Dazzle Magazine Barbados Issue 5

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Mario Turton

Vibes Can’t Done

Intention Is Your Ignition

Ingrid Holder

Not Short on Energy

Issue 5

Richie Wiggins

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Andrea Thompson & David Davis Partners by Design

Building Relationships via Social Media Marketing Try me!

Stay Fit and Trim with a Fitness Tracker

dazzlebarbados.com

Make

your

ideas STICK We separate your brand from the clutter of the marketplace and competition. Creativity is at the heart of everything we do.

T: 246.234.8140 E: orinjenation@gmail.com

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Andrea Thompson & David Davis

Partners by Design

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lim i t ed

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from the publisher

A

few weeks ago I participated in an Incubation Management workshop conducted by InfoDev and hosted by the Barbados Coalition of Service Industries and IMC Worldwide. It was timely and relevant as the modules covered were financing and marketing an incubator.

One of the takeaways I got (I am sure not planned) was the discussion of the Golden Circle theory on marketing your business. A concept by Simon Sinek, it looks at connecting with your customers first by expressing the why of your story. It taps into the emotional side of things like your mission statement, or reason for being, letting them know why you do what you do. People relate better to inspiring content and brands. As a start-up it is imperative that you share your story with your customers, this is when you are the most passionate.

The heat is here and that means this issue will be full of energy.

We will zoom in on fitness and entertainment entrepreneurs for our summer issue. Not ones to disappoint we present on our cover the duo of Andrea and David, owners of Renaissance Designs Inc., one of the best known event and wedding rental companies. The bubbly team share their story on how a business partnership can be like a marriage. Up next we have Ms. Ingrid Holder, a woman, short in stature but one to be reckoned with. She is renowned for managing leading artistes such as Lead Pipe and Saddis and Krosfyah. Mario Turton better known for his event UV, an all-inclusive sunrise event shares the importance of a strong network. With all the entertainment, we cannot forget that you need to be fit for the summer and that’s where Mr Richie Wiggins, the co-owner of Flawless Performance Centre comes in. From humble beginnings his story is one of blood, sweat and tears.

I believe that one must be cognisant of all the aspects that will impact on the success of your business. Therefore, our articles are well balanced highlighting marketing strategies, health tips and professional progress.

Let’s pray for a summer that is a bright but not too hot and hurricane free. Be safe out there as you head out to the various parties.

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 21-50 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 marketplace 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

14. Ingrid Holder - Not Short on Energy 20. Richie Wiggins - Blood, Sweat and Tears 28. Andrea Thompson & David Davis - Partners

by Design 36. Mario Turton - Vibes Can’t Done

The 411

34. Jet Express - Anything.Anywhere.Anytime.

Mastering Marketing

10. Building Relationships via Social Media Marketing- Top 5 Do's & Don'ts 34. Personal Branding 101

Professional Progress

24. Should you do a business plan?

26. So you don't like your job because.....

32. Intention is Your Ignition

Health & Fitness

09. The Amazing Papaya Fruit & its Health Benefits 18. Like a Boss - Fitness Part 2

Publisher 123 Digital Limited Managing Editor Ryan Wills Sales & Marketing Orinje Nation Art Director Aldrin Henry Contributors Kimberly Adams Celia Collymore Janelle Chase-Mayers Alana Morgan Malou Morgan Rankin Morgan Stacia Howard N.L. Bowen Ryan Wills DJ Simmons Tracy Highland The Cell Photography Neil Springer Ryan Wills facebook.com/dazzlebarbados

Mario Turton

Vibes Can’t Done

Eating In

39. Frozen Mango Margarita - Mangorita!

Intention Is Your Ignition

Ingrid Holder

Gadgets & Gizmos

Not Short on Energy

Out and About

Stay Fit and Trim with a Fitness Tracker

38. Stay Fit and Trim with a Fitness Tracker

Issue 5

Richie Wiggins

Blood, Sweat and Tears

Andrea Thompson & David Davis Partners by Design

Building Relationships via Social Media Marketing Try me!

dazzlebarbados.com

40. Out and About

Instagram

42. The Richest People in the world look to build networks

On the Cover: Andrea Thompson & David Davis Makeup: Beauty by Dee Blackett Photo by: Neil Springer

contact us

For more information visit us at www.dazzlebarbados.com or call us at 1(246) 234 8140

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28 14

The Amazing Papaya Fruit & its Health Benefits

By Alana M.I. Morgan

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his beautiful tropical fruit has many benefits besides being nutritious with an amazing taste. Papaya also known in many parts of the world as pawpaw, is a rich source of antioxidants, minerals and vitamins.

Improves Digestion A digestive enzyme present in papayas helps break down the tough protein fibers and helps in the digestion process.

The fruit’s water and soluble fiber content also make the digestion process easier. This promotes proper bowel movements and helps prevent constipation.

Also, the high amount of foliate, beta-carotene, and vitamins C and E in papaw can reduce the risk of colon cancer.

Improves Complexion Use a ripe pawpaw as a facemask to help open clogged pores. This will help with acne and skin infections. The fermented flesh of papaya can also help dissolve dead skin cells and give you fresh, glowing skin. Aging can also be reduced.

Nourishes Hair Regular use and eating of the fruit can be beneficial to your hair. Rich in minerals, enzymes and vitamins, papaya can boost hair growth and strength. It can also increase hair volume by nourishing the hair shaft.

Papaya can also control dandruff.

Protects Against Heart Disease Eating papaya regularly can prevent atherosclerosis and diabetic heart disease. Vitamins A and C are two nutrients that help prevent the oxidation of cholesterol, which is one of the main causes of heart attacks and strokes. Papaya is a great source of fiber, which can be very helpful in lowering high cholesterol levels.

