PurElegance Designs

May 12, 2019 in Entrepreneurship / The Start Up

Samantha Francis-LaTouche has been making a name for herself with her handcrafted accessory line. I’ve known her since college (a long time ago), but only discovered her business about two years ago. I was absolutely impressed with her work and was immediately drawn to one of the products which sets her apart from the rest – those fancy fascinators! I finally got the chance to chat and do an interview with her. Continue reading to learn more:

1. Hello Samantha. It is so good that we finally got the chance to chat. I know you’ve been working tremendously hard on your business and have been showing up in many events. To start, tell me about yourself and where you’re from:

I was born in Annandale, St. George also known as Malfoot. I am the first of seven children; three girls and four boys. I am married to the most handsome man in the world, Claudious La Touche, and a mother of three handsome boys. Their names are Christian, Caleb and Carell.

2. What is the name and nature of your business?

The name of my business is PurElegance Designs™. My tag line is ‘Unique designs for your peace of mind’. My main aim is to design and create matching accessories that can turn a boring piece of clothing into exciting, timeless, elegant pieces. I love that I can take a simple dress that was worn many times and add colourful, vibrant accessories to make it look brand new. I listen to customers needs and wants and find fabric to suit their taste and style.

3. I love that! Tell me more about your accessory line.

The products I provide are handmade clutch purses, fascinators, hats, earrings, necklaces and bracelets all made by me.

4. What led you to become a designer and making these unique fascinators and purses? Do you have a background in design?

I always loved design from small. I always wanted to be a fashion designer. I had lots of day dreams of designs I would even dress myself in my mind and knew whether I would look good or not way before I put on the actual clothing. I always had these burning desires to design but never made the attempt until the church I attend New Life Fellowship one of the requirements for women is that our heads must be covered as a member of the church. One day I was talking to God and I said to the Lord, “Lord I know I can do something with these hands. I don’t know what, but if there are any gifts in me, show me Lord how to make a hat so that I can wear at church. I can’t buy these expensive hats in the stores.”

Within a week, the desire grew stronger and I started having day visions on how to cut and sew the hat. Still not sure of myself, I tried YouTube and Google to get clarity on what I was seeing. That did not help and so I had to trust God and by faith made my first attempt. I sewed my first hat and saw that it was good. I did it again again and again, went to church with them and people were interested. They even asked my husband where he bought my hats. My husband laughed and told them I made them. They wanted to purchase, but I told them I only made hats for me. They were persistent and so I made and sold realizing this was a business and it needed a name. Then a sister asked me to make a purse for her. I was like “WHAT?? I can’t do that!” I Googled and again, I didn’t get what I was looking for so I did it by faith, trusting God. It blew my mind and so the accessories ideas came one by one within months.

5. Was it difficult for you to start this new business and explore your creativity? Were there any challenges?

The challenge I have is sourcing materials here in Grenada. It’s so sad that we don’t have that wide variety of fabrics or certain materials to get a certain look.

6. I noticed that most of your products are African print. Do you also provide solid colours for those who’d opt for that?

Yes, I love African print. It was the fabric I used when I started my business. It’s vibrant, colourful and uplifts simple and dull colour. If a customer prefers to have solid colours, that can definitely be arranged.

Unique Designs for Your Peace of Mind

7. What did you do to overcome those challenges?

I was able to bring in or import some of the products.

8. What brings you the most joy in doing what you do?

What brings me the most joy is to see the happy faces of customers when they see my products.

9. Any words of advise for upcoming entrepreneurs?

The advice I have is that God has given everyone a gift. It is our role to find that gift and tap into it. Never let fear grip you of taking first step of what ever desires the Lord would have put into your heart. Trust God.

10. Any new projects ahead Will you be participating in any upcoming activities?

Definitely looking forward to expand and yes! I will be joining other local entrepreneurs on May 25th, 2019 in Flavours of Grenada Food Festival being held at Port Louis. So come out in your numbers to support.

