Inspiring Youth: Amenkha’s Heart is Always in the Caribbean

Amenkha is a NYC college student, who recently served as the President of her Caribbean Student Association. During her term, she successfully planned ‘Fete Land’ for the St. John’s University population in Queens, NY. This event showcased the campus’ diverse Caribbean communities from Haiti to Dominican Republic to Jamaica to Trinidad and so forth. The night was  filled with live performances, a carnival themed fashion show and a special guest performance by Mr. Criminal Wine himself, Soca artist LYRIKAL. The room was filled with Caribbean pride from all over the islands.

Amenkha stated that her heart is always in the Caribbean but it was her event planning skills and her musical ear that brought her back to the islands this summer. Through VIP Connects, Amenkha traveled to St. Kitts for the first time as an intern for the St. Kitts Music Festival. It’s a worldwide festival that features Hip-Hop, R&B and Reggae artists. The line-up included Chakademus & Pliers, August Alsina, Fetty Wap, Wayne Wonder, Ms. Lauryn Hill, Patti Labelle, Rhythm Of The Beat and many more.

Amenkha and her team with Ms Patti LaBelle

Although she had only one day of freedom, Amenkha was able to network with some of the major artists’ managers and show them her dedication to not only the festival but to the Caribbean people as she got the chance to meet with locals and enjoy a day on the beach!

In pursuit to make change in the Caribbean, Amenhka is currently working on creating a scholarship for an all boys school in Antigua, in honor of her father who passed away from cancer not too long ago. The scholarship will be open to boys who intend to pursue a career in math, engineering, science or to become a professor.

(Written by Obono Mba-Madja)

A Caribbean Oasis in a Can: Meet Leah Williams

I met Leah Williams via email, the creator of Mimi's Treats Boutique LLC, several years ago. As you may or may not know, I used to manage a successful blog for all things related to natural hair and beyond entitled Honey Brown Sugar. Leah had reached out to me with a question about her hair and I sent her back my best response. Can you believe that she STILL has that email?! Perfect example of why you should always put your best self forward. 

Fast forward to the present where I discovered one of Leah's products, the organic Pina Soothing Balm ($5). I purchased one and was so pleasantly surprised at how sweet smelling and rich the balm was. I use it for my hands and my lips as well!

How did the name of your brand, "Mimi's Treats" come to be? 

When I began sewing I would create little outfits for my niece, Yasmin ("Mimi" is her nickname). Once I perfected my craft, I started making things for others and wanted to label them. I created a “play store” and decided I wanted to name it after my niece. When I had my twins I knew I wanted to include them in my store so I named my clothing line, Joliyah Designs, after them, Josiah and Aaliyah. 

A glimpse of Leah's stunning creations in her online boutique

How long have you had your shop on Etsy?

I opened my first Etsy in November 2017 under the domain name Mimi’s TREAT Boutique. At that time Mimi’s TREATS wasn’t available. I didn’t realize that I had already obtained that domain in 2013! I reopened the shop under the new domain and new name Mimi’s Treats Boutique, LLC in January 2018.

Tell us about your Coco Pina Soothing Balm: What was your inspiration for creating it?

I love the Caribbean! 1/2 of family is Cuban so it’s in my blood! Being in both education and healthcare at different stages of my career I found that hand washing dries out hands terribly. I wanted a compact resolution that could easily hide in a pocket and be pulled out when needed. Because I love all things yummy I wanted it to smell tropical so when applying you could escape your day and your senses could travel to a Caribbean oasis!

Will there be more body care products in the future?

My main focus is children’s apparel and accessories but in the fall I will restock my Mama’s Shea Butta Soothing Cream. This is an all natural, essential oil packed emollient cream that seals in moisture to reduce the drying out of skin during the harsh winter months. 

What are some of your bestselling items?

Currently my Joliyah Designs Unicorn Backpack has been my biggest, continuous seller!! A perfect personalized gift for the back to school season!! I also design award winning pageant dresses and those have been a hit during this pageant season as well.

Leah Williams, the creative behind her very own Mimi's Treats Boutique LLC

Thank you so much Leah! Our lovely Luxe 2018 ladies will be receiving a sample in their gift bags in St. Lucia. If you're interested in purchasing the Pina Soothing Balm or any of Leah's other items, click here. 

When Vacation Becomes LIFE: One Woman's Big Move

I met Nikki about three years ago in St. Thomas while I was on a Parlour Magazine Travelfly Solo trip. We met incidentally on an island excursion where we were the only two people of color in attendance (annnnd the only two that couldn't swim, ironically). She was there on vacation and I was also there on vacation (but with the group). 

Over iconic Painkiller cocktails fresh from the isle of Jost Van Dyke, we spoke about our love for traveling and the Caribbean while sitting atop the Bad Kitty speedboat. With the sun baking and browning our bronze bodies we spoke about how we'd love to relocate to where the weather was always warm. 

Today, Nikki has done just that. 

You recently left Chicago for sunny Puerto Rico. What made you choose Puerto Rico as your new place of residence? 

It all started with a promise to myself, that I'd relocate my 20th year anniversary with the company. I consulted with our HR department regarding finance opportunities with the company outside of Chicago. The response was California and Puerto Rico. California just didn't excite me but Puerto Rico did! I started networking with employees in PR, did tons of research and I made my mind up to move to the island.

Hurricane Maria caused a lot of damage and devastation. How has this impacted your move, or has it?

Hurricane Maria did cause a ton of damage and devastation to the island but did not impact my move. I'd say the resiliency of the Puerto Rican people, with recovering, motivated me.

Has moving to the Caribbean always been a dream of yours? How far in advance did you have to plan?

Actually it was always a dream of mine. It became a dream once the idea was presented!!

Besides the obvious - beach, shimmering turquoise waters, and warm weather - What's the best part about living in this tropical location?

Beside all of those wonderful things I feel the best part about living in this tropical location are the beautiful spirits I run into daily. Everyone has been so welcoming and helpful. They remind me life can be tough but it's still meant to be enjoyed, celebrated and shared. 

That is exactly what I appreciate about the Caribbean culture. Last but not least, do you miss being stateside? 

In the two months I've been here, I haven't missed being stateside!

Thank you Nikki for taking the time out to chat with Coconut + Concrete. Whatever your dream may be just know that it IS attainable. You never know where YOU may be in three years. Keep pushing ya'll. 

Saint Lucia: Citizenship by Investment

Caille Blanc Villa - An example of what your own villa in St. Lucia could look like

Did you know that  you can become a citizen of St. Lucia by purchasing property on the island? A  global financial advisory firm specializing in investor programs for residence and citizenship called Arton Capital "...empowers individuals and families to become Global Citizens by investing in second residency and citizenship around the world." And St. Lucia isn't the only country on the list; there are plenty to choose from in different regions (Cyprus, Bulgaria, Quebec to name a few). 

You don't necessarily have to be super rich to partake either. The St. Lucia requirements are pretty simple: 

• Be of outstanding character.
• Hold no criminal record.
• Have excellent health 

Of course there are application requirements where you'll need to fall into one of several financial categories. One of those being real estate - applicants may purchase property valued at a minimum of US$300,000 in a pre-approved real estate development area. 

Note that each country is different and has their own set of requirements.

Fore more information and to become a Global Citizen, visit www.artoncapital.com