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Ingrid HOLDER

Not Short on Energy pg. 14

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DAZZLE 9

Building Relationships via Social Media MarketingTop 5 Do’s & Don’ts

By Kimberly Adams

O

ver the last decade, the world of marketing has changed tremendously with the development and use of online platforms: those used by both people and businesses to showcase their products, host promotions, share ideas and much more. Social media marketing has opened a number of doors for businesses to connect with their customers, both locally and internationally.

It allows for them to build and maintain new relationships in an easy, convenient and affordable way.

On social media platforms, there are a few do’s and don’ts that every entrepreneur should know in order 10 DAZZLE

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to build a successful relationship with their customers.

DO stay active- Any business with an online presence should seek to maintain that presence by keeping their audience engaged. Some ways of doing so are to: post updates frequently, host promotions, have an open discussion, have a poll, share posts about popular topics, etc.

DO keep up with trends When marketing your business online, you should know what’s trending and what’s not, and you also should know which trends are appropriate and which ones are not. Some trends can be overrated, tacky and boring. In order to know which ones are the best,

you should research the current trends, look at the feedback it gets, and get opinions from your colleagues or people in your target market.

DO promote yourself at all times

as far as offering them a refund or any kind gesture that is beneficial to them and not too much of a burden to you and your business. Potential customers look for this when deciding whether or not they should pursue your business, and the effective way to persuade them online is to show them how reliable and compassionate you are towards your current customers.

When sending out emails, sharing a post, making a comment or releasing a press, be sure to include links to website and social platforms in order to boost traffic. Create a default text so you can easily copy and paste. It’s best to have it on a sticky note on your computer for convenience or any easy access app on the device you use.

DON’T be cheap

DON’T be annoying Even though it is necessary to stay active, you must remember that there is only so much your audience can take in at once. Decide how many times a day you’re going to post and stick to it. I suggest one or two times a day. Depending on the nature and the social interactions of your business, you can post very frequently or very seldom.

DON’T neglect negative feedback When you receive negative feedback, in the public’s eye, respond in a polite manner. You can even go

In order to build a unique and large audience, you have to give some to get some. The best way to do so is to invest in social media advertising platforms, such as, Facebook. The cost to advertise on Facebook depends on your reach, and either way, it is a very affordable medium. By doing this, you are able to get back what you put in, and sometimes, even more.

With these few tips you’ll be well on your way to growing your business while building new and successful relationships. Just remember, keep it simple, be original and know your market.

Kimberly brings a fresh and new approach to the world of marketing with her creative mindset and her on going determination to rise above the ordinary.

Email: kamarketing.bb@gmail.com

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Jet Express Trinidad Team The shipping business in Trinidad and Tobago which started in 2001 from a single computer in a tiny office, using one delivery vehicle, and the dedication of just five employees, has now grown into an extremely successful procurement and logistics company with close to 16 employees in two countries - Trinidad and Tobago, and Barbados. At Jet Express Barbados, we’re pleased to bring you a variety of shipping, online shopping, and courier services, at competitive rates. And you don’t even have to leave the office or your home - Jet Express Barbados offers FREE delivery islandwide!

OUR SERVICES INCLUDE: • Jet Express Courier: We offer door-to-door, and airport-toairport courier services. We collect and ship your items to many destinations including anywhere in the Caribbean, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, and beyond. We also ship barrels and boxes to Trinidad and Tobago.

Collin Corbie CEO 12 DAZZLE www.dazzlebarbados.com

• Jet Express Ocean: We can ship your larger items from our Miami offices to Barbados. No item is too large. So, for all your large appliances, car parts, furniture, or other heavy and bulky items, we offer competitive rates on ocean freight per cubic foot, as well as our barrel and box service straight from Miami to Barbados.

Jet Express Barbados Team

• Jet Express Procure: No credit card? No problem! We can do the online shopping for you. Plus, we have a U.S. credit card, so we can order directly from your favourite online retailers who accept American credit cards only. All you need to do is send us the online links to your items, and we’ll send you a quote. Once you accept, we’ll order, and ship the items for you. It’s that easy!

• Jet Express Box: This is an inbound express package and commercial air cargo service. Simply register with us to receive your own Miami shipping address. Then, you can shop online, or have us order for you, and have them delivered to your Jet Express Box. We’ll ship them and deliver right to your door!

Get in touch with us! #5B Westray, Welches, Christ Church, Barbados Tel: (246) 622-1267 | Fax: (246) 622-1268 [E]: sales@jetexpressbb.com [W]: www.jetexpressbb.com FACEBOOK: www.facebook.com/ JetExpressBarbados TWITTER: www.twitter.com/JetExpressBB INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/ JetExpressBarbados

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DAZZLE 13

By D.J. Simmons

E

dwin Yearwood. Krosfyah. Lead Pipe and Saddis. Porgie and Murda. Simon Pipe. Ian Webster. Very likely you have heard of these amazing artists before correct? Well, do you know that the engine driving these talents to success is Ingrid Holder. A woman small in stature but who has a vision and passion large enough to fill a stadium, and develop these popular stars under her management company Live Wire Entertainment. How does this woman in a male dominated field keep various dynamic artists on their toes, be prolific at what she does (when some would argue the island doesn’t even have a music industry), plus raise a beautiful daughter and maintain being so fabulous? Well as you will discover, there really is only one Ingrid.

For the former Springer Memorial student her life has always been surrounded by entertainment. She developed a love for music, live music in particular, specifically inspired by a concert she experienced here in Barbados with the Pointer Sisters.

