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Issue 10
Ariana Marshall Everything is Connected
Dempstu Simmons Masterfully Maintaining Momentum
JEREMY NICHOLLS
‘Whip it until it can’t move further’
Cary Holder
‘We build people up not tear them down’ Try me!
Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
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O
ne of the things I do monthy is to check in with all the persons who were featured in the magazine. The main reason is to get an assessment of how business has progressed since appearing in the magazine. To date, it heartens me to know that all of them are still going strong and have seen an increase in business. The magazine is not to take full credit for this but I believe it shows that once we begin to celebrate entrepreneurs, the encouragement can take them a long way. Around this same time last year we would have featured health and entertainment entrepreneurs and this year is no different. A sector that is constantly growing and trending, we are highlighting in this issue four incredible individuals who are on a journey to success. On the front cover is Jeremy Nicholls, no stranger to the entertainment world, he gives us an exclusive take on managing one of the fastest growing Crop Over bands, Xhosa. We also have D.J. Simmons, a man that wears many hats literally and figuratively. He’s been contributing to shaping the cultural sector with the power of spoken word. Dr. Ariana Marshall; a solution artist, lover of learning and dedicated scientist shares her thoughts on a better Barbados and Caribbean. Lastly, Mr Cary Holder talks to us about his creative concept called Bassa Bassa which is home to Barbados’ most motivational fitness community. I hope you enjoy reading our summer edition and many thanks to my team and the contributors for their input.
Ryan Wills Managing Editor
Dazzle Magazine Barbados is a new, fresh Barbadian bi-monthly publication that provides much needed exposure to young professionals, entrepreneurs, and established businesses. It covers an array of topics and categories key to starting and running a business. It also offers practical advice on everyday living, tips for a healthy lifestyle and interviews with popular and up-and-coming personalities. Dazzle Magazine Barbados is designed to appeal to a diverse range of readers but is especially targeted at working professionals and business owners between the ages of 2150 years. We provide our advertising clients with value for money by offering them a powerful medium to market their products, offer deals and build their brand. Best of all, we give them the opportunity to be a part of a nationwide and online market place of actively engaged consumers who are ready to buy, all at an affordable price. To advertise in The Dazzle Barbados Magazine, contact our sales agent via telephone 1(246) 234 8140 or email info@ dazzlebarbados.com for more information and terms and conditions.
table of
contents Features
12. Dempstu Simmons - Masterfully Maintaining Momentum 22. Cary Holder - ‘We Build People Up Not Tear Them Down’ 26. Ariana Marshall - Everything is Connected 30. Jeremy Nicholls - ‘Whip it Until it Can’t Move Further’
The 411
08. Scotiabank Places Confidence in Start-Ups with $60,000 Grant 16. Lush Sundae - Sweet Fuh Days
Mastering Marketing
10. You are a Business, You are a Brand
Professional Progress
14. Preparing for Competition 18. The Season of Internship is Here...Summer
Publisher 123 Digital Limited Managing Editor Ryan Wills Sales & Marketing Orinje Nation Art Director Aldrin Henry Contributors Tyson Carmichael Malaica Julien Ashley Mc Lean Alana Morgan Rankin Morgan Rashida Parasram Photography Neil Springer Ryan Wills Charles Phillips Rico Ifill Andrew Browne
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Issue 10
Health & Fitness
07. 11 Powerful Health Benefits of Sugar Cane 20. Summer Home Gardening
Lifestyle
25. Necklesses for Neck Line 34. Handbook to Stain Removal
Eating In
Ariana Marshall Everything is Connected
Dempstu Simmons Masterfully Maintaining Momentum
JEREMY NICHOLLS
‘Whip it until it can’t move further’
35. Bajan Boosters
Gadgets & Gizmos
Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
On The Cover: Jeremy Nicholls
Out and About
Cover Photo By: Ryan Wills
38. Live Your Dreams
‘We build people up not tear them down’ Try me!
28. Samsung Gear VR Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
36. Out and About
Cary Holder
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contact us
For more information visit us at www.dazzlebarbados.com or call us at 1(246) 234 8140
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//Feature
Dempstu Simmons Masterfully Maintaining Momentum pg. 12
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ar Sugcane
11 Powerful Health Benefits of
By Alana M.I. Morgan
When was the last time you drank a glass of sugarcane juice or munched on some sugarcane?
S
ugarcane juice is obtained by crushing peeled sugarcane manually or in a mill. It is consumed as a beverage in many places, especially where sugarcane is commercially grown such as Southeast Asia, the Indian Subcontinent and Latin America. It is served often cold and sometimes with other ingredients. Sugarcane is an important member of the grass family. It contains sucrose and is filled with various other nutrients that aid in good health.
Here are some fantastic reasons to eat fresh or juiced sugarcane. Drinking sugarcane juice instead of artificial and aerated drinks helps to improve the health of a person. Sugarcane juice helps in treating the burning sensation sometimes felt while urinating, as well as prostatitis ( infection of the prostate), kidney stones, STD (sexually transmitted disease), and urinary tract infections. Sugarcane juice reduces bad cholesterol levels and contains natural sugar. It helps in eliminating toxins from the body by cleansing and improves metabolism. This aids in gradual weight loss, especially if taken regularly with lime juice or coconut water.
