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Issue 7
Allysen Layne
Decorator Extraordinaire Beat the bulge this Holiday Season
Himal Reece Imagination Lit
Claire Dottin Fabulous in Every Way
Latonya Birkett Sticking it Out
Behold, the Power of Twitter! Part 2
Have a Merry Money Christmas! Try me!
Smart TVs Gaining Popularity Worldwide
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pg. 34
from the publisher
A
chieving the yin-yang balance. How does one find this balance in such a busy world? I’ve found that maintaining a positive support system directs you towards a healthier lifestyle and helps align your realities and goals. As the year comes to an end I can reflect on some of those goals that I have, especially for the magazine; one of which is to attractively brand Barbadian Entrepreneurship in the next 2-3 years. It’s ever so important to start the process of planning for these goals and don’t procrastinate because time flies. In this issue we highlight fashion and creativity. Four young entrepreneurs grace this issue with their eye for detail; Mr Himal Reece, no stranger to the photography scene, talks to us about his company Imagination Lit. Ms Allysen Layne, a cake decorator and co-owner of Cake Central opens up about her journey from leaving the world of teaching. Ms Claire Dottin, a business-woman down to her core proudly talks about her company Fabulash, and lastly Ms Latonya Birkett, a familiar face in the fashion world lets us in on how to excel despite major setbacks My wish for you this season and 2016 is hoping good things come your way. Spend some time balancing personal and work life. Have a wonderful Christmas and see you in the New Year!
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. Himal Reece - Imagination Lit 20. Allysen Layne - Decorator Extraordinaire 26. Claire Dottin - Fabulous in Every Way 34. Latonya Birkett - Sticking it Out
The 411
12. Have a Merry Money Christmas! 24. 5 Ways to Actually Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution
Company Snapshot 22. Zonna Beachwear 37. Good Life Cafe
Mastering Marketing
18. Behold, the Power of Twitter! Part 2
Professional Progress
Publisher 123 Digital Limited Managing Editor Ryan Wills Sales & Marketing Orinje Nation Art Director Aldrin Henry Contributors Melinda Belle Sacha Cabral Celia Collymore David E.M DuBoulay Kristel Kouly Ashley Mc Lean Alana Morgan Rankin Morgan DJ Simmons Dr. Kim Solomon Photography Neil Springer Ryan Wills
30. How to Create the Perfect Budget & Stick to It
Health & Fitness
09. What is a Massage Therapist 10. Why Watermelon is the Perfect Fruit 32. Beat the Bulge this Holiday Season
facebook.com/dazzlebarbados
Issue 7
Allysen Layne
Decorator Extraordinaire Beat the bulge this Holiday Season
Himal Reece Imagination Lit
Claire Dottin
Eating In
Fabulous in Every Way
Latonya Birkett Sticking it Out
Behold, the Power of Twitter! Part 2
36. Rum Banana Flambe
Gadgets & Gizmos
39. Smart TVs Gaining Popularity Worldwide
Out and About
40. Out and About
42. Bird’s Eye View
Have a Merry Money Christmas! Try me!
Smart TVs Gaining Popularity Worldwide
On the Cover: Latonya Birkett
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contact us
34
26
For more information visit us at www.dazzlebarbados.com or call us at 1(246) 234 8140
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//Feature
Imagination Lit pg. 14
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What is a Massage Therapist ?
T
he term or title massage therapist has often been misunderstood and misinterpreted by many, what a massage therapist is and what a massage therapist does may surprise many. The average person thinks of a massage therapist as a person who only gives massages for the purpose of relaxation and is unaware of the many ways in which a massage therapist can help them. The massage therapist is not only useful when it comes to providing relaxation and a soothing touch but also for specific therapeutic treatments and alternative medical treatment plans. By definition a massage therapist is someone who is trained in manipulation of the soft tissues of the body by rubbing, stroking, kneading etc. for therapeutic or healing purposes. This is why massage therapist are not only found within spas or parlors but also clinical settings.
Benefits of Massage Massage has many benefits of which can have a big impact on an individual’s well being. Some of the ways massage can be beneficial are by;
Relieving Stress Massage can lower one’s heart rate and lower certain levels of chemicals in the body that cause stress and also raise the levels of chemicals that aid in relaxation.
Improving Posture Massage can help with muscle awareness and maintenance of a balanced muscle tone which can affect a person’s posture.
Relaxing Muscles By use of certain techniques massage can release tension in muscle tissue allowing the muscle to relax.
Improving Circulation By use of pressure and strokes massage can redirect blood flow, relieve blockage and aid in efficient blood flow.
Improving Flexibility and Range of Motion Massage helps make the muscle tissue more pliable and keeps the blood circulating in the joints, making joints more flexible and less prone to injury. It is these range of skills and effects that makes it a good choice to introduce a massage therapist into your life. www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 9
Why Watermelon is the Perfect Fruit By Alana M.I. Morgan
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ontrary to the popular belief that watermelon is made up of only water and sugar, it is actually full of nutrients that provide high amounts of vitamins, minerals and antioxidants and a low amount of calories. Watermelons are great summer fruits and their refreshing quality and sweet taste help to combat the heat. They are also a guilt-free, low-maintenance dessert for kids and adults alike to enjoy. Watermelons are a member of the botanical family Cucurbitaceae. There are five common types of watermelon: seeded, seedless, mini (also known as personal), yellow and orange.