Early employment found Ingrid at Cave Shepherd and Preferred Paging, however ultimately her passion for entertainment drew her to positions with Madd Entertainment and Krosfyah, the latter for which she is still the company secretary. Her involvement with Madd and Krosfyah only kindled her passion more and taught Ingrid the importance of integrity and sacrifice, traits to assist anyone to succeed in the music industry. Ingrid also acted as a liaison to many reggae artists including Sizzla, I-Octane and many of Bob Marley’s sons. She enjoyed ensuring the particulars were in order for the artists. These foundations led to the creation

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of Live Wire Entertainment in 2004. As her connections expanded both locally and internationally, Ingrid was directly influenced by both local promoters and entertainers like Peter Boyce, Ronnie Morris, Freddy Hill from FAS Entertainment and Edwin Yearwood to Joe Jackson and Fantasia. Let’s not forget that this was all self-taught and hard work.

Ms. Holder did indeed attend and graduate from BIMAP a couple years though to polish up her managerial skills.

Ingrid is a passionate woman, spurred on by the challenges of broadcasting Barbadian talent to an international audience with the title of the most successful local female manager, patting herself on the back along the way. While possessing other skills; if need be Ingrid could jump on stage live with Krosfyah due to her background in piano training, however she prefers to be behind the scenes. Whether it is the personal management of making sure her “sons” (as she calls them) maintain their health and agendas, or booking events to ensuring her artistes are always on

fun facts

Ingrid is the god mother of US singer Fantasia’s son, Dallas.

She stands at five feet one inch tall.

One of her favourite quotes is “Meet me at the top, the bottom is too crowded”

top of things down to what material is published, Ingrid is on top of it all. Not only do her artistes strive to produce local hits but also music that is palatable for an external market to create opportunities to tour. She would love it if so many international tours weren’t necessary for artistes, however that is the realistic state of the country at the moment.

Yes the personalities can clash and the travelling can be strenuous but Ingrid enjoys it. It takes particular characteristics to maintain the momentum needed to regulate the daily grind of being an artist manager.

Ingrid is naturally a charismatic go-getter, and that effectively aids her in a male dominated industry. She admits it feels good to see other women achieving as well. Although she does not focus on seeing it as males versus females, Ingrid acknowledges it is a reality. Her

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DAZZLE 15

philosophy is the key to handling confrontation and she approaches it with resolution in mind, instead of an argumentative state which can cause friction.

Also for clarity, effective communication is necessary.

Ingrid also instills these qualities in her daughter who recently graduated from UWI Cave Hill and is now in the workforce.

Ingrid has sacrificed a lot to see her daughter successful. While working in entertainment it takes a very understanding family to accept that Mom won’t be home at special holidays and occasions, and that family support is just as important as the entrepreneur’s drive to succeed. Part of Ingrid’s role at times includes maintaining stability at home by explaining to families, especially wives and girlfriends, why their partner works the way they do.

Her effectiveness is evident and Ingrid has been sought out to advise up and coming artiste managers.

Her tips to them; first know what kind of manager you want to be, whether it is just booking events or being heavily interpersonal and involved. After that then you can analyze the type of persons you intend to manage and if you have a real product to work 16 DAZZLE

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with, also if they fit your portfolio. While Live Wire Entertainment is currently a one person operation, Ingrid does have a team working in the background that she selects anytime she needs to outsource skills.

This focused and exciting woman gets behind her artistes and stays on top of the situation. She sees herself as being able to add to the legend of Barbadian culture by ensuring that the staple of high caliber entertainment carries on from one generation to the other. She desires to see more artistes take their craft as a serious career and not thinking that singing a song is a joke, because we have a rich heritage to evolve. Do we think as Ingrid matures in her career she is slowing down? The answer to that is a vibrant “no!” Usually people who are lacking in height do not lack in energy and for

sure this example holds true here. There is no holding back this Holder, and as we gear up for another brilliant and busy Crop Over season this manager certainly has the “Soca Format”.

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.

www.dazzleBarbados.com www.dazzlebarbados.com

DAZZLE 17

Like a Boss - Fitness Part 2

By Janelle Chase-Mayers

I shared with you in Issue 4 the importance in being a boss of your finances and human relations. In Part 2, we will look at technology and operations.

Technology and Equipment In any area in the world of work, having the most expensive equipment will not set you apart from the masses and thus it will not set you apart in your fitness experience. Often times, before people ever step into a fitness facility, they have the most current shoes, clothes all designed to make them move faster and look better. You’ve read up, and saw it best to put your venture capital in this area. But your reading had no consultation, none with the human resources and the financial officer of your company. Yes you are the boss, so make some wise decisions. Start by asking yourself on choosing the tools to achieve your 18 DAZZLE

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goals. “Will I actually use the equipment? Have I done my homework and researched the items, for their use, cost and storage capacity. If you are anything like me, there is no cramping of equipment. It must have room, to be stored and room to be used. Like a true CEO, there is a continuing education plot in your fitness world and if you are not aware, your support systems should be in place to assist in your long term goal.

Do I know how to use the equipment? In a shift in the fitness world, functional movements, tools such as plyometric boxes, kettlebells, pull up bars, rowing machines, medballs are more budget friendly and can yield faster results, than your traditional set up of treadmills and gym weights. If these words seem foreign to you, it’s time to utilise the technology that is now available. The CEO, the HR Manager, The

Financial Officer all can access the same work by using search engines. My suggestion is to continue building your empire by using creditable sources, many new fitness trends have peer review journals, fitness apps, or fitness professionals that could shed some light on how to use your tools for success whatever you have chosen.

Operations The process of running a business, the managing of the daily operations, the procedures involved to have safe and efficient working experience. This is paramount in your fitness world. How do you begin to balance your life to suit the present needs? What’s your mission statement? What’s the balance associated with all the areas in your company that would determine success? I’ve had the honour to be part of many fitness journeys and one thing that is consistent in those who are successful (achieving the goals they set) is that they can execute their operational procedures. They systemically combine the other areas of finance, human resources,

equipment and technology in a way that supports their overall goal in being that Machel Montano, that Boss. From sun up to sun down, their life is in tune. How they train, what they use, their nutrition, their mental health, all being utilised to yield the best results. So as you continue on the fitness journey, examine what areas can assist as you strive to be the BEST CEO of your life.

