Sheena Lambert, the owner of Seafood Shack Barbados, a popular beachside food establishment. The interview charts Lambert's career journey, beginning with her first business, a clothing store called Glam by Glamorous, and detailing the organic creation of Seafood Shack after a personal craving led to overwhelming customer demand. Lambert discusses the challenges of pivoting her business during a time when her first venture was draining resources, the importance of manifesting and focusing to secure her desired beach location, and the personal development necessary for leadership, including overcoming past mistakes like time served in prison. Finally, she shares details about the Seafood Shack's growth into a major brand with multiple locations and a new sub-brand called Shakos, while also emphasizing her focus on providing a full and positive customer experience.
Sean Field, an actor and creative director. The discussion spans Field's life, beginning with his childhood and moves between Barbados and the United States, his initial entrepreneurial ventures in Barbados selling veggie burgers and windchimes, and his eventual career in design, advertising, and acting in New York and Los Angeles, including his experience on the film Hancock. A significant portion of the conversation focuses on Field's personal challenges, including a kidney cancer diagnosis and the recent loss of his mother, leading to reflections on resilience, mental health (especially for Black men), the importance of seizing opportunities, and the need for creatives in the Caribbean to value their work in the "show business" industry.
The interview features Chef P, a Barbadian-American culinary artist, discussing his journey and philosophy behind his innovative Afro-Caribbean cuisine and his new Blackstar Barbados initiative. He recounts his early days as a DJ and how that passion for entertainment now influences his culinary approach, emphasizing the creation of a holistic dining experience rooted in Caribbean culture and rhythms. Chef P also shares his vision for empowering local talent by providing resources and education through his non-profit, advocating for a shift from Eurocentric influences to showcasing Barbados's rich indigenous ingredients and traditions. The conversation further explores his personal growth, the importance of self-investment, resilience in overcoming business challenges, and his dedication to his family as a driving force behind his ambitious projects.
We’re taking *Gems from Friends* on the road across Barbados—literally picking up past guests and continuing the conversation where we left off. In this special “Puffy Road Trip” episode, Puffy and Matthew Fewwture pull back the curtain on the so-called glamorous DJ life: sleepless nights, constant travel, and the real sacrifices behind the spotlight. It’s unfiltered, honest, and built for anyone who thinks success is all confetti.
Riding in the brand-new 2025 Deepal electric from Inchcape Barbados, we geek out on Wi-Fi, a full moon roof, slick touch controls—and why Puffy is proudly pro-EV. Between laughs and raw moments, we dive into identity-shaping decisions, like skipping Crop Over to headline a major Toronto day club (“legacy over hype”), redefining success as quieter, strategic wins, and pushing Caribbean culture worldwide.
We also get into what people often miss about the craft—Puffy’s two-year Las Vegas residency, global tours across Asia and Europe, and why DJing is more than “playing other people’s music”: it’s designing an experience. Plus: rapid-fire personality picks (signature “Corus” sparkling rum punch), dream final gig (in a tux at the Grammys), opening-credits anthem (“Reindependent”), and the ever-relatable guilty pleasure—sleep.
Highlights
* The real trade-offs behind the “glamorous” DJ grind
* The 2025 Deepal EV ride-along: features, feel, and future
* Skipping Crop Over for a legacy move in Toronto
* Vegas residency, global tours, and creative respect
* Community questions that go deep on identity and growth
This Episode:
Made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados.
An interview with Chef Lisa Springer, also known as Chef Pows, owner of Wing Hut, a restaurant that recently reopened at a new location in Hayman's Market. The host of the "Gems From Friends" channel, Matthew, surprises Lisa with a gift from iShop Sheraton Barbados for her new establishment. Lisa shares her journey as an entrepreneur, discussing the challenges and inspirations behind reopening Wing Hut, including balancing motherhood with business ownership and the importance of patience and community support. She also highlights Wing Hut's unique gamification concept that engages customers and expresses her gratitude to her husband, family, and other key individuals who have supported her entrepreneurial endeavors.
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.
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
#GemsFromFriends
This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
Gratitude 🙏🏽
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/
💎
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
#GemsFromFriends
This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
Gratitude 🙏🏽
💎
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
•
Seafood Chef of the Year 2017
•
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.
💎
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
Gratitude 🙏🏽
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/
💎
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
#GemsFromFriends
This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados
Gratitude 🙏🏽
💎
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/
💎
SPONSOR INFO HERE????
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
#GemsFromFriends
Gratitude 🙏🏽
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/
💎
JOIN US IN GEM CITY 💎🌆 for exclusive content and access to a network designed to help you build your business and achieve success: https://gemcity.app/invitation?code=CDB425
💎
Support the podcast via Buy Me a Coffee ☕https://buymeacoffee.com/fewwture
Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe
Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/
#GemsFromFriends
Gratitude 🙏🏽