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Here are five benefits of including watermelons in your diet: Anti-ageing Free radicals in the human body are responsible for causing signs of ageing such as fine lines, wrinkles and age spots. Watermelon is a rich source of antioxidants like lycopene, Vitamin A and C. These help reduce free radicals in the body, thus reducing signs of ageing. Watermelon can be applied on the skin topically and consumed in order to get the best results.
Natural Toner This juicy red fruit is a natural astringent that enhances the appearance of your skin by acting as a
natural toner. For the best results, massage your skin with a fresh watermelon slice or blend it with honey.
Cures Acne Watermelon is one of the best natural remedies for acne. If your skin is prone to acne or pimples, simply massage it with watermelon juice every day. Here are a few tips on how to use it: • Cleanse your face thoroughly • Dab a cotton ball in watermelon juice • Apply it to your face. • Leave for 15 minutes • Rinse off with cold water
Promotes hair growth Watermelon contains abundant amounts of phytonutrients called citrulline. These help increase the level of arginine in the body. Arginine is an amino acid that improves blood circulation and having watermelons in your diet helps to keep the blood pumping to your scalp. This helps to provide the proteins and minerals that encourage hair growth.
Cardiovascular Health
compound. This helps in maintaining good levels of histidine-arginine. This is essential for the production of nitric acid, which helps in maintaining the elasticity of the arteries and blood vessels by curbing the interactions of oxidative stress. Red watermelons, which are easy to find here in St. Lucia, are a rich source of antioxidants called lycopene that spread throughout the body, thus neutralising free radicals. Lycopene also helps in reducing the risk of prostate cancer.
A diet low in fat and cholesterol and rich in antioxidants is conducive to a healthy heart. Watermelon is rich in an antioxidant called citrulline
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Have a Merry Money Christmas! By Melinda Belle
While it is a time of celebration, we want to be sure we don’t blow our budgets out of the water.
Here are some tips to having a Merry Money Christmas:
“It’s the most wonderful time of the year With the kids jingle belling And everyone telling you be of good cheer It’s the most wonderful time of the year”
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hristmas means a lot of different things to different people. It means connecting with loved ones. It means food, fun and frolic. To others it means the thrill of shopping.
Let’s face facts, in order to generally have a good time you need money. Am I correct? 12 DAZZLE www.dazzlebarbados.com
1. Develop a budget: Budgets aren’t boring per say. They are just a means for you to live within your means. While it is a time to be merry, it is also time to create a plan. This will help you meet your financial commitments when the New Year dawns. 2. Be creative in your gift giving: If you have a tight budget for giving gifts this year, that’s okay. Simple gifts like family portraits for families (for grandparents in particular) could go a long way. Baked treats also add a nice touch as well. If you have a hand in creating jams and various types of seasonings, it would be greatly appreciated, considering it is the busiest time of the year for hosting parties.
3. Be creative with your event planning: You don’t have to break the bank to be a gracious host. Pot lucks are still a classy way to entertain. You might be surprised to find out who the great cooks are. 4. Be selective in your party attendance: The reality is you won’t be able to attend every event. Determine in your budget how much you will be able to spend comfortably. Then go and have a good time. 5. Be creative with your party attire: We all want to look our best for this season’s festivities. I for one advocate you should always look your best. It doesn’t hurt to acquire a couple of new pieces. For the ladies, you could invest in new skirts for example. They could go with any classy shirts you have in your closets. Gents, it doesn’t hurt to acquire new pieces as well. Mixing and matching always works. You create your unique style.
Be determined not to spend what you don’t have: 6.
Try as much as possible to stay away from the credit cards and Christmas loans. It will be tempting at this season to buy up great bargains, but always consider the interest and debt you will be incurring in the New Year. Remember, think before you act, watch what you spend and have a Merry Money Christmas! Melinda Belle is the Founder and Managing Director of Astrape Finance, the caring, knowledgeable, trustworthy, financial company guiding you to financial stability and prosperity through education, sound planning and advice. melinda@astrapefinance. com
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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Imagination Lit By: D.J Simmons
fun facts Himal founded Imagination Lit on the 12th of December 2012 because 12/12/12 is a cool date and easy to remember. He established a web site in 2001 called JustBajan.com, originally focusing on motor sport but has expanded to involve major crop over events as well.
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M
any of us enjoy the serenity of nature, the energy of motor sports and the art of a beautiful woman. It takes the power of a professional photographer to capture and translate these experiences for us to enjoy repeatedly. Dazzle Barbados had the opportunity to pull Himal Reece from behind the camera and angle the light on the man behind the company Imagination Lit which provides various photography services. It could not have been easy going from pointing and shooting with your first digital camera to building a business and satisfying clients with quality photos. So let’s just see how Himal did it.
One of the definitions of entrepreneurship just could be running a business, and Himal is in the business of photography, plain and simple. From photographing commercials, corporate events, glamour, maternity, food, land & seascapes to tiny insects, the versatility of Imagination Lit’s services distinguishes it from the competition. Although the business is a solo operation, at times Himal works with other professionals in the industry at special events where multiple subjects need to be captured. Reece’s versatility is the reason he is sought after. In addition, Mr Reece can also work with a range of gear to still produce quality photos. This is where his versatility also shines.