Janelle Chase- Mayers is the owner of CrossFit 246 and also a family therapist at the Verdun House. Email: janelle.chase@gmail.com

WE MAKE EVERY PARTY

UNFORGETTABLE.

E events@renaissancedesignsinc.com T +1 246 418 8326 DAZZLE 19 L rdieventdecor I eventdecorators www.dazzlebarbados.com W renaissancedesignsinc.om

Richie Wiggins Blood, Sweat and Tears

By Ryan Wills

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t doesn’t matter how small your beginnings are, all that matters is how big your passion is“. –Unknown. This couldn’t be any truer than for Richie Wiggins, 35 year old, owner and head coach of Flawless Performance Centre. Richie has been in the health and fitness industry for over 15 years. His journey started as a junior bodybuilder, winning the Mr. Junior Barbados title in 2000. He achieved certification as a personal trainer from the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM). He is also a certified spin instructor under Madd Dog Athletes and is trained in the application of corrective exercise.

As I was greeted at the front desk it felt like checking into a hotel. I was escorted to his office and listened to what he had to share about being humble and working hard.

Tell us about your early up bringing, you mentioned that life wasn’t easy as a young boy?

My father Albert Wiggins had me at 61 and my brother Jeremiah at 62. He was a man of many talents. I was raised in Glendairy Road a stone’s throw away from the former prison. We grew up with no electricity in the house and had many responsibilities of which I assumed most of. Because of this I had to negate a lot of activities other children had the luxury of. Despite this, it was instilled in us to have a sense of style and pride.

What got you into the fitness scene from such a young age?

I actually started going to the gym just after commencing secondary school, not to get fit but to get muscles. I was skinny back then and felt the need to grow in stature because I was bullied a lot at school. My brother encouraged me to join a backyard gym and it took me five years to actually look like I was working out. From there I coupled that with joining the Cadet Corps and was the youngest person to lead a drill squad into a competition. I later rose to the rank of Sergeant Major, a first for my school, St. James Secondary.

You entered into the world of work not in the fitness arena initially but in construction, tell us about that?

The only work I could find at the time was in construction and I started as a time-keeper working for two hundred and fifty dollars a week. I didn’t feel satisfied doing this, and later enquired if I could try my hand at carpentry. I moved onto working for EW Wood Classic, a company I deeply admired because the owner, Euwart Watson, who was not only a young black entrepreneur but had high standards. I coupled that with servicing equipment at World Gym, one of the most popular gyms that was brought to Barbados

by Richard Skyra. This was the window to pursue my fitness programme as I was allowed to use the facilities free of cost.

How did you start to see benefits of the fitness world paying off for you?

As they say “one man’s curse is another’s blessing” and a position opened up for a gym assistant. I realised that I had the knack for communicating to the clients in a unique way and the relationships grew and I was encouraged to do personal training. I saved up my money and went overseas to study personal training and subsequently became certified. I also did anatomy which took about eight months.

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Were you satisfied with where you had reached as a personal trainer?

What do you believe are some of the philosophies of Flawless Concepts?

My father always told me when doing something, do it with the best of your ability. I saw that personal training fell short in Barbados and I searched for a better way to serve clients that included different methodologies and data gathering techniques. In spin for example, I wanted to create a product that was Caribbean and started to infuse calypso and other forms of music into the routines. I would travel to several fitness conferences and seek out unique forms

Flawless started in 2001, and I wanted to bring a different image to personal trainers. I wanted to show that in my brand and focused heavily on professionalism which I truly believe. Thanks to my brother who is highly skilled in graphic design, he greatly assisted me with creating the look and feel I required. I also believe in having a strong support system and credit God, my family and wife for raising me to higher levels.

of exercise. I also realised the gym equipment placed your body into predictive forms of movement that would eventually lead to injury. Your body doesn’t work that way, God gave you a perfect body and I began to look at different strategies to employ overall functional fitness. This then led me to ponder my business concept.

What’s your approach keeping people fit?

What were some of the challenges you faced launching your fitness concept?

Working for Skyra I was amazed at his story from selling tee-shirts to having the World Gym franchise here. I thought that if he could do that so can I. Little did I know that it took more than technical ability, but more of a business foundation to make this profitable. Challenges such as: bringing in equipment relative to what I wanted, hiring staff and pricing were some of the unique challenges I faced.

to

Fitness isn’t only about muscles and movement it is mainly about mental state. I apply my craft as a psychological interventionist and encourage not only my staff but my clients to get over mental hurdles thereby breaking barriers to bring an overall improvement.

fun facts Cyclist Barry Forde and I jumped over a fence in Germany just to get onto the race track to train. It was one of the scariest things I did.

I indulge in pizza and burgers once a week.

I love to play golf, it relaxes me and it was my son Xzavier that introduced me to it.

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DAZZLE 23

Should you do a business plan?

By Stacia Howard

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e’ve all been taught that when we’re starting out, we should develop a business plan for our company. I’m sure when you started your business you spent countless hours working on yours. But have you looked back at it? Does it really form part of your day-to-day management and strategic planning?

I doubt it. Don’t feel guilty. You’re not alone. I’ve spoken to loads of successful small business owners who haven’t given their business plan a passing thought in years; some have never even done one.

That doesn’t mean they aren’t useful, just that they aren’t used properly. I’ve noted below a few suggestions on when to develop a business plan, and when to forget it.

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When to develop a business plan

When you’re seeking financing. Let’s face it, lenders and other financiers need business plans. I don’t think there’s a single lender in Barbados that does not ask for a business plan. If they don’t specify it, they create

an application form that requires most of the business plan elements. Obviously, the most crucial part of your plan when you’re talking to lenders is your financial projections. So get that part looked over by a professional.

