Jamaicans in Business: Rachael McDonald, CEO, Fundaciones El Centro and Fundaciones Fundaciones started in 2008 as an opportunity for children of all ages to learn Spanish in an after school setting. Conceived and birthed by the dynamic and energetic educator, Rachael McDonald, Fundaciones is Spanish for ‘foundations’ and describes perfectly what students learn at their centres. Here is our conversation with Rachael McDonald, CEO, Fundaciones El Centro and Fundaciones.
Jamaicans in Business: Gordon Swaby, CEO, EduFocal At 14, Gordon created his first major website, and at 15, he created, perhaps the largest gaming website in the English speaking Caribbean, the now defunct advance-gamers.com. Gordon is the CEO and Founder of EduFocal.com. EduFocal is an interactive learning community. The company is focused on using technology to enrich the learning experience outside of the classroom as well as to help ideate and innovate the way we move forward with technology in education.
Jamaicans in Business: Souad Lawrence, co-owner of the YEBO Souad Lawrence is co-owner of the YEBO brand which is a signature Jamaican product. Souad and her cousin Natallie Moncrieffe, had mutual passion for handbags started YEBO in 2010. Their focus was on two varieties of bags; Totes and Clutches. Since then they have introduced fashion jewelry. There business is run primarily through their Facebook page.
Jamaicans in Business: Kirk Allen, founder of Slang Teez This week we speak with Kirk Allen, founder of Slang Teez, a Jamaican bases T-Shirt company. Slang Teez produces custom T-shirts with the latest Jamaican slangs. Kirk came up with the idea to start putting slangs on shirts as Jamaican teenagers were always using them to communicate with each other while texting, tweeting and updating their facebook status. Slang teez has been in existence since Feb 28, 2012 and has grown rapidly over the past year. Here is our conversation with Kirk Allen.
A Conversation with the 2012 International Reggae Poster Contest Winner - Alon Braier Recently we caught up with Alon Braier a 28 years old freelance illustrator based in Jaffa, Israel. He is the winner of the First International Reggae Poster Contest 2012. Here is our conversation with Alon.
Respec’ Bossman: An Interview with Erik Nicolaisen, the Star of The #GetHappy VW Superbowl Ad. - The Man with the Jamaican Accent “Don’t be no cloud on a sunny day!” If you have not yet seen the Superbowl #Gethappy commercial featuring a chipper, young corporate guy from the “Gopher State,” you are missing out on your dose of happiness for the week. Actor Erik Nicolaisen, a self-proclaimed “reggae head” took great care to play the role of Dave Johnson a white man from Minnesota whose mission for a day is to spread Jamaican love to his fellow officemates. A commercial, voice over, and stage actor, Erik Nicolaisen’s work extends from lead role in Shakespeare’s Romeo to the voice of a character in a PlayStation game. He is also a seasoned artist who occasionally sketches, doodles, and paints.
Conversation with Jamaican actor, Winston "Ricky" Rowe This week we interview Jamaican actor, Winston "Ricky" Rowe. He was very popular on the Jamaican Theatre circuit. Ricky starred in productions such as Pasa Pasa, Blazee, Oliver, Ive got your man, Perfect Blackman, Deportee, Sting, Tek Weh Yuhself, Deportee and Dancehall Ting. He is now in the United Kingdom and starting in a new play Samson and De Liar. Here is our conversation with Winston "Ricky" Rowe.
Conversation with Jamaican Award Winning Dub Poet/Spoken Word Performer Randy McLaren This week we interview Award Winning Dub Poet/Spoken Word Performer, Randy McLaren. He is Jamaica's Youth Ambassador for Culture and Vulnerable Youth, UWI STAT Ambassador. Former Head Boy of Excelsior High School and Deputy Head Boy of Wolmer's Boys' School. In 2012 he was a part of a touring crew to the UK where he performed at events that highlighted Jamaica’s 50th year of independence including Jamaica In the Square at Victoria Park in Birmingham as well as the O2 Arena in London which played home to Jamaica House.
A Conversation with Ingrid D. Johnson - poet, spoken word recording artist, singer-songwriter, producer, social activist Jamaican-born Ingrid D. Johnson is a Winnipeg-based, published poet, spoken word recording artist, singer-songwriter, producer, social activist, social entrepreneur, and Filmmaker. She is the owner of a socially conscious production and entertainment company called, In The Closet Productions "A Voice for The Voiceless". Here is our conversation with Ingrid D. Johnson.
