S.O.Y CLUB VIEWS ON
Tips On Staying
YOUNG & Fashion Spotlight:
Cover photo by
AMBITIOUS
CONTENTS NEWS & REPORTS 1 Student of the month 2 Celebrity inspiration 3 Inspiring people born in March
POLITICS Budding fashion designer Jawara Alleyne More on page 19
5 Political Minute: Is society failing to engage with young people?
BUSINESS 6
How can Cayman boost business?
FASHION 7 Fashion Spotlight: Jawara Alleyne
INTERVIEWS Tips on staying young and ambitious from personal trainer, Michael Manville More on page 21
MUSIC & ARTS 17 Introducing: Black Ken 21 Home Grown talent: Mario Vibestime
Cover model: Bonnie Bodden
10 Business Takeover: Cassienne Lawrence
HEALTH & SPORT 13 Getting into the swing of things: Samantha Widmer 15 Q&A with Michael Manville
MEET THE
EDITORS
NEWS
STUDENT
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Dominic Small
CELEBRITY
NEWS
ADELE
Ashanti Ebanks
ZENDAYA Isabelle Ordonez
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NEWS
Inspiring People born in
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MARCH
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NEWS
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POLITICS S.O.Y club students voice their opinions on the latest political debates in Cayman.
Is society failing to engage with
Dharani Senthil
YES Dharani Senthil would like to see young people’s achievements celebrated more. I feel like the older generation are always ready to blame young people and they’re not there to help us. They criticise our behaviour, work and achievements. I would like to see society focus on us as individuals, create more for young people to do, such as youth clubs and some support. It would be great to have someone for us to talk to and more support and engagement for parents. I would love to see young people celebrating achievements more so we can feel encouraged and motivated.
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NO
BUSINESS
CAYMAN
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Boost BUSINESS?
I think it’s really important to actually promote business in Cayman and portraying it as a great place invest in.
Tyrik Taylor S.O.Y club member Tyrik Taylor gives his take on the business scene on island.
Entrepreneurship is also a great way to boost business on island. We can do this by giving new employees more freedom in their jobs, giving them a chance to explore and also prove themselves. If there were more internships and apprenticeships available for young people that might inspire them to go on and start there own companies. For young people, we need to provide workshops, more firsthand business lessons so we can learn the skills before we go out there and start up on their own.
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FASHION
Fashion Spotlight:
JAWARA ALLEYN E Hailing from the small island of Cayman, award-winning , edgy clothing designer Jawara Alleyne says the cut-throat world of high-fashion isn’t all catwalk, carpets and Chanel...
When and why did you get into Fashion?
What inspired your collections?
I was asked this question recently and I made a joke that I never got into fashion, it was fashion that got into me. As cliché as it may sound, there was never a point where I made a decision to go into fashion. It's almost as if the decision was already made and everything that I'd done in my life was just leading up to the discovery of my path as a fashion designer.
Before I began my studies my collections were inspired by the nature that surrounded me, but now that I've seen, experienced, learnt and understand so much more, the inspiration behind my work has so much more depth and meaning. Referencing things like history and infusing the things I love such as different textures to create cohesive collections.
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I never got into fashion, it was fashion that got into me
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FASHION What do you think the Fashion industry needs in Cayman ?
