Caribbean Export is the regional trade and investment promotion agency focused on building a resilient Caribbean by providing cutting-edge and high-impact support to the private sector.
If you haven’t heard already, Absolutely Caribbean, our first virtual event kicks off next week. We have more than 50 producers exhibiting over the two days. From organic beauty products to aged rum, hot pepper sauces and condiments, these are some of the best and most exciting producers from the Caribbean.
The event programme has shaped up nicely and is bursting with interesting sessions that you simply won’t want to miss. Here are just some of the highlights –
Partners, Original Flava, will show us how versatile Caribbean products are in everyday cooking. ITC-Alliances for Action will present a review on the main food trends and opportunities for the future. There will be sessions on plant-based ingredients which have seen a surge in demand in recent years. Another will run through the history of rum, including a selection of some of the best ones available. You’ll have the opportunity to learn all about trends, business innovation and social inclusion within the coffee market as well as learning all about chocolate as a mass product with the potential to leverage real change within our food system. What’s more, you will be able to book slots with each and every one of our producers to find out more about their products and how they are made.
Over the last few years, we have seen a growing trend for Caribbean products across Europe which is really exciting and provides great opportunity for our producers. In 2018 alone, over 26 Billion Euros worth of goods and services were exported globally from Caribbean Forum (CARIFORUM) and 17.6% of this was to Europe. If you want to read more about the profit potential of Caribbean products across the UK, Germany, Spain and the Netherlands, make sure you read our report (here).
If you haven’t signed up already, what are you waiting for?
“Clothing that Flaunts†is the slogan for Trinidadian designer, Reuben Gonzales’ self-titled fashion brand. As a graduate of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion Design (CAFD) at the University of Trinidad and Tobago (UTT), Reuben’s designs as a student caught the attention of local fashion supporters which led to him taking his work overseas and representing his country at regional showcases.
Reuben Gonzales of RG: Clothing that Flaunts
Reuben started his journey in the fashion industry with an intention to design costumes for theatre. He did however develop a love for fashion and grasped the opportunity to develop his own clothing brand.
Reuben’s initial passion for theatre costume is evident in the dramatic features and bold fabrics he chooses to create his designs for his label. Reuben is also inspired by his environment and the richness of Caribbean culture.
“I have three main sources of inspiration which are fauna, flora, and cultures native or synonymous with my country, the Caribbean, and my heritage. Each collection or garment that I design must have that mix of all three elements.â€
Ruffled Sleeveless Shirt Dress.
One of the highlights for Reuben as a designer is the creative process, which allows him to express his vision and he thoroughly enjoys each stage, which includes making mood boards, choosing fabrics, colours, illustrating, draping, and pattern drafting.
As a Caribbean-based designer, who has had the opportunity to showcase his work in regional shows and print publications. His presence in the Caribbean fashion industry has also exposed him to the talent across the region.
Paper Bag Waist Culotte paired with a Classic RG blouse.
“The Caribbean fashion industry has a plethora of creativity, vibrancy and diversity that showcases the Caribbean aesthetic.†Our industry is growing and quite young in comparison to the major fashion capitals, however, there is a wave of new talent that is helping the Caribbean get that international recognition we so deserve.â€
For his own brand, Reuben’s goal is to take his designs beyond the Caribbean and to have an international presence in fashion retail stores, boutiques, and the wardrobes of those who love to make a bold fashion statement.
In the past week, there have been developments in other areas of the region’s foreign trade agenda which are of note. They are as follows:
• CARICOM-USA – The USA has extended the Caribbean Basin Trade Partnership Act (CBPTA) for 10 years to 2030. I actually viewed the session of the US House Ways and Means Committee which considered the bill and recommended its adoption. This was a bipartisan effort. It was clear, however, that the adoption of the bill emphasised the interest of Haiti, the only least developed country (LDC) in the Western Hemisphere. Other CARICOM member states need to ensure that they are using the market access preferences granted under these arrangements.
