BEHIND THE SCENES PUBLISHER PANACHE Digital Media Tricia Williamson Ceo/ Founder ______________________ SPECIAL THANKS TO Tricia Williamson Editorial & Creative Director Oneil Banton Art & Design Director Craig Harley Photography Director DJ Courtney Contributing Writer Marshelle Haseley Contributing Editor COVER PHOTO by CRAIG HARLEY CONTRIBUTING PHOTOS & TEXT _________________________ Tricia Williamson, Craig Harley, Brianna Harford, Chef Dre, JMMB, Shinola, MIIEGO, Ultimate Ears, Swell, Danusia Francis, Bambusa Jamaica, Blue Mountain Strawberry Farm, Sandra Rodriguez Bicknell, James Bond, Kristie Stephenson, Kingston Polo, Audrey Williams. _________________________ PANACHE Digital Media Kingston, Jamaica | Baltimore, USA tricia@panachedigital.media M: 1-876-878-3750 / 1-443-613-1117 _________________________ PANACHE Magazine is powered by Issuu (Digital Edition) Print Edition available On Demand via MagCloud.com _________________________ Copyright 2019 . All rights reserved. Notwithstanding anything contained in this disclaimer, herein, neither the PANACHE Digital Media, PANACHE Magazine, nor any of PANACHE's contractors/agencies give any warranties or guarantees for the contents or any material included in the magazine and shall not be responsible or liable for any loss or damage of any kind whether directly or indirectly including any loss of profits or any consequential or inconsequential damages suffered or incurred by the user for whatever reason. The content of this magazine was obtained from several sources and may include; facts, views, opinions, predictions or forecasts and information which may be of use to you generally. The content should, therefore, be used for general information only. While every care is taken, we do not guarantee the accuracy, timely, current and completeness of the information or content on our magazine. The contents are provided “as is� without any warranty of any kind, either expressed or implied, including but not limited to, the implied warranties of merchantability, fitness for a particular purpose or non-infringement. We do not share, endorse, warrant, nor accept any responsibility for the views, opinions, predictions or forecasts and information provided or displayed in the magazine. PANACHE magazine assumes no responsibility for unsolicited material. All intellectual property rights remain with the authors and original creators of content. All content appearing in PANACHE magazine may not be reproduced in any form without written permission from the Publisher.
Keep up with us online at
@panachejamag
Special thanks to our makeup artist @rasicharyn; our director of photography- @harley_dread; the amazing Chef Dre @andre.cooks Find them on IG today!
Ceo's Message One of the most courageous things you can do is identify yourself, know who you are, what you believe in and where you want to go. -Sheila Murray Bethel
CONTACT US: tricia@panachedigital.media Jamaica |USA Facebook: @panachejamag Twitter: @panachejamag Instagram: @panachejamag
When it comes to relationships, it is important to know what to nurture and grow & what to cut. Many times, especially when things are difficult, we turn to people to confide in and to find comfort. Sometimes, we even turn to people for validation. However, we need to be mindful of those we turn to...Not everyone deserves the right to be your mirror. So be careful who you're open and vulnerable with....be mindful of whom you choose to trust.
www.panachedigital.media TRICIA WILLIAMSON
CEO/ Editorial Director Follow me @twill876
In life, we allow people in our church, at work, friends and even family to try and define who we should be. Today, I want to encourage you to not be defined by the expectations of others. Take the time to allow yourself to change, grow and evolve into the person you're meant to be at your own pace. That may be disappointing to some or to slow for others but at the end of the day... True and lasting change takes time. Don't rush the process of who you're meant to be. Just be you!
Some of the participants in our PANACHE Digital Media Workshop for youth.
One Love, TW
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Con-ts n e t tents oC n 5
CEO’s Message
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Empowering Youth through Digital Media
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Chef Dre`
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Blue Mountain Berry Co
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Let's Eat
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What's In Your Bag?
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Danusia Francis
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Polo with Kristie
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James Bond Returns Home
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Sandra Bicknell
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Things To Do
You get one shot at life so you don’t want to have regrets when it comes to chasing your dreams! - Danusia Francis
JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation Partners with PANACHE to Empower Youth through Digital Media Workshop
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he JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation joined forces with Panache Digital Media, recently (March 29-30), to assist in empowering 25 youth, drawn from varying backgrounds including: entrepreneurs and unemployed, at-risk youth, to hone their skills in social media. The two-day workshop, which took place recently at the UWI Mona library, was aimed at developing these youth to become digital entrepreneurs and enhance their businesses, employability and/ or advance their careers; by helping them to acquire the requisite digital skills and technical competency. Tricia Williamson, CEO of Panache and conceptualizer of this initiative said, “My desire is that all the participants use the skills and knowledge gained from the workshop as a springboard towards their own success. I hope that within a year, participants will become fully-immersed in digital careers pursuing social media certification and advancing their careers in the field.� Against this background, during the next year, 10-20% of the participants of the workshop participants will been given an opportunity to intern with Panache on various projects. This internship will further assist these individuals to get hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned practitioners.