and not being able to get jobs, it's up to them to get creative and find ways to utilise their talents in order I think Cayman needs more to make a living. This is a avenues to exercise problem we're not only experimenting with fashion. facing in Cayman but The fashion industry can grow worldwide. in Cayman as much as it wants but if no one has a What are your aspirations purpose to wear fashion and as a designer? be creative with what they wear then the business itself Currently my main goal as won't be a lucrative or lasting a designer is to create a one. Fashion is driven mainly global successful fashion by two things, seasons or brand- but once you start occasions. As Cayman has one learning about the industry, season all year round (the is a lot harder than it might paradise season) then that seem I find fashion to be doesn't inspire change in the one of the hardest type of clothing being worn industries to work in at any time of the year. We because it takes so much in the Caribbean rely on dedication and hard work occasion to get creative with to actually create what we wear. So I think that something that has would be the most sensible longevity. Most people thing to happen in the island, wouldn't understand the which will indirectly affect the need to stay at work till 6 fashion industry. am and rushing home to get as much sleep as you Do you think there is enough possibly can before waking support for aspiring fashion up the next morning to do it designers in Cayman? all again but achieving the goal of building my own Yes, I actually do think there’s brand and having my own a lot of support now for business will make all the aspiring fashion designers, hard work worthwhile in the whether what we have is end. enough is an issue that requires a lot more thought. What advice would you At the same time I feel like give budding there’s a bigger issue at stake fashionistas? and that is the support of the creative industry in general. It Don’t do it unless you really goes without say that the love it. Fashion is an ideas of what a career path industry that seems is, is changing and with more people coming out of schools.
glamorous to outsiders but on the inside, it's such hard work and if you're not passionate about it then it's probably not worthwhile. Once you've established that you do love the industry and want to work in it, then I would recommend that you just let your imagination run wild. Be as creative as you can and have fun because fashion can be a great industry to work in. What is your greatest accomplishment to date? You might be disappointed but my greatest.
accomplishments are non-fashion related. As cliché as this might also sound, I think being kind and generous are things that we should all aspire to be. Not just to be successful in our careers, but in our characters as well. If my mother never did nothing for me (which is not true because she's done so much) she's given me a name which constantly reminds me of what life is about.
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FASHION Jawara means lover of peace and living up to my name I consider to be my greatest accomplishment. I'm not saying this to be selfindulging but it's actually the truth. One day I will be able to use my talents to help people and accomplish things, but for right now helping old ladies cross the street will have to do. Who are your fashion idols? I don't think I have any fashion idols. Probably because I don't consider any one person to be the epitome of fashion, or because I don't make it a habit to praise one person for their style. Because I have a very broad range of preferences, so many different people appeal to me. I think the people who have style that I admire most are people whose soul I'm also drawn to. People with character. People like Lupita Nyong'o, Jennifer Lawerence, Angelina Jolie, Zoe Saldana, Rihanna goes without say, My mother and Pharell Williams. Facebook/Jawaraalleyne
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One Caribbean celebrity that I think is absolutely gorgeous is the Jamaican model Jeneil Williams. Her accolades are not unknown to the fashion industry. She's worked with brands such as Gucci, Lanvin, Balenciaga and have been the star of numerous campaigns. One look at this girl will remind you why black is beautiful!
FEATURE
CASSIANNE Olympic hopeful, model, entrepreneur, mother and go-getter Cassianne Lawrence tells the members of the S.O.Y club why the word ‘can’t’ isn’t in her dictionary... You've done a bit of modelling You’ve just started your own business, how did you come up with has that helped with your confidence? the idea? Evolution Gamer will be a gaming lounge and studio where people of all ages can come and hang out, to play video games and recreational games.
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It has taught me how to carry myself like a lady and do my makeup and hair and how to highlight true beauty. I was a tomboy all my life
. How tough is it balancing all the activities and responsibilities you have? Not very, God has given me these amazing abilities, I feel like I am supposed to do something great on this earth I am supposed to make an impact. More over the page
I never stop until it’s complete or until I’ve achieved what I wanted to
great on this earth” and didn’t really care about things like that but again I had this natural talent for it so I just did it and I fell in love. I then went on to start an agency called ‘Quasar Models’. What would you say is your greatest achievement to date?
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Other than my beautiful, intelligent, funny little person called Aria., it would have to be 2015 Island Games when I became the youngest player at the age of 14 to make the Cayman Islands Women’s National Basketball team.