The juice has also been found to be beneficial to pregnant women because it contains iron and folates, which enhance the hemoglobin level in pregnant women. They also help to protect the unborn baby from developing a variety of birth defects.
The antioxidant property of sugarcane juice makes the skin soft, fair, supple and healthy. It also helps in delaying the signs of aging. Sugarcane contains natural sugar which has a low glycemic index that prevents a steep rise in blood glucose levels. It can be taken as a substitute for aerated drinks by diabetics. It doesn’t need any added sugar and is very beneficial for one’s health. Diabetics can thus enjoy it without worrying about soaring body-fluid sugar levels. However, people with Type-2 diabetes should consume it in moderation after consulting a doctor. Sugarcane juice is a rich source of flavonoids and phenolic compounds. Flavonoids are known to provide anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, antiviral and anti-allergic benefits to the body. Sugarcane juice is the best remedy for sore throat, sneezing and flu. Studies show that sugarcane juice helps in preventing tooth decay and bad breath because of its high mineral content. Sugarcane juice contains all the nutrients that are required for strong shiny nails. It naturally strengthens them and prevents them from becoming brittle and discolored.
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DAZZLE 7
Scotiabank Managing Director David Noel in conversation with (from left to right) Cherry Tree Trust trustee Renee Kowlessar and co-general managers Sasha Sheehy and Sheila Leacock.
Places Confidence in Start-Ups with $60,000 Grant
B
arbados, June 29, 2016 – Scotiabank has shown its confidence in Barbadian entrepreneurs with a $60,000 grant which go towards helping to fund start-ups and small businesses.
Scotiabank managing director David Noel handed over the cheque to Renee Kowlessar, Sasha Sheehy and Sheila Leacock of the Cherry Tree Trust recently at the bank’s managing director’s office in Warrens.
The grant, which is part of the commemoration of Scotiabank’s 60th anniversary in Barbados, was made to the Cherry Tree Trust, a charity which makes loans to small businesses that have difficulty securing financing from mainstream financial institutions.
“Scotiabank is proud to make this donation to the Cherry Tree Trust, which is focussed on supporting entrepreneurs and small businesses in Barbados. Small businesses are critical to economic growth and it is important that we play our part in facilitating an environment in which entrepreneurs can start and grow successful businesses,” he stated.
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Noel acknowledged that commercial bank loan financing is not always appropriate for start-up businesses given the higher risks involved, but he said that banks “still have a role to play by providing philanthropic support to create an environment in which start-ups can grow and thrive.” Scotiabank has long been a champion of small business and entrepreneurship, sponsoring educational programmes like the BEF/Flow $20 Challenge and Bank on ME. The Cherry Tree Trust has lent over BBD $100,000 since its founding in 2012. It provided funding for start-ups and small businesses which have no more than 10 employees or $500,000 in annual revenue. 70% of its funding thus far has been for start-up companies. Trustee Renee Kowlessar said the grant will go a long way to helping to the organisation meet their targets.
“As we continue to encourage the formation and growth of micro-enterprises in Barbados and ultimately the wider Caribbean, we are very excited and encouraged by corporate partnerships such as the one we have entered with Scotiabank. Together we will be able to empower a group of budding entrepreneurs who have viable ideas and business plans but lack the funding to get off the ground, or who have embarked on a workable proposition but need support to expand and make meaningful impact. Not only does the Cherry Tree Trust offer financial support to its beneficiaries, but mentorship and advice as well as structure and discipline that will help these small businesses to operate in a manner that will allow them to become employers and serious players in their local market. This collaboration is about creating sustainable livelihoods for people who would not otherwise have these opportunities. We thank Scotiabank for sharing our vision by partnering with us over in such a tangible way.”
ADV E RT I S E WI TH US To advertise in The Dazzle Magazine, contact our sales agent via telephone 246.234.8140 or email info@dazzlebarbados.com for more information.
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You are a Business, You are a Brand By Ryan Wills
Social media has become a tool of personal branding. Nowadays it is all about oozing value and the question must be asked, what do people see when they look at you? What is the thought that crosses their mind when your name is mentioned? What do they associate you with? If you have no answer, then you need to go back to the drawing board because how you are perceived, is how you will be addressed.
Branding the millennial way Companies have accepted the fact that traditional marketing is not working with the millennial generation. This is a generation that is influenced by none other than the internet. Millennials trust websites and they trust social media sites. Status, excitement, adventure and even luxury are at the top 10 DAZZLE
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of the list. This is a generation that connects with brands at a personal and emotional level. They are a brand and the brand is who they are. It is therefore not a surprise that they are willing to pay more in order to own a brand because that brand speaks of who they are and what they believe in.
We all love brands People love brands. Brands give us confidence. When we buy something from a trusted seller we have confidence that we are getting the best. When people associate with you, they have confidence that they are dealing with the best. Everyone wants a person that has all the brand qualities. They want someone who is loyal, someone
they can have confidence in and someone who is a symbol of social acceptance.
The first tool is your image. A good headshot can speak volumes on your website or social media page. An active social media page is a must. Interact with people on a real level. Don’t just post greetings. Post real life experiences, motivate and inspire. This means that you should be vulnerable too. Let people know your failures, the lessons you learnt and how you got back on your feet. You are making a presence in people’s lives and with that you have carved your niche.