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During the workshop the participants were exposed to the several core areas in digital marketing including: social media strategy, measuring return on investment (ROI) for digital campaigns, social advertising, content marketing, content curation, community building and business best practices.
management and in strategizing for his online campaign to launch his company’s website. “ I have tried to apply the principles (from the workshop) to work out my content strategy, check what my audience appreciates, and make other tweaks to my social media content and that has made a big difference. (In fact) one of my posts got the highest engagement, most likes and I even booked 6 tours.” The event is apt, as it affords the leveraging of the pervasiveness social media platforms and the income generating potential for youth, who tend to have natural inclination and affinity to this area. Jordanne Payne, participant and owner of Tallawah Tours, has credited the workshop for opening doors to enhance his business’ growth and he has already reaped bankable success. Admitting that since attending the workshop just over a week ago, he has put the skills and information learnt to good use, in his day-to-day social media content
In speaking to the support for this initiative, Kim Mair, CEO, JMMB Joan Duncan Foundation, shared, “we were excited to be a partner, as this initiative aligns with the Foundation’s mandate to assist individuals in achieving their greatness while seeking to transform their lives. As such the Foundation, in addition to providing financial support for the workshop, will also provide transformational training workshops to assist the participants in an ongoing process of self-reflection and personal development while gathering the necessary skills and tools to ultimately have positive transformative thinking.”
Jamaica Public Service Company (JPSCo) and the Development Bank of Jamaica also provided financial backing for the initiative, affording participants to benefit from the training session, at no cost to them.
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CHEF DRE´
Interview by Brianna Harford
Andre Sewell, better known as Chef Dre in culinary circles, is an acclaimed chef and operator of the catering outfit, "Two Eighteen Gourmet," which has been wowing palettes across Jamaica. Although his family owned a restaurant while he was growing up, Andre initially chose to pursue a career focussed on computing and web based technologies -- that is, until the food bug bit him. PANACHE caught up with the 32 year old Chef Dre, to get the full scoop on his operation. PANACHE: So I see you were previously a computer technician. What led to the change in career? Andre Sewell: I was a computer technician, graphic designer and web developer. But the more I cooked, the more my passion for the culinary arts grew and the more my desire for information technology diminished. It got to a point where if someone asked me to look at a computer for them, I was thoroughly annoyed lol. I started dreaming about food and it literally started taking over my thoughts lol. I found myself cooking to eat, cooking to learn, even cooking for therapy. So I had to answer the call. PANACHE: Did your early upbringing influence your cooking skills? Andre Sewell: To an extent, yes. My family makes really good food and I believe that from an early age, I’ve been accustomed to what good food tastes like. My grandmother used to live with us, so cooking was never really something I did, outside of the usual macaroni and cheese, eggs, sausage, and so on. When I turned 13 however, my mother decided to teach me how to do a few stuff in the kitchen. So chicken, rice, ground provision, etc… basically so that if push came to shove, I wouldn’t starve lol.
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Feature Editor: Audrey Williams Photography by Craig Harley PANACHE: Where did you train? Andre Sewell: As aforementioned, my mother taught me how not to starve. Everything that came after that, was as a result of my passion for the craft. I trained myself. I read, watched videos, studied, practiced and treated the culinary arts as if I was actually in school. I couldn’t get enough and even to this day I still spend time learning new things, pretty much on a daily basis. PANACHE: How long has "Two Eighteen Gourmet" been operational and what’s special about it? Andre Sewell: Registration was in 2016, as a restaurant and catering business. Over time I realized that the restaurant aspect of things seemed to be killing my passion for food - and since that’s what’s most important to me, I decided to just do catering, exclusively. As far as what’s special about it – my love for food is what drives everything that I do here. That love constantly pushes me to make things better. So when you have a meal from us today and enjoy it, if you’re to have that same meal again next week, it’s likely to be better. PANACHE: How many years have you been doing this? Andre Sewell: I used to periodically assist my parents in their restaurant and catering business for about 10 years. I made the switch from my previous career to the culinary arts, maybe 5 years ago. PANACHE: What challenges did you have in starting your own business? Andre Sewell: Honestly, not much. When my parents were migrating, they decided to sell out all their restaurant equipment. However, when I expressed interest in starting up, they left everything for me to use. Additionally, by the time I decided to start the business, I already had a large following on social media, so getting customers wasn’t much of an issue. The main challenge was definitely getting funding for expansion.