When you’re hiring staff. This may seem a bit odd, so let me explain. Many people hire their first team members based on necessity; i.e. they’ve reached a stage in their business when they know they need additional help. They look at everything that they need help with and create a position to fill that gap.

This works fine in the short term. But over time you’re overwhelmed again. A better approach would have been to develop a business plan (or look back at the one you already have) and determine what skills you will need to have on your team to achieve your goals. If any of those skills are needed today, fill that position first, even if you know the role will need to evolve over time. The added benefit is that when you present your plan to potential lenders, the Team section would be strong.

To help you plan. The main benefit of a business plan is to help with strategic planning. Developing all of the sections should help you align your vision of your business with the practical steps you will need to take to get there. Some people don’t need a business plan to do this. But in my experience most new business owners need a structure to help them create a cohesive strategy.

When not to develop a business plan When you’re first testing your business idea. Too many of us create business plans before we’ve figured out if our product/service is even marketable. This is a huge waste of time. Why would you spend hours, and sometimes money, developing a plan for something that no one wants to buy? It may seem obvious, but for most new business owners it’s not. Many people create business plans before they’ve figured out if there is a market for their idea. Don’t do it. Test your idea first. Not only will this save you time and money, it will also help you develop a better business plan down the road.

When a strategic plan would be better. For most of my small business clients I develop strategic plans rather than business plans. Strategic plans focus exclusively on how to get your business from Point A to Point B. Yes, we cover some of the same ground as a business plan, but we don’t have to bring someone who’s not familiar with your business up to speed (as with business plans). We focus on determining the best strategy to grow your business and the steps, big and small, to get there.

When you’re not clear on your numbers. One of the biggest reasons why lenders reject business plans is because the numbers don’t add up. Maybe the revenue growth projections are too optimistic or the expenses too low; there is no basis for your price points; your wage bill may not reflect market conditions; etc. Good accountants can help you with this, but the onus really is on you, the business owner, to back up every number with facts. So, until you get some concrete data to base your numbers on, you’re not ready to do a business plan.

You can consider your business plan as a work in progress. You can start it when you first conceptualise the idea for your business and tweak it as your ideas evolve.

Stacia is a strategy and economics consultant focusing on Caribbean markets.

Email is showard@antilleseconomics.com LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/pub/stacia-howard/1a/ a91/73 www.antilleseconomics.com www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 25

SO YOU DON’T LIKE YOUR JOB BECAUSE ...

BY: N. L. BOWEN

T

here are many workers, who although they are gainfully employed are in one way or another still not contented with their present job situation. Many possess a feeling of unhappiness or unfulfillment while working for a long period of time, or simply after being on the job for a few months. The following gives reasons for such dispositions:

be classified as having ‘sick building syndrome’, due to mould growing in walls, or few scheduled industrial cleanings.

You believe you are overworked but underpaid !!!

Work hours are too rigid. The standard 8.00 am- 4.30 pm work day may not be the right work hours for you. It may be challenging to arrive early for work, because of family commitments, such as tending to a household member who is disabled or sickly. Due to the long distance from home to work, it may be challenging to arrive early, especially if traffic jams are a constant occurrence.

It’s affecting your health. You may be over worked and stressed out, or the building in which you work may

You and your boss are always ‘at loggerheads’, because of what you deem to be unfair or ineffective decision

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making practices. You work in a job where questionable decisions are made by superiors and when the issue is raised there is conflict. On another note, you can’t get along with co workers, because they practise poor work ethics, which inadvertently affects your work load. Additionally, they display antisocial behaviours, which create a negative energy throughout the work environment.

It’s not your chosen career field, but due to life’s realities where the need for money is a factor, you accepted employment that is not your first choice.

This is evident in societies where suitable jobs for highly skilled/qualified citizens are limited.

Duties are mundane or not challenging enough, so boredom develops. This disposition occurs if you have worked in the same post for many years and have simply outgrown the current job position.

If you can identify with these issues, it’s therefore best to take a proactive approach in dealing with your situation. Possible solutions to address these concerns are as follows: Discuss with your employer your concerns, such as requesting a pay raise to reflect increased duties, or request a reduction in your work load if a raise is not possible. If duties are not deadline driven, you can organize the work load to ensure that you do not become overwhelmed on the job. With regards to workplace sanitation, do not suffer in silence, raise the issue of health and safety with your employer.

If you are committed to the job, but personal circumstances such as family commitments are preventing you from honouring the regular 8.00 am- 4.30 pm time frame, discuss with your boss the possibility of flexitime. This is increasingly being adopted in workplaces.

Regarding the fourth reason above, it may be unrealistic to believe that we can change the behaviours of those around us, but perhaps adaptability and learning to manage ones emotions is the answer. If you are the argumentative type, adopt a respectful or non combative position towards your boss. Trying not to be argumentative is paramount when in difficult situations at work. You can learn

tactics on how to respectfully disagree with your superiors or colleagues.

With regards to the two final issues listed, you should try requesting added duties, or if that is not possible, explore alternative employment which suits your needs. The latter can be considered if your present job is not in your chosen field of work, or if there are no opportunities for upward mobility. It is also an option if you are not the right fit for the job- e.g having an extremely creative spirit (entertainer) but are stuck in a regimented job which thrives on structure and predictability (‘desk job’).

Since the job market is limited due to the economic situation worldwide, one should consider self employment if no alternative jobs are available. There exists many opportunities for creating employment to suit individual skills or qualifications. The television programme ‘Bank on Me’, is a motivator for entrepreneurship and many agencies such as FundAccess and YES are there to assist, if that great decision is made.

Being unfulfilled in a job is a condition than many employees possess at some point in their lives.

