Planet Thirty

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.

Episode 10: Samjah Iman

The American South. The region that brought us the infectious rhythms of New Orleans bounce music, sweet tea, candy painted cars and perhaps less known but just as important… Samjah Iman.

 Raised in the 80s and 90s on a fashion diet of neon colors, puffy sleeves and popped polo shirt collars, Samjah developed a love for all things stylish and fashionable. Clothing however was not the only thing that Samjah showed a flare for. From an early age her passion and talent for writing were noticeable and she was writing documentary scripts professionally by her sophomore year in college.

 After undergrad Samjah experimented with a career in film, but fashion continued to tug at her heart strings. The truth is, Samjah could have been a professional model. One look at her images and most may say she SHOULD have been a professional model. Samjah however had other plans, she decided to work her way up in the fashion industry writing and developing digital content. Her work has appeared on many platforms including Essence.com. She has covered events for New York Fashion Week. She became a triple threat when she became a photographer. Samjah Iman is AWESOME!

 Today, she is the ultimate package. Content creator, writer, blogger, social media expert and photographer. Her journey is as complex as she is. Here the story… Thus far… of Samjah Iman.

 

Episode 9: Donna Hendricks

As a child you are innocent, curious and ready to discover the world. When I was 5 years old, I sat in my teacher Ms. Kinnear’s kindergarten class. It was the 80s. Reagan was president, Michael Jackson was everyone’s favorite artist and MTV and CNN were less than 10 years old. I befriended a girl named Donna. Donna her best friend and my friend would all play in our school’s yard every day. It was appointment recess. After two enjoyable years at Catholic School, my parents and I moved away. I remember being quite sad to move away from my recess buddies. Over the years, I wondered what happened to them. What did they do for a living? How did they look? Did they move from St. Thomas too?

 Those questions were miraculously answered one day through the magic of Facebook. To my surprise Donna remembered me too. We talked and caught up… after all we had missed a few decades.

 When you are 5 years old, you have no idea what the word has to offer or what obstacles are lined up for you. You have no idea what your kindergarten friends will become or who they will become. Are they bad people or are they ok people?

 My recess buddy Donna became a phenomenal person! She is fabulous! Donna is former teacher turned blogger, stylist and lifestyle coach and is a burst of energy. With every sentence, Donna effortlessly drops gems to help you live your best life and be… as she loves to say…  EXTRAORDINARY! Like all of us, she has overcome challenges and has attained heights. However, she is not finished. Here now is the story… thus far… of the FABULOUS… Donna Hendricks!!!

Episode 8: Vanessa Croft

This is the true story of how reggae music brought forth this episode’s guest. A young brunette  from the American Midwest somehow found the tiny Caribbean island of Anguilla and decided to vacation there. Her introduction to reggae music would lead her to a local deejay who she would eventually fall in love with. That LOVE, gave the world Vanessa Croft.

 Vanessa was raised between the slow pace of the island and the bustling streets of Tinsel Town. A chance meeting at a Kinkos, yes… it was the 80s…, would propel her into the entertainment industry where she would become a career actor at a tender age. After years of balancing music videos with the likes of Michael Jackson and movies with David Hasselhoff and The Olsen twins, Vanessa’s mother decided that she and a teen aged Vanessa would move back to Anguilla.

 With few friends and an American accent, she began to carve out her new life and explore how she would use her talents and flare for the arts in her new environment.

 Today, she is a mother of two and an English teacher. In this interview Vanessa reflects on her childhood in Hollywood and memories of her teens. But her story is not yet done. She discusses her up-coming novels and offers a bevy of awesome tips for aspiring writers. From the boulevards of LA to the beaches of Anguilla, this is the story...thus far… of Vanessa Croft, writer, actor, educator and poet.

Episode 7: Trystin Kier Francis

Any child who is raised in, and allowed to explore the boroughs and streets of New York City, is bound to come away with a love and deep appreciation of the arts. The Garment District in midtown Manhattan, the storied theaters of Broadway and the sounds escaping the walls of Carnegie Hall found their way deep into the psyche of Trystin Kier Francis and led him into the world of art.

 As a young adult, Trystin explored becoming a filmmaker, however it was his passion for design that would eventually win him over. Memories of iconic New York buildings and their regal interiors flooded his thoughts and he decided to follow his dreams to adorn the streets and boulevards of the world building by building.

 Now an accomplished interior designer and qualified architect, Trystin shares with us the highlights of what is already a superb career and explains his plans for The Kier Company and all of his other business ventures.