Crystal Haynes, who is a doctor and entrepreneur in Barbados. The discussion begins with an insightful update on Crystal's successful wellness practice, highlighting her journey of rebuilding and the lessons learned about perseverance, faith, and the importance of a holistic approach to patient care. The dialogue also touches upon Crystal's recent departure from politics, her focus on family and personal growth, and her philosophy on balancing business aspirations with a fulfilling personal life. Throughout the interview, the two speakers emphasize the value of self-trust, continuous learning, and adapting to life's unpredictable path, all while navigating their conversation in a new electric vehicle, the 2025 Depal, which itself becomes a topic of discussion regarding its features and environmental benefits.
Hop in with us as we take a drive with West Indies cricket legend, Kemar Roach!We're cruising in the brand-new, all-electric Deepal from Inchcape Barbados, and the conversation gets real, fast. This isn't just about cricket; it's about the life behind the game. Kemar opens up about the tough realities of professional travel, the crucial importance of financial management for athletes, and the mindset you need to handle fame, jealousy, and personal growth.From overcoming career-threatening injuries to balancing the demands of the sport with family life, Kemar shares candid reflections on what it takes to succeed. We talk about building generational wealth, the power of self-belief, and why kindness is a non-negotiable.If you've ever wondered about the real journey of a professional athlete, this one's for you.A huge thank you to Inchcape Barbados for the incredible ride in the Deepal!#KemarRoach #Cricket #WestIndies #Barbados #AthleteMindset #FinancialLiteracy #InchcapeBarbados #DeepalEV
Coming soon
Natalie Abrahams, the CEO of Digicel, where she discusses her leadership philosophy and the dynamic nature of her role, highlighting the importance of authenticity, resilience, and prioritizing well-being. She also shares personal insights on work-life balance, embracing opportunities, and her passion for music, revealing a vibrant personality beyond her corporate image. The conversation further explores her views on customer experience, innovation, and the impact of technology like AI in the workplace, emphasizing the human element in all aspects of business and leadership.
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This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
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Shanice Taylor, a Barbadian entrepreneur and designer, who shares her personal journey of overcoming adversity. She recounts her challenging upbringing, including time in foster care and poverty, and how these experiences shaped her resilience and determination. Taylor discusses her career as a crochet and apparel designer and makeup artist, highlighting a significant moment when Rihanna wore one of her designs. The interview emphasizes her message to young people about self-sufficiency and perseverance, advocating for hard work over crime and encouraging them to embrace their struggles as motivators.Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The TribeFollow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/ #GemsFromFriendsThis season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of BarbadosGratitude 🙏🏽
The "Season 4 Gem Drops Compilation" from the "Gems From Friends" showcasing a unique concept where each guest offers a piece of wisdom or advice, a "gem," for the next, unknown guest**. Throughout the compilation, various individuals share personal insights and experiences, ranging from trusting the process and believing in oneself to honoring those who have provided support and embracing mistakes as opportunities for growth. The discussions emphasize the importance of community, communication, and self-awareness, with guests also sharing perspectives on managing time, taking personal ownership, and the value of collecting and storing information. Ultimately, the video presents a collection of inspirational