Sunbeam Chats

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Today, I’m joined on the Sunbeam Chats Podcast by a woman whose words celebrate love, identity, and the beauty of the Caribbean islands. Kimolisa Mings is an Author from Antigua who has been writing and self-publishing since 2012.

In this conversation we chat about her love for books, writing and romance. From her studies in Fashion to creating stories in writing, we chat about the  journey, what inspires her stories and how she weaves the rhythms of Caribbean life into her fiction. 

Kimolisa spoke about how she discovered self publishing and book formatting. Where she helps Authors by taking the raw hopefully (edited) manuscript and then prepares or typeset it to get it ready for publishing on kindles, eBooks and other platforms as required.  

We talk about the types of books she has written, at first they were of various genres. Then Kimolisa looked at it with a business mindset, that is from the perspective of what is popular, accessible and can be relatable based on identity. 

She then discovered BWWM (Black Women, White Men) romance which was is popular genre of books. She then honed her writing skills in this subject matter, and based on feedback started writing her romance stories rooted in the Caribbean as its background. 

We discussed the desire for love, couplehood, interracial couples, and the dynamics of attraction between men and women. Also about privilege and identity when choosing a mate from both the female and male ideology.  

We talk about the affect that the fantasy of romance stories can have on or influence women's desires when looking for love, thereby making it unrealistic. At the same time romance books as a genre can be a source of escape for women. Kimolisa said that women should have the "Grace to discover the Fantasy of Love." 

Kimolisa talks about the business of writing, which has to be a balance between the author's joy from doing it and the business of being an Author. She talks about the challenges as a Black Romance Author; she understands that people of other races may not read her books, thereby resulting in less sales and notoriety. 

Niche genres, translates into if publishers will take books which are not marketable based on sales projections. The caveat is that there is self publishing where Authors publish their own stories for their audience, to tell the stories within their hearts. 

After the book is written what is next? We chat about book publishing which involves a lot of marketing. This is very important and can be done not just at the end of the process, but before during and after the book release. 

Kimolisa talks about the books she is finishing and stories still to be written. Her advice to Caribbean writers is - don't expect to get rich from writing and try to get a balance between what you want to write and what readers what to read. 

For first time writers, understand the genre you want to get into and what you want from this experience; be it to write a book for self satisfaction or to publish and generate some income. This will help writers manage their  expectations so they won't be crushed and never write again  

We talk about bookish content, events and creating the space for readers to connect; like book clubs, reading parties etc. We agreed that it is a good thing when readers meet to share our love for reading and to make space for people within the Community,  

Kimolisa's story is still being written - she has explored a range of genres, from poetry, mystery to romance, but her heart lies in telling Black Caribbean love stories. 

As she beautifully puts it, every Caribbean woman deserves a happily ever after. 

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This episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast is dedicated to our Jamaican Caribbean brothers and sisters. In this conversation I had a chat with a pioneer and icon in the Wellness space in Jamaica. 

Sharon Feanny, is an entrepreneur, author and certified yoga teacher, she  sits at the helm of a purpose-driven enterprise that bridges the gap between wellness and entrepreneurship. 

We talk about her beautiful home of Jamaica, career, life, businesses,  brands, her book Live Fit Kitchen and the movement she started in wellness in Kingston and Montego Bay. 

Sharon spoke about her discovery of Yoga, fitness, nutrition and wellness and what inspired her to follow this path. Which led her to Hawaii to study from a Yoga Master about the practice, raw foods, meditation and tai chi. She then worked as a Assistant Spa Director in Ocho Rios and then in Corporate in Tourism at the Sandals Group.

After which she pivoted back to her love of wellness, and became a Yoga teacher, created a line of Aromatherapy oils called "Starfish Oils"  a successful business venture shipping products across the Caribbean. 

We spoke about the creation of Shakti Yoga Center/Shakti Mind Body Fitness and then Shakit Activation, a lifestyle transformation space and program that merged yoga, clean eating, meditation, and group accountability into a replicable scalable product and lifestyle. 

Sharon spoke about the challenges of building and managing a lifestyle wellness business in that period. She said as an entrepreneur you have to know when and how to pivot, take risks and venture into new opportunities when presented. Which can help grow, differentiate and elevate your business.   