Thinking about getting one of those fancy fascinators or an Ankara print matching purse and necklace? Find PurElegance Designs ™ on Facebook or Instagram @pur_elegance.

Photography by Kizzy Rennie of IsleofBites.com.

[envira-gallery id=’7783′]

Get Your Vacation Glow With NUMAD – All Natural Products For the Modern Nomad

August 6, 2018 in Entrepreneurship

One thing I love about living in the tropics is that ‘summer’ is year round. Ok, yeh, there are a few months with more rainfall than others, but generally, it’s warm, sunny and bright. This kind of weather warrants sleeveless attire, sun dresses, open toe sandals and glowing skin.

I’m not gonna lie. I don’t have the Instagram ready, blemish-free, smooth like a baby’s bottom kinda skin, but I do love the one I’m in and still do what I can to give it that show-off worthy look. To get my glow on for the last few weeks, I’ve been using this newly launched natural skin care products, Numad – Natural Products for the Modern Nomad by Grenadian Kenroy George. Kenroy is a designer, developer and digital marketer. He is also the co-founder of GrenStart, a community for entrepreneurs in Grenada, along with the diaspora, to inspire, support, and mentor each other in order to take their projects from idea to market.

The product came about when Kenroy met with Grenadian cosmetologist, Wendy Ann George who was already working on formulas for natural skincare products for close to 10 years. Instead of recreating the wheel, Kenroy decided to work along with Wendy Ann to produce Numad. Today, he has a line of body butters, facial and body scrubs and an amazing body oil.

NUMAD is a brand focused on highlighting the natural products of regions around the world starting, of course, with Grenada. – Kenroy George for IAmGrenadian.com

Kenroy recently made an announcement that his new natural skincare line is finally on island and reached out for some reviews. Of course I decided to try them out and managed to get my hands on the Hemp & Avocado Oil and the Nutmeg & Tangerine Body Butter.

As the name suggests, these products are made from natural resources, most found here in Grenada.

I began using the oil shortly after receiving it and can I tell you how much I’m in love with this product? I usually use it after I shower while my skin is still a bit wet. Using a little at a time, I massage it in.

It makes my skin feel and look great and literally gives that glow. It also works well to fix those semi dried heels which you haven’t given much attention to in weeks. Just saying.

The texture of the body butter is very smooth and basically melts on your finger tips. It applies very easily and absorbs into your pores. A little goes a long way with this product and just like the oil, it makes my skin so glowy and smooth. The fragrance is mild and fruity which works well for me.

Packaging is a big deal for me and as far as I can see, this product is a winner. Though I have to be extra careful not to drop these products, I do appreciate that they are in glass bottles instead of plastic.

Kenroy effectively captured the message of this brand with a simple, yet modern and elegant design. The logo, text and colours used in packaging is very clear and easy to read. Reminds me of the kinds of products made exclusively for luxury spas and hotels.

Hats off to team Numad! Job well done with this amazing skin care line for Pure Grenada. I am looking forward to getting the scrubs and that chocolate body butter which I nearly tested all over my body during the launch at Kristoff, but that’s another story.

If you’d like to try Numad, find the entire line at Kristoff at Spiceland Mall or visit their website at Numad.co.

Don’t forget to share and Pin that pic below!

Goal Setting & Vision Boarding with E-Dawn Coaching & Consulting

August 2, 2018 in Events / Lifestyle

Creating a vision board has been something I’ve been meaning to do. I am a visual person. Seeing motivates me. It helps me to continue doing and believing at times. Yes I know, I should be living by Faith and NOT by sight! I get it, but seeing words and repeating them, especially my goals written down, helps me to continue believing and speaking until they materialize. One of the ways I thought about creating a reminder is with a vision board. If you are not sure of what a vision board is, MakeAVisionBoard.com defines it as:

A vision board is a tool used to help clarify, concentrate and maintain focus on a specific life goal. Literally, a vision board is any sort of board on which you display images that represent whatever you want to be, do or have in your life. – MakeAVisionBoard.com

I could have gone to YouTube to get some tips on how to create a boss vision board. YouTube is my go-to for almost everything I need to learn to do, but the thought of sitting in a class with people of similar interests, cutting outdated magazine pages, sharing construction paper and affixing pretty stickers stating “You Can Do It!” sounded way more exciting.