messages designed to encourage and uplift listeners.Trusting the process and believing in oneself [01:35].Listening to your inner voice and embracing your greatness [02:50].The idea that everything you need is within you and the power of helping others [05:09].The importance of patience, understanding, and contentment [08:35].Honoring those who helped you along your journey [12:26].Embracing and learning from mistakes, and the importance of consistency [14:54].Balancing your 24 hours effectively [19:15].Taking ownership of your life and working hard to achieve your goals [20:57].An encouraging message that all your efforts are not in vain [25:06].The advice to collect data and store information in your mind, as it can be valuable later [26:58].Here is a list of the full episodes: 1: https://youtu.be/QPxvNl1ZMqI2: https://youtu.be/uSJeSxiP-FU3: https://youtu.be/WheYV_pFqNQ4: https://youtu.be/ojtJc7Jn_qU5: https://youtu.be/wAWIQ0z96-s6: https://youtu.be/uxYMfMZf-q47: https://youtu.be/c8OT3imyoXw8: https://youtu.be/e_sMj_q2gY89: https://youtu.be/HMpClxX8Lgo10 : https://youtu.be/Cq8g7kbEMLkChapters 00:00 – Intro00:38 – Ep 1 | HAYLEE02:12 – Ep 2 | SHANTEL03:35 – Ep 3 | SIMONE07:41 – Ep 4 | ELISE11:07 – Ep 5 | JAICKO14:40 – Ep 6 | SCRATCH MASTER16:21 – Ep 7 | BUGGIE20:10 – Ep 8 | Gov. DANNY22:47 – Ep 9 | AKHNEIL26:13 – Ep 10 | JUS JAY28:19 – Conclusion 🎬
Kaddesh shares his personal journey, business ventures, and reflections on life. He discusses the challenges of parenting, the importance of respect over love, and the struggles men face in expressing emotions. The conversation also touches upon societal perceptions, racial classism in Barbados, and the impact of his upbringing on his identity and choices, highlighting his dedication to personal growth and generational well-being.
Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
01:53 - Intro
02:20 - Welcome
15:16 - Growing Up in a Black Household
25:57 - Cultural Effects
48:02 - Staying True
1:27:57 - Gem Pull
1:30:47 - Final Piece of Advice
Nikita | Taking Back My Power | S5E6
Nikita, a Barbadian singer and radio host, where she reflects on her musical journey and personal growth. She discusses her upbringing in a musical family and the pressures of the industry, including experiences with rejection based on appearance. Nikita shares her decision to step away from radio and emphasizing the importance of self-care and overcoming internal struggles. The interview also touches on her advocacy for female empowerment in the music industry, highlighting the Fem initiative she leads to support other women artists.
Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
02:56 - Intro
03:23 - Welcome
04:13 - How We Met
07:02 - Singing from the Soul
07:35 - Musical Family
11:30 - How Are U?
12:57 - Running
14:07 - Nikita Sings
16:31 - Mixture of Sounds
19:23 - Music Is Not Enough
24:13 - Rejection
25:50 - Trip to Trinidad
30:33 - I Am Not Enough
34:07 - Take Back Your Power
37:43 - Job on Slam
44:19 - Walked Away
48:49 - Praying Through Pain
50:06 - Motherhood
52:28 - Who Pours Into You?
59:25 - Forgiveness
1:01:09 - Sons
1:03:21 - Healing
1:05:25 - Le Fem
1:09:02 - On the Lighter Side
1:12:32 - Gem Pull
Russell Grant, a prominent figure in Barbados's marketing, event production, and cultural scene. The conversation covers Grant's diverse background, including his brief career as an aircraft mechanic before pursuing his passion for events. Grant discusses the origins and evolution of his company, Event Hub, which began by building event infrastructure to reduce rental costs and has expanded into providing various event necessities like tents. He emphasizes the satisfaction he gains from creating enjoyable experiences for others and shares insights into the challenges of event promotion, such as managing high costs, securing human resources, and the importance of listening to feedback. The discussion also touches on the differences between Barbadian and international event scenes, the challenges of the pandemic on the industry, and Grant's motivation, primarily his daughters, for continuing in his demanding career.