Usually the process of selecting electives while pursuing tertiary education isn’t the most enjoyable process, but luckily for Reece, while completing his Computer Science degree at the Barbados Community College, his passion for photography guided him to choose that course. This led to Himal sharpening his skills further and he acquired his first camera in 2001. That was the start of formal training but Himal developed his craft mainly through information obtained via the internet and lots of practice, often using friends as subjects and always eager to learn via new challenges. This passion was channelled into a drive inspired by seeing the joy of his models when they viewed the results of their work, and numerous words of encouragement from the same friends and family. Since Himal does not publish ads in the papers, most of his clients come from referrals from friends and clients.
The world is his office and he would much rather be stuck behind his camera lens than a desk. With photography, the subject is always changing and his ability to help his models feel at ease significantly enhances their work together. His trait of being a people’s person and the ability to effectively communicate with others working on the shoot is important to achieving satisfactory results. Sincerity between model and photographer also helps to build trust and a relationship which all adds up to producing that powerful shot. Having a good rapport with persons comes in handy as well since one of the only trials Mr Reece would encounter would be challenging customers and this definitely helps to maintain his professionalism.
Support is always important, but sometimes we need a jump start in life to catalyse entrepreneurship. Himal received that when the company he worked with downsized and he was able to place more focus on building his business and finishing his degree at UWI. 2009 marked the year Himal faced the test of working for himself. Although many may advise against this path, this only ignited Mr Reece’s will to excel. Making sure he married passion with a professional mind set, Imagination Lit was founded in 2012. Not only is he a successful young business owner, but Himal has accomplished some impressive achievements. In 2004 he won gold and Percé Tappin Award of Excellence for the most outstanding Gold Award winning entry in the amateur category. His most recent and highest accolade was being published on the National Geographic website multiple times and even making it into one of their printed copies!
Through his experience spanning more than a decade, one tip that Himal has for emerging photographers in a saturated market is to never settle for cheap equipment. Invest in good equipment. Don’t try to cut cost by buying inferior gear. You will end up paying for it more than once. Try to be different and practice, practice, practice. Learning never ends. Entrepreneurs sometimes struggle with receiving respect in society, but due to the amount and level of work that Himal has produced over the years he has deservingly earned that respect. Whether it is being known as the rally photographer or teaching at the Barbados Photographic Society, Himal is doing his best to give back and share with the Barbadian society. Imagination Lit continues to evolve in a competitive market based on high reputation and the dedicated talent of its captain. Dazzle wishes Himal Reece continued success in all his endeavours and may Barbados continue to smile for his camera.
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//Feature
Allysen Cake Central ‘Decorator Extraordinaire’ pg. 20
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Behold, the Power of Twitter! Part 2
D
ay by day more and more businesses are discovering that Twitter is a great way to connect on a more personal level with customers and even employees, and also to drive word of mouth and to help build their brand. There are lots of Twitter tools, apps, software programs and services available to help you manage tour Twitter experience. Here are a few tools and tips you can use to help you enhance your twitter skills. All over the world business professionals are using them to achieve Twitter success.
The Hashtag The Hashtag symbol (#) is used before a relevant keyword or phrase (no spaces) within a Tweet to categorise that tweet and aid these keywords showing more easily in a Twitter Search. Clicking on 18 DAZZLE
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a hashtagged word in any message shows you all the other Tweets marked with that particular keyword. Hashtagged words that become very popular are referred to as “Trending Topics�.
TwitterFox This Firefox web browser plugin allows you to view tweets within your web browser (within a compact popup menu) thereby eliminating the need to constantly go to Twitter.com to see the latest tweets from those you are following. TweetLater: This efficient service allows you to schedule tweets (much like you would schedule alarms) which would be posted at times/intervals which you determine
beforehand. Another very powerful feature is the ability to receive email digests of keyword activity in the “Tweetosphere,” which allows you to join a conversation or track particular topics and trends.
Ping.fm For users who have accounts with several social media services, such as LinkedIn and Facebook, this amazing site allows you to post updates across ALL of your social media sites in one single step.
Twitter for Facebook If you are on Facebook (seems like a weird question these days doesn’t it?) this application forwards your Twitter updates directly to Facebook as status updates. Finally, if the constant stream of updates and plethora of links on your screen overwhelms you when you first log on, here’s some advice from one of the leading authorities on Twitter, author, journalist and revered marketing consultant, Chris Brogan who says, “Most people who see Twitter the first time either immediately ‘get it’ or they say ‘why bother?’ They believe one should read every single update that rolls across their screen. Don’t!!! Just let it roll past like a stream,” and if the author may so add, “cupping your palms to scoop up the information which appeals to you most and which you can most utilise to broaden the reach of your business.”
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UNFORGETTABLE.
E events@renaissancedesignsinc.com T +1 246 418 8326 L rdieventdecor I eventdecorators W renaissancedesignsinc.om RDI_Dazzle 5.5x4.24in Mag Ad_R12Jun15.indd 1
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6/15/15 3:52 PM
Allysen Cake Central ‘Decorator Extraordinaire’ By N. L. Bowen
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ake Central, a new multifaceted business is not the average cake store. It offers novelty cakes, which are the company’s signature items, cake supplies and classes in cake decorating. The store is located in Bridgetown and it is experiencing a tremendous growth in business. I had the pleasure of meeting Allysen Layne, co owner of Cake Central. Due to her dedication and desire for continuous learning, Allysen ensures that her business remains relevant and competitive. This ambitious, vibrant and very creative 28 year old, details her journey from student to entrepreneur, and she believes that if she can operate her own business anyone else can.