"I cook and
bake a lot, but I don’t overindulge." - Andre Sewell
PANACHE: Was there ever a time that you were discouraged from becoming a chef? Andre Sewell: Within myself, never. I’ve had 1 or 2 family members who were of the impression that information technology would be far more feasible than food, but that always came from a place of love and concern. I’ve also had 1 or 2 chefs say a few distasteful things about me, but that has never bothered me. PANACHE: How do you market yourself since you’re self-employed? Andre Sewell: Majority (at least 80%) of my efforts have been through Instagram. It’s a fantastic platform for what I’m doing. Just about everything that has been happening with/for me, stemmed from the work I do on there. I’m very good at photo and video editing (stemming from my previous career) and I’ve paired those skills with my passion in the kitchen. If you check the photos and videos I post online, you’ll see a noticeable difference between the quality of my content and others. PANACHE: What’s your favourite thing to cook? Andre Sewell: I generally don’t have favourites of anything. But if I had to choose, [it would be] just about anything pastry. I feel like there’s a special place in my heart for sweet treats…to create them. I don’t eat them so much. PANACHE: What's your Jamaican favourite food? Andre Sewell: Again, I don’t really have favourites of anything, but I do love ackee & saltfish…maybe unnaturally lol.
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"...my mother taught me how not to starve. Everything that came after that, was as a result of my passion for the craft." - Andre Sewell
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"...I can inspire persons, just with my passion." - Andre Sewell
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PANACHE: What’s your biggest accomplishment as a chef? Andre Sewell: Wow! I’m not even too sure how to answer this. If I had to choose an accomplishment, it would have to be the fact that I can inspire persons, just with my passion. I have literally 10’s of thousands of persons who admire my work, trust my advice, tastes and judgments; and the fact that all this came without formal training, is so surreal to me. PANACHE: Where are some prominent places that you have worked before? Andre Sewell: Entrepreneurship is something I’ve been doing for a while. So when I made the switch to culinary, I went straight into doing my own thing. There is no place that I’ve been employed to, but I have had ongoing relationships with JN Bank, Best Dressed Chicken, Grace Kennedy and Television Jamaica, to name a few. PANACHE: How do you stay healthy when you're always involved in food preparation and tasting? Andre Sewell: Moderation is key. I cook and bake a lot, but I don’t over-indulge. Recently I made a large batch of mango cheesecake mousse filled doughnuts and I only had one of them, over the course of 2 days. In addition to that, I’ll try and get some workouts in, when I can. PANACHE: What do you love to do outside of the kitchen? Andre Sewell: Most recently, I’ve been spending a lot of time driving around the island, taking in views, capturing pics and videos. It brings me great joy and is now one of the things I love doing the most. PANACHE: Where do you see yourself in the next five years? Andre Sewell: Travelling! I don’t care for monotony and in my ideal world, I’ll be travelling across the globe, sharing my passion with those who will have me. PANACHE: Any final thoughts? Andre Sewell: In work, as with many other things, doing things from a place of passion, yields much greater results; than just doing it for a pay cheque. So as best possible, try to make your passion your pay cheque.
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ave you ever tried a sun-ripened Jamaican strawberry grown in the cool Blue Mountains of Jamaica? If your answer is “no�, you should get a taste of the best berries on the island grown and harvested by the Blue Mountain Berry Company.
Plump, sweet and freshly picked berries are right at your fingertips once you connect with them on Instagram @bluemountainberriesja or call at 876-298-5310. Demand is high for these delicious delights and we encourage you to buy and support this Jamaican business today.
Photos courtesy of Blue Mountain Strawberry Farm
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Let' s Eat!
Stop by Grace Foods and try these amazing recipes!
Serves 4 | Prep time: 10 mins | Cooking time: 30 mins
Barbecue Oriental Chicken Photo credit: TasteEssence
INGREDIENTS
INSTRUCTIONS
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2 pound(s) chicken, jointed 1/4 cup(s) Grace White Cane Vinegar 4 cup(s) water 1/2 cup(s) soy sauce 1 cup(s) Grace Grapefruit Juice 2 tablespoon(s) granulated sugar 1 teaspoon(s) fresh ginger, grated 1/4 cup(s) Grace Vegetable Oil
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Clean and wash chicken in a mixture of Grace Vinegar and water. Mix together soy sauce, Grace Grapefruit Juice, sugar and ginger in a large shallow dish. Add chicken pieces to mixture, ensuring that both sides are coated. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for several hours or overnight. Remove chicken from marinade and brush with some Grace Vegetable Oil. Use remaining oil to brush the grill. Grill chicken for about 30 minutes, brushing with the marinade and turning frequently until brown and tender.
