Planet Thirty

Episode 20: Amanda Lewis

Amanda Lewis is as funny as she is talented. As a child, she dreamed of being a dancer. From jazz to ballet she studied different styles of that art form move by move. She dreamed of attending one of Baltimore’s best institutions to study dance. However her world was overturned when she was not placed into the dance program. That disappointment resulted in what perhaps was the biggest victory in her life.

 

Amanda grew up in a musical family. A grandmother who was the director of a church choir, a father who played several instruments, and a supportive mother who exposed her during childhood to performances at the highest levels. This resulted in Amanda not only having a love for dance, but also for singing. Her disappointment in dance lead her to audition for slot in the school’s singing arena. It is there that she truly found her voice.

 

Amanda embraced what she now discovered was her gift and ran with it. She studied music at University and impressed audiences every time she performed. After university she studied in Italy with some of the most renowned voice coaches in the world. Upon returning to the US, Amanda continued to perform, in both classical and contemporary spaces.

 

Being one of the few African Women in the opera space, Amanda discusses with us her journey and swings open the door to reveal much more about the world of sopranos, arias, descants and all things opera. Did I mention that she is now writing and producing her own opera?

 

This is the story… thus far… of Amanda Lewis

Episode 19: Founders of Staple Clothing

When we started the Planet Thirty project, a huge part of our mission was to not only inspire others by interviewing persons with a wealth of experience, but also to expose the world to those that were ambitious, passionate and aspiring. Hence our tag line is “Planet Thirty. Where aspiration meets inspiration.”

 

A few weeks ago, we got a message from a gentleman named Vicente who explained that he was working for a new company called Staple Clothing. He thought a Planet Thirty interview with the company’s founders was a great idea. Vicente was 100% correct.

 

After an initial zoom meeting with Staple Clothing’s founders Connor and Greg we were convinced that the world needed to hear their story. We were even more convinced when we learned the mission of their company.

 

Staple Clothing is trying to change the fashion game. Not only are they providing opportunities to designers in developing countries, however, they are passionate about changing the perception of where fashion could and should come from. In their version of the future, the styles we wear will no longer be influenced exclusively by the runways of New York, Milan and Paris. Their passion for equity in the fashion space is beyond admirable. Connor and Greg are the definition of what good entrepreneurship is. They have founded a company that not only provides a future for themselves and their employees, but helps designers to enter spaces they perhaps never thought they would be able to occupy.

 

Connor and Greg are going to change the world. This is only the beginning.

 

Here is the story… thus far… Of Connor, Greg and Staple Clothing

Episide 18: Omari Banks

It may be safe to say that by the time Omari Banks was a teenager he was a veteran stage performer. Church and community concerts, official ceremonies, serenading ladies on stage during pageants, talent shows and every conceivable choir that requested his vocals. In the late 80s and early 90s Omari Banks was a hot ticket.

 

By his pre-teen years, Omari showed signs of separating himself from the thing that up until that point he seemed destined for. A career in music. Many were shocked and disappointed when Omari stopped performing as much on his native island, Anguilla. Omari had discovered a passion for the game of cricket. He thrust himself into it with all his might.

 

Years of late evenings practicing at Anguilla’s only cricket facility, many times alone, would eventually pay dividends. In 2003 Omari was named as a member of the West Indies Cricket team. The first athlete from Anguilla to have this honor bestowed upon him. He would go on to appear in 10 test matches, play for top Cricket Clubs in the U.K. and win several awards.

 

At the ripe age of 29 Omari, the cricket professional surprised the world yet again. Omari put down the bat and ball and picked up the guitar. Yes, Omari Banks, the childhood singing sensation was drawn back to his first love. Music.

 

The opening lyrics of his first single said:

 

It’s in your moment of trial you decide

If you will win or roll over and die

Where there is no vision my friends we shall die

Steadfast to your faith and soar to the sky

 

… And that indeed is what Omari Banks has been doing ever since he returned to music. Holding fast and soaring to the sky.

 

This is the story… thus far… of Omari Banks.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 17: Kira Divine

According to a 2017 article on babbel.com, Queens holds the Guinness World Record for “most ethnically diverse urban area on the planet,” and it's also the most linguistically diverse, with at least 138 languages spoken throughout the borough.

 

It is also a fact that many kings and queens of the entertainment industry have emerged from this storied borough. One of the most talented Queens from Queens is Kira Divine.

 

Kira is a reflection of the potpourri of accents, music genres, cuisines and cultures that she was raised among. In Queens, Kira learned how to be kind, how to teach, how to love, how to be patient, how to believe and how to work hard.

 

Kira left her college, not only with her degree but having founded what is today one of that institution’s most important student organizations.

