Caribbean American Heritage Month: 5 Women Who Founded Brands and Companies That Benefit Us
Artwork by @__ess.ess done exclusively for Caribbean Collective Magazine
written by Suhana Rampersad
President Biden officially announced the month of June as National Caribbean American Heritage Month. The proclamation came on June 1, 2021 and Biden had the following to say:
“Caribbean Americans have made our country more innovative and more prosperous; they have enriched our Nation’s arts and culture, our public institutions, and our economy. I am honored to celebrate this National Caribbean-American Heritage Month alongside Caribbean-American barrier-breaking public servants in my Administration — including Vice President Kamala Harris, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro Mayorkas, Secretary of Education Miguel Cardona, and Domestic Policy Advisor Susan Rice — all of whom continue to be sources of pride and inspiration for Caribbean Americans across the country.”
In honor of the month we’re presenting five women who have founded brands that represent and benefit the West Indian community. While each represents a different industry, island and region there is one common theme --they are making an impact in our community.
Shelley Worrell is the founder of caribBeing and Little Caribbean NYC. caribBeing is a platform that celebrates Caribbean artists and businesses on a global scale. Little Caribbean NYC highlights Caribbean-owned businesses in Brooklyn’s famous Caribbean neighborhood. caribBeing is described as “working at the intersection of culture x community x commerce.”
Most notably, Worrell was also a big part of New York’s naming of One Love Little Caribbean Day which was officialized on June 17, 2021. Worrell is a community leader of both Afro and Indo Trinidadian heritage who champions the Caribbean diaspora of New York City. She has created spaces for West Indian businesses and artists.
2. Wanda Tima
Whenda “Wanda” Tima is the founder of L'Union Suite and The Haitian American, platforms that highlight Haitian American lifestyle, business and entertainment. Since 2011, L’Union Suite has been a progressive cultural hub and news source for Haitian-Americans, helping 10 million visitors per week stay up to date with Haitian society. The Haitian American blog empowers the community by sharing stories of Haitian excellence.
Raised in South Florida feeling disconnected from her roots, Tima’s goal is to connect with other Haitian-Americans and educate about her culture and people. She was featured in Forbes Magazine as one of Ten Haitian Entrepreneurs Helping to Reinvent Their Nation.
[Additional Read: Black HERstory Month: 5 Caribbean Women Who Paved the Way]
Krystal Persaud found success on ABC’s “Shark Tank.” Persaud is the founder of Grouphug Solar, an innovative technology company making solar energy accessible, appealing and stylish. With eight years of experience in the technology industry, Persaud created the first-ever solar panels that double as home decor.
Raised in New Jersey as the child of Guyanese immigrants, Persaud invented her cutting-edge solar panel design while living in an NYC apartment. Catering to the conscious consumer, Grouphug Solar offers your own miniature solar panels that hang in the window as decor and charge mobile devices. Persaud’s brand is environmentally friendly, promoting renewable energy. She was featured on Shark Tank and even made a deal with business mogul, Mark Cuban.
Calibe Thompson is the Co-Founder and Executive Director of Island SPACE Caribbean Museum, located in Plantation, Florida. The museum brings new meaning to ‘taking up space’ in its mission to house and preserve Caribbean art, historical artifacts and cultural relics within the US. Island SPACE is “dedicated to the development and advancement of arts, culture, history, and educational initiatives that represent the Caribbean region,” and welcomes visitors to learn about Caribbean-American ancestry.
Thompson is a Jamaican-American who wears the hats of producer, director, columnist, public-speaker and many more. Her media company, Blondie Ras Productions produces West Indian lifestyle content to promote cultural appreciation and diversity. As Co-Founder of Island SPACE, Thompson’s goal is to continue creating programs as well as high quality representation for the Caribbean community.
5. Shan Boody
Sex can be a taboo topic in West Indian households. Shan Boody is a certified intimacy educator who teaches women sexual competence and confidence. No topic is off-limit when it comes to sex education with Boody. Questions many are too afraid or ashamed to ask are brought to light and discussed in an informative way. Boody incorporates psychology in many of her discussions. She is also author of “The Game of Desire: 5 Surprising Secrets to Dating with Dominance —and Getting What You Want.” Check out her YouTube channel below.
These five women entrepreneurs have created spaces for West Indian women. Some have even taken on traditionally male-dominated industries. As Caribbean American Heritage Month comes to an end, we recognize the growing number of West Indian women creatives and entrepreneurs who are building and growing brands that benefit and empower women.
