In this episode, Mervin discusses with Dionne Chamberlain (Ph.D.), a bold and determined business owner who has mastered her consulting and motivational speaking skills. Gain wisdom and inspiration from Dionne herself, as she shares about the entrepreneurial mindset, self-development, and challenging self-doubt in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 13: “Creating a Meaningful and Impactful Space for Yourself as an Entrepreneur”
Dionne Chamberlain (Ph.D.) is an accomplished consultant who has gone from being employed by others to starting her own business and making an astonishing difference in the lives of her clients. With over twenty (20) years of experience as a consultant and a motivational speaker with her company, Dionne is the Managing Director and Lead Trainer of Chamberlain Consulting. In addition, she has attained her Master of Business Administration in Global Management as well as a Ph.D.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Al Obando, a pioneer of the music industry of Belize. Al shares with us how the country has evolved musically along with options for additional exposure for new and emerging artists in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 12: “Owning Your Identity and Investing in Your Culture.”
Al Obando is best described as an icon in the music industry of Belize and is nothing short of a pioneer in his niche. He is an integral member of the famous Garifuna Collective and has benefited the music industry for over thirty-three (33) years. Al is all about putting Belize on the map through music, promoting the diversity that the nation has to offer, and creating a name for the country he calls home.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Ashle Renee, a musician at heart and a singer and songwriter by profession. Ashle shares her journey as a Gospel Artist and how she has found her space in the music business in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 11: “Finding Your Voice in the Business World.”
Ashle Renee is a Kingdom Music Maker with a unique sound! She is well known for her musical career as a successful singer and songwriter. As an artist, Ashle is fueled by her faith and uses her musical platform to praise God Her passion for music coupled with determination and the encouragement of her loved ones has the artist ultimately found her niche in the music industry.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Kendra Griffith, a pioneer in the skincare industry in Belize. Kendra is the founder & owner of Hello Body Belize, a health & beauty company that offers skincare and aromatherapy products. Kendra shares her journey with battling eczema, finding a natural holistic solution for herself and others with similar skin conditions, and how that led to the birth of her business. Discover the success story of how Kendra transformed a problematic skin condition into a thriving business in this segment on Creative Monday Discussion, Season 5 Episode 10: "Transforming Problems into Profit."
Kendra Griffith is Belize’s leading pioneer in skincare, with a full line of skincare products ranging from cleansers to scrubs and salves. Her business, “Hello Body”, has become well known for its product quality and effectiveness, and Kendra has mastered her craft of creating solutions for skincare problems. The business focuses on providing natural and organic skincare remedies, specializing in Eczema. Hello Body came to life due to Kendra’s own struggle with skincare after being diagnosed with Eczema. Upon diagnosis, she soon realized that there were little to no adequate results from the highly recommended pharmaceutical and commercial skincare products. With the help and motivation of family and friends, she was able to develop and launch her first products, starting a business that has since greatly expanded. Kendra is also now exporting her products to countries such as Taiwan and the United States. She continues to remain humble in her business venture as she accredits a great deal of her success to the support of her Belizean community. In addition to her belief that the support of the local community aids in the success of a business, Kendra also believes in the importance of business owners and entrepreneurs being able to assist each other and succeed together.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Rita Mbanga, Producer at Sunrise Productions, as she shares her journey as a producer of animated feature films and discusses healthy working environments in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 8: "People Over Product: The Importance of Investing in Relationships”
ABOUT RITA MBANGA
Rita has substantial working experience at Sunrise Productions where she has earned the position of a Producer for the past twenty (20) years. Sunrise Productions produces animations, tv shows, feature films, commercials, and documentaries. They are a very well-known company, known for their different starting point being based in Zimbabwe, Africa, and for the diversity offered by the company. The company originally started with stock motion animated feature films before venturing into 3D as technology progressed. Currently, the company is working on 2 major animation films, being: “The Story of David” (biblical) and “Jungle Beat Movie 2”, both of which are highly anticipated to be crowd-pleasers.