People who became brands thanks to social media Susan Boyle performed “I dreamed a dream” during Britain’s Got Talent. The video went viral on YouTube. At the time she was jobless but after the video on YouTube, advertising and recording deals had earned her more than $8 million. She became a household name. Alex Lee became famous by accident. A girl took his photo and shared it with another. The chain ended to the point celebrities shared his photo. He got to appear on the Ellen Show and has done some movies and music videos. What is the common lesson here? Anybody, anywhere can become a brand and become pretty good at it. So how exactly do you stopping being you and become the brand new type of you?
Tips on becoming a brand A brand is a force to be reckoned with. You and your business are the same thing. You need the right tools to make your brand visible.
Find out what makes you unique. Is it your smile, your style your walk or talk? Utilize that uniqueness. Lastly, be a credible person. Be the person that helps and adds value to people’s lives. They will trust you and in turn follow you. You are your own product. The friends and the job you have are as a result of how you branded yourself. If there is any change that you desire, start seeing yourself as a business. Ryan Wills is the Managing Editor of Dazzle Barbados and Brand Detective at Orinje Nation.
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DAZZLE 11
Dempstu Simmons Masterfully Maintaining Momentum By Celia Collymore
Mr.
Dempstu Simmons Jr (D.J. Simmons) is a Man of Arts and we delved into his mind to connect with a strong and humble man who is passionate about life, people, culture and all things Barbadian! We had so much fun not only interacting and learning about all that he is, but being inspired by his will to do good for those around him and his desire to put all that is Bajan on the world stage. There is nothing like an artist who can use their creativity and art form in many ways to showcase their true colours, create experiences, add value and beauty to the world. 34 year old DJ Simmons is the CEO of Dojangles Publishing, a Writer, Performer, Spoken Word Artist, Mic Man for Mayhem Soundz, Tutor, Story Teller for children and works on many literary and Crop Over projects. We asked DJ to describe himself and here was his very colourful and flavourful response. “DJ Simmons is a Bajan. I love Barbadian culture and all aspects of art. I love the people that are around me. I love to see people expressing themselves. I love to people-watch. I love language. I love to hear Bajans “cussing”. I am a man of art so I love all different kinds of art. I love to dance.” DJ is a proud Harrisonian who played the trumpet while at school. He later attended Barbados Community College and studied Computer Science and Desktop Publishing. After graduation he worked for Hanschell Inniss Ltd as an Assistant System Administrator where he fixed computers and helped manage network systems. Although he loved the arts, he was not pursuing his passions. “I was brainwashed to believe that art was really uncool. I hid my talents for years and years.”
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It was while working at Hanscell Inniss that his love for poetry was discovered by his supervisor, Rhonda Jordan- Smith. When she saw his poems on the computer she said to him, “If you don’t do something with those poems, I will do something to you.” With some pressure, DJ got to the drawing board, did lots of research and taught himself how to publish books. “She was one of my first audience members because I would share a lot with her and she would keep pushing me. She had a lot of input into how my first book would look and she was credited as my creative consultant for my first two books.” “After I published my books, I got permission and sold them via public spaces. I got to meet a couple people who shared that they collected local literature. They would keep asking me to come to different events and through that experience I recognised that there were so many people who wrote books and had difficulty getting them published, so I decided to register Dojangles to help others get their short stories and poems published as well.” The universe has a way of pushing us closer to our dreams sometimes via unfortunate yet timely circumstances. In 2008 DJ was one of the twenty persons who were downsized, however as he looked back on that experience, it was a blessing and became the catalyst for him to pursue his dreams and expand himself as an artist.
fun facts Eats anything He is part of a band called IronPipe which is getting ready to launch their music globally Favourite Sport is NFL He represented Barbados in Haiti at Carifesta in 2015 He is a member of the NCF Performing Arts Ensemble
“After 3 months, I was literally doing nothing and just collected my NIS cheques”. With more flexibility and time, DJ began to focus on enhancing his skills and performing at shows. Shortly thereafter, DJ was approached by the owners of The Good Life Eco Bar & Café to manage the establishment, which also became an adventure for him. This was also around the same
time that a lot of the establishments were closing down and the spaces artists used for their shows started to dwindle. NIFCA was the only platform, and that is where he has won over 10 awards in Gold, Silver and Bronze in both the Performance Arts and Literary Arts. He saw the opportunity to use the café as an artistic hub. DJ produced his first show with Adrian Green called Iron Sharpen Iron in 2008. That concept came about from what he learned from Adrian as it was based on a passage in the Bible…Proverbs 27: 17 – “Iron sharpen iron such as one man sharpens the continents of his brother”. It was created to build a movement of poets and conscious lyricists so they could have a headquarters to sharpen their skills and highlight spoken word as a professional art and directly showcase how poets can make revenue from their work.
What does success mean to you? Success for me is defined via people. When I see how my work has inspired others and catalyses them to explore their craft professionally and consciously, to me that is success.
