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This week on the Island Woman Podcast, I’m thrilled to bring you a powerful conversation with the wonderful Karin Wilson Edmonds, the founder of Bloom, a thriving online wellness membership specifically for women over 40.

Chapters:
00:00 Introduction to Caribbean Women Founders
02:19 Building Community as an Entrepreneur
05:05 Transitioning from Corporate to Wellness Coaching
09:49 Adapting to Change: The Impact of COVID-19
13:39 The Evolution of Bloom: A Wellness Community
18:27 Menopause and Its Economic Impact on Women
22:33 Ambition vs. Wellbeing: Finding Balance
26:24 Advice for Aspiring Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs

Karin, who joins us from Jamaica, perfectly embodies our season’s mandate: exploring how Caribbean women can maximise their contribution to regional economic development while protecting their well-being. A former corporate professional and consultant, Karin’s wellness-driven decision to spend less time “hunched over a laptop” set the stage for a massive career pivot over 15 years ago. She became a Yoga/Pilates Teacher and later a Certified Wellness Coach.

In this must-watch episode, we unpack Karin’s journey from the high-pressure corporate and consulting environment to creating a path for a successful Online Wellness Empire.

We discuss:
🌺 An Unexpected Opportunity to Scale: How the COVID-19 pandemic catalysed Karin’s business from local to global.
🌺 The Intentional Living Mandate: The personal challenges that jump-started her new career in wellness.
🌺 The Core Questions: The non-negotiable advice she gives to every Caribbean woman entrepreneur: You must first answer, “What life do you want?” and “What’s your risk tolerance?”

If you are a Caribbean woman founder scaling a business, or simply striving for intentional living, this episode with Karin Wilson Edmonds is for you.

🔗 Connect with Karin Wilson Edmonds
web🌐karinyogalife.com
Instagram, Facebook & YouTube: @KarinYogaLife

SUBSCRIBE to the Island Woman Podcast for more game-changing conversations about Caribbean leadership, wellness, and global entrepreneurship!

#IslandWomanPodcast #CaribbeanFounder #OnlineWellnessEmpire #WomenInWellness #IntentionalLiving #CaribbeanLeadership #KarinWilsonEdmonds

This episode takes you through my personal experience covering the GUBA Awards Barbados 2025. I walk you through the Trade and Investment Conference, the GUBA Award Show, and the moments that stood out to me throughout the weekend. I also reflect on what it means to reach one year and fifty episodes of Behind the Mic, and how the growth, the lessons, and the gratitude from this season continue to shape the show.

Featured Quote:

“I have to actually acknowledge that I’m living through history right now, presently right in front of me.” – Wize Grazette

Chapters:

01:27 GUBA Awards Recap
05:05 Snippet of Lady Dentaa’s Opening Remarks at the Trade and Investment Conference
06:51 Wize Shares Thanks
08:22 Introducing REVOLT Art Fair: The Limited Podcast Series

Credits:
Hosted by Wize Grazette
Edited by Storytime Studios

I’m thrilled to share this conversation with a woman who is the absolute embodiment of purpose-driven leadership: Anushka Varsha Sonai.
Anuskha joins us from Suriname, where she is driving digital transformation across the region as the President of Creative Tech Hub Caribbean and the American Chamber of Commerce, Suriname.

I have been impressed and inspired by her since we first met, and her accomplishments speak for themselves—from winning the prestigious Anthony Sabga Caribbean Excellence Award to receiving a nomination for the Women in Tech Global Leadership Award.

In this episode, we uncover an essential blueprint for true Caribbean economic development, a plan that must be led by Women, Alliances, Talent, and Technology.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction to Anushka Varsha Sonai
02:54 The Caribbean Survival Kit for Women Entrepreneurs
07:23 The Role of Women in Shaping the Caribbean’s Future
12:38 The Importance of Competence and Ambition
20:41 Anushka’s Journey Beyond Leadership
24:45 Balancing Ambition and Well-being
30:18 Creative Tech Hub: A New Business Model

🔑 The Blueprint for Caribbean Growth
Anushka reveals her unique vision for how women can maximise their contribution to regional economic development while still maintaining a purpose-driven vision for their own wellbeing.