In addition, Rita highlights transitioning from a different field of work where she earned her Bachelor's Degree in Mass Communications, Angelo State University, to actually working for an entertainment company, and doing so successfully. She also reveals the lows and highs that the company has faced, adding how they have managed to encounter and overcome adversities. Rita delves into the importance of specialization and knowing how to properly value your employees whilst also bringing them to add value to the company. Also, Rita shares her love for her job as it aids in bringing people together regardless of age gaps, gender, race etc.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Andrea Rodriguez — Belizean author, speaker, show host, and entrepreneur. Andrea shares how she incorporates her beliefs and culture into her business ventures in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 8: “Devoted and Driven: Dis da fi WE Business Journey to Success”.
ABOUT ANDREA RODRIGUEZ
Some love to read, while others love to write. Andrea Rodriguez is an author at heart and by profession, writing to motivate her readers and provide them with devotions, guides, and inspiration for a successful business and personal life. Though in her youth she was disheartened by feedback from peers and teachers, accused of plagiarism, and told that her writing was too advanced for her age, she rose above the circumstances and continued to strive for excellence. Andrea overcame the shadow of criticism, and with the reassurance of her family, she now lives a life full of purpose. Their constant support convinced her that she could be the accomplished author she is today.
Throughout her career, Andrea has worn several hats. Apart from being an author, she is also a business owner, speaker, and show host. Currently, she is the founder and owner of two business ventures, “Woman Devoted” and “Kuchriments”. In addition to the successful publication of her devotional, Andrea has also issued “Kriol” calendars and agendas, along with merchandise and various other projects including an incredible blog.
In this episode, Mervin discusses with Abner Murillo, founder and owner of TMT Distributors Company and Lock N’ Loaded, as he shares his journey of seizing opportunities and building two successful businesses. Learn how ambition and perseverance formed the foundation of Abner’s success in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 7: "Becoming a Fully Locked and Loaded Business Owner”.
Abner’s story starts with humble beginnings in Belize and has developed into a success story of a thriving young entrepreneur. From an early age, Abner believed that once a business opportunity presents itself, it must be taken. As a budding entrepreneur, Abner has grasped every opportunity with both hands. He recalls his journey in business beginning in his early years in elementary school, where he would purchase stickers and candies, reselling them to his classmates to make a profit. This aptitude for business and entrepreneurial ambition has now evolved into the success he is today, as he is now the founder and owner of two thriving businesses. Lock N’ Loaded, his Firearms Dealership, currently has three (3) branches across Belize and is becoming a prosperous, expanding business. His second business, TMT Distributors Company, also had humble beginnings and has now flourished into a tremendous success. Along with business partners, through TMT Distributors Company Abner has been able to branch out to the smartphone industry in larger markets such as China, Dubai, and Hong Kong.
In this episode, Mervin discusses how to balance business and wellness with Carla Mendoza Landero, the founder, and director of Naturalean Belize. Carla has transitioned from teaching about Food and Nutrition to now having the perfect program for you to create an effective balance in your personal life and professional career path — both mentally and physically.
Carla is a strong-minded individual who exudes confidence as she proactively advocates the importance of having a healthier mind, body, and soul through a holistic approach provided by her business. She is the owner and founder of NaturalLean Belize, which is a business supporting physical, mental, and spiritual health, from the inside out. Promoting clean eating and positive lifestyles, Carla specializes in weight loss and improving client confidence. Her business, NaturalLean, was developed based on a journey of her own through which she was able to successfully transform her physical and mental health. Carla believes in the importance of finding balance in life, both personal and professional. Through her business, she acts as a coach and motivator to her clients who she forms healthy business relationships with — which aids in the success of each client’s individual growth as well as the continued success of her growing business.