What is the most important thing(s) in the Arts? Being genuine and having confidence. Many people are talented but not skilled, the approach to what they do is very jittery. You have to be passionate, practicing all the time, so that when you have the opportunity to express yourself, persons can feel it.
What advice would you offer to aspiring artists? Get mentorship, maintain momentum and don’t stop. When you form a plan for yourself you know this is what you want to do, be disciplined and realistic. Good news! DJ will be getting married this August to the beautiful Empress Zingha Griffith and we at Dazzle wish him a long, happy and successful marriage filled with love and beautiful babies.
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DAZZLE 13
Preparing for Competition By Tyson Carmichael Have you had an idea which made you think, “No one else is doing this?” The excitement of being the first to bring this product/service to market builds! You lock this advantage away from potential competitors, but have you thought ahead to what you will do when that advantage disappears once the product/service launches in a competitive environment? I recall a time in the insurance industry when one company had the advantage of being the only one to offer roadside assistance in the market. Soon after, competitors responded by offering the same service. So what was once a competitive advantage is now a standard. This example illustrates three (3) points Entrepreneurs should be aware of: 1. Because no one is doing it, doesn’t mean they won’t start after they see you make it work. 2. Some advantages are short-term. 3. If you want to lead, expect to be followed. 14 DAZZLE
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Here are some suggestions to help you prepare for competition and develop your competitive advantage:
• Plan a response before it is needed Anticipate how competitors will respond to your entry into their market. Ask yourself, if competitors start offering the same product/service as I, what other advantages can I use to convince customers to choose mine over theirs?
• Analyse your capabilities Look inward at the capabilities in your business or potential startup for a source of long-term competitive advantage. Determine whether your capabilities are rare and/or costly for competitors to imitate, and use this to shape your competitive strategy.
from yours but satisfy the same customer needs. For example, candy and ice-cream are different products compared to cake but they all satisfy the need for something sweet. Begin to think deliberately about who the indirect competitors are in your target market and monitor their actions. Use this information to determine how you position your cake as the preferred choice over competing options. If you don’t, you may miss when the ice-cream parlor starts offering cake with their ice-cream as a new product.
• Consider the alternatives If no one is currently providing the product/service in the way you plan to offer it to customers, ask yourself, how have they been managing without it? Let’s discuss this briefly in the next section.
Why Buy Your Cake When I can Buy Candy? If you’re in the cake business you probably heard this question before. Those of you who have pitched your idea may have heard it asked this way; “Why would I buy your product when I can do X instead?” This question presents the following insight - A substitute exists which can satisfy the customer’s need and that substitute is your competition. This category of competitors is referred to as indirect competition. They offer products/services which are different
Conclusion When preparing to enter a new market remember, your product/service is not the only option available to satisfy your target customer’s needs. Expand your scope to include the alternatives and familiarize yourself with the players offering those alternatives. Know your advantages over them and more importantly, estimate how their capabilities give them an advantage over you. For these capabilities will determine how they respond to your entry. You may be first to introduce a product/service to a market but being first doesn’t make you a winner, maintaining your lead does.
Tyson is the Founder & Chief Strategy Officer at the Carmichael Strategy Group. Email: tyson.carmichael@carmichaelstrategy.com
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DAZZLE 15
Photo Credit: Rico Ifill
Lush Sundae - Sweet Fuh Days By Ryan Wills
C
rop Over 2016 was in for a sweet treat with a new party held by the well-known team of Le Frere International Inc. The concept for Lush Sundae was born during a brainstorming session to revamp and expand on the Lush Lime they hosted previously as a warm up to Lush Cooler Party. Lush Sundae provided interactive games along with sampling of both succulent and decadent treats which proved to be a hit with the patrons! Many don’t know that Le Frere International Inc is a group of five young entrepreneurs (Joseph Laflouf, Joel Barrow, Dwayne Neblett, Shara Graham and Anton Nicholls) who all grew up in Frere Pilgrim, Barbados. They decided to work on a project that could enhance the Crop Over festival and the overall tourism product that Barbados has to offer. They first introduced Lush Cooler Party in 2012 and since then they’ve added 16 DAZZLE
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Soca Sunset Cooler Cruise and now Lush Sundae to their suite of events. With any new concept they are always challenges, and for them, the biggest one was managing their resources. To organize Lush Sundae on top of their other 2 events, both human and financial resources were stretched thin - almost to the limit! They credit other promoters for bringing their own unique flavour to the Crop Over festival. However, Le Frere International’s focus on the patrons and attention to the intangibles are their prime concerns and this is what they believe separates them from the others! As Lush Sundae continues to grow and gain traction, the team is looking at a drinks inclusive or all-inclusive concept Lush Sundae in the near future!
//Feature
Cary HOLDER
‘We build people up not tear them down’ pg. 22
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DAZZLE 17
The Season of Internship is Here…Summer By Rashida Parasram
S
ummer is synonymous in Barbados with Crop Over but another feature of summer is the eagerly anticipated internship programs offered by larger businesses. It is my belief that smaller companies can also benefit from having a well-planned internship program. Before discussing how these benefits can be obtained or how such a program can be adopted by a company, I would first like to define and state the purpose of an internship. An internship is defined by the Oxford dictionary as “the position of a student or trainee who works in an organization, sometimes without pay, in order to gain work experience or satisfy requirements for a qualification”. Therefore, the purpose of any internship program is to provide the intern with onthe-job training and experience. 18 DAZZLE
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Benefits of having an internship program I’ve seen companies reap many benefits as a result of implementing a well-planned program that included:
•The opportunity to hire future employees who have relevant experience and knowledge of the company practices and culture; • Recruitment of additional staff particularly in busy periods or the vacation season where employees take their holidays;
• Perform a review at the end of the internship program to identify what could be improved upon and obtain feedback from the intern.
