A vision for young Bahamians

By ALESHA CADET | Tribune Features Writer | acadet@tribunemedia.net

The start of every new year brings the chance to redefine, reestablish goals and visions.

Many are filled with a new sense of excitement and zest for life because they have another chance to accomplish their objectives, said content creator Scharlee Thompson.

Ms Thompson recently hosted her most recent Vision Board Brunch in an effort to give young people an opportunity to and chart their goals for 2023.

“Persons usually create vision boards to visually represent their goals and keep them motivated to achieve the goals they have set. As persons enter their 20s and are thrust into the new world of adulthood there can be a sense of being overwhelmed. To assist with navigating this new environment called adulthood, I created a blog providing tips on navigating the new world of adulthood,” said Scharlee.

Scharlee is a content creator who seeks to inspire young people to thrive as they navigate adulthood. Through inspiring and informative Instagram content and live videos, she provides tips and encouragement for surviving early adulthood.

During the pandemic, Scharlee said she began hosting a series on Instagram Live called “Surviving Your Twenties”. She has since continued her series over the last two years and speak on topics relevant to young people such as budgeting, insurance, mental health, career changes, purchasing property, launching a business and content creation.

Her first vision board party was hosted last year on a virtual platform with featured guest speaker Anastarcia Palacious.

“To begin 2023, I hosted the Vision Board Brunch at the Picnic Brunch where young persons came together to intentionally plan for their new year. Chantel O’Brian was the keynote speaker who spoke on the topic ‘Less Talk, More Action’. Chantel encouraged the attendees to make less announcements and put action behind their goals. She inspired the young persons to have intentionality with executing their goals,” said Scharlee.

Zane Lightbourne, Minister of State for Social Services and Urban Renewal Lisa Rahming and TV/Film Commissioner Clarence Rolle.

“Goombay Kids” holds the most awards of any children’s show in the Caribbean.

Recently, Prime Minister Philip Davis publicly endorsed and congratulated the producers of the series and its lead stars at the Office of the Prime Minister.

“Goombay Kids” is an educational show focused on STEAM based themes produced by LFD Productions.

It follows three Bahamian children on their island adventures exploring Bahamian culture, mythology, history and folklore. It is the first show of its kind to showcase young Bahamian talent and create this kind of opportunity for them.

Most of the talent was developed by local talent agency CMM Agency along with coaching by the Bahamas Artist Movement (BAM).

“Goombay Kids” is the first Bahamian show to use VFX animation alongside live action scenes.

The series is passionate about creating change through its platform which includes teaching children about climate solutions, promoting youth and women’s empowerment, helping to improve literacy rates and supporting disability inclusion.

To keep up with the “Goombay Kids”, follow them on YouTube, Instagram and Facebook @ goombaykids.

During the Vision Board Brunch, Scharlee said attendees reflected on the highs and lows of 2022, and checked off where they were in various areas of their lives. They interacted with one another and shared their goals for 2023. Then, they all created vision boards to visually depict their goals for the new year.

Scharlee, an attorney by profession, said she is extremely passionate about blogging and poetry.

She said her first blog was written during her first year of law school as an outlet to vent about the struggles of “adulting”. Since then, her blog has been transformed into a website and community where she provides those in their 20s with the tools they need to thrive.

“As a result of nearly a decade of content creation, young people in their 20s feel seen and heard, and understand that they are not alone. Feel free to follow (me) on Instagram @scharsmind,” said Scharlee.