If you are not willing to proactively change your circumstance, it’s best to be contented with your current job situation and ‘swim with the tide’. In these trying economic times where companies and organizations have downsized due to financial reasons, it is still a blessing to have a constant source of income.

Ms. Bowen possesses experience in various sectors of employment, including the education and business sectors’. Email: tashlb@aim.com

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DAZZLE 27

Andrea Thompson & David Davis

Partners by Design

By Tracy Highland

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A business partnership can be like a marriage. Not everyone will make it, but if you’re lucky enough to find “the one” magic can happen.

from people who thought we were sending negative messages about women being in the kitchen,” David remembered with amusement.

A

“We have two totally different personalities. It’s like a puzzle. My negative is her positive and vice versa, so everything just fit together. She has a lot of patience, I have none. She likes planning, I don’t like to plan. In many ways we complement one another,” David said.

Eventually David made the move to strike out on his own. “We were both getting restless. We loved the job but there wasn’t much room for growth,” Andrea explained.

ndrea Thompson and David Davis have been partners in their event decorating company Renaissance Designs for over 15 years.

No small feat in an industry where creative passions can flare and the pressure of staying fresh and innovative can be overwhelming.

They have managed to grow and stay on top.

Their design firm is one of the most respected and sought after in Barbados. They have built a reputation for imaginative and memorable settings and displays.

The two met at the beginning of their careers at retailer Cave Shepherd. After leaving The Lodge School, David started as a porter in delivery. A sign he made caught the attention of the general manager and changed the course of his career.

“It was just a simple sign, done free-hand, saying ‘No Eating or Drinking in Delivery’. The general manager saw it, was impressed, called me to his office and recommended me to the display department,” David recounted.

Andrea, whose background is in graphic design, came to Cave Shepherd as a display artist after a stint selling leather shoes at Harrisons. It was there, at Harrisons, that she discovered her knack for display windows.

The rest, as they say, is history. The two started creating together and both recall it as one of the most enjoyable periods of their lives. “I honestly had no thoughts on career. I was just having fun. I enjoyed the job,” Andrea stated.

From the very beginning their personalities and work styles meshed.

“I loved Cave Shepherd, but I was getting creatively restless. I’m a dreamer. I woke up one day and I resigned.” David said. “But then a beautiful thing happened, Cave Shepherd called me and told me they wanted to hire me on contract and I was able to negotiate twice my salary.”

That was a turning point for David. It was the thing that made him really realize the value of the service he was providing. “It was one of those signature moments that helped push me in the direction of starting a business of the magnitude of Renaissance Designs,” David stated. “If, as a small man, I could negotiate twice my fulltime salary for work 4 days a week, then there must have been tremendous value to what I did.”

With more time on his hands to work on other projects, David began to attract customers like Norman Centre, Martindale’s, Brydens, Crystal Cove and Coconut Creek. The boom brought with it some

fun facts

Their windows were spectacular and drew a lot of attention, sometimes controversial. David remembered a particular housewares window that spurred women’s groups to write in protest.

Andrea:

“We played on the word ‘wares’ and had the mannequins dressed in housewares. One of the mannequins had a bra made of bowls and skirt made of plates. It looked great but we took some heat

She is also a foodie, if she weren’t in the event business she would probably be in a profession involving food.

Travel and yoga are her passions outside of her work.

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DAZZLE 29

organisational challenges and Andrea had to step in to help, but she wasn’t ready to make the move from Cave Shepherd just yet. It would take a near death experience to push her into her decision to join David.

When they are out partying, I have to go back at 2am to pull down an event,” Andrea remarked.

Their first few years as partners felt like a dream.

The sacrifice has been worth it though. The business has grown from strength to strength over the years, largely without financing, mostly on the basis of their talent and professionalism. The company structure has changed. With growth comes higher expectations and greater responsibility. Andrea and David acknowledge that initially they wanted a company structure that was very relaxed and easy going. They both hate big titles and company hierarchy but have realised with more at stake some boundaries have to be set.

“We bit off some really big chunks,” David said. Andrea agreed. “We really didn’t know what to expect, we just went with the flow,” she added.

“You can’t drop the ball in this arena. As the business expands you have to be serious about what you are doing,” David explained.

“We did some magnificent stuff. I’m sure we made a lot of mistakes but we’re still here so we must have done a lot of things right those first few years,” David exclaimed.

Entrepreneurship isn’t easy. Both Andrea and David agree that it seems to be a new buzz word, not buttressed by adequate systemic support. They are calling on government to improve existing frameworks so that businesses have a chance to grow, especially when it comes to duties and taxes and the speed at which transactions are processed.

“I was in a bad car accident. My car slid and crashed into a pole. My leg was badly injured. I was home for eight months and I had to learn to walk all over again,” Andrea recounted. “When I came back to work, I felt like everything had changed. Maybe I had changed. I felt like I no longer fit in.”

In terms of the future, the two see Renaissance designs growing from a company that not only decorates for events but conceptualises and creates “unique, magnetic and impactful” events as well. They are starting this year by spearheading a Christmas themed wonderland in Newton Industrial Park (they are currently based there) called the Valley of Lights.

They learned by experience, relied on instinct more than their business plan and built the business on the foundation of tremendous personal sacrifice, both having to juggle their own personal life outside of work.

Their advice to other young business people thinking of setting up a partnership: Find the right person.

Understand your partner, accept them, work with them and don’t try to change them. If you don’t mesh initially, don’t do it. It’s more than professional skills; it’s about personalities and character.

“I had a conversation recently with my daughters.

They had to speak about me for an interview and they said very little. They said they knew very little about me because I was hardly home as they were growing up,” David said quietly.

David:

Andrea can relate, not from a family perspective, as she got married only 5 years ago, but she recalls complaints from friends. “Friends think I abandoned them. They don’t understand that I’m working hard.