Alas, certified Development Coach, Dawne Mark of E-Dawn Coaching & Consulting, hosted her first Goal Setting workshop. She shared on goal setting as a guest speak at a previous workshop, but this time she decided to include vision boarding. The purpose was so that attendees can start prioritizing their goals and make notes on how to start achieving those goals within a specific time frame.

To begin her presentation, Dawne started by asking questions to get us thinking about our most important goals and what we were hoping to get out of these goals. Not only for ourselves, but the impact we will like have on others through those goals.

It is also important to note that when setting goals and creating a vision board, you think about what is attainable in the time you want to see those dreams become a reality. Decide on the steps you need to take in order to get there and make notes of those steps.

Make sure that you find the best pictures or magazine cutouts to represent each goal and things you’d like to do to get there. You can draw or make bullet points.

I was able to narrow down on specific goals and think about what I need to do to get there. – Attendee

While the previous points are good and quite necessary to consider, your unwavering commitment to seeing those goals met is key. Starting the process is one thing. Remaining committed all the way through is another. Thing is, it will never get done, if you don’t. It may be difficult at times and you may have to invest (finances, time, resources) heavily into your idea, but it will be worth it in the end. This is something I know all too well and one of the topics, among others, Dawne stressed on.

Dawne will be hosting another of her goal setting sessions at the end of August, as well as others throughout the year, which I’m sure you may want to attend. Find all details and updates on her Facebook Page and follow her on IG @edawncoach. You can also email her at dawne.mark@gmail.com.

Get Listed. Get Found. Get Hired with Service Lane

July 31, 2018 in Entrepreneurship / The Start Up

Lately I’ve been in awe at the amount of local products and services emerging on the market. Many with potential to being the next ‘big thing’, not only in our tri-Island state, but also in the Caribbean region.

It’s good to see that some of us are not just seeing problems and talking about them, but we’re making moves. We’re thinking outside the box, using creativity and innovation to put limited resources to use and produce value added products and services to enhance our quality of life and provide solutions to problems we encounter daily.

One of those recently launched problem solvers was started out of a need to find skilled and trusted service providers without …well..the headache of having to call here, there and everywhere before connecting with that ‘right guy’.

Service Lane, founded by Annlyn McPhie (right in pic below) in 2015, is an online directory where you can find just about any, and I do mean any, service provider on the island of Grenada. It’s almost like an Angie’s list for Grenadians, so no need to wonder about where to find and get in touch with that plumber, seamstress or taxi. The list is populated with qualified service providers in almost any niche you can think of.

Ok. So how does it work? It’s quite easy. As a service provider, if you want to be included on Service Lane’s list of services, which I absolutely recommend, all you need to do is head to https://myservicelane.com, sign up, (make sure to enter parish) and you should receive an email in your inbox to confirm your registration.

After you would have confirmed your registration, I highly suggest you take the time to fill out your bio, list your services with prices and contact information. Share your page on your social media platforms and encourage your customers to write a review. Service providers who are not able to afford a website at the moment, this is a great way to have an online presence in addition to having a Facebook page. You can list as many services as you desire and it is quite convenient for customers to view prices without having to wait for a response from service providers. However, if customers needed to make contact, they can do so through the website. See video for more details.

If you’re like me and usually looking for services, all you do is head over to Service Lane’s website at https://myservicelane.com and either do a search for services using the search bar at the top right hand corner or scroll down a bit to search for a preferred niche. You will be taken to the services page where you can do a more detailed search, including by parish. Easy and simple. A directory of local services in just two clicks!