• WTO DG SELECTION – At the World Trade Organization (WTO), the candidates for the post of director general (DG) were further narrowed to two women, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala of Nigeria and Ms Yoo Myung-Hee of South Korea. Indeed, history is expected to be made as a woman should be the next WTO DG, if all goes to plan. The question is, which one will receive the support of a critical mass of the 164 WTO members, including the principal trading powers, by November 6?
The 79-member Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), which also operates at the WTO in Geneva, has formally endorsed Dr Okonjo-Iweala. From this, I am assuming that CARICOM WTO members have also endorsed her. To be the clear, DG-designate Okonjo-Iweala needs to secure the support of Latin American countries, some important countries in Asia, such as India and Japan, the European Union (EU), and the USA and China.
• OACPS-EU POST-COTONOU NEGOTIATIONS – I last gave an update on the OACPS-EU post-Cotonou negotiations in August, when the negotiating timeline was extended. As expected, the negotiations resumed in September. Some sources feel that there is a 99 per cent chance that the negotiations will be concluded this year.
The protocols with the Caribbean and the Pacific, from reports, seem to be moving along well. Nevertheless, there seems to be some concern about that with Africa. There are still human-rights and migration issues to be resolved. As I pointed out before, the impression is given in the media that these are issues which primarily concern Africa, but they are also of interest to the Caribbean and the Pacific.
As also previously signalled, the EU’s primary focus is on Africa as it aims to change the relationship to a partnership of equals. The EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, Josef Borrell, recently referred to Africa as the EU’s natural partner and neighbour, and said that to face common challenges, the EU needs a strong Africa, and Africa needs a strong EU.
The EU wanted to unveil its new Africa strategy at the EU-Africa Summit, scheduled for the end of this month. The summit has been postponed and could be rescheduled for December. COVID-19 is now central to these deliberations.
BLACKLISTING
For the Caribbean, since June, the focus has been on the EU’s blacklisting of member states as non-cooperative jurisdictions for tax purposes. The EU Economic and Financial Affairs Council (finance ministers), you will recall, issued a revised list in June which included ten OACPS members, including, at least one CARICOM member state, and putting others on notice. The OACPS president-in-office, President Uhuru Kenyatta of Kenya, sent a letter to the top leadership of the EU condemning its unilateral action, noting that money laundering could be fought in the context of the 2000 Cotonou Partnership Agreement and that the post-Cotonou negotiations provided the opportunity to demonstrate the parties’ commitment to dialogue and a strengthened partnership. I understand that discussions have been ongoing between the OACPS and the EU on this blacklisting issue in the post-Cotonou negotiations.
On October 6, the EU finance ministers updated its money-laundering list and, of interest to CARICOM, added Barbados. CARICOM responded by issuing a strong statement deploring the EU’s ongoing unilateral, arbitrary and non-transparent action. CARICOM called on the EU to pursue a mutually collaborative engagement towards shared goals of effective tax governance to combat money laundering and terrorism financing. In CARICOM’s view, blacklisting, even greylisting, does serious damage to the reputation of its member states.
It is likely that this week, there could be further information on the progress towards completing the post-Cotonou negotiations, an objective of which is the transformation to a partnership of equals. You may wonder whether the OACPS and the EU are actually moving in this direction.
This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.
Barbadian tailor and designer, Rhaj Paul is widely known on the island for his signature style and tailored outfits that incorporate distinctive features.
As a designer, Rhaj has also experienced success with his striking t-shirt designs that feature clean typography, with inspirational themes or Bajan colloquialisms.
Quality, precision, and originality go into each creation by Rhaj and the demand for his work has grown consistently over the years. His designs have also trended on social media, with regional influencers proudly wearing their Rhaj Paul t-shirt designs.
More recently, Rhaj has shown the agility of his skill in response to COVID-19 and has added tailored masks to his catalogue of designs.
Quality Conscious Style
Rhaj’s love of style and originality is apparent in his work and whilst he describes his personal style as “Street Chicâ€, he has a clear vision of his ideal customer and ensures the craftsmanship that goes into his creations are designed specifically for this target audience, whom he describes as “A quality conscious gentleman with a keen sense of style.â€
An International Vision
As a designer based in the Caribbean, Rhaj is confident in the region’s ability to make a global impact.