In this episode, Mervin discusses the importance of technology in business with Karina Bol, the founder, and director of Giggedbz. Ltd. Currently based in Tawain, Karina has several years of experience and exposure to international markets and is here to delve into the importance of businesses having an online presence. Join us to learn more in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 5: "Bringing Technology to the Service Industry in Belize”
Karina is proudly Belizean and has furthered her education in Taiwan, where she now resides. There, she has been exposed to the various advantages of technology in business, specifically for service providers. Now, Karina’s mission is to bring this advantage to businesses in Belize. As the founder and director of Giggedbz Ltd, she has created a platform that focuses on offering service providers more options to earn an income online by connecting on a local, regional, and international basis. To add a bit of insight to Karina’s background, she has noted that she grew up in a humble and hardworking home, with both parents being in the service providers' business realm. In addition, she is one of six siblings and as such was driven to find alternate means, apart from her parents, in order to further her education. Karina was able to accomplish this great feat through scholarships and being employed while attending school. Her most recent academic accomplishment is earning her Master of Business Administration Degree, Ming Chuan University, after having earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting at the University of Belize. Through Karina’s exposure and experiences gained, she seeks to assist Belizean service providers in making their skills well known to the public locally, regionally, and internationally — helping entrepreneurs and businesses alike earn a steady source of income through the proper utilization of her incredible platform.
In this episode, Mervin speaks with Edwina Delmaore, the founder of Carib Invest TV. As an entrepreneur, speaker, and project manager, Edwina also holds expertise in Banking, Logistics and Supply Chain, and the Technology Payment Industry. She has over fifteen (15) years of experience and is here to advise you on key aspects of the startup journey for your business venture on this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion, Season 5 Episode 4: "Developing Startups and Uniting the Caribbean Diaspora.”
Edwina is an ambitious business owner who is deeply rooted in her origins and cultural heritage. As a self–driven leader, Edwina believes strongly in paving the path for future generations as well as encouraging the younger generations to coach their elders on modernity and coping in today’s society. Edwina also focuses on the further development of startup businesses in the Caribbean region, as this is her place of origin. Currently, she is invested in the success and longevity of her business, Carib Invest TV. Her channel focuses on educating its viewers about the journey of startups, practicality in the workplace, the importance of self-motivated employees, and using social media, streaming, etc. to your advantage. In addition to investing in herself and her business, Edwina boasts over fifteen (15) years in the Banking, Logistics and Supply Chain, and Technology Payment Industry. By profession, she is now an accomplished Project Manager, Finance Specialist, Speaker, and Columnist. To add to her long list of accomplishments, she has also attained certifications in the Finance field and attended a course in relation to International and Intercultural Communication.
In this episode, Mervin speaks with Lucien Dawson Fitzgerald, founder of L. Fitzgerald Marketing + Events and a prominent solution-based strategic marketer. Join us to learn more about key business practices and balancing wellness and success in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion, Season 5 Episode 3: "Is a Balanced Life Equivalent to a Balanced Business?"
Lucien is a very solution-based individual, and when the right solutions didn’t come knocking at his door, he opened his own doors. He is a firm believer that good leadership, great communication, listening skills, and creativity are the driving factors of having a successful business. L. Fitzgerald Marketing + Events is a marketing company founded by Lucien, which focuses on marketing, communications, and event planning. It is established to support companies through digital marketing initiatives, communications strategy, graphic design, event production, and multimedia production. Through this business, he is able to showcase the importance of communication and the Power of the “Why” philosophy, as well as its effectiveness in business.
Due to the pandemic, Lucien was motivated to completely rebrand his business in order to better serve his customers and market his services. Needless to say, customer satisfaction is a key factor in Lucien’s business as he often gauges success by client satisfaction. Apart from being a full-time entrepreneur, Lucien also holds the position of a Marketing Coordinator at RF&G Insurance Company Ltd. He has also accomplished a lot in his previous work experience, as it has been stated that he assisted in paving the way in establishing a Marketing Department at St. John’s Credit Union, served as a focal point for a rebranding project at the Business Restoration Committee, as well as served on the National Task Force for Financial Literacy and on the Steering Committee of the Father Marion Ganey Quiz Contest with the Belize Credit Union League.