Service Lane is a much-needed service on our island. The headache of finding services have literally been cut down to just a few easy to follow steps. The opportunity for service providers to have an online presence has just been made simpler and affordable.

If you’re a service provider, Get listed. Get found. Get hired with Service Lane.

Photos by: CG Creative

Follow Service Lane on Facebook and Instagram or visit their website at https://myservicelane.com.

Keep On Pushing – It’s Not Over Yet + Goals for Islepreneur

June 6, 2018 in Lifestyle / Personal

It’s the first week of the second half of 2018 and I’m here in deep thought about things I need to get done, which I was hoping to start before the end of May. You know those things that drop in your spirit which can only come from God, but you’re still questioning “What if….(fill in the blanks)?” Those things you know is not just for you nor for business, but for that other person who needs it?

Life has not been happening the way I planned it for most of 2017 into 2018. Though I’ve experienced some high’s (some of which I’ve shared about), which I am extremely grateful for, I’ve also experienced some low’s. Too many to mention and some of those things set me back a bit. So much that I was on the verge of shutting down Islepreneur. Yup, I wanted to end it all, walk away and not turn back. Pack up shop and lock it down.

No giving up here – push through to the finish! Step back, relax, rejuvenate, get it together, then go again.

I was so very close to doing that, but after some prayer and being ‘away from it all’, I’ve come to realize that that’s not my portion. Regardless of how things seemed before or is looking like now, there’s much I still have to do with Islepreneur, so it’s definitely not time to pull the plug. I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way.

Staycation at True Blue Bay Boutique Resort

I encourage you, if you need to take the time to step back, relax, rejuvenate and get it together again then, by all means, do so! Pray and learn from what is happening around you. Your answers will come and soon you will understand why it all happened the way it did.

So no giving up here – pushing through to the finish!

I wasn’t going to give that long introduction, but anyway, with that said, here’s a little of what has been happening and future plans for Islepreneur. In 2017, I decided that it’s time for me to spread out a bit, go beyond what I’m doing here and offer my services beyond Grenada. Don’t worry, I will be sharing content from here as well, but also from other islands. 2018 is the time to do so.

While I do blog and share content to help you with your entrepreneurial journey, I do provide Ad Space to better show off your products and services to Islepreneur’s audience. I also share pics, via social media, of products I come across, but I do encourage you to utilize these services since they help tell the story of your brand a bit clearer. They’re as follows:

Sidebar Ads (See the right of this page)
Full Page Product/Service Description Post (Interview style)
Social Media Management
Product reveiws

Recently I published my Online Store where entrepreneurs from Grenada (for now) can sell their products and services without having to build an online store themselves. Cool huh? If you’re interested in having your products in the store or you’d like to utilize any of the services mentioned, email me via info@islepreneur.com.

Where to Shop for Mother's Day | Islepreneur

Where to Shop for Mother’s Day – Shop.Islepreneur.Com

May 10, 2018 in Lifestyle / Things Grenadian

Mother’s Day is a few days away and I know you’re probably looking for something mom will love. I usually do a giveaway of locally made products for Mother’s Day, but this year, I’m sharing on a few new products and also launching ISLEPRENEUR’S ONLINE STORE – Shop.Islepreneur.com. Yup! I finally got around to doing this.

It is not quite complete, but you can find a few of our locally made products in one place and most of these items you can gift mom for Mother’s Day. Take a look:

Cover Photo by Eyeriie

Tambran by Tamara

Statement pieces can turn a plain, simple outfit into a hot number for an evening out or brunch on Mother’s Day. These eco-friendly, hand-painted jewelry using recycled material by Tamara Prosper of Tambran by Tamara, is sure to make you stand out.

Tailored by Terrieann

Another new Product alert! You’ve seen me sporting Terrieann’s head wrap a few weeks ago and in the ‘About Me’ section on the sidebar. Now Terrieann is offering these stunning, vibrant fabric button earrings which are bound to make a statement with a solid colour outfit.