“The Caribbean fashion industry has a lot to give the world. We bring a unique perspective on fashion and execution, and I am pleased to be a part of that dynamic.â€
His goal for his own work is to have an international presence. Specifically, in Senegal, France and the United Kingdom.
A Ministry of Style
Brand Evolve Flamingo jeans
Rhaj’s passion for bringing his ideas to life is a key motivator for the designer. The skill, quality and originality that goes into each piece has created a solid foundation for Rhaj and attracted a style-conscious clientele.
With his impressive portfolio and growing popularity over the years, he has proven his work has filled a niche for those who are not afraid to stand out and make a statement with their style.
UNWTO: With COVID-19, global tourism is the worst affected of all major sectors – an emergency for developing countries and small island developing states (SIDS)
Last Saturday, a relative in the USA told me that with a very heavy heart, she and her husband had just cancelled their Caribbean holiday for this winter. The hope is that it will be possible next year.
At the 75th Session of the UN General Assembly, the Caribbean government representatives who spoke all pointed to the devastating impact of COVID-19 on their economies. Prime Minister Dr Herbert Minnis of The Bahamas reminded the Assembly that tourism is the main earner for his country and with the drastic decline in visitor arrivals since the start of the pandemic, his country experienced an unprecedented rise in unemployment. Foreign Minister Jerome Walcott of Barbados stated bluntly that the “novel coronavirus has stripped us bare!†Foreign Minister Peter David of Grenada pointed to the negative growth which his country will be registering this year. These and other discussions and reports about the region’s dependence of tourism led me to this week’s topic.
TOURISM AS TRADE IN SERVICES
There are some people who still find it difficult to believe that tourism is an export, but it is. Tourism is classified as ‘trade in services’. As a reminder, tourism now contributes 20-50 per cent of the gross domestic product (GDP) of several countries in CARICOM.
Trade in services is about the sale and delivery of intangible products, or what used to be called invisible trade. International trade in services is now regulated by the World Trade Organization (WTO) General Agreement on Trade in Services (GATS).
Under the GATS, services are delivered in four modes:
Cross-border.
Consumption abroad.
Commercial presence in the consuming country.
Temporary movement of natural persons.
Tourism is mode 2, as visitors travel to the Caribbean to consume the services and products being offered in the countries.
There are a wide range of services which can be traded, and the Caribbean does trade some other services besides tourism, but not on a large scale. These other services include architectural, legal, health, educational, financial, cultural (creative industries), energy, transport, sports, and consultancy, among others. The region’s trade in these other services is not as developed as it could be.
To develop the services sectors and further explore trade in services require good data. The CARICOM region still has difficulty collecting disaggregated trade-in-services data. By ‘disaggregated’, this means information on the volume and value of trade with specific countries or a specific service. The data mainly comes from the balance of payments published by the central banks. Often information on trade with a specific country has to be secured from that country, especially developed countries. The trade is primarily undertaken under WTO rules and the commitments to liberalisation (market access) made in the WTO. The only free-trade agreement which contains trade in services is the EU/CARIFORUM Economic Partnership Agreement (EPA).
So, tourism is the most developed service trade in the region and it is a very open sector. It is also the sector for which data is quite readily available at the national level through the tourism authorities, at the regional level through the Caribbean Tourism Organization (CTO), and at the multilateral level through the UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO), not to be confused with WTO.
CARIBBEAN TOURISM’S RECOVERY FROM COVID-19
Tourism, which requires movement of people by land, sea and air, and their accommodation, has been severely impacted at the national and international levels as UNWTO stated. Much has been written and discussed about this impact, especially on SIDS and particularly the Caribbean, which has become very dependent on tourism through the years.
Caribbean countries have reopened borders and devised and implemented protocols in the hope that visitors will begin to return and the winter season can be rescued. The focus has been on the recovery of the sector. One factor, which seems to be overlooked, is that tourism is actually a luxury item. Although global travel has increased at phenomenal rates over the years, a foreign vacation is not at the top of the list of priorities for a household in an economic recession.