Wears many hats outside of his day job. He’s a calypsonian, presenter of The Full 100 246 Music View radio show, director at COSCAP, motivational speaker and has even judged the Banks Karaoke competition.

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fun facts

//Feature

Mario Turton Vibes can’t done pg. 36

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DAZZLE 31

Intention is Your Ignition

By Celia Collymore

I

ntentional living is a mindset, a lifestyle adopted through awareness of self, others and environment. Regardless of what’s happening in society, in the world, fast or slow, people who understand and appreciate intentionality are ready, willing and able to take responsibility, make a consistent effort and create good habits to amplify their value system in the form of love, courage, integrity and accountability, in order to move themselves forward.

How many of you are actually living your life with purpose on purpose?

What are you going to do today, that will be different and make you better?

How and what are you investing in your body, mind and soul?

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Yes, it is tough adapting to change, you will have to make sacrifices, you will encounter pain, doubt and fears but you have to keep pushing forward with every fiber in your body.

Actor, Will Smith said it best, “There is no easy way around it. No matter how talented you are, your talent is going to fail you if you are not skilled. If you don’t study, if you don’t work really hard and dedicate yourself to being better every day, you’ll never be able to communicate with people, with your artistry the way that you want.”

To live an intentional life, we must start by building a firm foundation and incorporate practical steps:

Make A Decision Every day all day we make choices and should be open to new opportunities. Choose your attitude and regardless of the outcomes (negative/positive) be happy with your decision(s).

Set Goals Be Driven From Within Examine yourself. Know who you are, what you want to achieve and how you are going to get it. Be clear and purposed with your passions, talents, abilities, and weaknesses. It is one of the best decisions you can make for yourself and your future.

Be proactive and write goals down that are aligned with your defined purpose. Structure helps to shape and move your life forward.

Ask for help If you want to be successful you have to be curious and courageous. Possess the humility to learn from others by identifying skilled people accomplishing your purpose and goals.

Stay Focused Define your Purpose Identify how and what you want your life to communicate and contribute to the world. Find a passion to live for that is bigger and beyond yourself.

Be aware of your surroundings Life is complex with a lot of moving parts, so do not get caught up in the hype, but manage and simplify it where necessary. It’s important to take a step back to reflect on your current situation and where you are heading in order to design your life direction.

We live in a world of constant connectivity. Learn to turn off the distractions by minimizing and/or eliminating nonessential things that are not adding value to your life.

Do not put off your dreams any longer. Make things happen, persevere and live intentionally!

Celia Collymore is the founder of Bajan Fusion and FITtrepreneur. She is also a certified training and development professional.

Email: info@fittrepreneur.com Liknedin www.linkedin.com/in/celiacollymore

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DAZZLE 33

Personal Branding 101

By Malou Morgan

“W

e are CEOs of our own companies: Me Inc. To be in business today, our most important job is to be head marketer for the brand called You.” –Tom Peters Personal Branding is about identifying your story and then communicating what makes you unique, relevant and different. A strong, authentic personal brand helps you become known for what you’re good at, sets you apart from the competition, and can position you as a niche expert. Developing a personal brand is similar to product branding and the process includes; defining your brand, personal brand goals and then managing all aspects of your personal brand.

Here are some steps to managing and enhancing your personal brand:

Defining your Brand Start by trying to define your overall aspirations: Be specific and clearly define your goals and objectives 34 DAZZLE

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through a mission and value statement. Here are some questions that may help you define this: - What do you aspire to be in the next 3-5 years?

- What adjectives do you want people to associate with you and why?

Personal branding is a proactive way of controlling your career development and how you are perceived in the market place. Be sure to ask friends and mentors to help you with this by giving you honest

feedback on how you represent yourself. Some questions that may help you in this process include: - How large is the gap between the current you and the person you want others to perceive you to be?

- What needs to change and why?

If people remember or associate you with something that you are no longer focussed on, it is up to you to change the conversation to reflect your goals and aspirations.

Tip: Learn from people you admire, whether they are international influencers or personal mentors.

Managing your Brand A very valuable skill is learning how to reflect your brand in everything you do, including your personal network, social media, your appearance and your volunteer activities.

Social Media is a powerful brand management tool, when utilized correctly. Every post, photo and opinion that you share is a reflection of your brand.

Ask yourself this: - Are your social media posts aligned with your personal branding goals?

Communicating your Brand Focus on ways in which you can leverage opportunities to showcase your knowledge and its value within your market. For example, volunteering your time and skills to a cause that you care about is a great way to express and communicate your skills, personality and values.

Your game plan also needs to include the specific social media platforms you will use to communicate your personal brand. Each platform offers unique communication opportunities, so make sure to do your research on which platform works best for what you are trying to achieve.

Tip: Aim to become active on at least one social media site, and manage that account well.

Tip: Look yourself up online to see what is out there, using websites such as www.brandyourself.com.

Personal branding is not a defined end point - you should always look for ways to improve yourself & update your brand to reflect your positioning.

Malou is an entrepreneur, blogger, Global Shaper and media specialist with a passion for all things social.

Follow her on - Twitter: @skiptomalouuu LinkedIn: www.LinkedIn.com/in/maloumorgan www.skiptomalouuu.com

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DAZZLE 35

Mario Turton Vibes can’t done

By D.J. Simmons

S

ometimes the idea of a brand can come from something as simple as embracing the ambience of the home of a friend when giving them a ride and celebrating the sunrise. For Mario Turton, as the light rose in the sky so did the ideas for this ultimate breakfast party. He is one of the directors of Live HD Inc, the company that brings to you one of the most popular all-inclusive events, UV Vibe.

While producing UV is significant, that isn’t all there is to Mario. Coordinating multiple events, party rentals and talent management are also of interest to this young man. We can say it started while enjoying the party of life through a camera lens.

