We The Women Vol.1

Dear Boss Babes,

The Editor

I had a vision – to create the greatest, authentic, conscious, and inspiring entrepreneurial magazine/media movement in the country. Welcome to the first issue of 'We The Women' Digital Magazine. What can you expect on the inside? Well, We wanted to develop something unique in a society where entrepreneurship and innovation are prevalent Something exceptional, distinctive, genuine, and applicable outside the confines of a print publication. In addition to inspiring you, we also wanted to provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to achieve your own vision, ambitions, and aspirations in your own special way We The Women is proof that anything is attainable if you have a focused vision and a clear objective in mind. While the digital magazine serves as the foundation, it's vital to keep in mind that the overall media offering is considerably more intricate and integrated Thank you from the bottom of my heart for reading the first issue of 'We The Women' . You are apart of our community now, and we look forward to inspiring, and connecting with you through every turn of these pages.

Sincerely,

Jayna Campbell

‘WE The Women’ E-Magazine's selling point (USP) is that it is the sole publication on the market that concentrates on the advancement of Bahamian women in business, leadership, and success. It illuminates the paths generations of women have taken to thrive in The Bahamas as well as other countries around the world The magazine covers stories that range from Women in Entrepreneurship to Women's Empowerment, Experiences, and Excellence. Each issue offers features from sectors such as beauty, culinary, health & lifestyle, fashion, and the arts. Furthermore, it provides entertainment, lifestyle tips, guides to self-care, and opportunities for women-run businesses in The Bahamas to market their products and services.

Stories about women in entrepreneurship, women's empowerment, experiences, and excellence are all covered in the magazine The goal of "WE The Women E-Magazine" is to recognize the women who are becoming more valuable role models for young girls as society continues to evolve. The purpose of WE The Women E-Magazine is to tell stories that will inspire other women to build their own legacies. Women deserve to feel supported, valued, and acknowledged, and WE The Women E-Magazine is at the forefront of innovation in this regard.

Copyright © We The Women 2023. All Rights Reserved

All files and information contained in this Digital Magazine are copyright by We The Women, and may not be duplicated, copied, modified or adapted, in any way without our written permission. Our Magazine may contain our service marks or trademarks as well as those of our affiliates or other companies, in the form of words, graphics, and logos. The copying, redistribution, use or publication by you of any such Content, is strictly prohibited. Your use of our Magazine does not grant you any ownership rights to our Content.

Bahamian women striving to empower the future generation of young women and cultivating their generation of women & beyond. 54 W O M E N E X P

Bahamian women-owned businesses making strides in other countries of the world 58 W O M

Bahamian women picking up the mantle and leading in their respective industries

HISTORY OF BAHAMIAN WOMEN PIONEERS

Mary Naomi-Mason Ingraham

Mary Ingraham was a strong-willed and intelligent woman These were the very attributes that enabled her to complete the work destiny had assigned to her in the Women's Suffrage Movement "May", as she was affectionately called, was born on July 30, 1901 in New Providence A housewife, she became actively involved in politics in the late 1940s when her husband, Rufus, was a Member of the House of Assembly for the Crooked Island and Acklins Districts In the 1949 General Election, her husband lost his seat; and he attributed his loss to the fact that women were not allowed to vote. He felt that most of the males who were eligible to vote did so only in exchange for materialistic things such as alcohol or cash, which his opponents were able to supply The experience of her husband impressed upon Mary the need for women to be able to vote She had been agitating the powers-that-be for some time to give women equal voting rights with men, but she had been unsuccessful, until she joined forces with some other strong-willed and intelligent women

In 1950 Mrs. Mabel Walker, wife of PLP Parliamentarian C. R. Walker and a long time close friend of the family, approached Mrs. Ingraham on behalf of a young women's group wanting to know how to go about getting the vote for women Mary was willing to work with them to bring about this change The women formed a committee, the Women's Suffrage Movement Mary already had some experience in the fight and was made chairman; Georgiana K Symonette, later chairman of the Women's Branch of the PLP, was made vice chairman; Eugenia Lockhart was its secretary; and Althea Mortimer, Mabel C Walker, and Muriel Eneas were members Most of these women held influential positions in various female organizations of that period: Mabel Walker had established the Teachers Union and was working to get recognition for it; and Mrs Ingraham was a Past Daughter Ruler of the Elks of the World and Past Matron of the Order of Eastern Stars.

The committee evolved in structure, size, and effectiveness between

Mabel Cordelia Holloway Walker was a capable and dynamic advocate for change in The Bahamas The fact that she was an American, born in Greenville, South Carolina on May 2, 1902, in no way diminished her passion for education and gender equality in 'The Bahamas She studied at Howard University in Washington, DC where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts degree and met her Bahamian husband, Claudius Roland Walker, who was then studying for the Bachelor of Science degree.

Mrs. Walker relocated to The Bahamas with her husband after he completed his medical studies at Meharry College in Nashville, Tennessee She became involved in education by opening a preschool and assisting her husband with adult education classes at the Bahamas Technical Institute which he had organized Later, Mrs Walker became a teacher with the Board of Education at Southern Preparatory School, then Western Senior and Junior Schools She was promoted to headmistress of Woodcock Primary School, a post she held until her retirement in 1962

Mrs Walker was founding president of the Bahamas Union of Teachers (BUT) in 1947, the first woman to head a trade union in The Bahamas. She worked hard for the recognition of the Union and was adamant that teachers be recognized, trained and paid as professionals. The Mabel Walker Primary School and the administrative building of the BUT, Walker Hall, are named in honor of her contribution to education Mrs Mabel C Walker also was the catalyst of the Women's Suffrage Movement She brought together some strong-willed and intelligent women of diverse social and political background when she suggested to Georgiana K Symonette, later chairman of the Women's Branch of the PLP, that they seek the assistance of Mary Ingraham, wife of a former UBP- leaning member of the House of Assembly Mrs Walker labored in the Suffrage Movement from 1950 until 1962 when Bahamian women of 21 years or older were given the right to vote It is a testimony to her character that she fought for a cause from which she would derive no direct benefit as she was an American. She knew that the cause was just