Women as Drivers: Anushka strongly asserts that women are not beneficiaries of development; they are the drivers of economic expansion. She shares compelling data that links the development of women to 30% less poverty in the region.

Talent Retention & Brain Drain: We discuss her core mission to create “better futures” at home to halt the flow of people leaving the Caribbean, ensuring our talent is retained to build sustainable businesses.

Alliances over Division: She shares a unique call to action for Caribbean leaders, emphasising the need to move from “playing the victim card” to “speaking from strength” by actively building powerful alliances and an inclusive private sector ecosystem.

From Consumptive to Productive: Learn how Creative Tech Hub is leveraging technology and workforce development to strategically pivot the region from a consumer-based economy to a productive, digital-first industry.
If you’re interested in genuine Caribbean leadership, women in tech, or the strategy behind regional development, this episode is your roadmap.

📲 Connect with Anushka & Creative Tech Hub Caribbean
Creative Tech Hub Caribbean: creativetechhub.online
Connect with Anushka: (Search for Anushka Varsha Sonai on LinkedIn)

If this episode inspired you to think bigger about Caribbean development, please:

👉🏾Like this video, Subscribe to the Island Woman podcast channel
👉🏾Share this blueprint with a friend! Let’s build a stronger Caribbean together.

#CaribbeanGrowth #WomenInLeadership #DigitalTransformation #TalentRetention #EconomicExpansion #IslandWomanPodcast #CaribbeanWomen

Sober Soldiers, for this Sunlight Raise The Bar edition, we tapped in with K.Keed; one of the rawest, most fearless young voices shaping the new wave of SA hip hop.

We got into her journey, her sound, the courage it takes to stand out, and the hunger that’s been pushing her forward from day one. She spoke on growth and what it means to build your own lane while still showing love to the culture.

It’s a conversation packed with honesty, ambition, and real “raise the bar” energy. Tap in and witness the rise.

https://www.sunlight.co.za/raise-the-bar.html

Caribbean woman entrepreneur Karen Philip, Founder of Kainos Caribbean Consulting and a respected social development specialist, is my guest on this week’s episode. Karen shares her journey and the mission behind Kainos, which is to help non-governmental organisations “Do Good Better” through better systems, better measurement of impact and better grant writing – otherwise known as strategic capacity building and resource mobilisation in sector jargon. We discuss what it truly means to be a “do-gooder” and entrepreneur in the Caribbean development sector.

The Unsung Leaders: We confront the societal oversight that often undervalues the labour of women leaders in civil society. Karen and I discuss why it’s imperative to reward and invest in the Caribbean Women who are the very potters shaping our communities, recognising that their economic empowerment has a magnificent ripple effect.

📑Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Karen Philip and Her Work
05:20 The Importance of Alignment and Boundaries
07:19 Understanding Social Development and Capacity Building
11:59 Empowering Women in Civil Society
17:48 Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
26:38 Advice for Caribbean Women Founders

💡Takeaways:

– Your assignment is determined by your alignment.
– If you cannot measure it, you cannot manage it.
– You need to have boundaries to protect your well-being.
– Caribbean voices must be at the forefront of development.
– Women in civil society are crucial for economic growth.
– It’s okay to pause and reassess your goals.
– Empowerment has a ripple effect in communities.
– Formalizing and valuing invisible labor is essential.
– Your network should support your mission and goals.
– Consistency means not giving up, even if you pause.

👉🏾This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in Caribbean social impact, economic development, and understanding how women lead with both passion and strategic clarity. Karen highlights the fact that empowered Caribbean Women are the drivers of poverty reduction and community growth.