• Establishment of a relationship with an educational institution which can raise the profile of the company within the community; • Allows staff with no direct report to gain supervisory experience; and • Provides an opportunity for the company to demonstrate good corporate social responsibility.
What do interns get from internships? In addition to your business, the interns should also receive a reward for participating in your internship. Interns typically want to: • Use the opportunity to make a great impression so that they can eventually land a permanent job;
How to create an internship? As you look to develop an internship program for your business always consider the following: • Identify what area of the business the intern is needed in. To make this meaningful you should have the intern assist in meaningful activities such as preparing client deliverables and selling or manufacturing products; • Assign a member of staff who will be the intern’s direct report and/ or supervisor; • Allocate a budget to cover the expenses associated with the internship such as wages and training; • Identify what recruitment drive you will use to attract the intern e.g. UWI career fairs, newspaper or social media ads; • Carry out your interview process to make the selection of your candidates; and
• Gain hands on experience in the area they are assigned; • Make meaningful connections with staff at various levels of the organization; Having seen the contributions that can be gained, why not consider implementing an internship program in your business to reap the benefits? Reach out to any of these educational institutions who typically seek to place students into internship programs: • Barbados Community College • Barbados Vocational Training Board • Samuel Jackman Prescod Polytechnic • University of the West Indies Rashida Parasram is a Certified Accountant, Business Consultant, Blogger and Author. She is the Managing Director of MPR Consulting, an accounting firm and the creative mastermind behind Feed the Passion, a lifestyle blog dedicated to young female entrepreneurs. rashida.parasram@mprconsulting.solutions
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DAZZLE 19
Summer Home Gardening By Malaica Julien Summer is here, and with it comes children at home and lots of rain. Let’s marry the two by starting our home garden and engaging the kids. It’s an exciting way to spend time with the kids outdoors, by planning, planting, tending and reaping. Lots of lessons can be learnt along the way and the children will thoroughly enjoy it. They can be rewarded for their participation and responsibility and everyone reaps benefits in the end.
Here are some guidelines to getting started: Supplies Most important are a watering can, garden gloves for everyone, potting soil, containers and preferably an organic fertilizer. Ensure some of the supplies are kid sized or just recycle, use ½ gallon jugs for watering 20 DAZZLE
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and have some smaller containers that they can lift easily. Take pictures.
Location If you have a garden bed, let them grow a rewarding crop like cucumbers or watermelons. Remember these need room to run, but you will be reaping in 6-8 weeks. If your space is limited with no garden beds, containers are super easy and can be catapulted into a full arts and craft project. Containers can be painted in their favourite colours and with fun designs. Use 6”10” containers to grow small flowering plants, culinary herbs and juicy vegetables. Take pictures.
What do we want to grow Find a balance between what you need and what is easy and rewarding for the kids. Small flowering plants like marigolds and zinnias, are fun for everyone. Herbs such as Basil, Parsley, Thyme and Mint are fast and
Taking care Everyday, have them spend 10 minutes morning and evening, watering, checking for insects, looking for blossoms and buds and pulling weeds. If using containers leave them out in the rain to reduce water usage and move them under shelter if rains are prolonged and heavy. Take pictures.
essential in the kitchen. Vegetables such as lettuce, beets, chard, beans and okras are a breeze and the children will see the results of their hard work quite quickly. Take pictures.
Reap your produce
Let’s Plant Get your seedlings from a local nursery. Take them along to make the list, choose, pay, and carry to the vehicle. Have them be involved every step of the way. Set aside a time, late afternoon with cooler temperatures is ideal, to do the digging, planting, watering and picture taking!
The most exciting part of the journey and the smiles on their faces are priceless. Let them handle produce gently and also help with preparing the veggies or herbs as part of your next meal. After all of the picture taking, have them produce a scrapbook of their summer activities or the older ones can do photo collages and post to their social media. Malaica is the Operations Manager at Seedburst Nurseries Ltd. With over 10 years experience in the nursery and agricultural sector.
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DAZZLE 21
Cary HOLDER ‘We Build People Up
Not Tear Them Down’ By N. L. Bowen
C
ary Holder is the co-owner of Bassa Bassa gym, located in Lower Estate St. Michael. Established in October 2015, the gym offers a variety of services catering to a mixed clientele, ranging from beginners to athletes. In addition to traditional gym services, other services include training by CrossFit coaches, Martial Arts and even Swimming. Additionally, athletic testing, nutrition advising and meal planning are offered to the public. The gym’s name is inspired by a popular Barbadian term and this local theme is used throughout the box (CrossFit term for ‘gym’). Cary possesses approximately 20 years of experience and works with a competent and qualified team, which includes his wife who is his business partner. With a passion for fitness and health, he has a great desire to promote this lifestyle nationwide. It is also his goal to create an enriching environment for athletes, and this is coupled with his desire to inspire others. Cary’s belief is to uplift others instead of tearing them down, and motivational sayings on the walls of his gym are testament to this. With the inspirational phrase on his office wall, ‘wish, hope, dream, then make it happen’, Cary practises what he promotes. The ambition and passion he possesses have enabled him to make his dream of gym ownership become a reality, and take fitness and health in Barbados to the next level.