For this yam salad recipe and more, visit gracefoods.com
Toto INGREDIENTS »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »» »»
1 1/4 pound(s) baking flour 12 ounce(s) brown sugar 1 packet(s) Anchor Milk Powder 1 whole dry coconut, grated 1 ounce(s) raisins, soaked (optional) 1 tablespoon(s) baking powder 1 tablespoon(s) mixed spice 2 large eggs 12 ounce(s) water 1 tablespoon(s) vanilla 2 ounce(s) Grace Margarine, melted
INSTRUCTIONS
Toto
Serves 10 | Prep time: 30 mins | Baking time: 20 mins
1. Combine baking flour, brown sugar, Anchor Milk Powder, grated coconut, raisins, baking powder and mixed spice in a large bowl. 2. Whisk eggs, add water, vanilla and melted margarine. 3. Make a well in the centre of the dry ingredients and add the liquid. Lightly mix until the liquid is absorbed. 4. Scrape the batter into a greased baking tin and put to bake in a pre-heated oven 180°C (350°F) for about 30 minutes or until a skewer inserted comes out clean. 5. Remove from the oven and put to cool before slicing. Ingredient Note: 12 - 16 ounces of water may be used.
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Wonderboom Ultimate Ears
Review by Tricia Williamson Photo courtesy of Ultimate Ears
EDITOR`S CHOICE Rating 8.5/10
The UE Wonderboom is freedom in a nutshell. So often when looking for the right portable speakers, we’ll find great options in size but, they add extra unwanted pounds especially when travelling or the speakers cannot be used poolside or near water. Ultimate Ears delivers to us the Wonderboom series that takes care of all of that in one go! The Bluetooth connectivity is easy to set up and connect. It offers a strong audio profile but doesn’t offer a heavy bass. Nevertheless, it saved the day at a workshop where the venue speakers failed to connect to the laptop due to technical difficulties. However, thankfully I had packed the Wonderboom just in case and I am forever glad I had packed it. If you’re heading out to the beach or planning a trip to a waterfall- just grab the Wonderboom and go! It is lightweight, doesn’t take up much space and the battery life is excellent (personally I only need to charge a couple of times per week- but that will vary with usage). It’s fun and portable and makes the perfect fight for him or her.
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by Tricia Williamson Photos courtesy of S`well
"S'well- The Bottle To Help You Stop Using Single-Use Plastic Bottles."
With its sleek, nature-inspired design, the S`well Teakwood Roamer is equally at home in the wilderness or at a workout class. One of the latest hydration innovations is the "Roamer" from S`well. We're all going somewhere... so whether it is hiking into the Blue Mountains or trekking across the island with your friends- don't forget to pack this on-the-go igloo.
Photography courtesy of S`well
From the gym to the fete, it delivers on their promise of 24 hours keeping cold drinks cool and hot drinks at their respective temperatures for 12 hours. It's that S`well promise, along with the guarantee that your Roamer will not sweat or have condensation on the exterior plus the beautiful colour options and personalization that we love so much! Experience it today!
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BOOM by MIIEGO Review by Craig Harley
Photography courtesy of MIIEGO
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oday we will be reviewing the award-winning BOOM by MIIEGO wireless headphones, the Black in Black edition. The BOOM has won the ISPO Award 2019 and RED DOT Award 2019.
The BOOM by MIIEGO wireless headphone comes in a very sleek black box, when you opened reveals the headphone neatly packed in a very nice hard traveling case. Along with the traveling case you have the manual for the headphone, an extra pair of sport ear cushions, a catalog outlining all the Miiego products, the USB charging cable and the Aux cable.
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Some key features about the BOOM by MIIEGO headphones include: • It has excellent sound quality • Interchangeable cushions (only extra sport ear cushions are washable.) • Up to 24 hours of battery life • A built-in microphone • Bluetooth and also wired • A premium hard case is included in the box for traveling • headphones are IPX5 water resistant Going through the box we came across the second pair of headphone cushions now these covers are pretty amazing specially made for the sporty person who loves going to the gym, they are made from a mesh material which makes them super breathable and comfortable on your ear and paired with that nice snug grip on your head its great for weight lifting, your crazy legs day. Now word to the wise if you're a really active person this form of headphone is really not for you, those fast moments will see this headphone flying into another direction. The Boom comes with a leather cushion so it would be best to change them out to the mesh cushions before you start working out as they will become slippery from your sweat and also the create a none canceling atmosphere which having this in the gym is pretty dangerous as you should always be aware of what’s going on around you. But the leather cushions do come in handy for long trips in a car or plane or even at home just to have that alone moment.
