drink the trending ‘lawnmower pulp’ everyone seems to be raving about, then it’s time you and I have “The Talk”. ;) A green smoothie is a blend up (yes literally) of fruits and dark-green leafy vegetables. Victoria Boutenko introduced this style of enjoying fresh produce to the world when she was trying to figure out a way to eat more dark-green leafy vegetables every day. But, why the big deal about dark-green leafy vegetables? Isn’t everyone chasing highprotein, low-carb, fat-free diets? Well, for one thing, dark-green leafy veggies are protein-rich! But, there is so much more than protein that we need for a nourishing, balanced meal and so many more ways that we benefit from drinking a green smoothie every day. Let’s start with five of my favourite reasons.

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1. Nutrient Rich

In addition to the most popular macronutrient (protein), for optimal nutrition, our bodies need carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, minerals, phytonutrients, water, and dietary fibre. You can easily get a complete and balanced meal from your daily blends, just by combining dark-green, leafy vegetables with fruit and nuts.

2. Nutrient Quick

Most of us don’t have the time nor jaw muscles to chew through a huge salad. BUT! Our blenders do! When we blend leafy greens and fruits into a smooth and creamy mix, we liquefy the ‘salad’ and this makes consumption and digestion very quick and easy; because our bodies don’t have to wait as long to receive all the nutrient goodness.

3. Easy to Make

Dump the ingredients into your blender jar, press the button, then serve. That’s it! It is really easy to make a green smoothie and we only need ONE tool: a blender. It takes 5 minutes or less to make a green smoothie, and some blenders convert from blending jar to drinking jar with just a change from blades to lid. So, you can blend and go!

4. Delicious

I guarantee that if you taste a green smoothie you will surprise yourself! We use a 60/40 rule to guide us with the fruit to leaf ratio and this helps to make sure that even if you see ‘green’ you

don’t taste it. All you taste are the sun-ripened fruits in your blend.

5. Affordable

You don’t need to be wealthy if you want to eat healthy (food). It is really cheap or even expense-free to maintain a green smoothie habit. Some green smoothie connoisseurs get their ingredients from their backyards: the callaloo patch, the moringa tree, the almond tree, the mango tree, the sweetsop tree, etc. If you need to buy your supplies, buy whatever is in-season and cheap! Also try to help your friends and neighbours who can’t eat off all the bounty from their backyards ;) If you have more questions about green smoothies or want some great recipes, be sure to check out my book, “Jamaican Green Smoothies: The Essential Guide to Transforming Your Life, One Cup at a Time, with the Leafy Greens & Fruits in Your Backyard”. You can purchase it from Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/JamaicanGreen-Smoothies-Essential-Transforming-ebook/ dp/B00K5EIDAK) and other popular online book retailers; and if you’re in Jamaica, it is available in the Kingston Bookshops and Bryan’s Bookstores near you. If you’re looking for other green smoothie lovers and want the chance to ask me anything green smoothie-related, be sure to join the Jamaican Green Smoothie group on Facebook. We look forward to blending with you ;)

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