See these other gift ideas: Grenadian Products to Look Out For In 2018

Eyeriie

Eyerrie is also sharing positive affirmations, beaded bracelets and colourful ornamented tassel earrings (cover photo). All bracelets are lined with snow quartz, which are the base beads (snow in colour). Every customer has a choice to add Rose Quartz, Amethyst, Turquoise, Green Aventurine, Lilac Stone.

You can purchase these bracelets and couple them with other items for Mom or you can get her the set and receive 5% off your next purchase from Eyeriie. These come neatly packaged with one of these cards and a burlap pouch.

SHOP THESE ITEMS!

Custom Chic by Aria

Made by one Grenada’s finest models, Aria Francis. Custom Chic is for the fashionably free with these vibrant, shoulder sweeping tassel earrings. Great way to adorn a simple neckline and to add some spunk to a simple outfit.

Renee Scentsationz

Renee Scentsationz, my favourite candle maker, has a new product out – Natural Face & Body Sugar Scrub. I am yet to try it because I am seeing some great reviews so far. There are five different fragrances: Coffee, Cocoa & Peppermint, Green tea & Eucalyptus, Oats & Lavender and Ginger and Citrus.

Zela Expressions

Zela Expressions never disappoints with these on-point customized t-shirts. Make your mom feel special in these shirts. You can also find customized mugs, totes, caps, key rings and more.

SHOP THESE ITEMS!

Remember to VOTE FOR ISLEPRENEUR’s post on Grenada Chocolate Fest in Caribbean Tourism Organization’s Best Caribbean Travel Blog Competition. Link to vote: https://ctobesttravelblog2018.pgtb.me/z5k1wP.

Oh My Word, I Blogged! Best Caribbean Travel Blog Competition

April 11, 2018 in Events / Lifestyle

Every year, Caribbean Tourism Organisation (CTO) hosts Caribbean Media Awards where journalists and bloggers from the U.S. and Caribbean are presented awards for their exceptional work from a range of categories.

One of the categories is Oh My Word, I Blogged! This award is given to the person/blogger voted as having written the best travel blog posting about the Caribbean or any CTO member country. If you don’t know, I entered this competition last year, but did not win. However, I don’t count it a loss because of the unbelievable amount of support I received and the number of votes I got. I was surprised and grateful to everyone who voted. Though I sent out ‘Thank you’s’ to individuals, I did not get the chance to publicly say thank you to everyone. So, THANK YOU! I am always grateful for the support.

VOTE

My entry this year is one of my favourite posts from 2017 on Grenada Chocolate Fest :

…and I hope it was yours too ;-).

In order for me to win this competition, you must vote and unfortunately, you can vote only once. So PLEASE SHARE THIS POST.

In case you’re wondering why you should vote, here are three key reasons:

Help Grenada Win! I entered the competition, not only with the hopes that Islepreneur will win an award, but also to see my island win an award.
Grenada has never won a blogging award. The blogging community has grown significantly over the last two years and we’re still continuing to make strides and become more visible, but we have never won an award for our hard work.
Islepreneur is the only Grenadian blog in the competition, so VOTE!

To vote, CLICK HERE and look for my entry (pictured below). You can vote only once using your Facebook account, so, again, I will need your help to share with your friends and family. Voting ends Friday 18th May, 2018.

I appreciate all the love and thanks for the support!

High Quality Business Cards & Branding Material

High Quality Business Cards & Branded Material

March 16, 2018 in Business / Business Tips

This post is sponsored by Corporate Solutions.

Business cards are a great way to advertise your business and an easy way to swap contact details, especially with potential customers. Although social media now allows us to find almost every business online, business cards are still an effective, on the spot marketing tool and if done well, can give a lasting first impression of your business.

Almost every time I pull out my business cards, I get asked “Who did your cards?” or “How can I get mine done?” and I am always so happy to share that they were done by two good friends of mine. The logo was designed by Kevin Parke and the cards were printed by Mark Forrester.