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Who is Cary Holder? I am the head coach of Bassa Bassa gym and I am a multi-talented, multi-faceted, thrill seeker. I like to bring out the good in people and my goal is to push Barbados into having a healthier, fitter population. I was always passionate about physical training and healthier lifestyles and I never really worked at a traditional job.
Why was the name Bassa Bassa chosen? Bassa Bassa is a Barbadian term which means fight or commotion, so my aim is to inspire our members to fight for what inspires and motivates them. In the fitness industry we get our information from the U.S, and a lot of the class names and programming have a U.S slant. We wanted to do something which reminded ourselves and our members of the pride and industry of Barbados, so we named the business Bassa Bassa. Our classes also have Bajan themes and the two sections of the gym are called the ‘front house’ and ‘gallery’.
Why did you choose gym ownership and how did loved ones/ friends react when you informed them of your decision? We have to go back to the BCC. I studied Accounting at first, but changed my major to Physical Education… without consulting with my mother. She expressed her concerns and questioned me about what I was going to do with the degree. I told her that it was my intention to open a gym some day. Once I got the degree and things started moving forward she was quite happy. My friends knew where I was heading so they congratulated me.
Do you have any challenges as a gym owner? If you don’t have challenges your business isn’t growing. The main challenge is to smile when things get rough and remember that our members are our biggest asset. Most days are not typically challenging because we built a positive, interactive environment, so I guess the challenge there is to keep that up when you get tired, because of long working days.
It’s believed that couples working together experience challenges. How is it for you? Challenges that you hear about are seeing each other too often, or not having enough alone time together. We communicate a lot, so if there’s a situation where we are tired of each other, we tell one another and give ourselves space. However, we plan our together time…if we need to plan a date night, we do so.
What advice would you give to those who want to become entrepreneurs in this field? Do your home-work, check it twice and do it again. Before you get involved in the business, spend time with others who are already in the industry. Always have the required skills and be at the top of the game. Entrepreneurship is also a lesson in self-development. Your business is an extension of you, and even if you have business partners it is still your responsibility. Create an environment where employees will be happy to work for you. Don’t use tactics to ‘cut each other’s throats’. Know that you can learn from competitors while building them at the same time. Iron sharpens iron.
fun facts Cary has an extremely corny sense of humour and can be silly at times. Prior to establishing his gym, Cary operated classes outside of the building in which Bassa Bassa is presently located. He offered a preKadooment work-out programme called GRIT. As a youth, Cary worked-out in his uncle’s garage and in the back-yard of his aunt’s neighbour. He also trained his neighbours, as well as school friends at his alma mater Queen College.
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DAZZLE 23
//Feature
Jeremy Nicholls
‘Whip it Until it Can’t Move Further’ 24 DAZZLE
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pg. 30
Necklesses for the Neck Line 1 Turtle Neck with Long Chains 2 Crew Neck with Bib Jewelry 3 Scoop Shorter with Volumed Pendants 4 Strapless Top with Choker 5 Square Top with Angular Pendants 6 Off Shoulder Top with Asymmetical Jewelry
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Ariana MARSHALL Everything is Connected By Ryan Wills
A
solution artist, lover of learning and dedicated scientist; these are some of the words that fittingly describe Dr Ariana Marshall. Ariana, a former national tennis player who gained an ITF (International Tennis Federation) junior world singles/doubles ranking is now an advocate for sustainability and the environment. She may not be as active on the court as before but her journey has taken her on a bigger mission to preserve Barbados and by extension the Caribbean. Ariana found her love for lawn tennis at age 3 and it was a natural choice for her given that her mom Alexine Marshall was a tennis coach. She represented Barbados in 15 countries throughout the Caribbean and Central America. She not only enjoyed it but progressed through the ranks towards obtaining an athletic scholarship for Southern University (Louisiana)
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and then receiving the transfer opportunity to compete further for the University of Louisville (Kentucky). There, she completed her Bachelors in Chemistry in 2004. Her tennis scholarships took her around the U.S. on first time ranked and conference winning teams. Fate would have it that in her final undergraduate years, she tore her anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and had to undergo two surgeries. This injury along with challenges to get sponsorship for tennis set the stage for her transition into the environmental and sustainability field. In 2006, she advanced her studies at Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) to do a Masters in Environmental Science, Policy and Risk Management. She shared that the experiences gained in tennis taught her a lot of self-discipline and helped her get through her studying, especially being away from home. She felt driven to explore this field after her return to Barbados where she saw the rapid changes on the island specifically relating to beach erosion and coastal construction. During this time, she also realised that a lot of environmental consultants contracted to work in Barbados weren’t Barbadian. This was a big disconnect for her and she was determined to use her qualifications to change the status quo. Recognising this disconnect, her faculty advisor recommended that she should concentrate on climate change and apply the knowledge to Barbados. She ended up working on a research project which was focused on how public engagement could be used to catalyze policy change. This subsequently led her to complete her PhD in 2012. On a mission to get back home to apply her knowledge, she was fortunate to get a job in 2013 as an online adjunct faculty for the American Public University System and this gave her the flexibility to return to work from Barbados. Ariana possesses all the traits of a social entrepreneur and her first opportunity upon returning home was to work with the Future Centre Trust for two years where she directed the Green Business Barbados programme which certified 20 businesses. In 2014, she expanded her vision and formed a non-profit company called the Caribbean Sustainability Collective along with four other partners; Jerome Wood, known for his light-hearted videos called ‘Research and Some Sense’, Jason Green – an architectural designer; Michael Gittens - chemist and Dr Maya Trotz – environmental engineer. Its main goal