In this episode, Mervin speaks with Clara Jane Plett, owner of Shining Star Health Center, to discuss her journey to becoming a business owner whilst balancing being a full-time mother and wife. Let’s explore the greatness which can be found with a holistic lifestyle and natural remedies in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 2: “Women in Business: Driven by Passion, Defying All Odds”
Clara is an incredible businesswoman who has transformed her life and that of countless others by transitioning from a housewife into a successful entrepreneur. It has been said that if God calls you to do something, there is no fighting it — it will eventually consume you and become your passion. Clara is no exception! Since childhood, Clara was passionate about healthcare. She recalls being that person her peers could run to with any medical issues. After many years, she has now turned that passion into a flourishing business.
Clara believes that holistic and natural forms of treatment should be the first option before one turns to pharmaceutical remedies. She has spent years building and networking with other individuals who are doctors by profession, such as neurologists and oncologists, to aid in perfecting her craft and the effectiveness of the products sold by her business. Clara is now the owner of Shining Star Health Center, a clinic-based on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through proper diet, exercise, rest, and healthy relationships as well as healing illnesses through holistic and natural remedies.
In this episode, Mervin talks with Tamara Mon Louis, founder of Monivan Digital Marketing Solutions and a Digital Marketing Strategist extraordinaire, as she discusses the impact digital marketing can have on entrepreneurs, as well as small and medium-sized businesses. Get the do’s and don’ts of digital marketing from Tamara herself in this segment of the Creative Monday Discussion Show, Season 5 Episode 1: "Digital Marketing: Increasing Profits by Simplifying and Demystifying Your Online Approach”.
Tamara is a vibrant Trinidadian woman, who has gone from watching entrepreneurs on the television to becoming an entrepreneur herself, and a successful one at that. She believes and is guided by the mantra that we need to “work smartly, not work hard”. This is a concept that most modern entrepreneurs could relate to, due to the advanced arenas required to start up, market, and manage businesses, navigating them in a profitable direction. Now based in the United States, Tamara is the founder of Monivan Digital Marketing Solutions, and has contributed greatly to the public education of digital marketing through the Clubhouse Show with a series entitled “Top 7 Digital Marketing Trends at 7”. The series showcased three hundred sixty-five (365) episodes in its first season, through which Tamara and her team provided tips and steps to take as entrepreneurs to excel in digital marketing and ultimately in their businesses.
Most businesses don’t possess a deeper understanding of sustainability. From a broader perspective, a sustainable company is one whose purpose and actions are equally grounded in financial, environmental, and social concerns.
In this episode, Mervin spoke with growth & innovation coach, Dr. Tamu Browne about sustainable business models to adapt at different stages of your business growth. Dr. Tamu expanded on how to transition your business for growth, leveraging networks, and tips for building your network. Dr. Tamu explains examples of cultural norms that diminish networking. The conversation transitions to discussing how to set goals that are contextually relevant.
Dr. Tamu works at the intersection of education and entrepreneurship as the founder of Innovative Education and Training Solutions and Coaching by Tamu. Coaching by Tamu is the entrepreneurship education component of Tamu’s ventures focused on guiding Caribbean female entrepreneurs to create and effectively manage high-growth, scalable, and innovative ventures. Tamu received her Doctorate in 2018 in Technology Entrepreneurship, having researched strategies that minority female founders use to receive venture capital funding for technology companies.
Our mindset is the underlying mechanism that can expose opportunities and ignite our ambition, engaging our faculties in ways that enable us to flourish and thrive. An entrepreneurial mindset is a specific set of beliefs, knowledge, and thought processes that drive entrepreneurial behavior. An entrepreneurial mindset can be developed and enhanced through entrepreneurial experiences.