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FEATURE
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Never ever, give up no matter the obstacle
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FEATURE What advice would you give to young people looking for a bit of inspiration from someone who has been through what they have on some level? Never ever, ever give up no matter the obstacle. Giving up is easy, running the course is hard but you have to stick with it because success comes not from the fear of failure but from facing failure head on and having the courage to dust yourself off and try again. Always embrace your mistakes don’t be afraid to make them that’s the only way you will learn to do and be better the next time around. What are your plans for 2014? Oh boy lol... well I said to myself this is my year of Green I made a theme rather than a resolution for 2014 and my theme is “it’s all about the green” to me green represents new life a fresh start everything alive and new. I plan to wear or have something that’s green with me the whole year whether its my hair or my nails a purse a broach etc. I also plan to make things new and bring life to things one of those things that’s green for me is joining the Women in Cayman group we aim to help people and show them a new way of thinking a new life. Help kids and people in trouble or in need see the green, a new perspective of tragedy is to embrace it and find the green light to move on.
Photo by Tracey Seymour
You have your sights set on the Olympics in 2016, are you training hard? I have just started playing Rugby and I absolutely love it, I am hoping to make the National Rugby team this year as they are aiming to go to the Olympics in 2016 and that is one of my life goals to become and Olympian.
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SPORTS
Samantha
Widmer
What made you take up golf as a hobby? My mum and dad encouraged me and my two brothers, Johnny and Jack, to try the game of golf because it taught etiquette, sportsmanship and relationship building at a young age.
What do you think of the golfing industry in Cayman? How can it be improved? They say 'business is done on the golf course' and in many ways it is. You build friendships, trust, the ability to see a person outside of their element and learn the ins and outs of their personalities.
What has been the thing you are most proud of? Firstly, my love for the game of golf and the people I have met through it. I have been able to find something I am passionate about, but a sport that I'm naturally good at. I'm also proud of my relationship with my family.
What would you say to young athletes reading this article as the best piece of advice you could give? The road to becoming a successful athlete is difficult and a lot of hard work. Read more over the page
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You've overcome a lot of obstacles to get where you are today..what advice would you give to others from your experience? I try to put a smile on my face each day and have a positive outlook on life. But it has been a tough few years and life has not
SPORTS
continued...been easy. There have been a lot of ups and downs. My advice to people would be to trust yourself and your ability. You can do anything you put your mind to and there will always be people trying to bring you down.
Are you competing this year? What can we expect from you? I ‘m hoping to qualify for the National Team that will be travelling to Puerto Rico this August. We will have a few more qualifiers, but the ladies are all playing great. I really enjoy playing with the dedicated National Team members and hope to continue to support the game of golf in Cayman. .
continued...I have spent many hours training in gyms, golf ranges, studying, etc... and it was a struggle at times. There will always be someone that works hard, finishes faster, achieves greater, which means you have to stay ahead of the game
What would you like to see happen for golf in Cayman? I hope we can transform Cayman into a golf destination. Golf is one of the few sports that brings investors and developers to a country and I think we should focus our efforts on the economic benefits .
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HEALTHS
Michael
Manville Y
ou describe yourself as a ‘warrior’, what
makes you a ‘warrior’ in your eyes? By that I mean that I strive for my dreams alone on a dangerous path. I believe facing challenges things makes us stronger mentally and physically. We see a stronger version of ourselves to take on the world. You’ve become a brand of your own now, when did you decide you wanted to start building your own success? I never thought of the idea until I went off to college in London Ontario, Canada in 2007. Living alone and having to find out who I was and seeing the weakness and potential I had, only made want to face the ugly. It was then I started to see a vision.
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You must have faced a number of challenges chasing your goals? Yes, after the brutal winters of Canada being injured in multiple areas of my body from exercise. My body literally told me I’m a lot stronger and I just need to keep on going. I did an online course in Becoming a NASM Personal Trainer and I failed 3 times! I never backed down because deep down I knew I could do it. Does working out regularly help with other aspects of life, like confidence? Training is like medication. It fixes you and makes you one with your body, it helps you to be yourself. Stronger, grounded and hungry for more…
HEALTHS
Does working out regularly help with other aspects of life, like confidence? Training is like medication. It fixes you and makes you one with your body, it helps you to be yourself. Stronger, grounded and hungry for more.
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I saw a kid that could hardly talk, gain confidence and start facing his fears...
