bund3m-blog

[bund3m-blog]

Six Favourite Drinks for Christmas

Six Favourite Drinks for Christmas

What is your favourite drink for Christmas? 

  During the gifting season, we tend to consume a lot more than usual. Our diet completely changes. For some of us at Hungrybelly it is only during this season we even eat or drink certain things. Here is our list drinks we love to consume during the month of December.  

 In no particular order these are hungrybelly team’s favourite drinks for…

[bund3m-blog]

Green Sweet Pepper Green Sweet Pepper Seedling Instructions Plant in a cool area. Wet twice per day.

[bund3m-blog]

Lettuce Seedling

Lettuce Seedling.

Instructions

Plant in a cool area.

Wet twice per day.

[bund3m-blog]

MEN's RETREAT

MEN’s RETREAT

Grace & Truth Campsite

September 8th 2017

Subject: Ecumenism

  What is Ecumenism:  Promoting worldwide christian unity

Here in SVG, we often receive letters inviting us to participate in national prayer service in which all the churches are a part of.

The question to is:  When invited to such activities, should we attend?  What does the scripture has to say about participating in such activities?

[bund3m-blog]

As a UWI student majoring in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, Zendini Bibby became an active member of the Vincentian Student Association (VINSA). She was the go to person for catering for hall and some of their functions.  Informal meetings were usually held at her dorm, where VINSA members indulged on a good meal  Observing this, she came up with an idea for the name of a food business if she ever started one. By joining part of her name, Zen which means “a total state of focus that incorporates a total togetherness of body and mind” with the world ‘indulgence’. She recorded the name Zendulgence in her dairy. Years later in search of a name for her now realized food business, she found her old dairy and a viola! Zendulgence.

Backstory

While Zendini is lactose intolerant she loves ice-cream. Her mom would always make custard based ice-cream during the long school holidays. As time progressed the family’s ice-cream making tradition began to die. Zendini’s love of ice-cream though could not be satisfied by the imported ice-cream sold in the supermarkets. It was then she asked her mother to teach her how to make ice-cream.

Her favourite brands of imported ice-creams were Häagen-Dazs and Ben & Jerry’s because of the quality and richness of their product. She reflected that during her time at UWI, she experimented with making ice-cream bases with a chef friend of hers for participation in a competition. She claims that they created about 14 different flavours in one day preparing for that competition and that her best ice-cream ever made was a dasheen based ice-cream. It took Ms Bibby 5-6 years of tinkering to figure out what works best, and now it has culminated in the quality of ice-cream she now serves to her clientele.

More about Zendulgence…

Officially launched in April of 2017, the products offered by Zendulgence are pastries, cakes, cupcakes and ice-cream with a major focus on ice creams and frozen treats. The top selling ice-cream flavours are the Bailey’s, Strawberry cheesecake and dulce de leche flavor. Locally sourced seasonal flavors such as the passion fruit are also a hit. She has a niche market as an ice-cream caterer making customizable, standout ice-cream and ice-cream cakes tailored both to your every indulgent desire or dietary restrictions.

Ice-cream deliveries are done twice per week on Mondays and Fridays and all orders must be in no later than forty eight hours (2 days) before the days listed. Cake orders must come in 3-5 days prior the day of collection. Zendulgence even offers 10” ice-cream cake on the same scheduling of time.

Zendini Bibby’s business philosophy is to treat her clients to a gourmet experience at an affordable price.

Challenges and Advice

A major challenge faced is the sourcing vanilla beans and heavy cream. In St. Vincent, the vanilla beans offered at retailers are too expensive and of poor quality. In spite of the challenges Zendini perseveres. She advises anyone interested in having their own business to find something they are passionate about or that solves problems for others.  She is of the opinion that planning and time management with a dose of faith is vital to her growing success.  Her final thoughts along this line were to never be afraid of critique or to seek help from others; it is usually at this point that growth occurs.

How to contact Zendulgence?