We discussed eating healthy foods and proper nutrition for the body. Sharon gave some tips, and spoke about how some foods like sugar, dairy, wheat and alcohol can affect our bodies. She spoke about oil pulling and the creation of her business venture, a line of Jamaican-made cold-pressed coconut oils. 

Sharon spoke about what led to the evolution and creation of her book Live Fit Kitchen, a plant-based cookbook that extended her wellness lifestyle teachings into the culinary space. The book is full of healthy recipes to keep us fit, full of vitality and living well. She also gave us a glimpse of a day/week in the life of Sharon, which involved mindfulness, eating healthy, exercise and managing her businesses. 

One of her most impactful recent ventures is the Radiant Aging Program, designed to support women navigating midlife transitions such as Menopause. Sharon spoke about her own experience with Meno-pause and how she has learnt to manage her life and this change in her body. 

Her Radiant Aging Program is a six-week integrative program that combines hormone-balancing nutrition, movement, detoxing, and self-care rituals. It is designed to help women on this journey.  

When asked what is next, Sharon said that she is listening, and waiting to see where she will be led. She likes the quote "be pulled by that which you truly love" Rumi, which acts as a guide for her to find out what is next.  

When asked what does radiant living mean to her, Sharon said radiant  living is about being in good health, which is different for everyone. So find out what you like, be active, be confident in yourself, own your mess and greatness and find inner peace and with those around you.

Care for your body inside out, be spiritually connected to the divine and stand in you power. 

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On this episode of Sunbeam Chats, I am chatting Brittney O. Nadur-
Alexander, BSc, MEd, a Mental Health Guidance Specialist  and Meditation Guide from Trinidad and Tobago. She is also the host of her Podcast The Safe Zone, where she continues to champion mental and emotional well-being.

In this conversation, Brittney shares about her life, why she studied Criminology and Psychology, and because of a series of personal experiences she decided to focus on Psychology. In the early years, she started her career by teaching Guidance for young girls and then expanded her private practice to Guided Meditation. 

We spoke about her passion and purpose for her practice. She said that generally there is a lack of awareness about mental health, and people are not given enough tools and education, which would allow them to navigate life successfully. 

We discussed her Podcast The Safe Zone and what constitutes a "safe space"  for people and also for couples. Brittney said that there are professional safe spaces guided by qualified practitioners, and the other option is by talking to a trusted person. They however must be non- judgmental and practice confidentiality. They should also be in a position of "power" to give advice.  

Can couples become a safe space for each other? Yes it is possible, however Brittney said the individuals in the relationship should have self awareness and be developed. They should not take things personally but understand they are both a work in progress. She said "whatever you don't resolve personally, it will show up in your relationships". Couples counselling can also be a good tool to help. 

When asked what is Mental Health and how persons can protect it.  Brittney said it is about general wellbeing. There is always a root cause that something is connected to your self-esteem. Mental Health, is also your ability to deal with various types of trauma and resolve things of your past. It is about managing healthy relationships of all kinds, emotional intelligence, and controlling your emotions. 

Brittney said happiness is an emotion which comes and goes. Effective mental health helps you to be flexible to manage emotions, increase your tolerance for stress and to identify your triggers. She said people must implement things in their lives which can pour into them and not take away.  

People must know what their authentic self means and understand that authenticity comes with a cost, that you will disappoint someone. Therefore  have  internal boundaries with yourself and others. 

People must also create a capacity for rejection and then show up in your daily roles and responsibilities. Brittney also spoke about the benefits of physical activities which aids in good mental health.  

We delve into the world of Meditation, which Brittney said is "anything you do with your full awareness". Activities like sports, exercise, painting, playing games, crosswords etc., because you are focusing on that act in the moment and not the troubling issues.

Brittney then spoke about Guided Meditations administered by experts, like chanting, guided scan, mindfulness mediation, sensory meditation, breath work, breathing exercise and stillness. 

Her advice to practice good mental health and mindful living is to adopt healthy choices like those recommended above, which don't always feel good, but will help us live our best lives and thrive. 

