Designers

Tenisha Carey

‘Creating Stunning and Uniquely Bahamian Wearable Works of Art’

By Nikia Wells Photographs Courtesy Of Nikia Wells

Tenisha Carey’s outgoing personality is infectious. She is charismatic, friendly and genuinely excited to showcase the handmade jewellery at her boutique storefront. Her philosophy is that everyone is meant to stand out and her stunningly intricate statement pieces reflect that. Located at Rayvin Mall in Grand Bahama, Baha Gala specializes in one-of-a-kind jewellery that is handcrafted with shells, coral, turquoise, semi-precious stones, and unexpected elements like conch claws and Bahamian coins. Prior to moving to Grand Bahama, Carey was a communications specialist and model who enjoyed everything about fashion. She initially started making jewellery for herself in 2001 and noted that she was inspired to pursue Baha Gala because it made her happy. She notes that life should be filled with the things that truly bring us joy.

After officially launching in 2008, Baha Gala has steadily grown throughout the years with their customizable Bahamian coin bracelets being one of the brand’s signature pieces. In recent months, Carey has expanded her business to include a men’s line and she is excited to continue creating unforgettable pieces. UA

Coya Mackey

‘Unraveling the Art of Red Bays Basket Weaving’

By Nikia Wells Photographs Courtesy Of L. Roscoe Dames

For Coya Mackey, the art of basket weaving has been a part of her identity since she was a girl growing up in Red Bays, Andros. “My grandmother [Agnes Dell Mackey] taught me. I started when I was about seven and I love doing it. It relaxes your mind.” While the basket making process is now therapeutic for Mackey, it was once how her family made a living. She spent her summer breaks creating the basket bases for her grandmother, who would give her a daily list of tasks that included going into the forest of Andros and getting supplies, sewing and learning the ins and outs of basket weaving. Back then, Mackey notes that she used to sew baskets under streetlights because at the time they didn’t have electricity.

Over the years, Mackey has been a proponent for the preservation of this art form. She has taught students at a local primary school, as well as her children, and she believes in passing on her knowledge to anyone with an interest.

Mackey says the process hasn’t changed since she was a little girl.

“You have to go into the bushes, pick the silver top [palm leaves], let it dry, strip it and then go about making whatever size basket that you want.”

From there, Mackey notes that you can also use Storck palm leaves (Neoveitchia storckii) or additional silver top to sew and harden the basket. You can then use either raffia or Androsian print fabric to customize the design with whatever colours you wish.

She makes the basket making process, which was handed down from the descendants of the Black Seminoles who landed in Andros in the 1800s, sound easy. This is a testament to Mackey’s expertise. In reality, the tightly woven baskets take years to master.

“I can make any shape, any size, any design. Sometimes, it can take me a few days; sometimes, it can take me a week to finish. But I can make anything.” UA

DESIGNERS

David Rolle

‘Celebrating Authentic, Unapologetic and Confident Women’

By Nikia Wells Photographs Courtesy Of Scharad Lightbourne Photography

Bahamian designer and stylist David Rolle has a humble demeanour that doesn’t betray his impressive globetrotting résumé. In addition to being the owner and designer of the House of Raphelita and the operations manager for Harl Taylor Bags, Rolle’s stunning designs have been featured at New York Fashion week, on international beauty pageant stages, and earned him the title of Mission Catwalk winner in 2015.

Rolle said he is inspired by the women who he meets every day and that he loves “celebrating authentic, unapologetic and confident women who don’t look to anyone else for their own self-assurance”. While he likes to keep his designs subtle, he enjoys incorporating unexpected elements and a bit of couture flair into each piece.

Much of Rolle’s design success can be attributed to his unorthodox view of fashion. He notes that he doesn’t believe in doing things how others think they should be done. Instead, his design philosophy focuses on an intuitive process.

“I have been fortunate enough to show collections and travel around the world but, at the end of the day, I’m an ‘island boy’. I grew up in the Berry Islands, I live in Nassau now and I always want to create pieces that feel authentic to who I am.”

Rolle said that even though his designs appeal to an international audience, he is dedicated to keeping a uniquely Bahamian DNA in all of his pieces.

“My last collection, which celebrated 10 years in fashion, was so organically me and trying to top that is going to be a task. I’m always looking at each collection and wanting to see how I can evolve from there. With my current collection, I just want to compete with myself and top what I did with the previous one.” UA