Who is Allysen Layne and what is your post at Cake central? I am the co-owner of Cake Central and the company’s ‘decorator extraordinaire’. I co- own it with my mother, who does the baking and administrative side of the business, so I consider us as the ‘perfect team’. I love to work with my hands and love the art of cake decorating. I have been decorating cakes for about 7 years.
What event in your life led to the creation of the business and when was it established? I love food and when I was in secondary school I wanted to go overseas to culinary school, but my father suggested that I study at UWI rather than overseas, because of the high cost of studying there - about $300,000! I therefore studied 20 DAZZLE
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Psychology & Literature at the UWI, but about a year or two into university I got bored and wanted something to do with my hands. hands. I started looking around for cooking classes, and I found that there were more baking classes than there were cooking. I knew a lady who did a cake decorating class and she told me that she did it at Israel Lovell Foundation for $50! So I went there and it gave me an introduction in decorating. From there I moved on to Joan’s Sugar Craft and Pastry Centre and I learned to do the flowers, etc. However, when I left UWI I could not get a job, and as a result I was ‘bored out of my mind’. I therefore tried baking and started a home business (Edible Expressions). I later taught at the Deighton Griffith School ‘off and on’ and worked at a friend’s cupcake
fun facts Due to her style of dress (jeans and t-shirt), Allysen considers herself to be ‘one of the most homely looking people walking around’. She admits that within about 20 minutes of arriving at work she is covered in corn starch! Loves to read and is a self proclaimed ‘Romance Junkie’, but she also loves suspense novels. she assisted with branding and advertising. She also gave me a few tips in photography.
What challenges did you encounter in the initial stages? I dealt with financial struggles (barely breaking even) because business was slow. The biggest challenge was employees stealing from the company!!! Hence the decision to be present at the business so that we could monitor trends.
How do you balance the business and your personal time? store while she was on maternity leave. I however had to quit that job because of the stress of teaching and managing that business. About a year later, my mother told me that she wanted to work doing something different, and we thought about a hand bag or jewellery store. Since I know the cake supply business and the art of cake decorating, I suggested cake supplies. The business at first was therefore a cake supply store, but to get extra income I started baking cup cakes, so it then morphed into what it is now. Cake Central was established about two and half years ago.
Besides support from your mother, what other support did you receive from family? In addition to my mother’s support as an accountant, I received lots of help from my father who did most of the renovations… he also built the cupboards for the store. My sister is a graphic designer/ animator, and
Right now there is no such thing as personal time. There is business time and UWI time and honestly I don’t have time to sleep. Sometimes I go to sleep at three in the morning and by six I am up, but I try to balance everything. I am also pursuing my Master’s in Literature and trying to develop myself.
What advice would you give to those seeking to establish their own business? - Be cautious and make wise financial decisions. Don’t over spend, especially on buying things that are not for the business. - Invest in the business and in your skill set. - Do your market research because you would not want to put all of your time and effort into something that may not work. - Test the market first to find out what people want and what they are willing to pay. - Finally you have to truly love what you do, if not you are going to burnout.
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E x c l u s ive C a r i b b e a n B e a c h w e a r
Z
onna Beachwear is a playful, adventurous and undeniably Caribbean brand. It was started by fashion designer Péronne Smit-Cozier. Born and raised in The Netherlands, she studied Fashion at The University of Arts in Utrecht. The name Zonna was created by her, combining the word for sun in Dutch “zon” and the Italian word for woman: “donna”. Zonna is a line of exclusive and trendy swimwear. They carry a large range of designs for women of all ages. All the swimwear is created and manufactured right here in Barbados. This gives you the advantage of mixing and matching sizes or bringing your own fabric to their workshop in St. George and getting your swimsuit custom made. You can find the swimwear collection of Zonna Beachwear in many hotels and retail stores around the island, some examples are: Lazy Days in Quayside Center, La Tienda in Bougainvillea Beach resort, The Boatyard and The Logo Shop in Turtle Beach Hotel. 22 DAZZLE
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Our workshop is open from 9am till 5pm, Monday till Friday. Any questions call us at: The Workshop (246) 437-9343. Address: Rowans, St. George Email: info@zonna.com Website: www.zonna.com Facebook Page: Zonna Beachwear
//Feature
Claire DOTTIN Fabulous in every way pg. 26
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5 Ways to Actually Stick to Your New Year’s Resolution By: Sacha Cabral
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hen I think about New Year’s Resolutions I think about the kids who don’t believe in Santa. When you talk about making your list of New Year’s Resolutions a little snickering takes place like, “you don’t really believe in that do you?” I’m here to tell you that New Year’s Resolutions do exist but in order for them to work, 100% of you is required. Here are 5 steps to making New Year’s Resolutions that actually stick.
Step 1: Write out the resolution Pen to paper my friend. There have been extensive studies which prove that writing your goal down 24 DAZZLE
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exponentially increases your likelihood of achieving it. Write your goal on a small card and keep it with you wherever you go. Look at it several times a day.