🫱🏾‍🫲🏽Connect with Karen Philip & Kainos Caribbean Consulting:

Website: KainosCaribbean.com
LinkedIn: @Karen Philip & @ Kainos Caribbean
Instagram: @kainos.caribbean
YouTube: @KainosCaribbean

If you enjoyed this conversation, please share it with a friend, leave a comment, or give us a thumbs up! It helps us bring more beautiful voices to the fore.

Learn more about my business Dianne N Squires Consulting
Website: diannensquires.com

#CaribbeanWomenLeaders #SocialImpact #CaribbeanSocialImpact #IslandWomanPodcast #HowWomenLead #Entrepreneurship #CivilSociety #grantwriting

There is a spark you feel the moment someone is built for the mic, and DJ Tricey Trice brings that spark from the second she sits down. In this episode of Behind the Mic, we tap into the fire, the discipline, and the joy that turn her sports commentary into a daily pulse check for fans. From recording on a $40 dollar webcam in her kitchen to hosting The Post Up on REVOLT, Tricey’s rise is a blueprint in hustle and heart.

💽 B Sides Track of the Week

DJ Tricey Trice’s picks: Cardi B Better Than You and Megan Thee Stallion Monday Morning Freestyle.

⁠B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify⁠ – https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx?si=Els–8meT_esd-obiIs16w
⁠B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on YouTube – ⁠https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOCTSuUwMT0fHHhB6oPtaEYyTh2OWq7zY

Featured Quote:

“If I want something, it’s no person, place or thing that can stop me from getting that.”

Chapters:
00:42 Meet Introduction: DJ Tricey Trice
02:49 B Sides Track of the Week
06:07 Growing Up in Chicago and Sports Memories
16:06 Discovering the Illusion of TV
18:39 Passion for Sports and Entrepreneurship
24:01 Rapid Fire: This or That?

If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe to Behind the Mic on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and YouTube, and leave a five star review so more listeners can find the show.

Follow DJ Tricey Trice

Instagram and all platforms: @DJTriceyTrice

Credits
Behind the Mic: Hosted by Wize Grazette.
Edited and produced by Storytime Studios.

On this week’s episode, I chat with my best friend of 30 years, Kim C. Butcher, founder of lifestyle brand, Okoye by Kim, and a powerhouse Caribbean entrepreneur, cultural strategist, and festival producer.

We talk about how Kim blends sustainable fashion, cultural storytelling, and entrepreneurship to create impact for Caribbean women.

We explore:
– The story behind VEX Money and the Catch Mi Hand Grant – products and programs run through Okoye By Kim that empower women financially and culturally.

– Kim’s journey balancing ambition, well-being, and legacy-building.

– Insights on Caribbean women in business, creating community, and leaving lasting impact in culture, commerce, and sustainability.

– Practical advice for female entrepreneurs navigating challenges while making economic and social impact.

Chapters:

00:00 Introduction to Kim C. Butcher
03:31 Survival Kit for Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs
06:52 Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
09:52 The Drive Behind Kim’s Work
12:49 Okoye by Kim: A Lifestyle Brand
15:44 Empowering Women Through Financial Independence
19:00 Advice for Aspiring Female Entrepreneurs
21:37 The Impact of Women on Economic Growth
24:43 Conclusion and Contact Information
26:32 Podcast outro.mp4

Whether you’re a Caribbean woman entrepreneur, a culture enthusiast, or looking for inspiration to turn your passion into purpose, this episode is for you.

🔗 Connect with Kim C. Butcher / Okoye by Kim:
Website: okoyebykim.com
Email: kim@okoyebykim.com
LinkedIn: @Kim Butcher
Instagram / Facebook: @OkoyeByKim
Tel: 1 (246) 266-0779

🎧 Watch/listen to more episodes of the Island Woman Podcast for stories, insights, and inspiration from Caribbean women shaping culture, business, and community.