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In this episode of the Podcast, I am chatting with Dr. Tamu Browne, a visionary leader and entrepreneur from the Caribbean. She holds a Doctorate in Technology and Entrepreneurship, and is committed to fostering innovation and growth.

In this conversation we chat about her studies, career in Automotive Arts, a Lecturer and her work in the US and beyond. Tamu said, that while she had a day job, she also developed her side businesses, which fueled her passion for entrepreneurship. 

She spoke about her company Innovative Education and Training Solutions,  which was designed to help primarily women who were at various stages in their life. Women who could not complete the highest level of education, but with her services, it would enable them to gain better work or business opportunities. 

In her High Growth Entrepreneurship Program, Tamu talks about the types of women she targets. Their business must foster innovation, speed of growth and have a footprint in the region or internationally. These women want to reposition their business to grow, and build an enterprises not just a business. 

Tamu spoke about the courses in the accelerator, which cater for different needs and leveling up the business. She spoke about pathways to grow by accessing financing in the region, beyond VC funding. Which is for most entrepreneurs in the region limited, because of the business structure. 

She spoke about the sector of beauty, fashion and tech, where businesses are growing rapidly. Also those women who are transitioning from Consultancy and reframing that, to enter the Green and Climate space are experiencing high growth.  She said being a Consultant is not having a business, to be an entrepreneur you have to create something. You can be a business person but not an entrepreneur. 

Tamu said she likes to work with women who push boundaries and innovate. Those in professionals spaces who create thought leadership frameworks and monetize that to foster high growth businesses; by capitalizing on their intellectual input and capacity. 

We spoke about the Orange Economy and creative entrepreneurship. Tamu gives her perspective about the state of the space, misconceptions and even some controversial or different views. She said that the elements of high growth entrepreneurship does not change, because everyone true entrepreneur is a creative. Tamu said that in this new world everyone has to be a creator to survive. 

We discussed the fact that creatives have to build their businesses just like in other sectors. They should not be enabled by repeated Grants, easy funding, and perhaps the cycle of prize money given to them through annual cultural competitions, which exists in the Caribbean region. There has to be a shift in thinking, creatives must understand that their artistry is a business. 

Tamu spoke about the challenges Female Founders face; like less diverse, strategic and smaller networks which limits growth. She spoke about networking - strong and weak ties and its importance to business. Women must be more intentional about networking. 

Tamu said that a women's mindset about business must change, they must be open to risk taking, use tech and more. She stresses that innovation does not have a clear path and that uncertainty and risk are necessary for innovation. 

For Females Founders she said "you deserve the grace that you give others. It's not about the length of the journey but have the journey, and the outcome will be achieved. Don't be afraid.  

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In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I’m so excited to welcome Scarlet Ibis James, a vibrant contemporary author, storyteller, and cultural voice. 

Born in Trinidad and Tobago, with roots that stretch through St. Croix and now firmly planted in New York City. Scarlet is the author of the acclaimed short story collection Scarlet Yearnings: Stories of Love and Desire and the powerful novella Scarlet Birthright: What They Left Behind. She’s also a 2025 Finalist for the American Legacy Book Awards in Multicultural Fiction.

In today’s conversation, we spoke about her journey from the Caribbean to the U.S., her career, how she started writing, what inspires her stories, love, relationships, "daddy issues" and her experience as an author navigating marketing her books, book tours and beyond.

Scarlet started writing in 2022 and shares about her process for writing, her first fiction where she started writing on her website and on Medium. We  discussed prompts and how this resource helped her writing and ignited her imagination to write the stories, in the first instance in Scarlet Yearnings.  

We discussed yearnings and how do we unearth our deep desires, the power of hugs and touch; how it soothes the soul and is an act of love. Scarlet said that unearthing your desires comes from self-awareness, being tuned in with who you are, meditation, reflection, finding the time to step out of the grind, guided practice, or even seeking therapy and counsel. 

We chat about the book Scarlet Birthright and what inspired this book, which went deeper into some of the hurt she held, reflections, meeting of self in some ways, reclaiming what may be lost, releasing hurt and the reality that art and writing can be therapy.   