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The auxiliary cord comes with a built-in microphone and button on the auxiliary cord to answer your calls, pause and play your music. it’s pretty nice the cable is covered in a rope woven material, so you won’t have to worry about your cord breaking or being damaged very easy. The headphones fold out so that you can put them over your head, all the buttons on the headphones are covered in the same matte material as the headphone the buttons are the volume up, volume down and the power button that turns on and off the headphones and also allows you a wireless mode to answer your calls pause and play your music just by clicking the power button. There is a padding at the top of the headphones to give you some comfort while the headphone is on your head now the BOOM by MIIEGO fits very snug over your head but I must repeat this headphone is more geared to weightlifters versus someone who plans to go for a long run, ride or a CrossFit person who has all of those fast movements. We connected them via Bluetooth to an iPhone and immediately when for some dancehall music, you know us Caribbean persons love us some dancehall with that heavy base, now the sound quality is very clean very crisp and separated not a very heavy bass as I would have loved but its enough to keep me happy. I took the BOOM by MIIEGO on a run to the gym and as expected it held its own, my trainer didn’t have to yell at me to take them off, the mesh cushions allowed enough noise to come in so I could hear what’s going on around me while giving me an opportunity to zone my trainer out a bit. When I am done I just twist that cushion off and when back to the leather cushions and jumped in my cab, through the ride in the lunchtime traffic I heard none of it, I was at one with my music. The battery life was surprisingly good I went into the next day with enough juice to get me through another workout session. All in all the BOOM by MIIEGO headphones, out of 10 I’m raking it up there at 9 for the clear sound the amazing fit and the feel of luxury right there in the palm of your hands, its not a studio headphone so I am not gonna go crazy and say the sound should be better so for the intended use its worth the spend. If you want something that will fit your lifestyle in terms of working out and getting good quality music I would definitely go out and get the Boom headphones. Hope you go out and get yours!
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anusia Francis is a popular gymnast who currently represents Jamaica in international competition. She was also a reserve athlete for Great Britain at the 2012 Summer Olympics team. We caught up with her for a quick tete-a-tete on gymnastics, life and more...
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THE INSPIRATIONAL
DANUSIA FRANCIS Interview by Tricia Williamson
PANACHE: Tell us... who is Danusia Francis? How would you describe yourself? Danusia Francis: I would describe myself as independent, loyal, fun and unique! I believe these are characteristics I have had since a young age. PANACHE: What made you fall in love with gymnastics? Danusia Francis: I think it was being able to do skills that are seemingly impossible and superhuman and to make them look effortless and flawless! PANACHE: What's your career been over the years? How did you start? What are you doing now? Danusia Francis: I started at five years old as a hobby and was spotted at a young age as having talent. My local gymnastics club was being demolished so I made the decision, at age 9, to accept a gymnastics scholarship at a boarding school who had a partnership with the gymnastics club, Heathrow Gymnastics Club, over 100 miles away from my family to pursue my gymnastics dreams. I was competing for Great Britain from the age of 12 to 19. I was on a university scholarship for gymnastics in the States at UCLA and couldn’t fulfil the requirements to continue competing for GB whilst living in the US so I decided to explore my options as I wanted to compete internationally still. Being half Polish and half Jamaican I had both options, but having idolised Usain Bolt my whole life when I knew there was a chance of competing on his team, the Jamaican team, I had to take it! Now I work and train as many hours as I can to fund myself and my dream of competing at The Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
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PANACHE: What made you decide to represent Jamaica on the international stage? Danusia Francis: As well as being on Usain’s team, it was an opportunity to help develop gymnastics in Jamaica. To help bring more awareness to the sport and help to show young boys and girls that gymnastics is an option for them. PANACHE: Watching you perform you are so calm and composed on stage...how do you manage your nerves? Danusia Francis: I may look calm but on the inside, no matter how big or small the event I am always nervous, but I do a lot of visualisation and mental rehearsal. And I just try to believe in my training and replicate my training as much as I can when it comes to competing. PANACHE: What are the sources of inspiration for your dance routines? Are you a fan of Jamaican dancehall scene? Danusia Francis: I am very inspired by my time at university. My coach at UCLA was the legendary Miss Val, who is known to bring out the best in her gymnasts when it comes to performance. She really helped me to embrace my personality, traits and strengths that help me to stand out from the competition. I am a fan of the Jamaican dancehall scene, although I have not had many opportunities to see it firsthand, I think it is a natural part of my style! PANACHE: As a role model and inspiration to young girls and boys in Jamaica, the Caribbean and across the world... if you could share one life lesson they should always remember when pursuing their dreams, what would that be? Danusia Francis: Never give up. Unless it is impossible, mentally or physically then chase your dreams. You get one shot at life so you don’t want to have regrets when it comes to chasing your dreams!