Mrs Mabel Cordelia Walker

Eugenia Lousie Lockhart OBE

Eugenia L Lockhart was the secretary of the Women's Suffrage Movement and secretary of the Women's Branch of the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) It was her love of reading and writing that led Eugenia to serve as secretary of the Movement and the PLP. She was active in fundraising and organizing for both groups. She was born to Horace and Helen Wilson on June 17, 1908 at Duncan Town, Ragged Island At the age of twelve she served as monitor (assistant teacher) of the government All-Age School at Duncan Town

The role of the women who comprised the Movement cannot be minimized This body of women demanded the attention of the House of Assembly by presenting petitions and picketing in the Public Square and around the House for the right to vote. Throughout the 1950s these women were led by Eugenia Lockhart, Mary Ingraham, Georgiana Symonette, Mabel Walker, Doris Johnson, and others

Mrs Lockhart and Doris Johnson were the two suffragettes who accompanied H M Taylor to London in 1960 to present the case for universal adult suffrage to the Secretary of State to the Colonies In 1961, Parliament passed legislation to enable women to vote and sit in the legislature of The Bahamas In the 1962 General Election, women voted for the first time, and by 1967 black women had organized themselves into a voting bloc. It was this bloc which significantly impacted the Progressive Liberal Party's victory that ushered in Majority rule.

The foresight and organizing capacity of Mrs Lockhart and the other suffragettes were pivotal in the move to universal adult suffrage in The Bahamas Mrs Lockhart's husband Captain Edward Lockhart and their children shared her efforts for women's rights Mrs Lockhart was appointed to the Order of the British Empire and was made Stalwart Councilor of the PLP

Dame Dr Doris Johnson

Dr Doris Johnson has been described as a woman of a high level of intelligence and ambition, committed to achieving her goals against the odds Born Doris Sands in 1921, she had long been a social and political fighter for the rights of women. When she returned to The Bahamas in 1958 from studying abroad, the Women's Suffrage Movement embraced her passion and oratorical skills She was able to mobilize the movement into a fighting force (while coordinating the founding of the National Council of Women)

In 1959 Dr Johnson led a demonstration to Parliament and gave a pivotal speech to members of the House of Assembly on the moral right of women to vote This event was a turning point in the road to achieving suffrage

In November 1960, Dr. Doris Johnson and Eugenia Lockhart accompanied Henry M. Taylor, Chairman the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP), to London to present a Petition for universal adult suffrage to the Secretary of State for the Colonies The following year, a Select Committee of the Bahamas Parliament presented a report which proposed to yield to women the right to vote in 1963 The PLP and Independents opposed the deferral of the right, and an appeal was made to London again In February 23, 1961 the House of Assembly enacted the law to give women the right to vote and sit in the legislature with effect from June 30, 1962.

In 1962 Dr. Johnson became the first woman ever to contest a seat in Parliment; she ran for the Eleuthera District In 1967 the PLP became the government of The Bahamas, and Dr Johnson became the first woman appointed to the Senate; the first woman leader of government business in the Senate; the first woman minister of government (1968-1973 Ministry of Transport); and, the first woman president of the Senate (1973-1979) at age 52 She held the Bachelor of Arts in English and Education cum laude, Master of Education degree in Administration and Supervision, and Doctor of Education with honours from New York University She taught for seventeen years in the Bahamian public education system in the 1940s and 1950s before taking up the position of lecturer in social studies at Virginia Union, U S A 1965- 1967

Georgiana Kathleen Symonette

Georgiana Kathleen was born April 4, 1902 in Wemyss Bight, Eleuthera to Olivia McKinney and Alexander Symonette, She was educated at the government school in Wemyss Bight and later became a monitor there (assistant teacher).

Georgianna Symonette's ambition to improve herself professionally caused her to migrate to Nassau to pursue nursing at the Bahamas General Hospital (renamed the Princess Margaret Hospital) She lived in the Eastern District where she raised her family of four children and ran a successful dry goods business Miss Symonette had a passion for politics, the rights of women and the advancement of black people socially, economically and politically It was this dimension of her life which has set her apart. The vehicle for that expression was the Progressive Liberal party which was founded in 1953 She became the founding chairman of the Women's Branch of the party

Recognizing the inequities in voting rights, Miss Symonette and three other ladies, Mrs Mary Ingraham, Eugenia Lockhart and Mabel Walker formed the Women's Suffrage Movement In order to sensitize the government of the day to the desire of women to vote, Miss Symonette and the other suffragettes adopted a very aggressive action programme.

They toured the entire archipelago gaining signatures for petitions: picketed the House of Assembly; addressed Parliamentarians; and, made representation to the Secretary of State for the Colonies As a result of the persistence of the suffragettes, Parliament in 1961 passed an Act giving women the right to vote In the 1962 General Election women voted for the first time in The Bahamas thanks to the tireless agitation of women like Georgiana Symonette

/gurl boss/ noun • English

An empowered woman who knows exactly what she wants and values. Someone who has the drive and determination to succeed, take control of her life, and make her dreams come true. A formidable force. A girl building her empire.

Leaving a 9 to 5, chasing a side hustle and turning it into a full time successful business is a dream most people cannot seem to actualize. But for Tia Thompson whose brand revolves around "Inspiring moments where humans feel nothing but beautiful regardless of shape, size, or color... to enhance but never CHANGE" , this was certainly not the case. Tia Thompson is a former banker by profession, journalist by study, pageant director, social media lover, and beauty brand creator. As we discuss all these fabulous achievements, it is imperative that we tell the story from the beginning. As there is a start to every success story, let's explore where it all began.