She also discussed what she is  currently working on and her many awards,  and how she feels about her journey as an Author. Scarlet said she loves it more than the awards, when people positively receive and can relate to her books.

Scarlet spoke about self-publishing, connecting with other authors, the community and navigating her way in the publishing ecosystem to pitch and promote her books. She said as an Author you have to advocate for yourself and put yourself and books out there.  

Scarlet in the City - She shared a bit about her life in the US, meeting her husband the "meet cute" which was full of "drama", but love found its way to her. She spoke fondly about what she likes about city life, love and her peaceful life of joy in NYC. 

Scarlet talks about her coming home to the land of her birth Trinidad & Tobago, her book tour and what persons can experience at each location. 

She ends by sharing, if you feel inspired to write - do it, but get it edited. She said put it out there it does not have to be perfect, but be generous and get your story out.   

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In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast I’m thrilled to chat with a woman whose story is all about courage, creativity, and reinvention. Simone Brown is the Founder of CSpot Sip n Paint, a creative hub that has been inspiring people in Trinidad and beyond for over a decade.

In this conversation, Simone shares how she left the fast-paced world of corporate and agency life, to follow her passion and build a sustainable business that makes art accessible to everyone. 

She talks about the discovery of her creative soul, honing her artistic skills, working in the industry and eventually starting CSpot. She discussed how she built this creative business from scratch; promoting it, building a clientele and  taking leaps of faith to grow the business and more. 

Simone shares about the joy she gets from observing the impact painting has on persons within the space. She has fond memories of CSpot being a place of fun, for couples, love blooming, engagements and more. 

We spoke about the impact that being only online immersed in the digital world and on social media, is having on kids and even adults.  Unfortunately it is  "diminishing" our creative soul and expressions as human beings. 

Simone spoke about some of her future plans for CSpot and the creative experiences she will curate. Also about the services offered, she indicated that they will happily customize event experiences for persons and clients. 

When asked what feeds her Soul, Simone shared that she explores many areas of art like making beads and other activities, but always with a glass of wine. 

What is instore for the future of CSpot, Simone said she is not in the business of doing the normal, after all she is the pioneer of Sip and Paint in T&T. She is exploring different formats and integrating various genres of art. 

This is truly a story of blooming where you are planted. Simone is not a follower and she is on a mission to chart new territories, and for this we have great expectations. 

She ends by saying this path she is on is no longer her passion but her vocation; and encourages us to tap into our creative side and creative soul. 

CSpot Sip n Paint 

CSpot, has sparked a creative movement, reminding us that nurturing our artistic side isn’t just about painting, it’s about personal growth, connection, and holistic living.

This year, Simone is celebrating an incredible 10-year milestone, a testament to her resilience, innovation, and the power of the creative economy right here in the Caribbean.

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Is there a Cheat Code for Life? Perhaps there is, in this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting with Justin Collymore, an Entrepreneur and Founder of Vesta Senior Care Ltd. He holds a BA in Psychology from the University of Miami and an MSc in Organizational Psychology from City University
London.

In this conversation we chat about his studies in psychology, career which spans roles in sales, HR, creative ventures and his discovery and interest in psychology  Which is simply the study and understanding of the mind, emotions, behavior and mechanisms of oneself and that of people,

We then spoke about Wayward Apparel  his creative business venture and his Podcast T&T Unpacked; what inspired it and the intention. Justin spoke about some of the guests on the show and how it served to showcase aspects of the culture of Trinidad & Tobago, and created a platform for knowledge sharing for the listeners. 

Justin then shares the origin story of how Vesta Care was started, in 2021.  It is  a company dedicated to providing quality caregiver services for the elderly. He spoke about the services they offer, how they work with clients and their caregivers.

We discussed what gives Vesta the edge. Justin said that their strategic and careful approach to recruiting and working with caregivers, is key. They also take great pains to match caregivers with the right clients, which is critical for providing this type of personal service.  Especially when operating and working in people's home. This is what makes them unique and sets them apart. 

We talked about how Psychology can help us live. Justin spoke about the Wheel of Life, which is a powerful tool for assessing & balancing different life areas to achieve personal harmony. He said it is therefore important to invest in ourselves, to fuel and feed all aspects; because we cannot pour from an empty cup. 