I and others have stated that we cannot ignore the international context. There are problems out there over which Caribbean governments have no control. The source markets are mainly the USA, Canada, United Kingdom and member states of the European Union. These countries are still battling to contain COVID-19. As cases continue to increase, some countries have had to reimpose additional restrictions. These economies are not improving satisfactorily and unemployment figures remain high. With their own domestic tourism suffering, governments and industry interests are more likely to encourage nationals to take ‘staycations’. The situation in the USA is particularly worrying. Twenty-nine states are still experiencing spikes and the president has now joined the list of those infected and hospitalised. This is all complicated by the pending elections and their likely outcome.
The medical fraternity is also concerned about the coming winter season, which is likely to bring further increases in COVID cases.
Add to this the crisis in the airline industry, where airlines are reducing staff and cost, some hoping that they can receive recovery support from governments. The cruise ship industry is also in a critical situation and it is not clear when cruises are realistically likely to resume.
The countries of CARICOM are hoping and planning for a recovery, and I do hope this will happen sooner rather than later. But, I also hope that contingency plans are in place.
This article which was originally published by the Jamaica Gleaner was submitted by Elizabeth Morgan, Specialist in International Trade Policy and International Politics.
Elle and Edranelle Heyliger are siblings from Grenada who discovered their love of creating their own looks from a young age.
Having learned from a young age to improvise with their own wardrobes, the sisters were motivated to take sewing lessons and as a result, came together to form their own company specialising in custom designs.
The Brand
Initially known as Elle.gnd, the sisters recently rebranded their company to DrielleDranelle, but despite the new name, their goal is the same – for their customers to look good and feel good.
Over their five years of operations, Elle and Edranelle have attracted a clientele who require custom pieces ranging from day wear to evening wear for special occasions such as proms and graduations.
The popularity of their custom designs has proven the sisters have found a niche market and put them on the path towards developing their own line of ready-to-wear fashion their customers can purchase from retailers.
Their creative talents also extend to interior designs and a soft furnishings line is also within their plans for DrielleDranelle.
Eyes on the Fashion Pulse
With their sights firmly set on expanding their brand, Elle and Edranelle are conscious of regional fashion trends and developments within the industry.
“Caribbean people have become more aware of their heritage and uniqueness in culture, so upcoming trends may very well pay homage to this.â€
Ethical fashion is also one on their radar as they predict that clothing with biodegradable material will be a large part in the development of Caribbean fashion.
The DrielleDranelle Muse
Both Elle and Edranelle admit their personal style is simple, yet they have a keen eye for detail and enjoy making a fashion statement when they create original pieces for themselves and their customers.
Iconic women such as Michelle Obama and Beyonce are among the Heyliger sisters’ inspiration when it comes to style and their work ethic. The Kardashian sisters are also a source of creative inspiration for Elle and Edranelle’s designs.
Showcasing their Talents
At the beginning of 2020, the sisters achieved their proudest moment since the inception of their brand. The sisters collaborated with fellow fashion professionals, including a well-known local model and industry photographer to host an event showcasing the best parties in Grenada.
Elle and Edranelle not only contributed to the wardrobe for the event, they were also heavily involved in model preparation and makeup.
The positive feedback they received following the event, gave them a holistic appreciation for their craft and enhanced their creative skills even further.
The Future for DrielleDranelle
Having made an impact locally in fashion, the sisters have a clear vision for their future.
Elle and Edranelle’s goal for their brand DrielleDranelle, is to become a household name in fashion, beauty, costume design and interior design.
As a team of creatives who have designed many unique creations, their plans to offer a ready-to-wear fashion line will increase access to their brand for a larger clientele:
“Our ideal customer is a woman that knows what she wants but is not afraid to take risks, therefore leaving room for creativity and experimentation. She is also confident and holds herself to a high standard in all aspects of life.â€
With five years as a brand in the industry and a growing clientele, DrielleDranelle is sure to become the household name they envision.