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/zendulgence

Instagram: @zendulgencesvg

WhatsApp: (784)531-6824

IJSVG sees Zendulgence’s appeal growing and we wish Ms. Bibby and her team all the best.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Zendulgence: Zendini’s Icecream Catering As a UWI student majoring in Environmental and Natural Resource Management, Zendini Bibby became an active member of the Vincentian Student Association (VINSA).

[bund3m-blog]

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Ms. Faydon Fergerson possesses a Computer Science Engineer degree but loves every aspect of the creative arts like drama, pan and crafts.   She includes Information Technology as a hobby as well as reading and necklace making as her hobbies. FnF Creationz is a handmade jewelry business that creates custom earrings, charm bracelets, bandeaus, hair combs and necklaces.  In 2009, Ms. Ferguson started doing handmade crafts after leaving community college as a means to earn money.  Her creative grandmother and her craft time experiences at summer programs at the Vinsave Preschool also inspired her to dip into the crafting pool.  Faydon’s grandmother baked pastries and sweets and took the time to teach her granddaughter the basics.  She was encouraged by her mother to continue her craft even while studying.  Faydon was taught new skills and styles in crafting while in Venezuela by a jewellery maker there and so developed a South American/Latin influenced design style.  She was even taught how to use varying materials such as snakeskin.

Her products are a mixed cultural presentation.  It is her mother’s prodding and encouragement that motivated her then and continues to motivate her now.  Faydon expressed the gratitude for her mother’s love and wise words of encouragement. She also recognizes the vital support received from a few of her cousins that kept her going in this business. A major highlight was seeing her jewellery on display in the Miss SVG Pageant (2013) being worn by Miss Mustique Company.  In the next 5-10 years, Faydon hopes to improve upon her craft even more and to work with a wider variety of material.  The intent is to move away from the regular braided beads which are the most popular way of making jewellery in SVG.

Her biggest challenge is getting materials to make her unique pieces.  The young Ms. Ferguson is often very frustrated when special requests come in for jewellery made from specific material and she is unable to deliver due to import or availability issues. She has not, however, allowed the circumstance to defeat her. She seeks a way to make it happen by substituting with a similar material.

Satisfied clients mean everything to Faydon Ferguson. She loves to over deliver on a custom ordered piece.  It is the main reason why she keeps doing what she’s been doing.  Her clients inspire and motivate her. Customer satisfaction is the key.  Her belief is that it’s not as much about the money, as it is the satisfaction and joy she sees when her clients receive their jewellery.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    Local Talent from St.Vincent: Faydon Ferguson Ms. Faydon Fergerson possesses a Computer Science Engineer degree but loves every aspect of the creative arts like drama, pan and crafts.   

[bund3m-blog]

The Onyx Spa is an inclusive beauty treatment and service business owned by Luraine Davis.  In coming up with a name to call her business, Ms. Davis sought out a name of a precious stone. Interestingly she loves stones, the precious kinds.  In her research the onyx stood out and she immediately gravitated to it.

In operation for about seven years, the business is currently located at the Paradise Beach hotel. Ms. Luraine Davis possesses over twenty years of training and working as a masseuse. The two additional staff she has means that clients are serviced with a total thirty-five years of experience, wellbeing and service. Ms. Davis encourages everyone, especially men, to come in for a spa treatment at the Onyx Spa. She reassures that it’s not only about getting your nails and feet done but a relaxing massage aids in reducing stress. She pointed out that body massages help to release toxins in the body and also good for circulation.

Ms Davis has identified a couple challenges to us. One challenge of course is in keeping in the forefront with the rise of a number of competing spas.  Even more critical is the means of raising awareness about the importance of these massage treatments and how they contribute to health and wellness improvement.  Another challenge noted,  is that spa usage is  seasonal.  Most appointments are made during Carnival, Easter, Christmas and wedding season and for special occasions like Mother’s and Father’s Day.  In spite of these challenges though, The Onyx Spa remains in business because of a dedicated and faithful staff who Ms. Davis expresses appreciation for and to. And also not forgetting her many loyal customers who supports her business and loves the service given to them.