Chapters:
00:00 - Teaser
01:24 - Intro
01:51 - Welcome
02:43 - Aircraft Mechanic
04:18 - The Beginning of a New Journey
08:25 - Starting the Event Company
11:10 - Pain But Passion
15:53 - Event Production
21:56 - Event Expenses
25:29 - The Experience
29:43 - Hennessy Artistry
31:45 - Marketing
35:03 - Source of Inspiration
39:17 - Proud Moment
40:42 - Crossfit
42:53 - State of Mind
49:06 - Advice for Young Promoters
50:20 - Being a Girl Dad
51:52 - Gem Pull
52:36 - What's Next
57:14 - Listening to Feedback
59:39 - First Impression
1:03:30 - Last Words
Kim Angoy is the embodiment of working hard for the life you want. Her lifelong love of art has led to a creative professional path from working as an interior designer to founding one of Barbados’ most recognisable swimwear brands, Suga Apple Swim. Having grown up working various jobs within her family's businesses, Kim developed a deep work ethic and a clear understanding of what it takes to run an enterprise. She credits her family's unwavering support as part of her success, acknowledging the village that helped raise and guide her throughout her journey. Kim applies the village mentality to her business, emphasising collaboration and trusting other Bajan creatives’ input in bringing her visions to life.
Her family’s influence also shaped her personal life. Kim loves being a mom to her two boys and a wife to her husband of 14 years. She ensures her family comes first, regardless of the professional ventures she undertakes. This is a major life lesson she learned from her late father, a remarkable man who continues to be her hero and role model.
Tune in for an episode chock-full of gems where we discuss the importance of preparation in managing a work-life balance, not living in fear of what you want in life, and how her brand has become synonymous with empowering women.
Follow Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimangoy/
Follow Suga Apple Swim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugaappleswim/
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This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
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Damian has earned an impressive list of accolades throughout his career, including:
•
Caribbean Chef of the Year 2016
•
Barbados Chef of the Year 2016 and 2018
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Seafood Chef of the Year 2017
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BHTA Pastry Chef 2019
•
NIFA Chef of the Year 2016
A pioneer in Caribbean cuisine, Damian's journey began as a troubled student at St. Michael's school, where a Food and Nutrition class unexpectedly sparked his culinary passion. His supportive teacher's belief in him proved transformative.
After studying abroad, he started at The Cliff restaurant handling basic prep work, learning the value of earning respect from the ground up. His career flourished with the opening of Cocktail Kitchen, where he prioritizes hiring local culinary students.
As a feature chef at the Food and Rum Festival since 2017, he promotes Barbados alongside renowned chefs who inspired him. Despite his success, he stays grounded - admitting to loving chicken nuggets and being candid about kitchen pressures and holiday sacrifices.
Known for his shy nature and authentic Barbadian accent, Damian remains true to himself. He's now expanding his horizons with a new Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion restaurant, while advocating for aspiring chefs to understand both the passion and sacrifices required in the culinary world.
His story exemplifies how determination, humility, and staying authentic can transform a challenging start into culinary excellence.
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This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
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Faith Callender has taken the Caribbean music industry by storm. For the last ten years, she has worked tirelessly cultivating her sound and talent, evolving into a charismatic performer on and off the stage. Her bold fashion style makes a head-to-toe statement, meticulously curated from striking hairstyles to artfully polished nails and flawless makeup. Faith’s career has fueled her love of travel, allowing her to share her passion for soca music and representing Barbados anywhere she goes. In 2024, she was nominated for and performed at the Caribbean Music Awards and garnered another nomination in 2025. Faith's success is a testament to the value of hard work, and her efforts have clearly not been in vain.
While her hard work has brought about significant recognition, the journey hasn't been without challenges and occasional scrutiny. Struggling with the limitations that come with being an artist in the Caribbean, Faith has had to keep faith in herself, her support system, and God to keep her grounded. Through being intentional with her life and practicing self-reflection, she has been able to remain unapologetic about her work and way of life. Faith continues to be an example for others to stay true to themselves and put their all behind anything they do.
In this episode, we discuss finding confidence, trusting the process, and some of Faith’s favourite books that helped elevate her mindset.
Follow Faith on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/faithcallender/
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Chapters
00:00 Trailer
01:37 Intro
02:05 Welcome, Family
09:52 Balancing Business
22:29 Staying Driven
29:21 Finding Joy
36:40 The Power Behind It
45:21 Having Different Perspectives
56:24 New Gem Dropping
58:05 What's Next?