If you were following Islepreneur from the get go, you will know that I switched logos recently. The first one was designed by me, but I outgrew it and needed something a bit more modern and attractive with more colour, but not overdone.

I contacted Kevin Parke, creative genius and independent graphic designer, explained what I wanted and he went to work. He did a fantastic job with my new logo and I totally loved it! Parting from my old logo was tough, but I was able to let go. Eventually. It was part of the first phase of Islepreneur, so there was some emotional connections.

My cards were printed by Mark Forrester, owner and CEO of Corporate Solutions – Print • Graphics • Web. Corporate Solutions – Print • Graphics • Web, as the name suggests, provides branding material and packages for businesses. Printed material includes calendars, flyers, brochures, postcards and pens. They also provide high quality graphics and web designs to reflect your brand message. Believe me, you will not be disappointed.

I was very impressed with Corporate Solutions. Mark is very professional and listens well and can certainly sort you out even if you’re not sure about what you’re looking for. I did have a design for my cards, but due to some issues I was having, we could not access it, so he gave me some options. I settled on a double-sided print card on matte stock.

The cards took just about two weeks before I received them and did I tell you how much I was impressed with the quality? I was very happy with the finish. The cards are clean, smooth and the print is crisp. The colours are sharp and match the design.

I also love that the logo, my name and icons are lifted and glossy on one side which added some character and class to the card.

I highly recommend Corporate Solutions – Print • Graphics • Web for your branding needs.

Contact them via their Facebook page , email info@corporategrenada.com or call 417-7360 to get price listing and to possibly set up a meeting to discuss what you will like to get done.

Student Loan Answers by Melisa Boutin | Islepreneur

Student Loan Answers Book Review & Giveaway

March 8, 2018 in Events / Lifestyle

A couple of weeks ago, I received two copies of this book; Student Loan Answers – A 7-Step Guide to Understanding Your Caribbean Student Loan from author, Melisa Boutin. One book was for my review and the other for a giveaway to my audience.

Melisa is a Certified Financial Education Instructor and content curator on her website YourMoneyWorth.com where she shares great content on financing. I encourage you to sign up for her newsletters if you’re looking for tips and finance advise.

Student Loan Answers is a comprehensive guide to understanding Caribbean student loans. I never had a student loan since I was awarded a scholarship to attend St. George’s University, but this book is a must read. It is very easy to read and the content is broken down so that if you’ve never heard anything about loans, you’ll be able to understand. I have learnt so much. It is packed with a lot of guidelines, procedures and things you should know regarding student loans from Caribbean banks.

If you are seeking to get a student loan or you’re in school and already have a loan, then I encourage you to get your hands on this book or enter the giveaway below for a chance to win. Parents should also take a read.

[ctt title=”This 7-step guide to understanding Caribbean student loans is a must read by @MelisaBoutin” tweet=”This 7-step guide to understanding Caribbean student loans is a must read by @MelisaBoutin #StudentLoanAnswers https://islepreneur.com/islepreneur/student-loan-answers-review via @islepreneur” coverup=”tb90c”]

The 7 steps are as follows:

Step One: Making Sense of Your Caribbean Student Loan

Step Two: Understanding Interest and Capitalization

Step Three: Communicating With Your Lender

Step Four: Tracking & Documentation

Step Five: Setting Up A Debt Pay-Off Plan

Step Six: Handling Disputes With Your Lender

Step Seven: Consolidation, Refinancing & Debt Settlement

Melisa’s 7-step guide walks you through the process of student loans. From the sign up down to the last payment. She lists requirements you will need to present to the lender or bank and thoroughly explains the student life cycle with definitions of important terms you will meet up during the lifetime of your loan.

One thing I love is that Melisa included lots of examples of loan situations and went in-depth on interest and capitalization – how monthly interest is calculated and how unpaid interest is added to the amount borrowed. Throughout the various chapters you’ll find checklists which you can use as a guide to ensure that you track your loan status on your own. She also provided solutions to paying off loans ahead of the scheduled time which can help you save in the thousands.