The Onyx Spa has a wonderful co-relationship with the Paradise Inn. Offering a nice and convenient extension of service to the tourist industry where visitors and locals alike can get a trifecta of a nice massage, great ambiance and a delicious meal. They offer body massages, facial, manicure, pedicure, and body waxing. The Onyx Spa promises a great experience with friendly and well trained staff.

If you are interested in contacting The Onyx Spa you can book your appointment at:

Telephone: (784)454-7709

Email: theonyxspa@gmail.com

Address: Paradise Beach Hotel, Villa

Have you been The Onyx Spa before? Share with us your experience in the comments below.

  The Onyx Spa: A holistic Spa Experience The Onyx Spa is an inclusive beauty treatment and service business owned by Luraine Davis.  In coming up with a name to call her business, Ms.

[bund3m-blog]

A real estate business that never sleeps: Sutherland Real Estate.

A real estate business that never sleeps: Sutherland Real Estate.

Mr. Stenneth Sutherland is a family oriented businessman originally from Barrouallie, St. Vincent and the Grenadines. In the field of real estate, his business is called Sutherland’s Real Estate Company. His real estate business involves the selling of Land and Property, Property Maintenance, Property Development, Garage Sales, Tenant Selection etc.  Sutherland’s Real Estate does all of the above…

[bund3m-blog]

The free spirited Marcia Deane lived most of her adult life in Miami, Florida but moved back to St. Vincent with her husband, Anthony Clarke and to be with her family.

The music lover is the co-owner of Melting Pot restaurant along with her husband. Her intention is to bring the varied culture of Miami to St. Vincent and the Grenadines.  The business is located in Paul’s Avenue. They also do deliveries; a bold endeavor for a business only in its fifth month of existence.

While the restaurant may be considered small their offerings are wide and varied. It is a personal value that Melting Pot utilizes as much of the local fruits and vegetables that are available in season. The chef and staff purchase fresh vegetables from the market every morning.

Mrs. Deane-Clarke is motivated by the necessity of money and her need to realize her dreams. She goes into work and keeps a smile on her face to help in the challenging times. This restaurant is her baby and she wants very much for it to succeed.

Her projection for the near future is to open a beach based restaurant that can reflect a true south beach feel with great food, a well-stocked cocktail bar and entertainment, all at an affordable price.

Confessing that her biggest challenge is to get Vincentians to try the different kinds of food Melting Pot offers she still presses on. Mrs. Deane-Clarke is very aware that the strange names on the menu could make customers not spend their money but she has faith that our culture is becoming more adventurous in their tastes.

She explained she wanted to have a grand opening with branding on everything before she opened to the public but was unable to do so at the time. It is the only thing so far she wishes she could turn the clock back for.

Her advice to young entrepreneurs is simple,

“Believe in yourself and what you do, do not stop”

“positivity begins with you”

IJSVG.com #hungrybelly did a review of a burger offered at Melting Pot restaurant, check out what our amateur food critic has to say HERE. Go on and visit the restaurant yourself, let us know your thoughts. Our team wishes the owners, and staff at Melting Pot, all the best.

Exploring Your Tastebuds. IJSVG spoke with the owners of Melting Pot Restaurant. The free spirited Marcia Deane lived most of her adult life in Miami, Florida but moved back to St.

[bund3m-blog]

Island Shak Entertainment Presents Dymez X daPixel

Island Shak Entertainment Presents Dymez X daPixel

Claydon Roache aka Dymez and Elrico Hunte aka daPixel are the duo that is part of the company Island Shak Entertainment. With their combined taste in music, daPixel favours R&B and soca while Dymez is a lover of soca and dancehall, they have learned a lot in their seven years in the entertainment business in St. Vincent. Lessions they wish to take with them throughout their lifetime.

In 2010,…

[bund3m-blog]

There is a twenty-two year old that grew up in Chester Cottage with her parents and six (6) siblings that is determined to thrive in the business world. Her name is Kellisha Samuel, she attended the Georgetown Secondary School and furthered her studies at the St. Vincent Community College- Technical Division. The easygoing young woman also shared with IJSVG that she is a mother to a four year old son.

