the chattabox

This episode of the chattabox features singer/songwriter, Fafiélla (@fafiella). From Sint Maarten to Toronto, Fafiélla shares her experiences of living in the 6 to further her education and career. In this episode, we explore the various illusions of the ego, the concept of man-made goods vs. natural products, our human obsession with newness, and our ties to the idea of ownership. Lots to think about, and much left to explore. 

Breaking ceilings, Tatiana Illis (@really_the_illist) was the first female to represent Sint Maarten in swimming at the World Championship in South Korea. In this episode of the chattabox, Tatiana shares what got her into swimming, what life is like as a swimmer, and how her mother helped grow her swim career. Tatiana shares the impact Hurricane Irma had on her swim career in Sint Maarten and how it granted her the opportunity to further her swim career in the US. She reflects on her time at the World Championship and the allies she made during those trips. We discuss Sint Maarten's journey to the Olympics and the steps Tatiana is making to open these opportunities up for local swimmers. 

As a teenager, Kyeisha Laurence (@stylebykye_) left the island to further her education abroad in the US. Since then, she has gone on to inspire so many with her work ethic and dedication, which landed her an internship at the National Institute of Health and multiple offers to pristine universities to further her education in medicine. In this episode of the chattabox, Kyeisha reflects on her journey moving to the US, what inspired her to go into medicine, the power of family, her journey undergoing pre-med at the University of Maryland, her passion for Sint Maarten public health, and more. 

Lucinda Audian (@i_am_larichsxm) is by far one of the greatest artists to come out of Sint Maarten; with a large portfolio across artistic mediums, her talent in the arts has always been an inspiration of mine. In this episode of the chattabox, I got the pleasure to learn more about my cousin and her journey into the arts. She shares her journey of overcoming the limiting beliefs of others and dealing with the stigmas tied to being a full-time artist. Lucinda shares the beauty of Sint Maarten's history and how her love for art and culture lead to the creation of Funtopia, an arts foundation, that offers a breadth of programs for young kids including teaching them about the lost art of stilt-walking. 

Therry Michel is a local photographer and creative with a free spirit and dope vibes. In this episode of the chattabox, Therry shares his journey of migrating to Sint Maarten from Haiti and dealing with the cultural stigmas around Haitian identity. We discuss what it was like moving to the US for college and adapting to different cultures, the depths of Sint Maarten's talent, being a part of Teen Times, and relationship red flags.

Charlotte Nicole (@charlotte.nicole) is a local makeup and beauty influencer with a passion for content creation. In this episode of the chattabox, Charlotte shares her journey growing up in the Caribbean, moving to the Netherlands for college, and her journey carving out a career path in beauty and content creation with Dreamfish studios. As biracial women, we discuss the struggles we have faced with our identity and finding representation in the beauty industry. Charlotte reveals the vision behind her sold-out calendar product representing Caribbean artists and voices, and what's next in her creative journey. 

Marlo Maduro (@marlo_sxm) is a local influencer on the island currently pursuing her degree in physiotherapy in the Netherlands. In this episode of the chattabox, Marlo shares her journey moving abroad to the Netherlands, the impact of COVID on her mental health, the story behind her dope lip tat, her love of dance, and more.

In this episode of the chattabox, Nicole sits down with THE ALPHA aka Leann Richardson (@lxvnn). During the early days of social media, Leann was one of the first to establish a following on the island due to her personality and confidence. Still, social media has its pros and its cons and as an influencer, Leann shares the good and bad of social media and the role it's had in her life. As a local entrepreneur, she spills the tea behind her swimwear brand and what's next in her design journey. As a proud Sint Maartener, Leann wears her national pride on her sleeve and wants everyone to become their best Alpha. She shares her self love journey around building confidence and why it's so special to be a Sint Maartener. 

In this episode of the chattabox, Nicole sits down with Jonathan Van Arneman (@aymagoh), an economist now dancer and creative, working to rebuild Caribbean identity through artistic expression and conversations around history and culture. As one of the hosts of the Mèlé podcast, Jonathan shares his political worldview and how colonialism has impacted Sint Maarten's development and identity. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, Jonathan shares his perspective on ignorance within the region and how he has contributed to building a community of inclusivity and understanding.

From China to Sint Maarten to now traveling the world, Becky Chen is the ultimate nomad, carving her own path! Becky (@goodie_sxm) is one bad a** that turned COVID's obstacles into a life of exploration and learning. As a deck engineer, Becky shares her experience working in the marine industry and what's life like on the sea. We reflect on the role high school played on our success and whether or not education systems are built to keep up with the needs of the world.