Island Trendz

Islepreneur was started to market Grenadian entrepreneurs providing products and services mainly using resources which can be found on island. It is our hope to widen our reach and promote island entrepreneurs from across the region. I’d like to introduce you to Chantelle Mendez who provides authentic Caribbean products.

1.What is the name and nature of your business and when did it get started?

My name is Chantelle and I am the owner of Island Trendz. Island Trendz is an online based store started in June 2017 which provides unique and classy leather sandals handcrafted in the Caribbean.

2. What products do you offer?

Caribbean made leather and crochet styled sandals.

3. What was the inspiration for your business?

The business was inspired first by my love for sandals and secondly as a way of showcasing the talents of our Caribbean people. Agricultural offices in many Caribbean islands have been encouraging us to eat what we grow and grow what we eat, I say wear what we make and make what we wear!

4. What were your goals when you started the business?

My initial goal was to see Island Trendz sandals being worn by as many persons as possible.

5. What were some of the challenges you faced in the initial stages?

My main challenge in the beginning was getting people aware of the brand and the products offered.

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6. What helped you to overcome and keep going?

Using marketing strategies through social media and referrals (word of mouth), I eventually piqued the interests of several persons who are now customers.

7. What would you say is unique about your business?

Island Trendz’ unique selling point is that all sandals we provide are made only in the Caribbean. There is just something about what we make here in the Caribbean. There is a uniqueness to our products. These sandals are much more durable than most sandals I’ve had and therefore we will be making customers happy for a long time.

We also try to live up to our brand message of bringing one of a kinda sandals to our customers. When you purchase from Island Trendz, you most likely may not see others with the style or colour you would have purchased since we try not to stock too many of the same products.

8. What are you looking forward to? Any plans for expansion?

I am looking forward to adding other products to the store such as leather bags and accessories.

9. If you had the power to turn back the hands of time and return to where it all started, considering all the roadblocks you faced, what would you do differently?

I would have changed nothing about the experiences I’ve had as I like a challenge. I consider challenges as ways to make us strong and another way in which we can learn to know how to deal with situations in the future. I only wished I had started earlier.

10. What advice can you give to persons looking to start their own business on the island?

I would encourage persons to passionately pursue their dreams of entrepreneurship. Be aware that not everyone will be able to see your vision as you can so without trying you will never succeed at your dream.