In 2014, Tia graduated from Saint Augustine's College with honors and was crowned Miss Teen Bahamas International. In August, she moved to Halifax, NS, Canada in August 2014 to pursue a bachelor's Degree in Political Science with a minor in Communications. In 2015, she founded her university's first ever Caribbean Society. During this time, she had a deep-seated love for lip products specifically Matte lipsticks as her lips was one of her favorite features about herself. This love eventually gave way to her getting into the cosmetics industry She first started by being a distributor for Sacha cosmetics. In 2020, another female boss had set the pace for her to start her own brand, and that led to the birth of PainTed Lipware Bahamas.

This brand has grown from having just 10 products to over 60 products ranging from lipsticks, glosses, lip pencils, concealers, and foundations, to setting sprays, powders, makeup bags, and makeup sponges. The journey of turning a simple side hustle birth from deep passion into a full- time successful business is not something everyone can achieve But Tia achieved it and so much more. Behind the outstanding achievements and multiple accolades she deserves is the struggle to make it all happen. We all know nothing comes easy, and for Tia Thompson the journey to be who she is certainly not an easy one

Tia Thompson

Proprietor of Painted Lipware Bahamas

ves that nothing that is going to be great ever has a smooth road, and judging by all she has achieved she is indeed right. She had to rise above the negativity and the disappointments that always tag along with a new business. Imagine assuming the role of delivery woman, ambassador, accountant, marketer, and sales rep all by yourself. Her struggles also acted as a learning experience. Tia had to learn how important content is to her growing brand. She stepped outside her comfort zone so that she could completely utilize social media platforms like Tiktok, Instagram, and Twitter When she's not making boss lady moves, Tia is planning a pop-up shop, which she sees as a way of giving back to the community. And this is why she stands out in the industry. She doesn't just sell, she plans, mentors, and gives back.

Tia assimilates her different passions and businesses into each other. Her pageant business serves as a means to showcase and market her beauty brand Her pageant winners receive makeovers by her brand's makeup artists with her brand's products. Their photographs are taken and posted on social media, giving PainTed the publicity it deserves. This is what makes a great business– the balance between taking and giving. Tia has found this balance and it has done her and her organization a massive amount of good.

In April 2017, she decided to pursue another passion of hers and become the franchise owner of the Miss Teen Bahamas International Pageant Tia uses her pageantry to groom, and train teen girls, helping them make a major difference in their lives. Her pageant also offers scholarships to both the winner and 1st runner-up.

Just like her life was greatly impacted by another woman, Tia Thompson has impacted the lives of many young women today and will definitely impact many more to come. She doesn't hesitate to show her gratitude for everyone who played a role in her becoming the woman she is today; from her friends and family to her customers. She also serves as a source of inspiration to many women out there looking to take a path similar to hers or looking to find their purpose in life

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Born in Freeport, Grand Bahama, Elsada is a humble woman whose story shows that hard work, and consistency mixed with passion pays off. From researching, testing, and experimenting with natural products in her mother's kitchen to grossing a million dollars in sales from her Natural Glow skincare line. She started by trying to find a solution to her acne-prone skin and to also help her family members. Now she helps people all over the world achieve the skin of their dreams As much as everyone loves a good grass-to-grace story, Elsada's story isn't just an exciting one. It's heartwarming. She says "I want them to know that if I can do it, they can do it" . One of the major reasons Elsada shared her journey with the world was because she sought to inspire others. Her success is attributed to talent, perseverance, acumen, dedication, and commitment.

Her entrepreneurial story was amplified during the pandemic. As some parts of the world stood still, people stayed indoors and were blessed with an abundance of free time This gave them the chance to focus on things they would usually ignore, for instance, skin care. Elsada saw this as the moment she'd been waiting for and she didn't let it slip by. In her words, "she made sure she had a good product, paired that with building a personal relationship with her customers by offering free consultations and showcasing her authentic self on Ins business clients a

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lsada decided it was time fo bold step. She moved to the he had nothing but her dream her company and fuel her des ner of a successful beauty d aesthetician known for p chniques in removing hair, safe to say her success ca She possesses everything ul empire and she did exactly

She currently owns 4 spa and laser hair removal centerstwo locations in Nassau, one in Freeport, and the other in Eleuthera Elsada is actively making efforts to expand her business to meet even more skin care needs. Her brand is quite successful not just because it's an amazing brand, but because it's built on love, strong respect for her culture and heritage, and of course her top-notch business skills. Her products contain organic ingredients which were taught to her by generations of island women who understood the value of great skin To further increase her business know-how and give her customers the best quality service available, Elsada has trained all around the world including in big-time cities like Dubai, New York, and Paris. The beauty business does not thrive only on sharing solutions, but on sharing love and confidence. And this is why where other brands fail, hers has excelled.

Elsada believes in trusting the process and so far, that belief has never failed her She tells young Bahamians that if she can do it, they can do it too. She knows her story is aspirational and she doesn't hesitate to share it with everyone. She hopes to serve as a source of inspiration to every young Bahamian struggling with a discouraging economy and lack of opportunities. Her story shows us struggles and sacrifices are only a part of the journey to success and in the end, it'll all be worth it

THE TRUE

BEAUTY OF A WOMAN IS REFLECTED IN HER SOUL.

-Audrey Hepburn

Meet the woman who turned hardships into a blessing for her and many others Bahamians.

Ivana Moncur is the founder of Bakehouse Bahamas; A bakery that specializes in artisan goods and coffee that is inspired by the travels of Ivana Moncur. Whenever Ivana used to travel with her sister, she would search for the best bakery in that city, in order to fully enjoy what the place had to offer. This grew a desire in her to create a similar experience for travelers like herself who are searching for a way to enjoy the best of what The Bahamas has to offer

She wanted them to come to Bakehouse Bahamas

Ivana baking transcends beyond just making delicious pastries or a job that pays the bills. It's a passion that she has taken the time and opportunity to explore. This is why she studied culinary arts at the College of the Bahamas and went on to further study it at Johnson & Wales University in Miami.