As the Queen of Soca, Alison Hinds needs no introduction. Her pitch-perfect vocals have continuously enriched the genre since the 1980s and her zestful live performances can energize any fete. Her time in the iconic band Square One helped mould her as an artist and performer, working with a shared determination to bring an unforgettable experience into any studio, club, or stage they stepped on. After decades of significantly contributing to the music industry, particularly in the field of soca, Alison was awarded an honorary Doctor of Letters degree from the University of the West Indies as well as the Elite Icon Award by the Caribbean Music Awards.
But becoming a queen is no easy feat. Being naturally introverted, Alison had to venture out of her comfort zone to learn the value and strength of having confidence in what you do. As a working mother traveling the world, a significant amount of family time was traded for the exhilarating reality of a global career, further showcasing Alison’s unwavering commitment to her dreams. Her years of dedication and sacrifice have taught her invaluable lessons that she openly shares with others. Working as an activist and motivational speaker, Alison inspires people around the world, particularly women and girls, to remain dedicated to their journey and to always stay true to your heritage. Because no matter where she may roam, Alison always reps her island home.
Tune in for an episode full of laughs, nostalgia, and learn which of Alison’s songs is one of Rihanna’s all-time favourites.
Follow Alison Hinds on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alisonhinds/
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A candid conversation between Alex Jordan and Matthew of "Gems From Friends" during a season break. They reflect on the impact of a previous episode, discussing its resonance with viewers, particularly women, on topics like aging, race, and societal pressures. The discussion then broadens to critique social media's negative influence, especially on youth and body image, drawing parallels to addiction and a loss of real-world engagement. They also analyze cultural issues in Barbados, including dietary habits and a car-centric lifestyle, contrasting it with healthier approaches. Ultimately, the conversation touches on parenting in the digital age and concludes with a celebration of Barbadian culture and personal joy.
When Last has there been a deejay, event promoter, graphic artist, and record producer all rolled into one? Jus Jay King has taken the world by storm releasing hit after hit and producing some of the biggest events in Barbados and across the globe. Always going against the grain, Jus Jay kept his Mind Off naysayers and pursued his own unique path. Dancing and singing at school pageants was the start of his creative journey and the development of his musicality. Transitioning to deejaying went hand-in-hand with event promotion and his skills as a graphic artist. From there, Jus Jay’s musical mastery naturally progressed to producing original music, pioneering a new sound for soca.
Despite having performed for large crowds and collaborating with some of the region's most celebrated artistes, anxiety has been a constant presence throughout Jus Jay’s journey. However, learning to relax in the moment and genuinely loving the creative process helps him stay centered and cope with any Brain Freeze he may have. He emphasizes to his mentees that genuine enthusiasm is crucial for success; do things for the right reason and make sure your heart is in it.
Tune in for the final episode of Season 4 where we discuss the importance of staying curious in your journey, the inspiration Jus Jay finds in Rihanna, and why he’s ready to say Bye x2 to deejaying.
Follow Jus Jay on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jusjayking/
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With titles like actor, singer, stylist, motivational speaker, social media star, and CEO of multiple businesses, Ahknaten Burrowes is a creative entrepreneur magnate with an unmatched confidence. He has grown his brand to be synonymous with quality and luxury by being intentional with his goals and rising above any hurdle that comes his way. And no matter what avenue Akhnaten goes down, he continues to bring others with him, uplifting and inspiring other creatives and community members.
Akhnaten attributes his continual success and growth to God's favor. Through divine grace and protection, he has been able to stay focused on his path and develop a purpose that extends beyond just himself. Akhnaten continues to be a living source of encouragement, reminding us to always strive for personal excellence. His biggest fulfillment comes from collaboration and helping others. He believes that surrounding yourself with people who understand your passion and support your personal journey will help keep you grounded and focused on your goals - especially in moments of crisis.
Join us in this motivational episode where we discuss obedience and faith, growth through discomfort, and Akhnaten’s journey to becoming the Bajan Tyler Perry.