Health-conscious consumers are driving the increasing demand for natural products and ingredients. Research shows that the global natural food and drinks market was valued at $79.1 million in 2016 and is estimated to reach $191.9 million by 2023 – a compound annual growth rate of 17.6%. The term ‘natural’ has a range of connotations, but all of them are overwhelmingly positive, and signify how invested consumers are in trying to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
In a 2018 global study, Ipsos asked consumers to interpret the term ‘natural’ and the three most common associations were:
• Healthy. • No artificial ingredients. • 100% from nature.
The public gravitates towards natural products because they believe these offer health benefits which cannot be replicated by man-made substances.
Back to nature
The Caribbean is a tropical haven for a range of plant-based ingredients, so it’s no wonder the region is seeing a surge in demand for its natural produce.
This year, Food Matters Live will welcome Caribbean suppliers of natural goods including herbal teas by Caribbean Cure and Shavuot International; the world’s first turmeric paste from Belizean company Naledo and organic chocolate and cocoa based products by Cold Bush Organics from Jamaica’s famous Blue Mountains range, courtesy of the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
These companies and more are actively taking advantage of the Caribbean’s indigenous bounty.
Caribbean Cure, based in Trinidad and Tobago, prides itself on “harnessing the power of nature†in its organic loose leaf teas and tea bags.
Utilising Caribbean herbs, roots, plants and barks which are traditionally known for their unique healing and health properties, Caribbean Cure’s infusions are not only natural but delicious. They contain no preservatives, additives, or artificial flavourings and a special dehydration process ensures customers taste “the maximum amount of wellness in every dropâ€.
The award-winning company was founded by Stacy Seeterram and Sophia Stone.
“When we began handcrafting our blends, we had one simple mission – to share our passion and love for the age-old traditions and healing qualities of Caribbean herbs,†Sophia recalls. “We visited farmers, herbalists and tea lovers from across the region to find out what makes the perfect cup of natural tea. We were determined to create much more than tea with health benefits.â€
Stacy adds: “The secret is in the process. The tea leaves are slow dried to maximise nutrient content. Each blend offers a delicate balance formulated to create a memorable and unique experience in every cup.â€
Authentic and good for you
Shavuot International is a family-owned Caribbean company which has also tapped into the ever-increasing consumer appetite for all things natural.
Shavuot’s products include exotic tea blends, natural skin and hair treatments, breadfruit flour and powdered spices.
The Jamaican company’s teas rely on natural ingredients of the highest quality, handpicked and manufactured to preserve the rich nutrients in each blend.
Its loose tea is made from local leaves and seeds of the moringa plant, turmeric, cinnamon, cerasee, ginger and peppermint.
Shavuot, which means harvesting goodness, prides itself on using ethically and organically sourced ingredients produced through sustainable community development partnerships and with the support of local farmers.
The company currently exports its products to over 13 countries including the US, UK, Australia, Canada and around the Caribbean.
Kimya Glasgow is an avid student of fashion. Honing her artistic talents since childhood, Kimya showed natural talent with her sketches of clothing and accessories.
Designer – Kimya Glasglow
Born in St. Vincent and The Grenadines, Kimya spent her early years in Trinidad and Tobago and later went on to study in Barbados where she achieved an Associate Degree in Fashion Design.
Kimya’s experience as a student of art and fashion design has led to a process that includes her detailed research on the elements which inspire her to make her ideas come to life.
As a true Caribbean native, the rich culture and art from the region are a source of inspiration for Kimya as a designer for her own line of clothing and accessories.
The Brand
Kimya Glasgow, the brand, is the natural evolution of her love and dedication for fashion which is guided by a mission to create high quality products that includes resort wear, swimwear, soft furnishings and accessories.
Sustainability is a core feature woven into her brand’s mission, with Kimya’s preference for natural fibres that are eco-friendly and durable. Ethical fashion is particularly important due to the threat of climate change and the Kimya Glasgow brand can be highlighted as a leader in this effort with their focus on using biodegradable materials.
Many of her creations include unique touches such as hand-paintings and hand-beading. She particularly enjoys creating designs with contrasting elements. In one of her designs, Kimya combined fabric with European and African features.