Ivana Moncur was the executive pastry chef and cake artist at the Atlantis Resort. However, this job didn't give her the time to fully dive into her creative side and explore her passion. So when she was temporarily laid off from work during the pandemic, she didn't see it as a loss but as a blessing

Today, Bakehouse is a modern, contemporary bakery that is considered one of the major places to visit in the Bahamas.

Of course this didn't just happen at once, it took time and hard work. Ivana first started testing out recipes and having her sister post them on social media. This act piqued the interest of many people who requested to have a taste of what the pastry chef was baking. This ultimately led to her hosting her very first pop-up shop where she sold out in an hour!

Bakehouse provides an experience that combines local Bahamian ingredients with an international knack backed by innovation, skill, passion, technique, knowledge and creativity They are famous for numerous pastries, but Ivana's special Brown butter pecan doughnut takes the crown. Amongst this delicacy are other mouthwatering doughnut flavors like Lemon, Toasted Coconut filled with pastry cream, and Blueberry Hibiscus.

She plans to take Bakehouse to the big cities and other parts of the Carribbean Ivana isn't just taking a bakery or a business to the world, she's taking Bahamian culture, gourmet-style and giving people a new, fresh and scintillating experience.

With the amount of progress Bakehouse has made, there is no doubt that Ivana's plans would become a reality. Her story is beyond inspirational and serves to motivate many young people out there to never be afraid to chase their passions.

Islands Islands

If you could take a little journey down memory lane to a beautiful moment in your childhood, would you take it?

For the majority of people, the answer would be a resounding and enthusiastic yes! All you need is just one thing to trigger a beautiful sense of nostalgia and make you feel like you're timetraveling. Bernique People has made a successful business offering Bahamians that one thing they need to take them down memory lane–ice cream. Bernique was introduced to this Bahamian tradition by her grandmother, and in a bid to carry on her legacy, she turned a simple tradition into a big-time business. Taste Da Flava has become one of the most authentic product to hit the frozen dessert industry in The Bahamas

Bernique is currently the youngest Bahamian ice maker. She does more than just whip up homemade ice cream, she gives people an experience and a chance to experience a sense of nostalgia. Although she remains traditional, she has also embedded some modernity into her ice cream She has dairy and non-dairy ice cream options, as well as unconventional flavors like Guinness, vita malt, rum raisin, birthday cake, guava, and butter pecan.

To make the holidays extra special, she offers party services and seasonal flavors like peppermint, eggnog, gingerbread, and red velvet. Taste da Flava is one of the best ice cream brands out here because of everything it encompasses. To begin, all fruit flavors are made from fresh fruit Although Bernique won't be sharing with us the recipe for her ice cream, she does share with us the recipe for its success– love, time, and effort.

For every scoop you take, you are going to taste the authenticity of a traditional brand and the love that comes only from a family-first brand like taste da Flava Owning this business has ushered in a new era for Bernique. She has had the opportunity to work with industry professionals like Celebrity Chef Maurice, Simon Guobadia, and other notable entrepreneurs.

Bernique’s dream is to open a physical store, a mobile ice cream store, offer more flavors, and turn this local business into an elitist brand. She has shared so much about her journey, and offers so much wisdom and insight into the world of entrepreneurship. Bernique tells us, "once you stick to your goals and improve daily on the craft, exposure, and growth will always come" .

She also believes millennials should have their own business as an extra means of income. Even though it might be tough in the beginning, Bernique tells millennials to "just go for it, start small and grow in phases and also be patient with yourself. You can do it, see you at the top."

“Chic Handmade Accessories, With A Touch Of Island Magic”

"My home is my dream. Through texture, color, materials, and design, I share a piece of the paradise I grew up in. I want to give people the opportunity to experience this through my designs.” These are the words of Aidan Barrow, owner of the indigenous Bahamian fashion brand "Haus of Assembly".

To many people, fashion is just a means of expressing themselves but to Aidan, her works are an extension of her culture and a means of materializing the paradise she grew up in The journey to becoming the creative genius and amazing artist that she is today started with her childhood. Every summer, Aidan would go see her grandmother in Exuma and watch her plait straw to make woven bags. They would take them to the straw market in the city at the end of the season and sell them off. This routine had ignited a fire in Aidan She says she loved the joy she saw on people's faces as they bought the straw bags. It was then she realized, this was something she would forever love to be a part of. She then began to work towards turning this business of her grandmothers into something bigger. She found out she could have a career in product design and started her brand when she was at The Savannah College of Art and Design pursuing a major in Accessory and Footwear Design. While studying there she had the chance to work with some of America's highly revered fashion houses like Ralph Lauren and Tory Burch Aidan says; "I love the way that the company (Ralph Lauren) created a brand inspired by the American lifestyle….Every season.

Aidan Barrow Owner of Haus Of Assembly

They take these inspirations and illustrate the American dream. This dream has now become my own. To create a lifestyle brand, focused on accessories and footwear inspired by all aspects of Bahamian culture." Apart from being inspired by Ralph Lauren to embed her culture into her work, Aidan also learned the concept of a lifestyle brand, and what goes into corporate design. This experience played a major role in her creative nature. In 2016, Aiden was given the Harry C Moore Memorial Scholarship in the Arts She studied for a Master of Fine Arts Degree at the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) in the discipline of Metalsmithing & Jewelry Design. It was safe to say she deserved every bit of that scholarship because she had blown away the minds of the selection committee. First, they were impressed by her portfolio which was filled with an array of fresh yet traditional, innovative, life-modeling, and history-filled pieces. Second, the committee was astonished by her business know-how. For someone so young and still an undergrad, her brand "Haus of Assembly" was fully established and grounded. From branding, logistics, and finances, to a line of ready-to-be-released products.