Follow Akhnaten on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/akhnatenburrowes/
Check out his concierge business ToniAnn Lifestyle Services: https://www.instagram.com/toniannlifestyleservices/
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Dr Kevin Greenidge is an inspiration to Barbadians everywhere. His ability to dream carried him throughout his career, from starting as an intern at the bank almost 30 years ago to becoming the Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados. Nevertheless, the road to the governorship was not a smooth path. Dr. Greenidge persevered in his academic pursuits, working various jobs in between obtaining his degrees, to ensure his education matched the standard of his aspirations. With each job he had, whether it was teaching, selling insurance, or fixing phones at the telephone company, Dr Greenidge aspired to do more. Once he found his passion in economics, he pursued it with relentless ambition.
But before he was Dr Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank, he was just Kevin, a young boy growing up in a children’s home. Yet, he never let his background hold him back. He believes you have to embrace your past, go for what you want, and cultivate the boldness needed to get through life. Above all else, keep your ability to dream and nourish your inner desire to widen your horizons.
Tune in to this engaging episode where Dr Greenidge discusses the importance of finding your passion, nurturing your dreams, and working hard to achieve them.
Follow Dr Greenidge on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/drkevingreenidge/
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It's impossible to think of reggae in Barbados without thinking of Buggy Nhakente. Dedicated to music since childhood, he has continuously worked towards becoming the best artist he could be. Growing up influenced by Bajan legends like Lil Rick, Peter Ram, and Shakey Ranks, Buggy was able to develop a voice that captures audiences and conscious lyrics that inspire listeners. His collaborative spirit contributed to his learning from every band or crew he was a part of. Going against the status quo, his band was able to bring about a new sound and transform Barbados’ club scene.
By staying curious and open to discussion, Buggy has been able to travel the world and work with reggae legends like Sizzla, Queen Ifrica, and Buju Banton, to name a few. He believes that putting yourself out there and getting advice from the right people can help push you forward. Additionally, Buggy says an artist must be intentional with their work, practicing skills every day to get where they want to go. Buggy stands on respecting your craft and connecting with people along your journey.
Tune in to hear about Buggy’s progression as an artist, the importance of being open to all types of feedback, and the story about the cruellest boo he’s ever experienced.
Follow Buggy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/buggynhakente/
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Scratch Master is an embodiment of his name. His knowledge and understanding of music go beyond the average deejay, from expertly crafting mixes for daily enjoyment to electrifying live sets at parties worldwide. He has worked with legends in the industry such as Machel Montano, Bunji Garland, and Problem Child, engineering albums and bringing us some of our favourite songs to have on repeat. His versatility continues beyond the turntables and into radio where Scratch is a program director for stations in Barbados, Grenada, and St Vincent. But becoming a master deejay and radio personality didn’t happen overnight.
Scratch is a lifelong learner, constantly striving to hone his craft. He discusses the benefits of being teachable as a deejay, adapting sets based on crowd responses and being in control of the music. He also talks about the importance of mental preparation and how it can affect a deejay’s performance. Scratch believes there is a right and a wrong way to do things and thinks people should embrace their mistakes in order to grow and become the best version of themselves.
Tune in to this episode to hear Scratch Master’s journey through radio, deejaying, event producing, and mentoring our very own DJ Puffy.
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Growing up surrounded by music watching his father play in the popular Bajan band 4D People, Jaicko Lawrence knew from a young age that he wanted to pursue music professionally. Learning everything he could about music and production from his dad and other local legends, Jaicko was able to hone his pen and his craft. By seventeen, he was signed to a major record label and released his first debut album. However, the shift from regular life to artist life was not without difficulties - especially when it came to ego.
In this episode, Jaicko candidly speaks about his journey as a young star on the rise and how he navigated through a dark period of unexpected loss and transitions. He talks about why it matters to change your environment to match your level of growth and the significance of listening to those who know you best. Tune in to hear how a radical encounter with Jesus motivated Jaicko to follow his true path, solidifying a purposeful sense of direction and leading him to find peace.
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