 

Years of dance training led to her teaching at the prestigious Alvin Ailey Academy of Dance in Harlem New York. However, she was not done. She then went on to appear in Broadway productions, music videos and films. She is the definition of a triple threat. Her dancing ability led her to work with Beyonce, her singing ability has seen her sing backup for Lauren Hill and her acting ability got her into a film with Cuba Gooding Jr.  Kira Divine is certainly all things that her name suggests. Divine!

 

Kira, who is currently the lead vocalist of Australia’s dance music sensation PNAU, is challenging herself once again, by producing her own solo music project. If the sky is the limit, my bet is that Kira Divine will stretch her hands passed it.

 

This is the story… thus far… of Kira Divine.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Episode 16: Denise Caldwell

Denise Caldwell’s dream was to be a professional choreographer. As a child she spent hours being instructed in the finer points of the artform at schools for the performing arts in her native St. Louis. In addition to being a talented dancer, Denise was also gifted in math and science. During her high school years, Denise would focus her efforts toward the sciences with a new dream of becoming a doctor. By graduation she was poised for success as a pre med student. When the time came for that all-important decision, she chose to attend Howard University in Washington D.C.

 

The Chemistry faculty welcomed their latest scholar with open arms. Denise was ready to continue her journey. Everyone was convinced that becoming a doctor was her fate. Everyone that is, except for Denise.

 

During her sophomore year, Denise began to listen to the screams of her inner voice that until this point had been mere whispers. Those screams were guiding her into the world of media and fashion.

 

After a heart to heart conversation with her family, Denise made the plunge and switched majors. A decision that shifted the entire trajectory of her life. An internship at the office of Communication at Howard University would give her the opportunity to meet a team from Seventeen Magazine. Like most everyone else, the team was intoxicated by Denise’s bubbly and positive energy and personality. Her work ethic and organizational skills did not go unnoticed either. The team, still moved by the impression that Denise made upon them offered her an internship in New York City.

 

That was only the beginning. Internships led to entry level jobs, and with, as she says, “Passion, faith and grit” she ascended the ranks of the fashion world, becoming a stylist for some of the biggest names in Hollywood, music and media. Denise’s career has evolved even further and she is now a seasoned style and beauty expert and can be seen on many TV shows. But Denise is not done yet… the next move she makes will be even bigger. And even if we are not sure what it is as yet, we can be guaranteed that she will look good while making it.

 

This is the story, thus far… of Denise Caldwell…

 

Episode 15: Arthur Ward

Arthur Ward has always been curious. His childhood in the Caribbean saw him taking hikes with friends into caves and bushes for the sheer purpose of exploring. Much to the chagrin of his mother, Arthur’s curiosity led him to dismantle many of his toys and upon occasion, some household appliances. Arthur just wanted know how things worked.

 

In time Arthur discovered cameras. Instead of merely finding out how things worked, he now had a zest for documenting them. His curiosity about things and people could now be captured and preserved in images.

 

After joining his high school’s track team, the visionary recognized that some of his fellow track athletes had incredible stories that were not being told by any media outlets. Arthur, along with his friend Rohan decided to do something about it. They formed a small production company and began to cover every sport being played on the island. Little did he know, but this crash course in business would prepare him solidly for adventures and endeavors that were just beyond the horizon.

 

In the past few years, Arthur has continued his exploring ways. From climbing the snow-capped mountains of western Canada, to walking the enchanted beaches of New Zealand, Arthur Ward has taken his curiosity on the road.

 

Oh yea, about his love for cameras? Arthur has parlayed that love into his own thriving photography and video production company in one of Canada’s bustling cities.

 

This is the story… thus far… Of Arthur Ward

Episode 14: Kris Dawkins

The year is 2002. Kris Dawkins and I are de-stressing in our favorite place on Howard University’s campus. The Office of the Caribbean Students Association. Amid verbal reviews of the day’s dancehall artists’ latest offerings… Sean Paul, Elephant Man, Wayne Marshall, Wayne Wonder… Kris and I arrive at a discussion about our futures post University. We discuss business ideas and financial goals. Jokingly I say to him “Kris, do you want to be rich one day?” In his distinct Jamaican accent, he swiftly responds “Hmph.. It’s not option my yute.”

 For as long as I have known him, this is how Kris Dawkins has governed his life. He sets definitive goals and maps out a plan. Sometimes the task seems impossible. Even he admits that at times he isn’t sure how he will reach certain goals; however, he never gives up.

 Kris is not immune to faltering. But he makes the decision to get back on his feet and keep trying. One foot in front of the other, with his eyes trained on the ultimate purpose of whatever journey he may be on.