HAUS OF ASSEMBLY OFFERS HANDCRAFTED JEWELRY AND ACCESSORIES. With Love, From The Bahamas

Finally, her desire to return to The Bahamas to contribute to society with her knowledge of Applied arts with hopes to boost the nation's economy She had already drafted a plan that showed great thought to help her do what she had set out to do. Some of Haus Of Assembly's most stunning pieces are the large tote bags. Initially, it used to be the clutch bags. The large tote bags are a reflection of the beautiful environment of The Bahamas. We see elements of nature like flowers, animals, native trees, etc. which stemmed from Aidan's love for nature.

During the Pandemic while others were shutting down, she saw it as an opportunity to expand. She introduced more color variations into her pieces like black, white, and neutral tones Aidan's goal is for HOA to become a lifestyle brand for women's resort wears and accessories. Seeing the amount of work and expertise she has put into this brand her goal is quite achievable. Initially, Aidan used straws as her raw material, now she not only makes leather pieces but also produces fabrics to use in her designs. Her artistic vision for her brand has also grown and developed with the years.

Aidan Barrow's story is certainly one of pure talent, creativity, wisdom, and growth. We find it interesting that Aidan didn't initially plan to be a brand owner/entrepreneur, she wanted to be an Actuary. However, when she discovered her true passion she went for it, and today that decision has paid off.

Meet the celebrity fashion designer, whose path was made apparent from her high school career Phylicia Ellis is a world-renown fashion designer and brand that specializes in custom wedding and reception dresses, ready-to-wear bridesmaid collections, and all things bridal couture. Her use of vivid colors, varying textures, unique fabrics, jersey knits, chiffon, and lace with immaculate hand-sewn detailing is what distinguishes her from other designers Phylicia focuses on designing garments that are fashionable, and comfortable while also accentuating and flattering one's figure. This is why Phylicia's designs will always be among the greatest even though fashion has evolved and trends have come and gone, she strives to challenge the status quo. She believes "fashion has no rules when there's style" Her design philosophy emphasizes keeping her pieces timeless, contemporary, edgy, and above all stylish.

Let's take a look into Phylicia's journey to becoming the designer she is today Phylicia is a graduate of Albright College, Pennsylvania. After college, she moved to New York for a year and a half where she got the hands-on experience she needed to become the fashion genius she always aspired to be.

In New York, Phylicia interned with designers like Victor de Souza and Mandy Coon. She worked with them while they prepared for New York Fashion Week, along with other fashion shows. She describes this experience as "a really good one because no matter how many books you read, getting hands-on experience with industry professionals is the best teacher." Phylicia gained so much from working with these professionals. Among the plethora of things she gained was confidence in her talent and design.

Phylicia has gone on to do amazing things like showcase her collections at Caribbean Fashion Week and Island of the World Fashion Week. Just as there are two sides to every fabric, so there is a story behind the success and fame Ellis lives by the adage "where there’s a will, a way isn’t too far behind. " She also says "It’s about finding the right market at the right price. It’s a thriving industry that could definitely work here. ” Ellis planned to do more for her brands like setting up a website where her designs can be shipped and delivered worldwide. Today, that website is up and running. Phylicia Ellis knew exactly what she wanted from the start and she didn't stop until she achieved it. Now, Phylicia Ellis is one of the best bridal designers, both locally and internationally. Her story is definitely a beautiful one, just like her designs So for young, aspiring entrepreneurs out there, remember as long as you have a will, there is always going to be a way

BUSINESS STARTUP BUSINESS STARTUP CHECKLIST CHECKLIST

Planning your business

Create your business plan binder

Write your mission statement

Choose a business name

Estimate start-up costs

Research your target market

Research the competition

Choose a product/service that sells

Business Development

Register your Business name

Apply for licenses/permits

Open a Business Checking Account

Register Domain for Your Website

Create Social Media Accounts

Setup Business Email

Setup Accounting Software

Create a System to Manage Orders

Product Development

Organize work area/office space

Order necessary supplies

Make sample products

Product shoot

Write product descriptions

Create packaging for products

Determine pricing/profit margin

Brand Development

Design Logo/Hire Graphic Designer

Create & Order Business Cards

Launch Website/Hire Web Designer

Post to Social Media Channels

Marketing

Create Marketing Plan

Notify Friends/Family/etc.

Join Networking Groups

Create & Build Email Mailing List

What makes a successful brand?

Your brand is the experience your audience has with your business. It’s the way you relay who you are and what you do It sets you apart from the competition and helps you to build relationships with your targent audience Let‘s talk about what you need to incorporate when creating a brand

When you are developing a brand, it's important that you have a clear vision of what your business stands for and what you want to achieve

Vision Voice Value Visuals

When coming up with your business model think about what issues your potential clients are having and how you are providing a solution

How to communicate and educate your potential clients plays a big role in the development of your brand

A brand is much more than just a logo It is all the touchpoints that someone will interact with from your website to your social media graphics

Today, we talk about a Bahamian fine artist and photographer who is famous for her paintings of iconic people. Jemonique is also known for her traditional art which includes graphite drawings. This marvelous artist has been featured in quite a few magazines and showcases but she doesn't consider those her greatest achievements. She says, "the achievement that stood out to me most recently was learning that a total stranger who I hadn’t met had my work saved as her lock screen. Something about receiving genuine admiration for my craft from someone who had no idea who I was felt very fulfilling, as it was a reminder that when I create, I am creating conversations and relating to people all around the world. " This artist has repeatedly used her art to either lend her voice to a cause or raise awareness. An example of this was when she created a hand-drawn portrait of Breonna Taylor, a woman who lost her life to police brutality. Concerning this particular occurrence, Barnabie says “I wanted to do my part to raise awareness, as an artist, art is my best form of expression and communication, I figured drawing Breonna in her honor would be the best way to raise awareness and pay homage ” To Jemonique, success has a slightly different meaning from how it's popularly defined. Jemonique says the idea of success is specific to people with set goals. For her, success is defined by freedom. "The freedom to control my time, energy, and financial gain. Until then, I count my blessings and celebrate the small successes on the way to true freedom. " Her journey began in her freshman year of college when her schoolmates had artistic ideas for campus life but no one to bring those ideas to life. They would often come to her for assistance with things like paint parties, sip and paint events, grad cap designs, and custom portraits She saw this as an opportunity and she seized it. She realized there was a demand but no corresponding supply for artisans. So, she started offering her services independently.