“Queen’s Hideout Shop, Bar and Bakery” is her business that sells grocery items, wholesale Hairoun products and it also boasts a well-stocked bar.  Additionally, the business has a unique element of a firewood bakery; this bakery utilizes a brick oven and offers smokey bread and pastry. The bakery is the only one of its kind in St. Vincent.

The business has been in existence for over 50 years in Chester Cottage, and was owned and operated by her parents Elisabeth Ryan and James Samuel who later turned it over to her. Her mother’s nickname, Queen, is the reason the business is named as is. Its location is the reason   “Hideout” was added.

With parents that always believed in utilizing natural resources and working for themselves it’s a small wonder this young woman thinks like she does and followed in their footsteps.

Not surprisingly, she shared that her parents and sisters, Kellyann Samuel and Suzette Ryan are the individuals who, “…keeps pushing me to strive for excellence and who motivates me and because they are all successful, makes me push harder.” Another source of motivation is the feedback from her satisfied customers.

Kelisha projects that her business would be better known in time to come as she hopes to expand.  She is also looking into different ways of increasing revenue.  She has confidence and faith that great things are in store for her business.

Her challenges are, “Ensuring that my customers are always satisfied and also the competition between other small businesses, that’s why I always try to stay on top of my game.” This attitude is that one reason why the business is still in operation. Miss Samuel believes that there are two main contributors to her growth and they are that she is always looking for new ways to increase revenue and the fact that the business has always had a positive image and reputation.

This Y.A.T.E. is so satisfied with the way things are going that she confesses that she would not change a thing even if she could go back in time.

She advises other potential/current young entrepreneurs to, “Always think positively, keep going after what you want, there is no better feeling than working for your own and being your own boss especially in these times where young people are struggling to get jobs.”

How can person get in contact with you?

Mobile#:1784-526-7270,

Facebook: @kelisha Ryan,

Instagram: @kelisharyan

email: matash12@hotmail.com

.

  Queens Hideout Shop home of a unique firewood bakery. There is a twenty-two year old that grew up in Chester Cottage with her parents and six (6) siblings that is determined to thrive in the business world.

[bund3m-blog]

Join the new fitness movement that is taking the world by storm. . . . Cobracamp.

Join the new fitness movement that is taking the world by storm. . . . Cobracamp.

Adriel Francois is a fitness and health enthusiast currently studying for his chemical engineering degree in Taiwan.  It’s his wish to be an inspiration to those he comes in contact with.

Cobracamp is a fitness movement focused on using as little equipment and money as possible with maximized results.  The tutorials are free as Mr. Francois’ is of the opinion that a healthy life should be…

[bund3m-blog]

Carola John has made a successful business of what she calls her hobby.  The lovely woman from Dickson village, Georgetown loves adventure and traveling.  Her business Bamboo Adventures SVG is a destination management company. The business name came about in her search to find something that was relatable to heritage and tradition that sounded catchy. She didn’t need to search long as she considered the resources leading up to Soufriere; hence, Bamboo Adventures!

The unique company offers all inclusive local tours, airport transfers, Caribbean cruises, vacation packages and hotel bookings and serves as an information desk for tourists.  The Georgetown based business, which was officially registered in 2012 is known for their adventure tours, anyone interested can book for a Volcano Hike, River Fishing Tour or even a Water Fall Adventure. They even offer a Rum Saga Tour, where they have partnered with the SVB Distillery, which includes sampling and viewing of how rum is made.  Tours are available to foreigners and locals alike.

We asked Carola what inspired her to start this type of venture and she replied that it came out of her love of all things adventure. Observing the void in St. Vincent for planned adventure tours she left her previous job to fulfill her dream.  Interestingly she makes note of the movie Remember the Titans starring Denzel Washington as a form of inspiration.  The obvious Daddy’s girl also acknowledged her role model is her father and she believes she inherited his humility.

Every day she is motivated by the “end result” of client satisfaction, appreciation and feedback. These are the things that keep her going in business.