Step 4: Determine the WHY This step is all about the motivation to keep going. Why do so many New Year’s Resolutions fall by the wayside? Because we have no why. We have no motivation to keep going. That’s when we slip back into the same destructive habits which withhold us from what we truly want. To counteract this you need a why. Your why is an emotionally charged reason for wanting this goal.
Step 2: Get Descriptive Chances are your resolution was a bit vague (i.e. I want to lose weight, I want to earn more money, I want to buy a house). Be more specific. If you want to lose weight, how many pounds? If you want to earn more money, how much more? If you want to buy a house, what does it look like or where is it located?
Maybe you want to lose weight so your family stops calling you Fatty Patty. Maybe you want to earn more money so you can afford to buy the engagement ring for the love of your life. Determine the real reason you want this and remind yourself of it every day.
Step 5: Commit to the Next Step So, what’s the next step? Identify your next step and commit to it. It may be signing up for a class or brushing up your CV or making a list of jobs you will apply to. The most important thing is to take some sort of action. Your ability to make good on your New Year’s Resolutions will be tied to the motion you put behind them. Sacha manages a specialty retail company and leads a team of 30 people. She also works with emerging entrepreneurs to develop their business idea and create a viable launch plan. She is a blogger, speaker and life coach. www.sachac.com
Step 3: Plan the HOW This is the meat of the manner. Write down the steps you need to take to achieve your resolution. If you want to lose weight, how much exercise do you need to do? What do you need to eat? If you want to earn more money, how is that going to happen? Do you need to work more hours, get a second job, get a certificate or complete a course? Give a lot of thought to how you can achieve this. Detail each step, each option and create your path. This is how you will achieve your resolution.
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By Tracy Highland & Carlos Brathwaite
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n our society, leaving the comfort of a 9-5 to start your own business is usually met with negative feedback. This pushback, along with other fears, can deter ones dreams. Nine times out of ten, those who cower to the cynics spend the rest of their life asking themselves What if? Claire Dottin knows about this all too well. The 31-year old aesthetician faced those same trepidations head on when she decided to step out in faith and quit her steady job as a designer - and she hasn’t looked back since. Initially looking to enter the field of architecture, Claire changed course and followed her passion for art – studying and gaining experience in Graphic Design. After 7 years of working for private firms, she sensed that the industry was changing. Plus, her love for her craft waned. “I wasn’t excited about the projects anymore,” she confessed. By the end of 2013 she made up her mind and handed in her resignation. Dottin then decided to turn her cosmetology hobby into a full-time business, launching Fabulash - a company specializing in eyelash extensions. Two years later and Claire continues to drive her business forward; constantly seeking advice from fellow entrepreneurs, advancing her skills, and meeting consumer demand in this highly competitive industry.
What would you say were your biggest challenges in your first year of operation? It was just establishing myself among the crowd. Because they are a few people doing lashes in Barbados, my major pressure would’ve been to create a clientele and stand out. And that seemed to come very easily. One thing about the beauty industry is that it is a word-of-mouth [industry]. And I came to realize that advertising in the traditional sense doesn’t generally work for me. As much as they would see the ad, they still want to know somebody that had something done before. That worked out for me because a lot of people started referring me to their friends, and I offered to do people’s lashes. That helped a lot. At what point did you put some kind of structure in place, and what difference did that make to your business?
A lot of the structure that I had to put in place came in the last two years (the time I actually wanted to go full-time). I started with simple things: like doing a QuickBooks course. I actually had Evelyn Forde, who came to set up my equipment, give me some tips and tricks, and basically put me on the path of what I needed to do it. You kind of know what you’re supposed to be doing, but you’re still not sure. I actually consulted with other accountants on business management. I’ve done quite a lot of training in the last few years, advancing the skills I already have.
What services does Fabulash offer? From the beginning it was only lashes. Now, I do a little bit of waxing (eyebrow and facial), and, immediately after I resigned, I was trained in eyebrow and eyeliner tattooing - otherwise known as permanent makeup. As a beauty therapist, I’m also trained in skincare and chemical exfoliation.
How has the industry changed in Barbados from the time you started until now? When I initially started, the majority of my clients were younger people - especially with lashes. You know older people tend to be like, ‘Oh that is a young people thing.’ Now I have clients as old as 65… or maybe a little older. It’s a little surprising. With the tattooing, I expected younger people to be going for that. But it is mostly older people.
What is your favorite part about your job? Controlling my time. There is nothing better than being able to dictate how your day will go – to an extent [Laughs]. I still don’t 100% dictate how it’s going to go, but [being able to control it] is very good.
What do you think sets your business apart from others in the industry? I have no idea. I tend to be very open and friendly; persons can get along with me. Compared to what all [the other companies] are offering, I don’t think there is anything major between me and them. So I simply have to think it’s me.
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The experience has to be good. Most of my clients say they prefer me to others. They really enjoy having whatever service done; the environment that they’re in. So that might be it.
What do you envision for your business going in the next few years? I definitely did not anticipate it being here now, so I have no idea where it’s going to go. But, I’m simply here to go along for the ride and [I’m] enjoying it at this point. I’m not trying to put any pressure [on myself], just simply enjoy what I do but definitely continue to grow along the way.
fun facts Claire still does graphic design projects from time to time. She loves travelling. Her favorite foods are “anything made of flour.” (Pasta, cakes etc.)