Becoming an entrepreneur was an easy decision for Jemonique because she had always envisioned a life for herself where she'd feel fulfilled making a living from doing what she's passionate about. Being a businesswoman has given her the freedom to arrange her day how it best suits her Her business also allows her to try new artistic avenues and disciplines, as she is challenged by her clients to execute their visions. One of the wonderful things about Jemonique's business is its uniqueness. She tells us that the uniqueness of her business is the nature of the craft. She says, "There is value in knowing that, as an artist, nothing I create can be successfully replicated. Everything is custom made and very personal, not to just my client but also to myself. "

When asked what her advice is to black women wanting to become entrepreneurs, she says that "taking the first step is the hardest and that the fear of failure could keep us stagnant."

She encourages black women to "take a calculated, and ambitious leap, as that is a step in the right direction. It is a step closer to achieving the life they imagine. " Jemonique also shares some entrepreneurial hacks to help other upcoming entrepreneurs She says, "I’ve found jotting down reminders, scheduling appointments, and making to-do lists have helped me to organize my time and priorities… I’ve learned to write down EVERYTHING!"

We believe that who we are in life is partly because of others Jemonique tells us how blessed she is to have a strong support circle. Starting from her parents who assisted her on the journey of earning her Bachelor’s Degree, to her friends who bought tickets to support her at every event she hosted. Just like Jemonique, remember to take that leap and celebrate your small successes on your way to true freedom

She says; "It has given e, new experiences and myself where words are twork that catapulted called the Butterfly s series are dedicated their fierce yet vulnerable, and powerful yet delicate sides. Sometimes these pieces show the female body paired with certain animal characteristics. One of the major pieces of this series is called 'woman' This piece is about the proverb 31 woman also known as the virtuous woman. The woman in this piece has real hair braided into words of empowerment and upliftment You can see words like strong, God-fearing, phenomenal, and powerful finely braided into the hair.

Dominique is known for her use of butterflies in her work that she refers to it as her niche. They’ve inspired her to improve her craft through repetition, persistence, and consistency.

repetition, paid off. He by numero including ce sites. She ha figures like Boseman, K Trina, and R

For Meek Mill, she had created his artwork while he was on trial and fighting the corrupt legal system for his freedom. She was touched by his struggle which was similar to that of other black people who suffered greatly at the hands of the legal system This inspired her to make an artwork of his bruised face beside his young prodigy who had died a few years earlier. Meek Mill got his hands on the piece of art a couple of years later and posted it on his IG.

Another series of artwork from Dominique that continues to inspire people are the mermaid designs. Specifically the Goddess of the sea mermaid design–with over 40 people sending her pictures of the design tattooed on their bodies. Her art reached people in countries like the U.S., China, Australia, and even Nigeria Of course, it wasn't always easy for Domonique In 2020, she was unable to attend the Art Basel Festival, Miami where she was booked to showcase her art. This was a big disappointment to d missed out on a great

Currently, she focuses her energy on making her brand BflybyDesign a household name. Her story is certainly as beautiful as her art. It's heartwarming the way she draws inspiration from things around her. It's also encouraging how she trusts God no matter the situation. She believes God has a funny way of turning a negative into a positive. And for young artists out there, this is certainly something to bear in mind.

So go out there, be transformed, spread your wings, and fly just like the butterfly

“Motivation gets you started, and continuous action builds momentum.” Dekel Quant strongly believes motivation is temporary, and we can’t depend on motivation to drive our fitness journeys Instead, Dekel recommends discipline, taking consistent action, developing healthy habits and routines as the foundation for success and longevity in your fitness journey. Although Dekel is a shining inspiration for women who want to feel beautiful through fitness, her take on fitness grew over time based on her journey and life experiences.

Dekel Quant is the founder of Bowflex Barbie Fitness; this fitness business became her purpose after she lost her mom to breast cancer in 2008. We agree that the loss of a loved one, especially at 14, is a huge emotional blow; for Dekel, it was the same feeling, even worse. After her mom passed on, her brother invited her Dad to the gym, and Dekel tagged along. This visit to the gym turned out to be a ray of sunshine. In her words, “Experiencing pain ultimately connected me to my passion which unveiled my true purpose. “ Her visit to the gym helped her build her physical resilience, mental and emotional strength Apart from healing and bonding through her fitness journey, Dekel was encouraged to share her passion with others. So, during summer break in 2012, she organized her first boot camp which set the ball rolling for Team Bowflex Barbie Fitness.

After two successful boot camps, she was able to help the participants feel more confident, look their best, eliminate medications, and live a healthier life overall. Dekel’s advice to everyone is to “Stop waiting for motivation, stop waiting for the right time, and start taking action, wherever you are, with what you have, be intentional and focus on building momentum and a solid foundation through healthy habits that align with your goals, to help get you on track to smashing those goals and setting new ones ”

The Bowflex Barbie Fitness brand keeps growing. It has grown from a boot camp to online training, to having a fitness app, brand merchandising, and more, that led to more transformation stories. Through her brand, her mission is to become a leading global fitness resource for women on their fitness journey to help them improve their quality of life through fitness and proper nutrition.

By finding her purpose through fitness, Dekel Quant keeps living her mother’s dream of owning her fitness studio. Dekel firmly believes that her pain, passion, and purpose are all connected and have created her life's beautiful reality We look forward to more amazing fitness-inspired achievements from Dekel Quant and Team Bowflex Barbie Fitness.

The mission at Bowflex Barbie Fitness is to become a leading global fitness resource for women on their fitness journey to help them improve their quality of life through fitness and proper nutrition. We aim to play a major role in decreasing the prevalence of obesity in the Bahamas, especially amongst women who account for a majority of the unfavorable statistic.