“My favourite part [as a designer] is the research and then developing ideas from inspiration. Often taking things that seem to have nothing to do with each other, like when I mixed English garden florals and Dutch-African wax prints and found a way to make them work together.â€
Kimya Glasgow’s International Presence
The Cleo Dress
Over the years, Kimya has embraced the opportunity to promote her award winning brand overseas. Runway shows have given the Kimya Glasgow brand international exposure with her pieces featured at regional fashion events in Barbados, Grenada, Jamaica, Mustique, Trinidad & Tobago and St. Kitts. The brand has also featured their collection outside of the Caribbean in Miami and New York, which is widely acknowledged as the mecca for fashion in the United States.
A Digitally Savvy Brand
The Nisani Racerback Tank
The Kimya Glasgow brand can be found online via their website and social media channels.
The website is a strong marketing and sales channel with an ecommerce platform for online retail of their products and an e-mail subscription feature to keep their audience informed of any updates. Distributors can also use the website, which can be viewed in english, spanish and french, to approach the brand for wholesale opportunities.
The Future of Kimya Glasgow
The Amelia Dress – Long Shirt Dress Linen
The Kimya Glasgow brand has shown no signs of slowing down. In 2019 the designer launched her own fragrance, Kimya Glasgow Vanilla Orchid in collaboration with Martiniquan perfumer, Parfum Des Iles. Kimya is particularly proud of this achievement which has complemented the company’s product offer as a lifestyle brand.
The award winning designer has proven her ability to acknowledge consumer needs with her range of products. Kimya has also shown she can adapt to their habits with the Kimya Glasgow website and social media channels. These digital platforms play an important role in providing the brand with an opportunity for greater exposure and access to international consumers.
The journey of Kimya’s lifestyle company, along with her clear focus on her goals for an ethical brand of casual, yet elegant products puts this Caribbean brand at an advantage for longevity.
The dragonfly is known for its kaleidoscope of brilliant iridescent colours and in Japan is a symbol of courage, strength and happiness.
This beautiful creature is also a distinct feature in the logo for Designs by Nadia and an appropriate representation of the brand’s handcrafted jewellery and clientele.
Designer – Nadia Jabour
Founded by Nadia Jabour, the Jewellery brand Designs by Nadia is characterised by brilliant, often iridescent colours, and naturally occurring variations, much like the dragonfly.
Each collection is made with elements found in the Caribbean such as coconut, scented cedarwood, natural seeds and scales from the tarpon fish, found in the mangroves of Guyana.
The natural elements used in each collection require specific processes to prepare them to be intricately crafted into a piece of jewellery designed by Nadia. The formation of these raw materials means that no two pieces are the same and every item has unique features for each client.
Based in Rodney Bay, St. Lucia, which is a popular tourist destination and known for its world-class marina, Designs by Nadia is perfectly situated to offer their collection of unique pieces to both locals and visitors to the island.
A Reputable Caribbean Jeweller
Red Seed Neck WireNatural Fish Scale NecklaceRoyal Piece
As a Caribbean company that has been in existence for over 10 years and located in a popular tourist destination, the longevity of the company has proven that Designs by Nadia is a valuable brand with products that appeal to a global clientele.
One of Nadia’s proudest achievements has taken her overseas to represent her company and St. Lucia. The event, which was held at Buckingham Palace in the United Kingdom featured regional designers from the Commonwealth. Designs by Nadia was the perfect representative to showcase their handcrafted jewellery with authentic and natural Caribbean materials.
Designs by Nadia in a Digital Space
As the retail world has shifted to ecommerce, Designs by Nadia has also adjusted its operations and embraced online channels to promote and sell their products.
This has opened up more opportunities for international exposure and clients.
The company’s website is designed for easy browsing of the various collections, news updates and purchase with an international shipping option. There is even a function where the customer can select and compare pieces before making a final decision to purchase.
Wholesalers can also register their interest via the company website.
A Wealth of Caribbean Creativity
Green Fish scale Earrings
Throughout her years as the head designer of her jewellery company and having the opportunity to promote her company within the region, Nadia has seen the potential for the industry as a whole. With an abundance of creative individuals from the Caribbean, she would like to see her fellow designers receive regional support and more exposure.