"Success is peace of mind..."
- Danusia Francis
Photos courtesy of Danusia Francis
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PANACHE: Who inspires you? Danusia Francis: The people I surround myself with who are striving for their own goals, my family, friends and boyfriend. And I have always been inspired by gymnast Nastia Liukin and her career. She too made a comeback to try and reach another Olympic Games but it didn’t go too well, but she is still admired and looked up to by myself and the entire gymnastics community and she inspired me to come out of my 1.5 year retirement and aim for Tokyo 2020. PANACHE: As a recruiter/ gymnastics manager for College Sports America helping International gymnasts get US athletic scholarships, what has that experience been like? What have been the challenges and successes? Danusia Francis: The challenges have been balancing that alongside everything else I have going on. I am looking forward to being able to put more time into this role in the future. However, it is so rewarding being able to help people reach their dreams of competing on a collegiate level as I had the best time when I was competing at UCLA. PANACHE: As you look towards Tokyo 2020 for the Olympics...what support would you like to see to help you/the team achieve this goal. Is there a way that the public can give support.... financially or otherwise? Danusia Francis: Financially we can always use the help as we are mostly self-funded so if there are people who are willing to pay for our flights, accommodation, kit, or fees involved for our international meets this would be an incredible help. Other help would just be to keep the support up on social media as it is an amazing feeling to see all the positive comments and motivates me to keep working hard to succeed in my sport.
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I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has showed their support!
- Danusia Francis
PANACHE: After your performance in Superstars of Gymnastics went viral on social media and all of the massive from Jamaica and the world supporting you...how did you feel about that response? Danusia Francis: I felt so happy, to be putting Jamaican gymnastics on the map amongst so many of the worlds best gymnasts and to have the support of the country was the best feeling! PANACHE: What are your major plans for the rest of the year ...What should we look out for from you going forward? Danusia Francis: My major plans are the Pan American Games this summer where Jamaica will be represented in gymnastics for the first time, so that is very exciting. And then I am hoping to represent Jamaica at the World Championships in October which is also an Olympic qualifier. PANACHE: Everyone has a favourite move.... from your "boomflick" unto the beam to your upside down hold which was simply amazing. How long did you practice those moves to perfect them so well? Danusia Francis: It is hard to put a number on it because I have been training since the age of 5 so a lot of it I can learn fairly quickly but only because I have been training and have the fundamentals from 20 years in the sport! I definitely wouldn’t recommend trying any of it at home! PANACHE: What's your mantra? Danusia Francis: A quote by John Wooden. “Success is peace of mind, which is a direct result of self-satisfaction in knowing you made the effort to do your best to become the best that you are capable of becoming.” PANACHE: Favourite place to chill in Jamaica? Danusia Francis: I love Doctors Cave beach, Ricks Cafe and last time I was there I went to a restaurant called Sky Beach in Hopewell for the first time and I loved it, so I’ll definitely be going back there. If anyone goes, you have to have the saltfish fritters! PANACHE: Favourite food to eat when home on the island? Danusia Francis: Definitely saltfish fritters, curry goat and the callaloo patties from Devon House! PANACHE: Where would you like to see gymnastics go and grow in Jamaica? Danusia Francis: I would like to see the funding and building for proper facilities and lots of them in years to come as the numbers are increasing in participation so this would be the next step to being able to produce brilliant gymnasts. And I would like to see us breaking further into the international rankings! PANACHE: Any final thoughts? Danusia Francis: I just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who has shown their support!
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Interview by Tricia Williamson The Kingston Polo Club is nestled just 20 minutes outside of the island’s capital. The Club is a relaxing environment for both adults and children. Kingston Polo Club has remained the premier polo club in Jamaica for many years and is the oldest of the local clubs as while the game was introduced to Jamaica by the British army in 1882. Our interview today is with Kristie Stephenson, a member of the polo club and the creator of Story & Myth, a line of jewelry made in Jamaica that is sustainably sourced using natural local seeds which are assembled by disabled artisans and her enterprise has recently also added some equestrian type charms to our line.