In this episode, Mervin will speak with vision builder, Dana Hayes-Burke. Dana is a strategic planner who loves helping men and women create the map to their vision destination. She focuses on helping micro and small business owners build strong businesses with the capacity to generate big business bucks. Dana Hayes-Burke talks about her journey of starting her business, Who is the Vision Builder, and Building a business that works for us. Ms. Hayes-Burkes expands on having the right business model, Understanding your values and aligning those with your business and The 3 levels every business should aim to reach
In this episode, Mervin will speak to Author and entrepreneur Zach Windahl who has helped thousands of people better understand the Bible and grow closer to God through his company, The Brand Sunday. He's the author of several books, including The Bible Study, Launches with God, and the Best Season Planner. You hear as Zach shares about his experiences that shifted his perspective of life, how he Re-discovering his faith and purpose. Defining purpose and finding it within yourself and differentiating between passion and purpose and much more.
Click here to watch the video for this episode.
In this episode, Mervin will speak to Dr. Maurilee Young a Healthcare Program Navigator, and associate guest Dr. Laura Friesen, a primary care provider, about their experience in Prioritizing Mental Health in professional pursuits as well as available resources in Belize for those seeking help. Learn about Dr. Maurilee’s educational journey, how she created a support system as well as maintained healthy relationships during her years of study. Dr. Maurilee spoke about her exposure to principles and lessons of business and how that impacted her.
Some Key takeaways include
Dr. Laura joined the discussion for the last segment of the show to share resources available for Belizeans seeking help. She also gave additional insight for those with varying mental health conditions.
In this episode, Mervin will speak to communications specialist Tessa Drayton to establish exactly what a crisis management plan is, what its essential components are, and why YOU need a crisis management plan today. You will hear about the 3 stages of risk management, classifying risks by likelihood and impact level, creating a risk assessment list, how to share your crisis plan within your organization, and much more
Tessa Drayton is a communication professional and entrepreneur. She has considerable expertise in public relations and has received academic and professional qualifications, garnering credentials in communication studies, management, and corporate risk and crisis. She believes in upholding integrity in whatever she does and is committed to her mantra to be of service to people in need in any part of the world.
In this episode, Mervin will speak to Ronelli Requena of Zayvha Saria about her personal & entrepreneurial journey that led her to where she is at now in her life & career; her YLAI experience, and lessons learned. Her perspective on how COVID positioned her to innovate, adjust and expand her services. She will give insights on how she overcame the impostor syndrome and embrace her unique greatness; finally, they will talk about her products, services & the project she was a part of that took the traditional Maya embroidery and merged it with modern design; giving many Mayan women employment.
Ronelli Requena is a twenty-seven-year-old, self-taught Belizean designer and fashion consultant. She is the owner and fashion designer of the clothing company, Zayvha Sarai. She has been designing custom pieces for the past five years.
After pursuing her degree in Biology and working an eight-to-five job in that field she decided that was not the life she wanted. She wanted to build something for herself that would allow her to freely express her imagination and creativity. She resigned from her job and became her own boss. In 2019 she officially launched the Zayvha Sarai brand and the first Bridal Studio in Belize. She has built a good reputation for producing well-tailored and affordable gowns for brides all over the country. She is constantly pushing for the growth of the fashion industry in Belize. She has invested in networking with other designers, doing fashion consultancy, learning, and sharing her knowledge on new cutting-edge techniques in fashion. She remains driven by her purpose to grow the Belizean fashion scene and to continue to provide the best service to her client at home and abroad.
Watch the video for this episode: https://creativemondayshow.com/episode-46-embracing-my-greatness-with-ronelli-requena/
This episode is our entrepreneurial spotlight segment. In this episode, Mervin speaks with Hannah Smith & Paul Smith of Loaves as well as Sherwyn Williams of Gospel Music Buzz. Loaves is an at-home bakery that takes pride in creating a “taste of home” in every product made. Loaves offer a variety of baked goods, from loaf bread to delicious pineapple swirls. The Gospel Music Buzz is a premier faith-based marketing and media platform that implements proven strategies to help brands reach their maximum potential by way of promotion, consulting, digital content creation, interviews, or event coverage.
Watch the full video of this episode here: https://creativemondayshow.com/episode-45-entrepreneurial-spotlight-with-hannah-smith-sherwyn-williams/