If you liked this episode, you may also like – Caribbean Women Founders’ Survival Kit: Guts & Gumption is #1 (Tanja Gittens) – https://youtu.be/B7Ovs_mq_-w?si=lR-iSmziPrGhlzsm

#CaribbeanEntrepreneur #WomenInBusiness #OkoyeByKim #IslandWomanPodcast #CulturalStorytelling #SustainableFashion #WomenEmpowerment #CaribbeanBusiness

For this special Sunlight Raise The Bar edition, we sat down with Rouge; one of the sharpest voices in South African hip hop and a force who’s constantly redefining what it means to rise.

We spoke about her journey, the grind behind the glow, and how she continues to carve out space for herself while uplifting others in the game. From bars to branding, balance to belief; Rouge dropped real gems on what it takes to keep raising the bar.

This one’s for those chasing growth and staying true to their craft. Tap in and catch the shine. Click on the link below for more info and how you can win your share of some dope prizes

https://www.sunlight.co.za/raise-the-bar.html

This season on the Island Woman podcast, I’m talking to Caribbean women founders, industry experts and thought leaders about how we can make maximum economic impact and protect our health and wellbeing.

Joining me in the season premiere is Tanja Gittens, chartered accountant, global nomad, budget guru and author of the book “Living Loud on a Budget: Authentic Financial Living”. Tanja has officially retired from the corporate world to build the Living Loud on a Budget™ brand. She talks candidly about:

➡️ Why guts and gumption, not qualifications or experience, form the number #1 power package for Caribbean Women entrepreneurs
➡️ How she took the unconventional nomad path while being a practising chartered accountant
➡️ Financial wellness, health and healing trauma to live out loud
➡️ Merging personal experiences, beliefs and professional skills to build a brand
➡️ The scale of her level of ambition and personal well-being
➡️ Prioritising health and wellbeing on the career path
➡️ Living out loud
➡️ Her advice for other Caribbean founders (having an emergency fund and more)

00:00 Empowering Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs
02:33 The Importance of Guts and Gumption
04:59 Breaking the Mould of Traditional Accounting
09:30 Choosing the Unconventional Path
14:52 Building a Brand: Living Loud on a Budget™
19:30 Understanding Emotional Spending and Cultural Influences
24:45 Balancing Ambition and Well-Being
27:35 Advice for Aspiring Caribbean Women Entrepreneurs
32:03 Defining Living Out Loud
35:30 Final notes
36:10 Podcast outro

#IslandWomanPodcast #Caribbeanwomenentrepreneurs #CaribbeanWomenFounders #financialwellness #livingoutloud #financialwellness #gutsandgumption #CaribbeanEntrepreneur

In this episode of Behind the Mic, I sit down with Dr. Kevin Greenidge, Governor of the Central Bank of Barbados and GUBA Vanguard Award nominee, to explore his extraordinary journey from humble beginnings to national leadership. We talk about his belief that purpose and vision can transform lives, the economic turnaround of Barbados through the BERT program, and the role of innovation in shaping the island’s financial future. Dr. Greenidge also shares insight on the orange economy, the upcoming BIM Pay system, and how creativity and culture can drive true economic growth.

B-Sides Track of the Week: Hero by Mariah Carey — a song that reminds us that everything we need to rise above life’s challenges already exists within us.

💽 Listen to our B-Sides Track of the Week playlist on Spotify or YouTube:
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2EysXGOWrzoQ3Zmp34VWLx
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLOCTSuUwMT0fHHhB6oPtaEYyTh2OWq7zY

Quote: “We are very rich culturally. We are rich in talent. But we have yet to become rich from culture and to become rich from our talent.”

Chapters

01:24 Meet Dr. Kevin Greenidge
02:14 B-Sides Track of the Week
05:38 Being Nominated for the GUBA Vanguard Award
22:13 The Power of the Orange Economy
24:49 The Financial Transformation with BIM Pay

Follow Behind the Mic wherever you listen to podcasts, and don’t forget to
subscribe on YouTube for more stories of vision, culture, and transformation.

Credits: Hosted by Wize Grazette. Edited and produced by Storytime Studios.