Russell Grant, a prominent figure in Barbados's marketing, event production, and cultural scene. The conversation covers Grant's diverse background, including his brief career as an aircraft mechanic before pursuing his passion for events. Grant discusses the origins and evolution of his company, Event Hub, which began by building event infrastructure to reduce rental costs and has expanded into providing various event necessities like tents. He emphasizes the satisfaction he gains from creating enjoyable experiences for others and shares insights into the challenges of event promotion, such as managing high costs, securing human resources, and the importance of listening to feedback. The discussion also touches on the differences between Barbadian and international event scenes, the challenges of the pandemic on the industry, and Grant's motivation, primarily his daughters, for continuing in his demanding career.

Chapters:

00:00 - Teaser

01:24 - Intro

01:51 - Welcome

02:43 - Aircraft Mechanic

04:18 - The Beginning of a New Journey

08:25 - Starting the Event Company

11:10 - Pain But Passion

15:53 - Event Production

21:56 - Event Expenses

25:29 - The Experience

29:43 - Hennessy Artistry

31:45 - Marketing

35:03 - Source of Inspiration

39:17 - Proud Moment

40:42 - Crossfit

42:53 - State of Mind

49:06 - Advice for Young Promoters

50:20 - Being a Girl Dad

51:52 - Gem Pull

52:36 - What's Next

57:14 - Listening to Feedback

59:39 - First Impression

1:03:30 - Last Words

Kim Angoy is the embodiment of working hard for the life you want. Her lifelong love of art has led to a creative professional path from working as an interior designer to founding one of Barbados’ most recognisable swimwear brands, Suga Apple Swim. Having grown up working various jobs within her family's businesses, Kim developed a deep work ethic and a clear understanding of what it takes to run an enterprise. She credits her family's unwavering support as part of her success, acknowledging the village that helped raise and guide her throughout her journey. Kim applies the village mentality to her business, emphasising collaboration and trusting other Bajan creatives’ input in bringing her visions to life.

Her family’s influence also shaped her personal life. Kim loves being a mom to her two boys and a wife to her husband of 14 years. She ensures her family comes first, regardless of the professional ventures she undertakes. This is a major life lesson she learned from her late father, a remarkable man who continues to be her hero and role model.

Tune in for an episode chock-full of gems where we discuss the importance of preparation in managing a work-life balance, not living in fear of what you want in life, and how her brand has become synonymous with empowering women.

Follow Kim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kimangoy/

Follow Suga Apple Swim on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sugaappleswim/

💎

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/

#GemsFromFriends

This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados

Gratitude 🙏🏽

💎

Damian has earned an impressive list of accolades throughout his career, including:

•

Caribbean Chef of the Year 2016

•

Barbados Chef of the Year 2016 and 2018

•

Seafood Chef of the Year 2017

•

BHTA Pastry Chef 2019

•

NIFA Chef of the Year 2016

A pioneer in Caribbean cuisine, Damian's journey began as a troubled student at St. Michael's school, where a Food and Nutrition class unexpectedly sparked his culinary passion. His supportive teacher's belief in him proved transformative.

After studying abroad, he started at The Cliff restaurant handling basic prep work, learning the value of earning respect from the ground up. His career flourished with the opening of Cocktail Kitchen, where he prioritizes hiring local culinary students.

As a feature chef at the Food and Rum Festival since 2017, he promotes Barbados alongside renowned chefs who inspired him. Despite his success, he stays grounded - admitting to loving chicken nuggets and being candid about kitchen pressures and holiday sacrifices.

Known for his shy nature and authentic Barbadian accent, Damian remains true to himself. He's now expanding his horizons with a new Mediterranean-Caribbean fusion restaurant, while advocating for aspiring chefs to understand both the passion and sacrifices required in the culinary world.

His story exemplifies how determination, humility, and staying authentic can transform a challenging start into culinary excellence.

💎

Sign up for our newsletter: https://bio.fewwture.com/ - scroll to Join The Tribe

Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gemsfromfriends/

This season is made possible in part by the Cultural Industries Development Fund of the National Cultural Foundation of Barbados

Gratitude 🙏🏽