If you had to give advice to someone looking to leave his or her job like you did, what would you say? In Barbados where the majority of the population is educated – who’s not at U.W.I is at BCC; has done something past secondary level – you always have options. So if something doesn’t work, try something else – you’re young. Take a chance. I’m glad that I listened to my cousin, Tonya. She kept badgering me about not being married, having no children etc. [Laughs] But she was right. That was the best time to take a chance. That made my situation a bit easier.
If you were trapped on an island and you had to take three things with you, what would they be? I have to take my laptop. Food for sure, because I eat food constantly. I’m a foodie. And something to call home [Laughs].
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DAZZLE 29
How to Create the Perfect Budget – & Stick to It By David E.M DuBoulay
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any countries are currently experiencing tough economic times for varied reasons, and although we live in a beautiful corner of the world where the weather is usually pleasant and our people are often viewed by outsiders as laid back and carefree, we too have our fair share of economic woes. While we are only able to influence the overall direction of our economy every five years in the hope of changing our fortunes, there are some small changes each of us can make in our daily lives, which can go a long way in helping us survive the challenging times that we face. Here are my ten suggestions:
Create a monthly budget and stick to it While it may be a lengthy and detailed task to create an accurate monthly budget, investing the time to do it and exercising the personal restraint required to stick to it can yield great dividends in your ability to save for a major purchase (house/land/vehicle). 30 DAZZLE www.dazzlebarbados.com
Once you’ve completed your budget and you have an accurate picture of your monthly expenditure, you will find it a lot easier to determine how and where to spend your money wisely.
Monitor your spending Keep all your receipts and review them on a weekly or even daily basis. This will not only help you to keep track of your spending but also to realise where most of your money goes so that you can reduce certain types of expenditure which may not be necessary.
Shop smartly Focus on essentials and don’t get side-tracked by luxuries or items which you and your family simply do not need, even if they are on sale. Buy in bulk whenever you can, provided you have safe storage for later use. Instead of buying a new couch consider recovering the old one. Hold on to clothes as long as possible before giving them away (never throw clothes away, always donate to the Red Cross or to your
nearest charity). Buying new things is not always necessary; you may be able to drive that car for another year before upgrading. Also, search for sales and discounts as often as you can; people are sometimes embarrassed or ashamed to exercise thrift by purchasing discounted items or those on sale. There is no shame in saving money wherever you can, you get the same products for a lower price and it is unquestionably the smarter thing to do.
Use cash as often as possible This makes it easier to track your spending and stay within budget. Using credit/debit cards, though convenient, can often result in forgotten spending which eventually comes back to bite you at the end of the month.
Conserve utilities Avoid unnecessary use of gas, water or electricity. Use a coal pot or natural fire to cook, take shorter showers, wash your car less often, and after 9:00 p.m. when everyone has retreated to their bedrooms, turn off the remaining lights throughout the house. These small steps can make a huge difference to your monthly utility bills.
Cut bad habits Whether it be alcohol, cigarettes, sweets or whatever your bad habit(s) may be, try your best to limit them or better yet cut them out entirely.
Bring lunch to work Buying a nice lunch is an enjoyable experience but doing so adds up at the end of the month and can harm your ability to save those precious pennies. Try carrying leftovers to work for an entire month and take note of the difference in your bank balance.
Wherever and whenever you can DO IT YOURSELF I am not suggesting undertaking work you have no idea how to do but rather tasks which you have knowledge of, or which a friend or family member is able to do. You can save a chunk of money by not hiring a professional. There are also DIY videos for almost everything on YouTube which are available for free. Try it out, if you don’t succeed then go ahead and seek professional help but you may surprise yourself at what you are able to achieve with a little elbow grease.
Eat healthy and stay healthy Medical bills account for a large percentage of annual expenditure and can be avoided by exercising and eating better. If possible grow your own food; start a kitchen garden and involve the entire family. Not only will you be proud of yourself but you will be consuming food which is pesticide and hormone free. Also, engage in as much outdoor activity as possible. Not only does it add to a healthier lifestyle, it also brings families closer and reduces dependency on technology (internet, video games, smartphones) for entertainment. Ride a bike or walk anywhere you plan to visit within close proximity; fuel is expensive and short car trips use more fuel per mile than long trips. Biking and walking are healthy ways to save money and as a fringe benefit you are helping the environment.
Work together Finally, make sure your spouse is on the same page in terms of saving. It is useless to save while he/she spends frivolously. If you stay focussed and ensure that a deposit is made to your savings account each and every month, regardless of how small, everyone stands to gain. www.dazzlebarbados.com DAZZLE 31
Beat the bulge this Holiday Season By: Dr. Kim Solomon
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t is easy to go overboard with indulgences at this time of the year. So how do you get through without putting on extra weight? By practicing mindful eating.
I believe that food should be celebrated with friends and love ones; however it is quite easy to go overboard at this time of year. Here are ten ways that we can all practice mindful eating and still enjoy the holidays.