Alexandra Kauffman is a certified Yogi; she has completed over 500 hours of yoga training with renowned yoga instructors. She specializes in flexibility and core training, yoga for beginners, finding selflove and appreciation through intentionfilled practice, and meditation. Through her Instagram page, she inspires over 400,000 followers to own their authenticity and live in their power using yoga. Through private yoga sessions, she has also shared her passion with celebrities, seasoned athletes, and many high-end clients. Alex makes yoga alluring as she uses the ocean to showcase her stunning poses, combining yoga and nature. As an advocate for nature, she almost always practices yoga on the beach; the sun, sand, and sea air play an essential role in her life Little wonder why, as she is an island girl born in the Bahamas.

All thanks to her not having space in her home to practice yoga, she found herself on the beach; she discovered that practicing on the beach gave her solace, and it was a place where she could “kind of get away and recharge. ”

About the beach, she says, “Every time I went, I was able to kind of get away from anything else I was dealing with mentally or just have that reconnect with just the earth, in a sense. Just salt water, for me, is so cleansing and so detoxifying… Being on the beach is a deeper connection that you can make with the world.”

procrastination and kept her focus. As a Yogi, Alex seeks to create a connection between the mind, body, and soul. She enjoys clean air and the sea while practicing mindfulness under the open skies. She doesn’t fail to encourage her clients on the importance of gratitude for life and nature. Alex believes that we must give back to Mother Earth and ensure beautiful landscapes' longevity. She enjoys doing yoga barefooted on the sands of the beach; it helps her connect deeper and builds her gratitude for all she has been given.

When Alex is not on her yoga mat, you can find her gardening. During the pandemic, her newfound love for gardening birthed her small collective, Baharoots. Her longterm goal is to include a local online farmer's market to make epicurean finds and artisanal fare accessible to everyone in The Bahamas. Alex is a true inspiration to everyone to embrace all their passions. She has built a growing Youtube channel for yoga, travel, and lifestyle content. She is also working on a sustainable size-inclusive swimwear line. If you love beaches and making connections with your true inner self, you will be inspired by the story of “Bahayogi.”

MORE PRACTICE. LESS EGO. AUTHENTIC AND EMPOWERING

A STORY FIT FOR A QUEEN

Chantel O'Brian's story is one of hard work, patience, and success. This pageant queen now turned consultant shares her inspirational story with the world Chantel is a beauty queen who had her pageantry debut in 2013 when she became the first runner-up in the Miss Bahamas Universe pageant. She decided to vy for the position of Miss Bahamas World in 2014 and once again in 2015, after losing initially. After winning in 2015, she didn't stop there. She also represented The Bahamas in China in 2018 It was after this feat that she took a step back from pageantry and founded her consultancy firm, P.S. O'Brian Consulting. P.S O'Brian Consulting is a non-profit organization that offers model/pageantry training. Chantel helps young women build their confidence and selfesteem. She teaches them how to be women of character who will use the pageant platform to advocate for important causes and represent their country on the world stage.

Chantel recounts one occasion where she was completely overwhelmed by the reaction of families to the girls she had coached. She had coached a couple of young girls for a fashion show, some of whom had never catwalked before And when the families saw how transformed they were, they were blown away. Chantel says she was so overwhelmed that she ended up crying for 15 minutes in her car. Her love for helping young women also pushed her to co-found "the Leading Ladies Project". Sadly, just like in fairy tales, there are times things don't seem to work out for the best. And this is what happened to Chantel in 2020 during the pandemic

She recounts that she and her mom were temporarily homeless at the onset of 2020. She describes it as a humiliating experience. But even in that situation, she learned something valuable. She learned how important it is to lean on your community, and to hope, pray and dream harder. Just like other strong Bahamian Women, Chantel didn't let this setback hold her from achieving greatness. In fact, it seemed like it propelled her into attaining the feat of a lifetime by breaking a 57-year curse in 2021 Chantel O'Brian became the first Bahamian to make the top 10 in the Miss Universe pageant. This was certainly no small accomplishment, and Chantel describes it as a privilege. Currently, Chantel is a budding actress who looks forward to making her big debut in the film and TV industry

One of the reasons Chantel has made it this far is because of her work ethic She is a non- perfectionist, who believes in giving it her best but not her all. This may come as a

-Chantel O'Brian

These words are pure nuggets of wisdom th aspiring to become and achieve something great also advises young women to imagine what it'd what other people think stop them from achie called to do. She tells young people that th themselves- their decision also affects the lives o achieve their dreams, they could be setting others back. "Representation in all facets matters...You are an integral part to another young lady advancing so your story matters. You have to do this journey, you don't have much of a choice " Her life, her achievements, and her personality is a source of inspiration to both young and old, male and female, and individuals locally and internationally.

PS O'BRIAN The Academy Monthly Training In:

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Let's talk about a woman whose passion is to help other women show up boldly in life and business. Nore' (pronounced "nor-ray") Arnett is a Brand and Web designer, and the owner of Studio Eight Creative. Nore' is an amazing designer with a knack for creating bold, welcoming, and feminine designs whilst keeping a balance She believes you don't have to trade personality for professionalism Asides from her incredible experience and talent, another fascinating fact about Nore' is how her brand is women'sfocused. She has dedicated her superior design skills to empowering and uplifting women-led product + service-based business owners.