How can we become happy? Justin spoke about the quest to find happiness and the pursuit of things that may bring us joy. He recommends and advocates for the value of exploration to try new things. Which can unearth hidden desires and help us challenge our own limiting beliefs about ourselves. 

We spoke about what the future may hold for him; his goals for Vesta Care and the plans for his life. Justin, desires to continue to pursue his passions, break barriers, explore his creative side and intentionally curate a balanced life. 

What is the Cheat Code for life? Justin said that self awareness is invaluable, and the greatest tool in life is our mind and brain. He says we must seek to get the best out of ourselves, to keep learning and being a student of life. 

Justin said, keep exploring, to remove any shackles that may limit us so that we can break free to flourish and thrive. 

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In this conversation of the Podcast, we are talking about career pivots, globe trotting for work, angel investing, telecoms, empowering female entrepreneurs, building personal equity, social fluency, ecosystem diversity and more. 

My guest is Meg Charles is an Attorney, Angel Investor, Executive and the Co-
Founder and Equity Partner of Basswood Counsel PLLC. She is also the Founder of Root to Rise. 

Meg shares about her law studies, profession and work in the exciting world of  telecommunications, tech and mobile sector. Which afforded her the opportunity to travel the world to places in the US, UK, Europe and Asia. 

We chat about her working in 19 countries in 2 1/2 years. Her wanderlust ways, where she got to expand her work experience and explore the cultures of other countries. 

Meg lived in London, India and Stockholm, where she was exposed to Startups and its culture. She also lived in Manila, Philippines where she was worked and advised Startups and entrepreneurs.  

Meg spoke about Angel Investing, and how she got into this sector; the opportunities that exist, working with entrepreneurs, and when is the best time to "get in" to invest, which is usually at the early stage. 

She talks about being the only black and black female associate working in firms while on her way to making partner. Working long hours, having to be perfect and producing to stay ahead. 

Meg spoke about  "the costs" that came with living the life she had, and that the transition into advising and other career shifts she made, allowed her to become "her" and to become free. 

She chats about the company Basswood Counsel, how the Attorneys relooked the law profession and designed a Company which was more in line with their core values, evolution and consciousness.  

She spoke about the concept of personal equity. Which encourages us to identify our natural attributes, which is what people will say about us. It is also the things that make us unique. From this we can operate and evolve into our best self. 

She talks about social fluency and the strategic deployment of social capital, which is about being authentic when we show up, to connect with people honestly. This can propel persons forward both professionally and personally.  

We chat about Root to Rise, the Vision - is dedicated to creating pathways to freedom through entrepreneurship and enabling visionaries to build purpose-driven businesses on their own terms and create generational wealth.

Root to Rise, develops programs and communities. It focuses on women of color from other professions who want to become entrepreneurs. 

Her intention is to help women in the business space; understand their personal equity, which may mean decommissioning from the corporate life and to use all the other tools to navigate this new life. 

Meg, talks about the power to manage your natural attribute; managing yourself, feeding your soul, recharging. She says that staying small is not an option. 

We must engage in ecosystem diversity and develop social capital. She asks do people remember you when you walk into rooms and spaces? We must authentically orchestrate strategic visibility to network effectively.   

Lastly, Meg gives some advice for women transitioning from Corporate, professionals or career shifts into entrepreneurship and how this can help them navigate the phases in their life to survive and then thrive. 

Meg says "we only have one life and we need to live it at highest potential. 

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In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting with Rawle Annandsingh an entrepreneur, venture capitalist, and a Director of
Founder Institute Caribbean, the world’s largest pre-seed startup accelerator. 

We talk about Rawle's studies, career trajectory and entrepreneurial journey; which began at a young age, leading his family’s automotive business before he later branched out into many ventures across multiple industries. 

We spoke about his ventures which earned international recognition; the food tourism startup TravelMeetEat was named a Top Startup by the UN World Tourism Organization and his AdTech company Tychon which gained acceptance into the prestigious Techstars accelerator.