was to create cooperative projects between businesses that were visible. To do this, they utilised more direct and creative forms of engagement such as social media, music and engaging artists to communicate the value of sustainability. Starting a non-profit company made sense for Ariana because she already had the experience working for them overseas. She’s excited about the Collective’s recent campaigns launched as part of their Better Caribbean Program. In June, their “Feel Better” campaign was geared towards consumer engagement for sustainable vegetarian restaurants. With the rise of Non Communicable Diseases (NCDs) and also vegan products on the market, the campaign sought to highlight the links between food, health and the environment. A vegan herself, Ariana recommends eating lots of greens and gluten free foods which help with multiple health issues and sharpening your focus. She is truly a role model and passionately advocates living a lifestyle that is lighter on the earth and improves our health. Humble in nature and words, Ariana believes in promoting people and ideas before herself. She therefore left some advice for those entrepreneurs looking to get into the business of science: • Look at transitioning your scientific studies into a product and be flexible in how you show your product’s benefits. • Observe what problems small businesses have and see how you can support them through developing solutions. Using the natural environment to influence change is Ariana’s calling. She believes everything is connected to it. Her non-profit along with her vibrant spirit is sure to unleash some other creative initiatives which will surely get our attention this summer and in the near future. You can learn more about the Collective’s most recent work through the Better Caribbean Program, Website and Blog - www.bettercaribbean.com
fun facts She’s a donut lover She’s a YouTube fitness channel junkie She laughs at herself a lot.
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DAZZLE 27
Amazing Virtual Reality Anywhere
H
ave you ever visited the Masai Tribe in Kenya or even a jungle infested with prehistoric creatures? Welcome to the world of mobile virtual reality with the Samsung Gear VR. The headset converts Samsung’s latest Galaxy smartphones into a full-on mobile virtual reality headset where you can play amazing games, watch Hollywood’s best movies in your own private cinema, socialize with friends new and old, be at the center of a suspense thriller, and so much more. The Gear VR drops you right into the action—and it’s only from Samsung & Oculus. Built with soft, flexible cushioning and lightweight materials, the Samsung Gear VR is comfortable to wear. It is completely wireless, so users can be fully engaged in virtual worlds without being tethered to a computer. With a robust selection of optimized virtual reality content from a wide range of top-tier creators, users will be able to enjoy a wide range of film, gaming, 360 degree video, and educational/ experiential content.
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Its simple interface makes getting started relatively easy. Once your phone is docked in the headset, the Oculus app will be initiated. You will be in the startup screen where you can look around in 360 degrees and use the buttons at the side of the unit to select your preference. Alternatively, you can use a Bluetooth controller for a more traditional approach. Grab a pair of good headphones and you’re in the action. Make sure you’re in an open and safe location before jumping into your VR experience. We don’t want you knocking over anything.
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DAZZLE 29
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Jeremy Nicholls By N. L. Bowen
J
eremy Nicholls is an ambitious, multifaceted entrepreneur, who although working full-time in the IT industry, has succeeded in carving a niche in the entertainment arena. He has worked in the entertainment field since 2009 and is the CEO of Roast Entertainment, as well as the band leader of the Kadooment band Xhosa. Additionally, Jeremy has the desire to give back to the community and share his talents. He facilitates workshops for students in the art of costume making and launched Xhosa Cares, the philanthropic arm of Xhosa Barbados. Xhosa was registered in 2015 and consists of both local and overseas members. It has made tremendous strides in the Crop-Over scene, but this was no smooth road to travel. Accustomed to taking risks, Jeremy’s decision to create Xhosa, saw the loss of partnerships and alliances. This he admits was not an easy experience, but his determination and ability to remain focussed, ensured the band’s survival and growth. Evolving from a popular Facebook page to t-shirt design, parties and now a Grand Kadooment band with a philanthropic arm, was an eventful business journey. Declaring that individuals should ‘whip it until it can’t move any further’, Jeremy believes that one should not give up easily. This ambition and determination will no doubt enable him to remain relevant in the entertainment field and become a force to be reckoned with.
Who is Jeremy Nicholls and what is your role in Xhosa? I am 34 years old, grew up in Bathsheba, St Joseph and went to school at Grantley Adams Secondary School. I believe that I’m fun loving but I’ve now begun to focus a lot. I have also been working in the IT field for about 14 years and I’m the founding member of Xhosa. I am one of its 5 original members.