Conversation with Jamaican-born singer/songwriter Kristine Alicia This week we have a conversation with Jamaican-born singer/songwriter Kristine Alicia. Her 2008 debut studio album release Get Ready propelled Kristine Alicia into the forefront of the Caribbean gospel community. She garnered an unprecedented eight nominations at the 2009 Marlin Awards and took home both Artist of the Year and Female Reggae Vocal Performance of the Year. Kristine has collaborated with artists of the likes of Papa San, Monty G, Sherwin Gardner and Nigel Lewis.
“Likkle But She Tallawah” An Interview With a Reigning Queen: Miss Canada Petite 2012, Roushelle Green On August 25, 2012, just a few weeks shy of the anniversary marking Jamaica’s 50th year of independence, a confident and talented young woman, Roushelle Green, was crowned Miss Canada Petite 2012. At only 19 years old, this second-year Graphic Design-Media student at Centennial College, emigrated to Canada only three years ago and has brought with her the tenacity, dedication and focus that is synonymous with her Jamaican roots. This week, we are honored to give you insight into the life of another shining Jamaican star, Miss Canada Petite, Roushelle Green.
Conversation with Lori Quast editor of fashion blog Seed of Style It took getting a degree in Psychology for Lori Quast to realize that her only chronic illness was her addiction to fashion. “I started suffering from my addiction from an early age; it seduced me into never trying to fit in. At 13 years old I knew I wanted to help people, and I decided then to become a Therapist. Technically, I have kept my promises of helping other people. It is just that now, I believe that Fashion Therapy also plays a great role.
Jamaicans in Business: Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, co-founder of Tea and Honey Blends This week we speak with Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy, co-founder of Tea and Honey Blends, a hair care company that manufactures and retails natural hair care products for women of color. The company launched in December 2009 and has expanded its distribution to include salons, beauty boutiques and Internet sales. Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy also serves as Department Chair and Professor of Chemistry in the Department of Natural Sciences and Mathematics at Shaw University in NC State. Here is our conversation with Dr. Tashni-Ann Dubroy.
Interview with Jamaican Filmmaker, Toni-Ann Taylor This week we interview Jamaican Filmmaker, Toni-Ann Taylor. She is working on her first feature film "A Way Out". The film is about two young men, living on different sides of the track who switch lives with each other. Here is our conversation with Toni-Ann Taylor.
A Conversation with Yohan ‘the Beast’ Blake The second fastest man in the world, Jamaican sprinter Johan ‘the Beast’ Blake, not only runs for medals, he runs for causes too. The 100 and 200 metre Olympic medalist recently led a Food For The Poor 5K Walk/Run for Hunger held at Quiet Waters Park in Deerfield Beach, Florida.
Jamaicans in Business: Omahar Stephenson, BusinessMatcher This week in our “Jamaicans in Business” interview series we feature Omahar Stephenson, owner of BusinessMatcher. Born in Brooklyn, New York while his Jamaican parents were studying and working in the U.S., Omahar returned to Jamaica in 1977. After attending Wolmer’s Boys’ High School in Kingston, Omahar graduated from Florida International University (FIU) in 1997 with a bachelor’s degree in Hospitality Management. After working in the hotel industry, health & wellness, and sales for almost a decade, in 2005 he decided to take a leap of faith and open an event marketing company with a college friend and new friend and emerging leader in the business networking world. Business Matcher was bor.
Jamaicans in Business: Marcia “Faye” Bent , Statutory Fingerprinting & Notary, Inc. This week in our “Jamaicans in Business” interview series we feature Marcia “Faye” Bent owner of Statutory Fingerprinting and Notary, Inc. She founded the company in June of 1995. Here is our conversation with Marcia “Faye” Bent.
Conversation with Mike Johns Founder and President of Digital Mind State This week we interview Mike Johns, the Founder and President of Digital Mind State, the Los Angeles based company that bridged wireless technology and hip-hop culture. A true liaison between urban youth culture and the mobile industry, Johns has been successful at building and maintaining profitable business relationship with some of the biggest company names in mobile industry including T-Mobile, Zed, Fun Mobility, Nokia, Microsoft, amongst others. Motivated by leveling the playing field of the “Digital Divide,” he’s been dubbed “ambassador” of the urban/hip-hop lifestyle segment as well he’s achieved numerous “first” in the mobile entertainment space.
Conversation with Jamaican Filmmaker, Christopher Henry This week we have a conversation with Christopher Byfield, CEO & Founder of Christopher Byfield Films. His first film is the critically acclaimed short film titled ""Red, Amber, Green". The film won numerous awards in the Caribbean, included the best short film at the 2012 Reggae Film Festival.