 As an entrepreneur Kris has been an artist manager, he’s started online stores, a food delivery service, a concert promotion company and he’s also sold handbags. The latter proving to be one of his most lucrative ventures. Just about all of his adventures in entrepreneurship have been lived while working as a consultant for some of the world’s top financial entities.

 The Caribbean Student's Association office was for us a place of healing, inspiration and learning. Kris Dawkins was many times the chief healer, motivator and teacher while holding court with as many students as the walls of the tiny office would allow. Many years have passed since we would frequent our favorite place on our college campus, however Kris’ ability to heal, motivate and teach has only been enhanced by time. Now a motivational speaker and an author, he shares a bevy of life and business lessons. When Kris Dawkins told me that he would be rich, he was not lying. But years on, his richness has come from much more than financial gain.

 This is the story… thus far… Of Kris Dawkins

 

 

 

 

Episode 13: Davon Carty

Davon Carty is a thinker. Davon Carty is a doer. He is sometimes controversial. However he is always willing to teach and assist anyone in need. These days, Davon has rekindled his passion for restoring vintage cars, trucks and SUVs. The brands range from Britain’s Land Rover and Italy’s Alfa Romeo to Sweden’s Saab. He says that the process brings him joy.

 Just as these cars migrated and ended up in junk yards on the Caribbean island of Anguilla, Davon too has left the island’s shores to as he puts it “find wisdom.”

 Fifteen years ago Davon saw the need to improve the music industry on Anguilla. Like many others he saw an abundance of raw talent but there was no real structure. With a group of friends and business partners, Davon went to work. In time he would create the band “British Dependency” that would tour internationally and organize for artists to perform at New York’s Radio City Music hall, Washington D.C.’s Warner Theatre and at venues in Morocco, San Andreas Colombia, Guadeloupe and venues in 31 Cities across the United States. He also assisted in getting Anguillian artist Deanna Mussington in position to launch her international career on the British version of X-Factor.

 You see, Davon by nature is a restorer. Not unlike the cars, he has taken time, patience and has paid strict attention to detail in recrafting not only artists, but by extension an entire industry. Perhaps his ability to encourage people comes from his days as a social worker.  In addition to his cars, Davon along with business partners are now headed toward revolutionizing everyone’s perception of what a beach bar is. Seemingly the best is yet to come.

 This is the story… thus far… Of Davon Carty.

 

Episode 12: Nisha Dupuis

Nisha Dupuis experienced a joyous childhood in a rural village on the Caribbean island of Dominica. The lush green forests of Dominica produce just about every tropical fruit and flower that one can think of. Perhaps what the village did not know, is that along with the trees and flowers, it was producing one of the Caribbean’s future media prodigies.

 Later in her childhood, Nisha moved to Anguilla, where she immersed herself in debating and academic competitions. By the peak of her teen years, her unique look and style allowed her to grace magazine pages and billboards on the island. She had become one of Anguilla’s “it girls” in the local fashion industry and every photographer was clamoring to place her in front of their shutters.

 Being a sought after model was awesome, however Nisha had alternate plans. She wanted to not only pose for the camera, but she wanted to write, produce and market her own projects.  After trying unsuccessfully to gain employment at one of the island’s top radio stations, her ambition led her to offer herself as an unpaid intern at said station. That decision led her to a world of experience in media. Experiences that she never expected and will likely never forget. This is the story… thus far… Of Nisha Dupuis. Complete with action packed details of how hurricane Irma shifted the trajectory of her career.

Episode 11: Henry J. Watkins

The late 1970’s and early 80s saw job opportunities opening up for African Americans. The country was still soothing the fresh wounds of the civil rights era which was a mere 20 years prior. Henry J. Watkins grew up surrounded by the chaos of the times, but embraced the promise of a better America for young black boys. Growing up in Queens, New York, Henry clung to optimism and was audacious enough to dream. And dream he did.

By his late teens, Henry was ready to explore the world. His ambition was to be an actor or a broadcast journalist. With his Paul Robeson toned voice, either was a huge possibility. Always one to pay attention to his surroundings and willing to embrace to universal signs, Henry took a position selling ads at his college’s radio station. That job shifted the trajectory of his future days. Henry had discovered the wonderful world of Advertising and Sales.

 Subsequent decades would see Henry work for several major magazines and entertainment companies. He was stellar at his job and really enjoyed it. Seemingly, it could not get any better. But it would. Henry was tapped to work in the travel industry, using his skill set to promote destinations through media.

 Now principal of his own company, Henry is one of the most sought-after experts in the business of travel. With a storied career spanning decades, he has as many stories as he does great advice. His knowledge of the business and ability to execute is unmatched. This is the story… thus far… Of Henry J. Watkins.