As mentioned earlier, Melisa provided me with a copy of Student Loan Answers to giveaway which I am so happy to do.

To enter, you must Like Melisa’s Facebook Page and Islepreneur’s Facebook Page on the widget below and for additional points, retweet the tweet. Have fun and all the best!

[RF_CONTEST contest=’10395′]

Grenadian Products to Watch in 2018 | Maigrin

Grenadian Products To Look Out For In 2018

February 12, 2018 in Lifestyle / Things Grenadian

Pure Grenada, a gem, the Isle of Spice – my nation – just celebrated 44 years of Independence from the British rule. We gained our independence on February 7th, 1974.

Grenada celebrated Independence with a parade and concert at the National Stadium, St. George. Grenadians come from all over the island (and abroad) including sister islands Carriacou and Petite Martinique in red, green and yellow showing of national pride and being proud of this little nation and how much we have grown.

What I love about this celebration is that local entrepreneurs, primarily those manufacturing their products on the island, are given an opportunity to show off (and sell) their handy-work and the services they provide in an expo held just a few hours before the main show.

Take a look at some of the products at the exhibition. Some brands I newly discovered and some you’ve seen me post about before:

ARTSYL – These items are hand painted, very fashionable and of excellent quality. I am surprised I found a cuff bracelet that won’t fall off my wrist.

N.J’s ArtPond

Natural hair community, this one is for you. This satin-lined bonnet is the best I have seen. Besides the bold tribal print in colours we Grenadians can definitely identify with, the quality is great and definitely worth your pennies. Satin-line bonnets is best for keeping moisture in your hair when you sleep and I am almost sure this can last you a very long time. Great quality.

Crafts & Creations

Who ever said your plants got to be in boring pots? These hand-painted planters/pots come in loads of different shapes and sizes.

Grenada Indian Cuisine: ‘For The Love Of It’

Now this Mango Chutney right here is a winner. I sampled this product at the celebrations with some good ole Crix. The blend of flavours – seasoning and mango – makes for a great snack with plain crackers or bread. You can even include it when making different types of sauce. Packaging is also really attractive.

G Links Grenada

Grenada’s honey has been making waves and is ranked with the best in the world. G Links provides 100% pure honey but also provides honey infused with various flavours such as nutmeg and ginger. They also provide a dried mango snack.

Rodney’s Bee Keeping Equipment

For your bee keeping needs, visit Rodney’s website (linked above) to learn more about the products he provides for bee keepers.

De Cutting Edge

How about this hand made, hand painted wooden clock as a souvenir for friends and family abroad? This was made by some students for their Junior Achievement project. Their company name is De Cutting Edge. Look out for them.

Art Ur Way

I saw the real version of this three in one painting by Aidan Quashie and this picture does not do real justice to this painting. The colours are bright and vibrant, yet cool and calming. This piece was Independence inspired as seen with the gradient of reds, yellows and greens. Don’t you love the way the birds are perched, singing together?

Photo Credit: Art Ur Way

PurElegance Designs

I love clutch purses, especially with African print and an elegant feel. These purses are from Samantha Francis-LaTouche, owner of PurElegance Designs. She also designs and makes head pieces which are gorgeous accessories for attending weddings and other formal events.

Maigrin Products

Out of the lot of newly discovered products, this choker/necklace was my absolute favourite item. I love me a good Caribbean-vibe neck piece which has others asking “Where did you get that?” from a mile away. This necklace is hand beaded and must have taken a lot of time to complete since the beads are so tiny. I love that it’s not too narrow and the rows of red, green and yellow added life and that Grenadian/Caribbean feel.

Turquoise Orange

Turquoise Orange. This brand won my heart. Besides the beaded necklace above, this brand was all I could talk about when I left the local market at the parade. I was floored by these products and couldn’t stop saying “Waaw”. Sonja Parke, owner of the brand, did an amazing job with the design of the pieces and I love the name she came up with – Turquoise Organge. Each of these items are unique, but eye catching and beautiful.