A Queen for All Seasons: An Interview with Chantal Zaky, Miss Universe Jamaica 2012 When you hear the title “Beauty Queen,” what comes to mind? Little girls often admire Queens and hope to one day be considered a Queen in someone’s eyes. This week, we talk with Chantal Zaky, Miss Universe Jamaica 2012, to hear her thoughts on leadership, self-confidence, and her love of our homeland.
Jamaicans in Business: Sandy Isaacs, Break Away Moments Born in Kingston, Jamaica and having attended boarding school at Servite Convent of the Assumption in Brown's Town and St. Andrew's High School in Kingston, Sandy Isaacs graduated from Queens College, City University of New York in 1981 with a degree in Early Childhood Education and was initiated into Kappa Delta Pi, National Honour Society in Education. She worked as an elementary school teacher for 25 years, most of which was with Orange County Public Schools in Orlando, Florida. Sandy retired from teaching in 2006 to pursue fully her own business, Break Away Moments.
A Conversation with Joelle "Wendy" Cohen Wright on her new book “A Soh It Goh!” This week we interview Joelle “Wendy “ Cohen Wright who recently penned her second book “A Soh It Goh!”. Joelle "Wendy" Cohen Wright is fast becoming one of the Caribbean's well-loved comedy writers. With her irrepressible sense of humor and a flair for dramatics, Joelle's writing style has the right comedic timing that is sure to induce laughter through her storytelling abilities in Jamaican patois.
Jamaicans in Business - Interview: Urcia Pearson This week in our “Jamaicans in Business” interview series we feature Urcia Pearson owner of GlamDuo™ . It is an Atlanta-based a full service Wardrobe Consulting and personal shopping firm. Urcia also has a blog “I Am Here For Style” which seeks to help anyone to stay in “style” on a limited budget. Here is our conversation with Urcia Pearson.
Interview with Jamaican photographer and author, David Muir An interview with Jamaican photographer and author, David Muir. He recently published the book "Pieces of Jamaica" which is a collection of photographs that captures the candid beauty of the Jamaican people and its rich and diverse landscape.
Conversation with Kitty Fashionz Swimsuite designer, Jamaican Candice Peart This week we have a conversation with Candice Peart the owner of Kitty Fashionz. Candice is a young, ambitious, woman, aspiring to show her creativity through various art forms. In June of 2008, Candice began designing clothing and found she had a passion for swim wear. Candice’s brand for her swim line, has been featured in multiple fashion shows in Jamaica. She is an upcoming Jamaican designer and one to watch. Here is our conversation with Candice.
A “SimStar” is Born: An Interview with a Aspiring Tennis Star Simone Vranov-Brown This week we interview a vibrant young lady who makes her mark on the tennis court. Born to a former Jamaican Olympian and a mother from Denmark, Simone Vranov-Brown is an aspiring tennis star whose determination and discipline are bound to make her a household name. Simone is ranked 219 in the US and 43 in Florida and is striving to earn her world ranking by the end of this year. Her overall goal is to be the next Grand Slam champion!
A Conversation with Jamaican Vivienne Chance the executive producer of the film the "Heart of the Summer" This week we interview Vivienne Chance the executive producer of the film the "Heart of the Summer". The movie is set to be released for screening on Thursday, August 16, 2012 at 8pm at the South Florida Film Festival. Vivienne has been working in the film industry since 2003 along with Director and Cinematographer Adrian Allen. Together they own Steadyimage Film and Video Productions. Some of her projects include: Writing and producing the animated cartoon series, Ananse The Spider, being a part of the production team and the official voice of the annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Producing the live stream and live social media experience at the annual Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival, Producing HBO specials for The Jamaica Jazz and Blues Festival 2011 and 2012, various music video productions, including Billy Ocean's newest "The Question is" to mention just a few. The Heart of the Summer was made with Jamaican actors and a Jamaican production team in and around South Florida. Here is our conversation with Vivienne.
A Conversation with A Possible 2016 Olypmian, Jamaican Diver Yona Knight-Wisdom As we are learning from the 2012 Olympics, Jamaica is more than Track and Field. This week we have a conversation with diver Yona Knight-Wisdom, a young Jamaican diver who hopes to represent Jamaica in the 2016 Olympics in Brazil.