Nore' uses her brand, Studio Eight Creative to achieve her vision which is "to create unique visual identities that empower women, help women-led businesses thrive, be consistent and repeatedly show up by providing the necessary tools, and change the narrative of what's considered "conventional" in relation to visual identity, among other things." Nore had always wanted to be a part of the beauty and cosmetic industry and as a creative entrepreneur she has gotten the opportunity to experience the best of both worlds. Amongst the many brands she has worked with, Snob Life and EAP Heat brands are the ones she is most proud of. She has had the opportunity to create stunning visuals for these brands since 2021

This entrepreneur uses bold, attentiongrabbing colors, and fonts to make statement graphics for her clients She uses her creativity to give her clients the boldness they need to take on the business world while keeping their individuality. Her style revolves around pushing her clients to the limelight but in a way that remains inviting. She creates stimulating designs that grab and trap attention Before becoming a graphic designer, she initially worked as a designer for the Student association while she pursued a Bachelor of Science degree in Biology with a minor in Business Marketing. She started designing as a side hustle in her 2nd year of university. This was after a very close friend had suggested the idea to her when she decided she needed a side hustle.

Nore' always knew she wanted to be a designer, which is why she didn't hesitate to create Studio Eight Creative And in the peak of the pandemic in 2020, she graduated from university and turned her part-time side hustle into a full-time job. Although Nore' has achieved so much, she doesn't forget to appreciate all those who contributed to making her into the woman she is today She appreciates her significant other, mom, family, in-laws, best friends, ATH program, and of course, her graphic squad! We can't wait to see more bold and welcoming designs from Nore' as she helps women and their businesses excel.

Rexy Rolle changing the game in the airline industry

Meet the VP of operations for one of the Bahamas' biggest privately owned airlines, Western Air, Sherrexcia Rolle aka Rexy Rolle. This outstanding woman is also a lawyer by study and a musician by trade.? Rexy Rolle calls herself big-eyed because she believes she can take on the world. This confidence and belief is heavily influenced by her parents. Rexy's parents, Rex and Shandrice-Woodside Rolle are the owners of Western Air Limited. Apart from owning an airline, Rex Rolle has a U.S. FAA and Bahamian certification as an airline transport pilot. He is also a certified flight instructor, instruments flight instructor, and multi-engine instructor. He holds more than 30 years of experience as a professional pilot and consultant. By his side, Shandrice Woodside-Rolle uses her degree in international business to serve as VicePresident and COO of Western Air. Although the Rolle's have accomplished numerous things, it was practically a miracle how they founded Western Air

To fully explain why, let's take a short trip down memory lane Rex was granted financial support that would allow him to go to flight school Eventually, all three of them- Rex, Shandrice, and Rexy, moved to the U.S. During their return to Andros, The Bahamas for the burial of Rexy's great-grandmother, they experienced something that set the motion to create Western Air Rexy was 10 years old at the time, and she recalls them spending hours at the airport because their flight to the small island was not a priority to the airline. And just like clockwork, someone miraculously invested in their idea to start Western Air. So i d f i ll planned earlier planes without personal capital first flight and millions of dolla professionalism hard work, an Rexy's parents w

IT’S IMPORTANT TO KNOW THAT WHETHER YOU HAVE LIMITED OPPORTUNITIES OR AN ABUNDANCE OF OPPORTUNITIES, THERE’S ALWAYS GOING TO BE AN ABUNDANCE OF OPEN DOORS, AND IT’S UP TO YOU WHETHER YOU SLAM IT SHUT, OR BURST IT WIDE OPEN.

-Sherrexcia “Rexy” Rolle

By the age of five, Rexy already told her parents she was going to be an attorney and a musician. She got her bachelor’s degree in political science and communications. Then a master’s in mass media and communications; and finally a juris doctorate to become an aviation attorney. But even before achieving all this, Rexy knew she was going to return to The Bahamas and take their company to the next level.

It may seem like Rexy already has everything working out for her, but she doesn't take anything she has for granted. She says, "I’m in a rare situation of being able to build upon a family business or a family legacy that has already been established, but I don’t take that with ease. " Rexy has spent her time as VP of operations resolving bureaucratic obstacles and making quality service and familyoriented customer service the trademark of Western Air But she doesn't plan on quitting there, she says, “I would love to see us take on more international routes… be able to offer consistent air service between the Bahamas and Jamaica, the Bahamas and the Dominican Republic, and wherever we feel we can be of assistance. ” She also plans to find ways to overcome the pilot shortage so they can expand the airline.

While growing up, Rexy learned the importance of family and this is why she repeatedly does her best to help immigrant families. She planned on donating the proceeds from her song to the American Civil Liberties Union to provide quality legal aid to immigrant families. Rexy hopes people will accept her creative side as a musician, as it's a way of believes instead, that shou has prov characte most imp

Rexy has repeatedly expressed her gratitude for her employees, and loyal customers She is also grateful for the positive impact her family’s success story has on many black people Succeeding in an industry with very few black companies is no small achievement. And she is glad that her family has not just achieved such a huge milestone but set the pace for others to do the same. She sees this milestone as a stepping stone for her to do more and motivate people even further

Rexy also began a mentoring initiative called ‘Gyal on a mission’ where she mentored girls between the ages of 10 to 16. Rexy says that age is a critical time for self-esteem, body image, career planning, and making smart choices. She describes mentoring as very rewarding for both her and the girls She loves the fact that she is contributing and giving guidance to the community around her.

It is hard to not be in awe of Rexy Rolle's story. She dedicates her time to improving her family's business in any way possible while still showcasing her creative side with her music At the same time she tries to have a major Her are men

March 10, 2023

Cover Image

IPromisemediaproductions

Editorial

Jayna Campbell Editor

Photography

Stanlo Photography, sarcher Photography, keval

Williams Photography, Jamika Danielle, t bastian photography, one of a kind photography, lifestylesdmg, thecoustudios

Adaptations

Bahamas National Women's Month Supplement & The 100

Most Outstanding Bahamians of the 20th Century

Marketing & Design

Jayna Campbell

jarianacampbell@gmail.com

Subscription Visit www.issuu.com/wethewomen/docs/we the women vol. 1

For viewing the first issue of ‘We The Women’ Digital Magazine. We hope to see you again! Xoxo,

Jayna Campbell

S e n d u s a n e m a i l a t : w e t h e w o m e n 2 4 2 @ g m a i l . c o m