As an experienced designer, Nadia’s attention to detail as a creative and business owner is a good template for designers from the region who would like to achieve similar success.
For her own brand, Nadia’s goals to be internationally known as a Caribbean Jewellery designer are on the right track to making this a reality.
Tasha & Tianne Fashions is a clothing and accessory brand by Jamaican designer Simone Gordon.
The fashion pieces created under the Tasha & Tianne Fashions brand include tailored clothing and accessories with bold, colourful fabric prints and leather. All of which are personally handmade by Simone.
A Third Generation Designer
Designer – Simone Gordon
Simone’s role as a designer could be described as destiny. Having grown up with her mother and grandmother who were dressmakers, she was witness to their creations and personal style from a young age.
These childhood experiences, and living in an environment rich in colour were valuable sources of inspiration that have contributed to her passion in designing the pieces she creates for Tasha & Tianne Fashions.
A Multifaceted Brand
When scrolling through the official Tasha & Tianne Fashions’ Instagram page, Simone’s skill as a designer are displayed in its various forms. Tailored jackets, asymmetric dresses, necklaces, bracelets and more recently masks with matching accessories, all make up the pieces available.
“My favorite part of being a designer is taking a piece of fabric and turning it into a work of art.â€
African-inspired fabric prints and vibrant colours are elements that feature in many of the designs that are tailored to complement the female frame. The accessories also add an eye-catching burst of colour that can enhance a casual outfit.
Whilst Simone would describe her own personal style as “simple, uncomplicated, comfortable and freeâ€, her ideal customer is a lady who likes to stand out from the crowd in the most beautiful and unique way. Tasha & Tianne Fashions are intentionally created to stand out.
Tasha & Tianne’s bold prints on the runway
The Future of Caribbean Fashion
As a Caribbean designer, Simone is optimistic that the fashion industry in the region will grow, based on the passion of her fellow creative designers who have made significant progress with little funding.
Her own goal is to expand the production of her brand so that Tasha & Tianne Fashions is available in international retail stores. She would also like to open her own local showroom with her pieces.
The eye-catching clothing and accessories designed by Simone have been featured in the press and local runway shows. As an established designer in Jamaica, Tasha & Tianne Fashions can be recognised as a local fashion brand with the potential for international success.
Simone’s natural talent and passion for fashion are the perfect formula for Tasha & Tianne’s longevity in the Caribbean fashion industry.
While the international business community appears to hold its collective breath in anticipation of the undoubted financial damage COVID-19 has done, Ecofarms, an ambitious Jamaican-based social enterprise, looks set to demonstrate the value of the support its receiving from Caribbean Export Development Agency. Caribbean Export sources finance from the European Union to help Caribbean businesses trade in Europe and is the only regional trade and investment promotion agency in the African, Caribbean and Pacific group. Established in 1996, it serves 15 Caribbean states – Antigua and Barbuda, The Bahamas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Dominican Republic, Haiti, Grenada, Guyana, Jamaica, Saint Lucia, St. Kitts and Nevis, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname plus Trinidad and Tobago.
Caribbean Export is supporting Ecofarms’ quest to identify routes to the international market for its new immunity-boosting Cold & Flu HoneyStix. Infused with natural products – including ginger, turmeric, nutmeg, tamarind, cinnamon and honey – the HoneyStix are poised to make a timely entry on the world stage as health authorities champion the merits of healthy immune systems while grappling with the mysterious deadly virus. Headquartered in rural Mandeville in central Jamaica, Ecofarms’ honey blend has been found by university researchers to be more effective than the more expensive Manuka honey in breaking down drug-resistant bacteria. Currently retailing in 50 stores across Jamaica, including coffee chain Starbucks since autumn 2018, the HoneyStix are produced by vulnerable local people – its entire staff are all single parents and/ or have disabilities that would limit their opportunities to secure alternative employment. Ecofarms’ investment in its workforce of six seemed to have been returned with interest, as its founder Grace Foster-Reid explained: “While COVID-19 began to spread and employers looked to furlough workers or let them go altogether, we kept ours on, paid them a full salary and even took on two new beekeepers.