Never go to a party hungry. The hungrier you are, the less capable you are of staying in control. You are more likely to binge, resulting in greater weight gain. 32 DAZZLE
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Recruit a calorie watching buddy. Sometimes you need someone looking over your shoulder to stay on course. Choose this person wisely. Find someone with similar health goals who would be equally committed to staying healthy during the holidays. Check the entire buffet line before getting your plate. You do not have to try every dish! Choose at least three foods you definitely want to try and start with small portions; remember a little of a lot equates to a lot. Include vegetables and fruits in your line up
Watch portion sizes. When the menu is Hors d’oeuvres, try to put everything on one plate. This way you can pay
attention to how much you are actually consuming. Switch to a small dinner plate, the amount of food on the plate will look bigger.
Slow down Put your fork down and have a sip of water. Chew your food several times before swallowing. Savour every bite. The digestion process starts with the enzymes in your saliva.
Avoid standing near the snacks Small snacks can be loaded with calories. Chances are you will pick up at least three or four pieces and before you know it; you would have had the equivalent of a small meal.
Take a break Before heading to the table for seconds, go for a stroll or have a chat with friends. Then ask yourself if you are still hungry. If you are, then have a small portion of one or two foods that you really wanted to try. Add some vegetables and a glass of water. If you aren’t hungry, then that’s great! Don’t get tempted.
Say no politely At this time of year, hostess often keep putting food in front of you. Learn to say no politely, such as, ‘Everything was delicious but I can’t hold another bite.’
Go easy on the alcohol
Always stay positive
Holidays are notorious for tempting us with drinks we wouldn’t normally consume. It is quite easy to over indulge on liquid calories. Alcohol offers no nutrients just empty calories.
If you do have a bad day, don’t stress about it. Just get back on track the next day! Maybe this year, your New Year’s resolution does not have to be losing those extra holiday pounds.
Try sparkling water with a little fruit juice or a lemon or opt for a small glass of wine.
Dr. Kim Solomon is a registered Family Physician
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DAZZLE 33
By Celia Collymore “I still haven’t gotten where I want to be, but to come now and see what I see. There is nothing that I cannot get over. I am going to get there!” Meet 30 year old Latonya Birkett, owner of The Shoe Palace. “A Doer, Fashionista, Strong, Humble, Solutions Oriented, Forceful yet Kind. Dazzle could not agree more. We sat down with her to learn more about her colourful journey in the world of entrepreneurship. She is definitely a product of her experiences, has endured much and continues to stand tall and strong. We were most impressed with her tenacity, passion to succeed and help other women in business. At Dazzle, we get really excited when we meet young entrepreneurs who have not only figured it out, but also has stuck it out! Shoe Palace was actually not Latonya’s first business. At 19 years old, she opened her first store called Berry’s which sold everything possible, clothing, shoes, accessories, bras, panties, you name it. During this time, she went into partnership with her mentor, who eventually stole $30,000 from the business. Unfortunately, due to the huge dip in finances, after 5 years the business had to close. “He left the country and had also stolen from another big business person. I trusted him and I did not have a circle of people of who I could depend on to ask questions”, Latonya recounted. Berry’s was closed January 2009 and Shoe Palace was opened October 2009. “I was crazy with it”. Between that period, I went to work for a shipping company and did it because I had my son who was a year old and I needed to do something to pay the bills. In Sept 2009, I was fired from that job, because it was honestly not what I wanted to do. That was not me. I was never an employee, I would never be an employee, that is not who I am”, echoed Latonya. 34 DAZZLE
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Although the job was not an ideal fit for Latonya, she learned a lot from working in that industry, especially in the area of logistics, which is a great skill set in retail. “Investing in an accounting system and automating your processes helps you to know your facts and figures and make better decisions. Latonya’s story does get better; however she experienced “bad business” for the second time. “When I started Shoe Palace 6 years ago, I had another business partner and the reason I took him on was because I had a fear of my ability to handle finances, and it felt like he had more knowledge than I did with handling that side of my business. Unfortunately that did not go so well either”. Some of it was due to what she called “laziness” and her leaving the real business in the hands of persons she respected and trusted. This became her turning point.
Latonya’s entrepreneurial journey has been challenging, enlightening and rewarding, and from the looks of it, she is not slowing down anytime soon. She is focused with lots of ideas and plans for her future. “I want another store. When people hear Shoe Palace, they know of the business, the quality we offer, the type of shoes we carry and to have consistent sales all year round. “ Latonya left us with some parting words and we wish her much success! “Anything you want to gain knowledge on, make sure that you can get it done. You must have people that are aligned with and committed to your vision.”
Enough was enough and Latonya was ready to take charge of her destiny. She began by reflecting on her strengths, weaknesses and how to educate herself more. Thereafter, Latonya decided to start her “Cropover Project”. She even had to beg her son to give her some time, and that they will celebrate afterwards. In a year, Latonya was able to turn the business around from $9,000 - $30,000. And, to top it off, she took her son to Disney World! “Once I have my stock value, I can rotate that and turn that into some craziness”, she said, proudly smiling. Retail is a tough industry and for Latonya, having impeccable customer service is a priority. “My first work experience was an internship at Sandy Lane at age 16. Service was talked to us 24/7. It was running through our veins, so I brought that same five star service and work ethic to Shoe Palace. Making customers feel comfortable, happy and satisfied, that is adding value to you and your business.”