Photography by Craig Harley
In this one-on-one, we hear from Kristie on her amazing experience with Polo in Jamaica‌
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PANACHE: What/ Who was your source of inspiration to play Polo? Kristie: One of my friends told me the Kingston Polo Club was going to start lessons. I did not pay attention to the sport before but I have always loved the look of someone who rides. In college in Rhode Island, I would wear riding boots to class and would often get asked if I was going or had gone riding. At the time I did not know that Rhode Island had a huge polo community. I recently met the owners of the Newport Rhode Island Polo club when they were in Jamaica. It never entered my mind to actually learn to ride, at the time I loved the equestrian look of a rider. The Kingston Polo Club has entertained overseas polo clubs from Denver and Newport Rhode Island to come to Jamaica and play polo. The Denver Polo Club had a female team come to Jamaica to play the Ladies Polo Final a few months ago. PANACHE: How was polo introduced to you here in Jamaica? Kristie: The Spry gym had approached the Kingston Polo Club to teach a bunch of non-riders to learn to ride and play polo for charity, so I learned alongside of the Spry gym members. The opportunity to learn to play polo had me saying yes I'll do it. I had no idea that I would love it so much. This year I had the opportunity to play polo for charity with the Spry gym team. PANACHE: What would you like to see happen or the sport develop for women? Kristie: It would be nice to have more people in Jamaica both attend polo events and learn to play polo. Every Sunday during the polo season, one can bring their family to watch polo at the Caymanas Estate, Kingston Polo Club. There are other clubs here in Jamaica. St. Ann Polo Club, Chukka Cove Polo Club. Historically, polo was played by royalty, it is referred to as the sport of kings. In
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the club lounge, there are photos up of a young teenage Prince Charles and his father in Jamaica playing polo. Polo originated in Central Asia, Persia, kingdoms would use it as a form of military training for their elite troops. The Indians taught the British how to play and the British army brought polo to the Jamaica Regiment. Winston Churchill said, "A polo handicap is a persons ticket to the world." The players I know of in Jamaica comprise of both men and women and they have travelled all over the world representing Jamaica. PANACHE: What do you think the sport needs to move forward even further here on the island? Kristie: I think people may think it is not accessible but that is a misconception. You can take a few lessons, decide to lease a horse or buy a horse. There are different levels that you can enter the sport. I encourage persons to make an inquiry. It is a wonderful world and a healing environment. The interaction with the horse and yourself, how you can choose to push yourself or play it very safe. PANACHE: Do you play with female only or mixed with men? Kristie: Both, we play two teams made up of four players. In Jamaica, I tend to see teams made up of men and women and of varying ages. Which is inspiring as most sports have an age at which is considered prime. Here I'll see a 10 year old to an 80 year old....almost every age in play. PANACHE: Why polo: Is the passion for horses or the sport? Kristie: The opportunity came and I was open to learn. There is a lot going on. Learning to steer and maneuver a 1000lb animal while holding the reins in one hand and the mallet in the other. All whilst moving and hitting the ball. Sylvester Stallone described polo as playing golf during an earthquake. The camaraderie of the club, the people, our instructors the handlers/ grooms it is a warm environment, a polo family. On the field, I am very present. My mind does not wonder but is very in the now. I enjoy the drive out to Caymanas, seeing the horses, getting on a horse, while in play all my worries and concerns are gone in that moment.
It could be a great thing if we start pushing out some amazing players and, I dare say, beat the Argentinians who dominate the sport. - Kristie Stephenson PANACHE: How many times do you train per month and what does that entail? Kristie: I play on average two to three times per week, sometimes more sometimes less depending on what I have going on but I try to schedule things so there are no conflicts. Our matches/ games are called "Chukkas" and they last 7 minutes. It is seven intense minutes on a horse, on what is considered quite a large field, five football fields can fit in one polo field. PANACHE: What are 3 recommendations for anyone looking to enter the sport? Kristie: Come and watch the sport, call the club, set up a lesson. PANACHE: Some passions can be more costly than others, e.g. photography, what's the investment like per month/year for Polo? Kristie: All is relative depending on what you are doing whether you are opting to do a package of lessons, leasing or buying a horse or horses.