To continue doing business during this time, it seemed likely that we would have to use up our reserves of honey. That looked to be a certainty when Jamaica experienced a drought in April and honey production fell. Amazingly, we had a bumper crop – we didn’t need to use any of the reserves. “It was an act of faith to keep with our workers. I am a woman of faith and I believe the bumper crop was a blessing from God. It is easy to feel sorry for ourselves when we hit trouble, but the important thing is to get back up from a fall and believe that in every crisis, there is opportunity. Personally, I am convinced that the bigger the crisis, the bigger the opportunity.†Ecofarms itself emerged from a crisis, when Grace, an engineer and MIT graduate, found herself out of work after the closure of the two bauxite factories in Mandeville. Recognising the economic potential that lay in Jamaica’s rich natural resource, honey, before long, the seeds that grew into her progressive social enterprise were sown, taking on and overcoming the numerous obstacles in its path, including staffing issues, lack of capital and funding, plus low profit margins. The HoneyStix now form part of Ecofarm’s immediate targets: to boost its income through online selling and, in keeping with its societal mission, to continue creating employment for people from at risk and disabled communities while paying attention to the wellness of the planet and its workers. It will expand operations to the Jamaica Deaf Village, where they will mostly employ the hearing impaired – two deaf youths are currently training as beekeepers. Ecofarms will also strive to make its operations carbon neutral.
Tracing Ecofarms’ success back to Caribbean Export’s early input, Grace added: “I was fortunate to be one of 19 Caribbean businesswomen in its inaugural programme in 2018. We gained business insight to help us develop our products and services but also a sisterhood that gave us mutual support. Ecofarms is about people, which are among our KPIs – profit is secondary. “We appreciate what Caribbean Export has done for us, and we will carry this ethos as we progress to trading overseas. We look forward to its support during our next phase – with our intellectual property, expert coaching from an export specialist and with marketing.†Anthony Bradshaw, Officer in Charge at Caribbean Export, said: “We embarked upon the Women Empowered through Export (WE-Xport) programme with the specific purpose of supporting women-owned businesses that had the potential, to commence exporting or increase their exports. “To see this come to fruition for Ecofarms is indeed a rewarding experience for both Ecofarms and the Agency. Mrs Foster-Reid and the other businesses in the programme worked diligently and whilst this period of uncertainty has left many exposed, it’s encouraging to know that some of the tools learnt during the programme have been leveraged to maximise opportunities. Her success has demonstrated the important role that Caribbean Export plays in private sector development in partnership with the European Union.“We will continue to assist SMEs such as Ecofarms to increase their competitiveness and leverage available opportunities to increase their exports.â€
This article was originally published on The Voice as part of a series featuring Caribbean entrepreneurs and businesses sponsored by the Caribbean Export Development Agency.
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Inspired by Haitian culture, Bijou Lakay’s hand-crafted accessories are designed to complement outfits for both day and night.
Natural materials such as bullhorn, wood and bone are just some of the precious materials used to create the brand’s earrings, necklaces and bracelets. Each accessory is delicately made by craftsmen who use traditional tools and methods passed down through the generations. The brand also creates limited edition collections with precious gemstones such as turquoise and pearls.
La rosee is a term in haitian language linked with the wake up of the nature. It is why the design is an assembly of leavesGimlet is from a past collection named Cocktail
“15 years ago, people [would] never wear a bullhorn piece to any big events or to go to work. Now, when you wear artisanal accessories, you look cool and trendy.â€
Maeva is designed for our black queens
The ideal Bijou Lakay customer is a person who is open to creativity and not afraid to try new styles.
The Bijou Lakay brand is available to purchase online via their website that offers international shipping. Their website also has a form where distributors can contact the company for opportunities to retail the brand at their outlets.
The Future
Celebration is a masterpiece, handmade with bullhorn
As a brand, Bijou Lakay’s online presence continues to expose the brand to local and international audiences. The website is a channel that gives international customers access to bold, statement accessories created in Haiti.