fun facts Loves Sponge Bob Loves banana bread pudding, the fancy kind Enjoys family time and maintaining a healthy work-life balance
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DAZZLE 35
ingredients 1 Cup Flour 1 Tsp Sugar 1/4 Tsp salt 1 1/2 Cups Milk 1 Tsp Mount Gay Eclipse Rum 3 - 4 Beaten Eggs SAUCE 2/3 Cup Orange Juice 1 Tsp Lime Juice 1 Tsp Grated Orange Zest 2 - 3 Bananas Sliced 1/4 Cup Sugar 1/4 Cup of Butter 1/3 Cup of Mount Gay Eclipse Rum
method Mix the dry ingredients. Then add cream, milk, Mount Gay Eclipse rum and eggs. Beat until smooth. Let it stand for 30 minutes. Melt a little butter in a pan. To make crepes, spread a tablespoon of batter thinly onto the pan, cook till light brown then ip and cook the other side. You can store left over batter in a fridge. For the sauce, boil the juices and zest until thick (about 5 to 8 minutes). Add bananas, sugar and butter. Pour Mount Gay Eclipse rum last and set alight before pouring onto the crepes. Enjoy hot. 36 DAZZLE
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Eco-Cafe and Bar
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he Good Life Eco-Cafe and Bar, located in Rockley, Christ Church, obliquely opposite Accra Beach, is an eco-cafĂŠ (coffee house) and bar whose mission is to provide a good, positive and uplifting experience for all of its customers.
environment instead of damaging it. We do this by recycling its waste, composting, using LED, fluorescent and low energy bulbs for its lighting, compostable and recyclable cups and containers, eco friendly cleaning supplies, along with teaching and helping others to do the same.
We specialize in vegan cuisine, coffee, and offer other products associated with living and enjoying a sustainable and fulfilling life.
Additionally, we provide a range of herbal products, multivitamin and multimineral supplements, male and female clothing, jewelry, horseback rides, artwork, craft, reproductive enhancement products, protein powders, natural juices, smoothies, shakes, vegan and vegetarian food, espressos, cappuccinos and other coffee based drinks along with a wide range of alcoholic beverages.
Some of our signature dishes are Asian Fusion Soba Noodle Salad, BBQ Chicken wrap, Misty Morning Hemp Shake, Tropical Delight smoothie, Bajan Lemonade, Good Life Rum Punch. The Good Life is dedicated to providing high quality coffees, meals, and services while enhancing the
Find us at www.facebook.com/thegoodlifebarbados
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DAZZLE 37
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Smart TVs Gaining Popularity Worldwide
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mart TVs are gaining popularity with approximately 67 million sold worldwide in 2012, and that number was expected to hit 87 million in 2013, according to a recent survey by Forbes magazine.
Smart TVs have a higher focus on online interactivity, Internet TV, over-the-top content, as well as on-demand streaming media and home networking access, with much less focus on content delivered via the traditional broadcast media and set-top boxes. Smart TVs can deliver content such as photos, movies and music from other computers or network-attached storage devices using either a Digital Living Network Alliance/Universal Plug and Play media server or similar service programs like Windows Media Player or Network-attached storage (NAS), or via iTunes. Smart TVs also provide access to Internet-based services, including traditional broadcast TV channels, catch-up services, video-on-demand (VOD), electronic program guide, games, social networking, and other multimedia applications.
A Smart TV is sometimes referred to as a connect TV or hybrid TV. It is a trend of integrating the internet and Web features into TV sets and set-top boxes (a device that converts video content to analog or digital TV signals).
Currently the most popular smart TV brands on the market are LG, Samsung, Phillips, Panasonic Viera, Sony. They are available in different price ranges to suit one’s budget.
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DAZZLE 39
see more pictures on www.dazzlebarbados.com & facebook.com/dazzlebarbados
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1. Dazzling Beauties at the Barbados Cares Cooler Party
4. Knocked out!
2. Vibe tun up with Kori Greaves, Kevin Drayton and Randy Howard
5. In the zone
3. Celia Collymore introducing “Who moved my cheese� at the FiTtrepreneur Book Club
6. Keoma Mallet shares his thoughts at the FiTtrepreneur Book Club
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7. Alison Hinds addressing the audience at Honey Jam’s media launch
10. Posed off! The 2015 Honey Jam crew
8. Shaken not stirred
11. Patrons at the Sweet Indulgence Festival taking in Exquisite Cakes by Janelle Griffith
9. Scotiabank’s premium staff- L-R, Steven Smith, Charmaine Waterman and Ryan Hunte
12. The Avalon Craft Beer team
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DAZZLE 41
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dazzlebarbados Bird's Eye View
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Romance at the RIƂFH *RRG RU Bad?
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The Girlfriend behind the Expo
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Labelled as A Narcissist and Using it to his Advantage
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Kicking it Curbside
Matthew Fewwture Ashby The PINK Elephant in the Room
Building communities through strength and conditioning
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Vibes Can’t Done
Intention Is Your Ignition
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Not Short on Energy
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Staying True to Foreday
She's got Talent
The Business of Revelling fa ce
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2015, Tips to Survive & Thrive
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Our Top 3 Summer Bluetooth Speakers
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Different Types of Legal Structures in Business
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CSR: The Strategy of Giving
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The Slim Chef Getting Started on your Fitness Journey
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Putting Bat to Ball
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Locing it Down
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Beating The Hangover!
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The Samsung Galaxy Camera
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Teaching the Art of Self-Love and Sexual Empowerment
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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 44 DAZZLE
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