A Conversation with Jamaican Rapper Five Steez This week we interview Jamaican Rapper Five Steez. He is a true MC that has surprisingly risen through an obscure Hip Hop scene in Jamaica, the land of Reggae, to capture ears and minds all over the world through years of mixtape releases, performances and televised music videos. With the city of Kingston as his backdrop, he expresses a reality that exemplifies Hip Hop’s role as the ‘voice of the voiceless’. Here is our conversation with Five Steez.
Conversation with Annette Robinson, Project manager of the UK exhibition "Jamaica 's 50th & the Olympics" This week we interviewed Annette Robinson, Project manager of the Kingsway Project, a voluntary organisation based in Birmingham. Annette spearheaded the recently opened exhibition to celebrate Jamaica's 50th and the Olympics. It is the largest UK exhibition dedicated to celebrating Jamaica’s 50th. It gives an introduction to the history and heritage of Jamaica, The exhibition also features vibrant displays about Jamaica’s history, its National Symbols and Heroes and iconic Jamaican people from the past and present. Here is our conversation with Annette.
A Conversation with Jevaughn Porter, Mr. Teen Jamaica 2012 This week we interview Jevaughn Porter Mr. Teen Jamaica 2012. He is one of the 2 delegates that will represent Jamaica in the Mr. Teen United Nations 2012 held in Florida. Here is our conversation with Jevaughn.
Moore Chat JA: A conversation with Blogger Carla Moore Yuh eva hear bout Kingston, Ontario? Well, it is a very small town and the school I am attending full a plenty privileged pickney who are out of the prep school system. So what would happen is I would walk down the walkway of the university and I was see a wave of humanity walking towards me but it was as if they never saw me! It was as if I never existed. I would tell people about how lonely this place felt but I was felt ungrateful because I knew I was fortunate because I’m going to school overseas.
Interview with Eva Greene-Wilson, Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 Washington DC This week we have a conversation with Eva Greene-Wilson Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 Washington DC. The Anancy festival is June 9th, 2012. Here is our conversation with Eva.
Interview with Sandy Isaacs, Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 Orlando, Florida This week we have a conversation with Interview with Sandy Isaacs, Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 Orlando, Florida. The Anancy festival is June 9th, 2012. Here is our conversation with Sandy.
Interview with Andrea E. Shaw, Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 Pembroke Pines, Florida This week we have a conversation with Andrea E. Shaw Co-organizer Anancy Festival 2012 in Pembroke Pines, Florida. The Anancy festival is June 9th, 2012. Here is our conversation with Andrea.
A Conversation with Kellie Magnus, Co-organizer, Anancy Festival 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica This week we have a conversation with Kellie Magnus Co-organizer Anancy Festival 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica. The Anancy festival is June 9th, 2012 in Kingston, Jamaica. Here is our conversation with Kellie.
Interview with Daun Ferguson on the “For the Love of You” Jamaica project This week we interview leading South Floirda hairstylist and makeup expert Daun Ferguson. Each summer, since 2006, she travels to Jamaica where she donates her time to mentor the young ladies at the Windsor Girls Home in Ocho Rios. Last year she donated over $10K US worth of hair and feminine products to these young ladies. Here is our conversation with Daun Ferguson
Interview: The Tennors Ride Again after 35 years Interview with The Tennors, Jamaica's Premier Rock-Steady Group, featuring George "Clive" Murphy, Ronnie Davis and newest member Sadiki Buckley as the group re-forms after a 35-year hiatus. It was in the midst of the memorable Ska era, or more precisely 1962, that George Murphy aka “Clive Tennors” and Alvin (Cheng Cheng) formed a vocal duet called “The Tennor Twins”. Both singers performed together at numerous Ska venues on many occasions and recorded their first songs for Duke Reid’s Treasure Isle label with The Skatalites as session musicians.
Interview with Jamaican actor and film director Shelley Thunder This week we interview Shelley Thunder a Jamaican actor and film director living in Norway. She made her first short film, Brother Man, in 2011. She is currently working on her second project “A Jamaican Love Story”. Here is our conversation with Shelley Thunder.
Interview with Jamaican swimwear and fashion designer Keva J Keva J is a fresh force in the design industry. Her swimwear and fashion designs are influenced by her life in New York City and Miami, and her Jamaican heritage. Designing from a young age, her talent has been appreciated by the likes of Ungaro and Baby Phat, and dozens
of fashion-minded media including BRAVO TV's Project Runway. With an aptitude for unit ing vivid hues, resilient texture and elaborately cut shapes, the bold and luxurious pieces of KEVA by Keva J are the preference of style-setters and can be found in boutiques nation wide. Here is our conversation with Keva J.