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DAZZLE 31
Why was the band established and why did you choose the name Xhosa? It was felt that Roast was stagnant, limited by the party boat capacity in Barbados. Roast produced a section for crop over with another band in 2014. We were looking forward to the 2015 Season, but in my opinion we were offered an unfavourable contract. I couldn’t sign it, but my partner wanted to and it created a rift. I was looking for brand growth, and suggested to him we start our own band, but he didn’t agree. He eventually left and I decided to go ahead with creating a new band. Shortly before this decision, I had the opportunity to go to South Africa with my friends, and I read about the history of South Africa and Nelson Mandela. We visited one of the many museums and Mandela’s house and I found out that Mandela was a member of the Xhosa Tribe. In thinking on a band name, Xhosa was the first name that came to mind. Xhosa was registered in January of 2015 and was formed as a growth opportunity for Roast and any similar brands seeking the same opportunity. Mandela represented unity and I wanted the band to represent the same for the region. This also influenced my decision to join with other international brands (e.g. Punchy Punch, LehWeGoandSleek, and Scorch) for this venture. Together we put out Xhosa’s first presentation “One Sun”, representing the attributes of the Caribbean and our people.
How was the band received by the public and is it successful? When we launched on social media after one of Roast foreign events it went completely viral. There was a huge buzz both negative and positive. It was the biggest controversy.... Many were happy with the finished product and about 65% of our band members were from overseas. In 2015 we sold over 500 costumes in 2 months…this year (2016) we sold the same amount within 2 weeks! We were able to appeal more to our local market splitting our masqueraders 50/50.
Did you experience any challenges, e.g. sponsorship? I had previous experience from branding parties and there was no problem with sponsorship, because we 32 DAZZLE
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fun facts Jeremy is an NFL Steeler fan and his favourite food is macaroni pie and lamb chops. While holidaying in South Africa, Jeremy and friends visited Table Mountain via a tram. On reaching the top, they drank a few bottles of champagne... he didn’t get drunk. Roast started as a Facebook brand where pictures of friends (drunk) were loaded on the site. One of Roast’s promotions is offering a midday cruise on board a party ship, where locals are encouraged to ‘ditch’ work and attend.
used the Roast platform to leverage sponsorship for Xhosa. Doing certain aspects of the business was based on trial and error, because there were shipping issues and dealing with the importation and duties. There was a lot we did not understand such as classifications and different terminologies used by customs.
How do you balance working full-time in the IT Industry and managing your business? At least 3 days a week, I dedicate an extra 4 hrs to the business. I schedule my events in my vacation, which is taken one or two days at a time. I have a 7 year old son Javier and I try to include him in all other time in between. I bring him along to the band house and he loves Xhosa more than Roast.
Explain the relatively new concept of bands using other partners in band sections. People are looking for avenues to grow their individual brands. There are only so many parties you can do in a year without doing the same thing. Having a section in a Crop Over band is different from traditional parties. Also, everyone does not have the resources to put a full band on the road, or to own a truck, but when it is split among more people it is a win-win situation for everyone.
What advice would you give to those who want to become band leaders or entrepreneurs in the entertainment field? -You have to love what you do and work hard. -Know that it is not a ‘get rich quick’ programme. Events are not cheap and you can lose a lot of money. -Create an environment where you want people to have fun. Create ‘good vibes’ and give great service. -Motivate those working with you and give them an opportunity for growth.
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DAZZLE 33
IF YOU HAVE ONE OF THESE STAINS
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REMOVE IT WITH THIS
grass
vinegar
red wine
white wine
grease
soda
blood
hydrogen peroxide
oil
white chalk
coffee
baking soda
deodorant
denim
sweat
lemon juice
lipstick
baby wipes
ink
milk
make-up
shaving cream
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ingredients 4 Cups Nondairy Milk
A smoothie with liquor, the shame right? A recreational smoothie with a splash of good ole Bajan rum. The smoothie is slightly spiked with little rum that pairs well with the molasses. You can go virgin with this as well.
1 Cup Rolled Oats Or Oat Flour 1 Ripe Banana Frozen ¼ Cup Walnut Halves 1 Tablespoon Hemp Seeds 1 Tablespoon Flax Meal 1 Tablespoon Dark Rum 1 Tablespoon Agave Nectar, Optional 2 Teaspoons Blackstrap Molasses 1 Heaping Tablespoon Peanut Butter / Almond Butter 1 Teaspoon Vanilla Extract ½ Teaspoon Ground Cinnamon Pinch Pink Or Sea Salt
method Place all the ingredients except 1 teaspoon of the molasses in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Chill the smoothie and serve in two short glasses. Swirl ½ teaspoon molasses over top of each serving.
From Caribbean Vegan & Caribbean Smoothies By Taymer Mason www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 35
see more pictures on www.dazzlebarbados.com & facebook.com/dazzlebarbados Aura Band Launch
Scorch _Uck Work
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Tipsy Crop Over Beach Party
Xhosa Jouvert
Photo Credit: Andrew Browne
We Don't Pose We Party Cooler Fete
Photo Credit: Andrew Browne
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DAZZLE 37
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