What do you love about what you do? It takes a lot of energy! How do you keep going? Seeing the change and impact it has on people’s lives. At the beginning of the year an old friend of mine called me and said he wanted me to help with his training. Within the first few weeks of we were both surprised at the results. I saw a kid that could hardly talk gain confidence and start facing his fears. If this training was that powerful I knew it was something I wanted to do for more people.
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MUSIC
Photo by: David Goddard
Words: Monica Walton
Black Ken
This young rap artist is no stranger to the Cayman music scene. From drumming to beats on bleachers at school, to being voted “most likely to be a rapper”, Black Ken talks the politics of hip-hop, Kanye and how, despite his name...he’s not about being fake... Let’s start from the top. Tell us about your first record?
What do you think of the music industry in Cayman? Do you get the support you need?
I recorded my fist ever song called "Fresh" which was a remix to soldier It's very expensive to produce excellent boy's "speakers quality music and a lot of going hammer". The song aspiring artist are I remember being was played on the radio disheartened by the fact in the club hearing In Cayman and I can still that the government or remember being in the club my song and seeing companies won't sponsor and thinking how awesome everyone wilding them . If we can sponsor it felt to hear my song drop Cayman athletes to go out to this little and see everyone wilding abroad and represent the local dude who out to this little local dude country why can't we do recorded for the who recorded for the first the same with our first time ever! time ever! talented local artists? Unfortunately the What are your aspirations as a rap country that I love and make artist in Cayman? references to in my songs isn't supporting me as much as I wished it would. I aspire to be the best I can be and hopefully get signed by a major label and more or less put Caymans music scene on the map. I believe in having sequential strategic goals in all Twitter: @Ken_TheGenius aspects of life. Instagram:@Ken_TheGenius_Photo
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MUSIC
I don't want be called "The next (insert random artists name here)" I want to set my own name in stone
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MUSIC Do you think it's important to raise awareness of issues through music? Definitely, older people never really grasp onto the concerns of the younger generation. Some feel we're too young and too inexperienced to have a valid opinion on something when in fact our opinions are
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As far as rap icons go, he's definitely in the upper echelon of musicians
just as good as theirs. What artists do you aspire to be like/idolize? I aspire to be myself. I don't want be called “the next (insert random artists name here)" I want to set my own name in stone and have people aspiring to be like me.
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But with that said I Idolize Kanye West *laughs*, I study his interviews, his performances his songs, his beats and his fashion style. He may have his controversies but as far as rap icons go, he's definitely in the upper echelon of musicians. Black Ken “The Genius” is out this year.
MUSIC
Can’t live without... BEATS BY DRE
I can’t go a day without my Beats By Dr. Dre headphones. I use them religiously to write music, to exercise, and to unwind at home.
BLACKBERRY Z10
My Blackberry Z10 is so important for me because I write all of my songs inside of my note pad, Its the only way I can stay organized!
JORDAN’S
I can’t live without buying a pair or two of Jordan Sneakers every month. I absolutely love shoes!
Follow: @Ken_TheGenius Instagram: @Ken_TheGenius_Photo Facebook: Black Ken
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ARTS
MARIO BLAKE Monica Walton tracks down photographer, entrepreneur and entertainment guru Mario Blake to talk business, entertainment and vibes...
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Tell us a little bit about Vibestime Entertainment? First of all, Vibestime Entertainment is the people’s choice, we bring the vibes. We are a promotional, interesting and vibrant company who aims to keep Cayman entertained.
What are your career ambitions for Vibestime? My career ambitions for Vibestime is going international for sure and letting more people know about us and what we can do, which is keeping the people entertained.
I love to explore and mingle with people. I appreciate seeing people happy
How did you come up with the idea? I had a passion for entertainment from a very young age especially music. I love to explore and mingle with people. I appreciate seeing people happy.
What struggles did you face when setting up your own business? I had to work tirelessly to keep the business in good shape. Lots of sleepless nights to keep Vibestime going!
Finally, any advice would you give to someone looking to start their own business? Never give up and go for what you really desire.
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www.vibestime.com