Rawle talks about his passion for entrepreneurship and work with Caribbean Dragons; the goal was to create an enabling ecosystem for entrepreneurs in Trinidad & Tobago and the region. He then shares about his epiphany as it relates to where his passions lie and the shift he made to pursue projects that feed his soul and nurture his calling. 

Rawle unpacks for us about the world of venture capitalism, raising capital and  dealing with Venture Capitalist, plus the types of Founders that exists. He identifies the types of business that are most likely to attract funding.  

He mentions the types of investors; Venture Capitalist (VC), Angel Investors and Friends and Families, and what most VCs look for. 

He discusses what are lifestyle businesses, which are mainly businesses people start and manage for daily living to support their lives and family.  However to attract VC investment, your company must have potential to generate millions and billions. 

Rawle talks about the characteristics investors examine and look for in startups. Which are the Founding team, the problem being solved (big addressable market) and the solution (does it have a mote) what makes it unique or special. As in it should not be easily replicated. 

Rawle talks about how Venture Capitalism works; they are "money managers", who invest money into Founders and businesses. It is a high risk and potentially high reward environment within which they operate. Therefore the VCs are deliberate in who they invest in. VCs don't give a loan, however they will ask for a stake in the company which varies for each business. 

What does the investor landscape look like in the Caribbean? Rawle gives insight and talks about how our Caribbean culture most times influence our career choices and even our approach to business. He talks about what types of investment occur in the space and the types of startups which attract funding. 

He then speaks about the Founder Institute Caribbean their accelerator program and the work they are doing in the Caribbean. They also have their own VC firms, which startups if successful can benefit from. 

Lastly, he talks about his latest venture he is building a new Web3 FinTech startup called XBordr currently operating in stealth mode. It is a stable coin solution, specifically to enable tourism payments without borders. In this season of his life, it nurtures his entrepreneurial spirit and makes him a more emphatic leader to help Founders on their path, 

Today, Rawle continues to pioneer and build while continuing to mentor and support the next generation of Founders through his work at Founder Institute.

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Class is in session in the latest episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting with Dawn Nelson a Vice President and Entrepreneur. She is the Founder of My Cashless Class. 

From sciences, to business to a hybrid career path; she transitioned into many sectors along the way, and now operates in the Fintech, Tech and the  Entrepreneurship sector. 

We chat about her transitions and pivots along the journey, her mindset and the situations that caused her to jump into new sectors. She spoke about retooling and reskilling and advocates for people to not "pigeon hold" themselves in one area, but to explore their passions and gifts. 

Dawn spoke about her move to TTIFC now the National Payment and Innovation Company of Trinidad and Tobago, where in her current C-Suite role she is Vice President of Financial Sector Transformation in Trinidad & Tobago. She spoke about their mandate, projects, role and the work they are doing within Tech and Fintech ecosystem in the Country. 

She spoke about the processes and path to implementation of tech enabled  services in the public sector in the Country; a large path she said is about making people become digitally comfortable.  

Her path to entrepreneurship was not "planned" per se, however she always lived and operated in the realm of advocating for disruption. She spoke about how the idea came to her for My Cashless Class, which was triggered from a situation with her son. Where her "digital nature" prompted her to think about a solution for the said pain point she encountered. 

Dawn says My Cashless Class is the "Amazon of the school sector". She discussed how it works, the service offerings, who are the target markets and the pain points it is solving. She spoke about how she resourced her team, building out the solution and how they took it from idea to MVP (Minimum Viable Product) in phase one of the roll out.  

In essence, My Cashless Class is a platform and solution which offers the exchange of financial transactions for goods and services digitally. It provides the persons and entities within the school ecosystem; convivence and ease of doing business digitally, via a cashless safe and secure solution.

We chat about scaling beyond the Classroom, where Dawn talks about her vision for the business and solution; to take it beyond boundaries, industries and sectors. Her intention is to innovate in underserved spaces.  

How does Dawn show up in spaces to make an impact? She spoke about embracing knowledge and adding value in the places and spaces that she was in.  She said that we must have the mindset of grabbing opportunities when they present themselves, learn from it and then share it. 

Dawn is a digital disruptor, she advocates for becoming digitally comfortable, because the future and even now requires us to adopt this nature. So that we become digital citizens in this ever evolving world.