  With clearly defined plans for the next five to ten years, Carola’s next step in the introduction of more creative tours and adventures on our beautiful island. She wants Bamboo Adventures to be in the minds of all visitors planning a trip to St. Vincent.

She attributes her success and growth to her support team which is made up of family and friends.  Most of them have been with her since the start of this venture and she is very indebted to them for their care.

Ms. John claims that if she could go back and change anything relating to her business she would have started straight out of school.  She encourages other potential/current young entrepreneurs to, “Don’t be afraid to pursue your goals. Try it. Don’t sabotage yourself by not trying.”

Bamboo Adventures contributes to the tourism sector of the country. Having a planned all-inclusive tour company that provides visitors with everything they need during their stay is a welcome service needed to help promote beautiful SVG

You can reach Bamboo Adventures through the following:

Address: Dickson village, Georgetown

Website: www.booksvgnow.com

Email: res@booksvgnow.com

Tel: 1784 4570 8000 (office) 1 784 430 4281(cell)

Facebook: www.facebook.com/bambooadventuressvg

Instagram: bamboosvg

Bamboo Adventures: The vacation planner you have been looking for in St.Vincent Carola John has made a successful business of what she calls her hobby.  The lovely woman from Dickson village, Georgetown loves adventure and traveling.  

[bund3m-blog]

Shamana John is  a Vincentian small business owner and family woman who loves helping people.  Her business is John’s All Natural which offers a healthy range of locally made products such as soaps and oils which yield complete nutritional benefits. Most of their products are made with cold press coconut oil. In addition to her natural soaps and oil, she also does plantain chips.

John’s All Natural was started two (2) years ago in Shamana’s home in Barbados. After she invested a significant amount of time in research and development of here product, she took a leap of faith and started promoting her business via social media. She and her husband chose to use their family in their business name as it was a reflection of who they are. The business has been doing quite well and the intent will be to distribute to St. Vincent soon.

Shamana grew up not having much and always wanted to do more with her life. One day while unemployed, the industrious young woman started thinking about ways she could earn money and even start her own business.  Almost immediately the idea of working with coconut oil came to her. “At the time I didn’t know where I was going to get the nuts from but I got some and started. After that more ideas came and I went with it.”

Her son and husband are her inspiration and  motivation. The ability to take care of her son’s needs motivates her to continue what she is doing. She also went on to say that her husband is a source of great support and encouragement to her.

With seemingly unlimited ambition, the business woman hopes to take her business worldwide with multiple branches in the Caribbean. For now, she is challenged by the lack of personal transportation which affects her free movement. She depends of public transport to get to her clients. She would also like to do more in advertising the business.

Mrs. John contributes her growing success in  to keeping positive, maintaining focus and putting God first.  Her business contributes to her country’s development by encouraging a healthy lifestyle.  Her advice to young business owners  is to, “stay strong even when it looks like nothing is happening.”

How can person get in contact with you and your service?

Email: johnsallnatural2014@gmail.com

Facebook: johnsallnatural

Instagram: johnsallnatural

    John’s All Natural; healthy living, healthy lifestyle Shamana John is  a Vincentian small business owner and family woman who loves helping people.  Her business is John’s All Natural which offers a healthy range of locally made products such as soaps and oils which yield complete nutritional benefits.

[bund3m-blog]

Research Innovate Lifestyle (RIL)

Marlo Browne and Jamal Glasgow are the co-founders of RIL; which stands for Research. Innovate. Lifestyle. It is their mission to research problems, and then innovatively come up ways and means to solve said problems therefore creating solutions that enhance lifestyles. It is primarily a system and application development company that was incorporated in 2016. Their two main apps thus far are Payswif and YoBuying.

Payswif

This platform was incorporated in 2015. Payswif seeks to be the first unbanked system in St. Vincent & the Grenadines. There would be no need for a bank account or a credit card to conduct digital e-commerce. Jamal explains the process as users of the platform would charge their PaySwif account with digital currency whenever they are ready to shop online from various local businesses, existing mobile applications and even through media advertisements that accepts PaySwif. He also went on to explain that users and businesses will have access to a portal that tracks incoming and outgoing transactions. It is scheduled to be released by this year’s end. People who sell locally will be able to use this platform to receive payment on items, and the service is available 24/7.