White Spice by D. E. Ambrose

White Spice is on my reading list. It is a crime thriller plot in Grenada about a war between the government and drug traffickers. If you love fiction and supporting Grenadian authors, try White Spice.

Tambran by Tamara

New product alert from Tamara Prosper. She now has these braided fabric necklaces. Sorry the product is not in focus, but I think you can still see the beauty in it.

Favourite Grenadian Made Products of 2017 | Mell Nelson

Favourite Grenadian Made Products In 2017

January 3, 2018 in Lifestyle / Things Grenadian

We are already two days into 2018! It feels like just a few days ago I wrote my first post for 2017. However, I am thankful to have made it to see another year. God has certainly been keeping us all.

I have been waiting quite a while to do this post. It is all about the products I have either interacted with and in some cases found to be unique with great packaging and definitely worthy to share. All opinions are my own and products are not in any sort of order by importance, but listed as they came to mind. See my list of favourite Grenadian-made products for 2017:

1.Whipped Cocoa Butter by Grenada Soul Adventurer

This product is everything your skin needs. It just melts in your fingers and soaks right into your skin – very moisturizing and the ingredients are all natural. This should be found in every household.

Photo credit: Grenada Soul Adventurer

2. Cronneit’s Forest Bows

You don’t often see locally/Caribbean made products for men and these bows go beyond just a bow. They are made from exotic wood found on the island and burlap bag. These bows can definitely give any brother a new swag.

Photo credit: Dr.Image Production

3. Leatherette African Print Purse by Lisa Baptiste

I was so stoked when I came across these beautiful leatherette purses with these African print piping. These are definitely one of a kind and a must have. I found these on a hunt for local products one day and couldn’t resist sharing them.

4. Scented Oil by Renee Scentsationz

This product is a staple and believe me when I say, it works. It’s very fragrant and will add a soothing aroma to any room.

5. Face Moisturizer by Rose Marie Cosmetics

A little goes a long way with this moisturizer. It keeps your face hydrated and even with my acne prone skin, it does not leave my face oily. Find these products at Real Value Supermarket.

6. White Clutch Purse by Sapphires

I first learned about Sapphires at an annual natural hair event, The Mane Game, and got this white clutch purse. I totally love it! The size is perfect to hold what you need when you go out and just right to accessorize a simple outfit.

7. Donkey Eye Necklace by Tambran by Tamara.

Almost every time I wear my Tambran by Tamara Donkey Eye necklace, I get asked where I got it from, even when I travel. I call it my conversation starter piece. I wear it with almost anything and use it to gift friends for birthdays.

8. Mosquito Repellent by Arawak Islands.

This comes in handy when I need to fight off those pesky mosquitoes and since it is all natural, the environment smiles every time I use it.

Photo credit: Arawak Islands

9. Tropical Clutch by Mell Nelson.

Ok, so let’s just take a moment to behold the beauty of this clutch purse. Hand painted and hand made for a classy, bold and tropical look. This is on my ‘Things to get for 2018 list’.

Photo credit: Mell Nelson

10. The Tegana Memoir by Ronald Antoine.

One thing I want to do more of is support local authors. Grenada has some great writers and Ronald Antoine is certainly one of them. He launched three of his novels earlier this year and I took this one. Really great read.

11. Shift dress by Always Leid.

In case you don’t know by now, besides being a lover of things Grenadian/Caribbean, I love colour, bold prints and tropical looking dresses, so this one definitely had to make my list.

Photo credit: Always Leid

12. Calabash Lamp Shade

I added this to the list because I love almost anything made from Calabash and these little lamp shades work great as a shade for tea candles. Use them as center pieces or just to decorate any table. You can get them from either Ms. Keisha or Ms. La Crette in the market.

Share which products you loved or you found useful in 2017:

Older Entries

Newer Entries