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Jamaica can create its own narrative around polo and take it to the world by being a known destination for polo ... - Kristie Stephenson
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Photography by Craig Harley PANACHE: What's the best way to get started? How can one register? Kristie: Contact the Kingston Polo Club and ask for Mark Wates or if you are in St. Ann you can get in touch with Leslie Masterton Fong-Yee. I’ve taken lessons with both. PANACHE: Outside of polo, any other loves? Kristie: Exploring Jamaica, visiting areas that are not popular tourist destinations like hiking a trail to a river or listening to river maid (mermaid) stories from locals in Westmoreland. Visiting both luxe and rural areas. I love luxury as well as rural and in between and being able to maneuver between them both. PANACHE: Any final thoughts? Kristie: Jamaica is a healing place. There are pockets of cool things happening here, like polo. It could be a great thing if we start pushing out some amazing players, and I dare say beat the Argentinians who dominate the sport. It would be great having Jamaica known as a destination for polo, we little but we tallawah. Polo is already happening here just that not many people know about it. Ralph Lauren the designer made polo fashion famous with his clothing line and imagery, so many people wear the polo shirts with numbers on the sleeves which represent player positions, either a 1, 2, 3 or 4. Jamaica can create their own narrative around polo and take it to the world. Some of Jamaica's players recently played at Palermo, it is the most important international polo championship at club level in the world, played in Argentina, it has been played for the past 126 years, every year, and we had Jamaicans at that level playing polo. There is a polo clinic/ intensive happening this summer in Denver, some of the instructors are from Jamaica and in August in Newport, Rhode Island USA will play Jamaica at the NBC10 Newport International Polo Series. It’s never too late to learn something new, my friend's mother just started learning to ride a horse and she is 73.
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James Bond Returns Home The town of Port Antonio, Portland, no stranger to big movies and Hollywood celebrities, is once again in the international spotlight, thanks to the 25th and latest in the iconic James Bond movie series. Minister of Tourism, Hon. Edmund Bartlett, who participated at the recent launch of ‘James Bond 25’, at the Golden Eye Resort in Oracabessa, St. Mary, “the spiritual home” of James Bond creator and British author, Ian Fleming, said Port Antonio, where a significant portion of the new movie will be filmed, “is one of the most worthy of choices”. “Port Antonio has had a long and rich history of being the home of some of Hollywood’s biggest celebrities and is always the first-choice destination for movie producers. The great Hollywood legend, Errol Flynn, and his actress wife, Patrice Wymore-Flynn, lived in the resort town for most of their adult lives, bringing along many of their movie star friends for extended visits,” the Minister told JIS News.
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The Sandra Bicknell Story And Why Everyone Should Read It. By: Christopher Yemi MacGregor (@yemipr)
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aybe it’s time we change our perspective on things; you know, take a step back and take it a little easy ourselves. They say the only way through the storm is through the storm and “Cuts of a Diamond” is a beautiful account of just how life-changing a positive perspective can be. Former international model, Jewelry designer and now Amazon’s best selling Author, Sandra Rodriguez Bicknell, launched her first book on March 27th, 2019 at the Pallet Kingston, Jamaica; which encourages her readers to claim authority over their lives through her memoir; a guide to self re-discovery, growth, and happiness. The Kingston launch of the book was the perfect backdrop that speaks to the piece’s origin. Being born in New York City from Cuban immigrants, Sandra’s pride and heritage are instantly unmistakable. Her energy and allure mirrors the most powerful and electrifying mixed-race women we know.
As fate would have it the same friend eventually connected her to an agent. Travels throughout Europe and North America and a few major covers like Elle, Cosmo, Company Mag and editorials for Vogue UK consummated her career in Fashion. Beauty was imperative for Sandra growing up, presentation was EVERYTHING! Jewelry was always the final touch to complete any and every look. Her enthusiasm for fine Jewels grew from her uncle who sold custom pieces and her aunt who would string pearls in the evenings. This influence propelled her into creating “Cuts Of A Diamond” by the merger of her two passions- Jewelry design and writing. Sort of like how Carrie Bradshaw helps her readers to better manage their relationships from her own experiences in Sex & the City whilst writing for Vogue and wearing some of the world’s most fabulous designer outfits and kiki-ing with her girls around Manhattan; I was hooked. I don’t wanna give away too many spoilers but outside of the glitz and glam of her modeling career, business, and her personal life, she exposes her raw emotions and vulnerable experiences in hopes it will help other women and people going through their own storms. Sandra shares the story of her divorce, life-altering moments, both positive and negative and her relationship with God. The more you delve inside this memoir, it becomes evident that anyone can relate to or be motivated by her experiences and newfound mantras.
She takes us through a glimpse of her childhood into the beginning of her modeling career in the big apple. Modeling for her was a direction born out of a class project with a friend with whom Sandra is now fulfilling her lifelong dream to work with people to "marking a moment" and help them identify the power of lifelong self-discovery. she studied and had to do a mini shoot.
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Things To Do JULY 14-20, 2019
REGGAE SUMFEST | MONTEGO BAY, JAMAICA