Mario first got onto the scene as a photographer, working often with Nad Cyrus of the once popular entertainment website Kadooment.com. Self taught, Mario captured the vibe of many great parties with his photos, establishing strong contacts and relationships along the way. It was not all work however Mr Turton revealed in the party atmosphere. Another one of his loves was travelling. Various experiences overseas inspired the concept of a breakfast party and that venue of a friend’s home gave a tangible representation of what he had imagined. On a limited budget however Mario quickly learnt the importance of building a strong team dedicated to 36 DAZZLE

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Vibe to other territories as well. Live HD Inc has also launched a successful UV, a sunset party as part of Trinidad carnival. Up next the event is going over to St. Vincent with festivities also planned for St. Lucia Jazz 2016 as well. Another example of the value of the Bajan brand he has developed, Mario has also been receiving contact from countries such as the United States and Canada to bring the UV Vibe to their cities.

Wherever this breakfast party goes it is supported by Barbadians and foreigners alike.

fulfilling a goal. This was how Live HD Inc was born in 2010.

In the business of event management industry while the strength of your network is important, your experience is also critical. Problem solving is relevant in planning any event and with the dynamics of the economy, audiences and cultural influences, the event planner has to be prepared. Drawing from the success and failures of fellow party promoters have also helped Mario to consistently upgrade and expand. Working closely with his peers in the industry has also birthed new alliances and some of these have

fun facts

Some of the other Barbadian parties he likes to attend are: Cooler Vibes, Bliss, Lush and Fyah De Wuk to name a few.

One of his favourite places to travel to is Times Square in New York City in June.

His drink of choice is whisky. created events like the successful Soca Extravaganza “Socatology”, which Turton is also involved with, as well as the cooler inclusive party iGloo. Through iGloo Mario is able to extend his brand and link with a Jamaican partner.

Born in Trinidad but raised here in Barbados, Mario is very eager at the opportunities he has to take UV

Similar to the way in which Mario’s main event is expanding to other areas, here in Barbados we are experiencing an influx of regional popular parties challenging the local ones. Mario embraces competition; however, it encourages him to elevate the level of his product. Wherever he has travelled, Mario has seen the local clientele preferring to support their own parties first and he is confident the same will occur here at home, especially at UV Vibe.

The success that has followed the graduate of the Foundation school is no fluke. Hard work and maintaining strong relationships have built the bricks for Mario to progress in his business. No matter what he stays true to what is best for his brand and he continues to build quality sponsorship relations, coordinates with other local professional business owners and continues to maintain those connections.

With the success of UV Vibe, one would think Mario does not have the time for any other entrepreneurial avenues but that could not be further from the truth.

He is also a Director of the talent management company, Ministry of Vibes (M.O.V), which handles various deejays and artists like the growing star Fadda Fox, Kerry D Drummer and King Bubba. Along the journey of event management, Mario has also picked up skills like layout design, capably making the most efficient use of space.

He loves to support the other party promoters as much as possible. In turn, he also gets support from his family and friends with his brother being the person to usually move the most tickets. Even when at times the numbers don’t add up (which happened during the early stages of Live HD Inc), success for Mario is realized when hundreds of people are having a good time. No doubt wherever Mario’s events may travel, as the rays of sunshine build the vibe of the party, his Bajan brand will be shining.

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DAZZLE 37

Stay Fit and Trim with a Fitness Tracker

E

ach year, we all make our New Year’s resolutions, the number one resolution being losing weight or getting in shape. We know exercising can be tough but tracking your progress doesn’t have to be. Even if you’re starting from scratch, a fitness tracker will count your steps, monitor your daily workouts and track daily fitness results based on your goals. By tracking your progress you can actually increase your likelihood of losing weight and improving your overall health!

Key Features • Fitness trackers are easy to use and comfortable to wear.

• They take the guesswork out of your workout and daily fitness routine.

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• Your tracker will notify you either by flashing lights or with a slight buzz to remind you to keep moving or wake you up with a silent alarm.

• The app will allow you to set daily and long-term goals and reward you with stickers and badges designed to motivate you to be stronger and more active each day.

• You can sync with other apps like ‘My Fitness Pal’ to help you keep track of your daily calorie and food intake.

• You can even share your progress on social media for friends to give you that extra bit of encouragement.

• The sleep monitoring function will track the number of hours you sleep and let you see your sleep patterns (you may be a bit restless!).

ingredients 3 oz. tequila 1½ oz. triple sec (or orange Liqueur) 2 oz. freshly squeezed lime juice ½ oz. simple syrup (melted sugar) 2 to 2½ cups crushed ice 4 oz. of your favorite freshly Chopped Mango

method Combine the tequila, triple sec, lime juice and simple syrup in a blender or food processor.

Add in 2 cups of ice and the mango pieces.

Blend until smooth.

If you want to achieve a thicker consistency add more ice.

healthy & delicious This special drink blends the sweetness of fresh mango with tequila and makes the perfect cocktail for your impromptu or planned get-togethers.

Serve in a chilled margarita glass.

Sip and serve!

Yield: 2 servings www.dazzlebarbados.com

DAZZLE 39

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DAZZLE 41

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Romance at the RIƂFH *RRG RU Bad?

Kimtara Clarke

The Girlfriend behind the Expo

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Labelled as A Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage

Katrina ,ğOO

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Janelle Chase-Mayers Don’t Get All Tied Up!

Kyle Smith

Kicking it Curbside

Matthew Fewwture Ashby The PINK Elephant in the Room

Building communities through strength and conditioning

CSR: The Strategy of Giving

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Killing it with Style

Lloyda Springer

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Staying True to Foreday

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The Slim Chef Getting Started on your Fitness Journey

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Locing it Down

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Teaching the Art of Self-Love and Sexual Empowerment

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