YoBuying

This is a new merchandising platform for St. Vincent & the Grenadines. It is available on Android and there is also a web based version. It seeks to solve the problem that occurs on various Facebook groups of disorganisation, it is a more controlled and organized system of trade.

YoBuying is not completely native to android but it is mixed with various open source technology, alternatively referred to as a hybrid platform. The application is quite simple to use. First, you download the app from the app store or visit the website.  Then sign up and start uploading images of items you would like to sell, or browse the large collection of items currently on the site for sale. Person interested in purchasing

Research.Innovate.Lifestyle; The business behind the application called YoBuying Research Innovate Lifestyle (RIL) Marlo Browne and Jamal Glasgow are the co-founders of RIL; which stands for Research.

[bund3m-blog]

Mrs.  Glender Francois is a St. Lucian born who joyfully claims that she has married, “the best Vincentian man that ever lived.”  The Christian mother of two has always been interested in business enterprise which led her to create her own business.  Fine Things Inc. is the name of the business and opened its doors in October of 2008 at the Russell’s Complex in Kingstown.   It is actually a joint effort with her husband Gregg Francois.

The business is a soft-furnishing home decor store which offers solutions in curtains, mats, lightweight wares, cutlery, linens and accessories.  The products are Asian inspired and vibrant with color.  With the mantra ‘Living Lovely Everyday’, the company does its best to sell an experience that gives customers tremendous satisfaction.   The core product range carries the brand “Mode Alive”.

After a year and a half at Russells Complex, the store was moved to Arnos Vale. Other outlets were set up in Bequia and Kingstown but these branches were eventually closed and the focus remained on the main store in Arnos Vale. The business woman has proved to be an overcomer notwithstanding the   many challenges arising from managing a business, including, the high cost of importation and human resource management. The challenges have taught many lessons and therefore the experience is one of great value. She is determined to seek ways to improve sustainability and growth of the business.

The small business owner recounted to us at IJSVG.com how she got into interior designing. Mentioning that she has always enjoyed interior designing from a young age, it was a trade exhibition in Trinidad that led her to a unique home decor store where she was immediately smitten.  From that time on she began to visualise a store of that nature in St. Vincent. Soon she was planning to set up shop.  Subsequently, she returned to Trinidad and initiated discussions with someone who would become her business mentor.  She shared that while the dream took a while to materialise, and she had many disappointments and trials along the way, she appreciated the journey and the support from her husband.  She now refers to those challenges as hiccups she had to overcome. 

What works for the business is a very positive and supportive partnership with the suppliers.  She specifically mentioned The Bank of Nova Scotia which has afforded them the opportunity to reach this far.  The positive feedback from the many satisfied clients also encourages Mrs. Francois in the enterprise.  The store thrives on the great reviews that emerge from clients’ homes.  Many also express thanks for the product selection, advice on decor and the personable customer service delivered by staff.

Mrs. Francois says, if she could change anything, she would have invested more in the initial start-up of the business.  While she admits to underestimating the initial cost of investment, she is of the opinion that sometimes starting small does not apply and that there are special circumstances that call for a heavy investment upfront so you can start where you want to be. She is not afraid of going ‘big’ in support of one’s dreams.

She advises entrepreneurs to do the math, plan carefully, conduct research and create a unique brand. “Do your own thing and be innovative,” are some words she used. The owner of Fine Things Inc. also encourages the use of wisdom when looking for a business partner; it is vital to find someone with experience and great connections.  Great partners enhance the chances of having a successful business.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

    “Living Lovely Everyday” is Fine Things Mrs.  Glender Francois is a St. Lucian born who joyfully claims that she has married, “the best Vincentian man that ever lived.”  The Christian mother of two has always been interested in business enterprise which led her to create her own business.