Planet Thirty

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.

Episode 6: Eljon Wardally

Eljon Wardally is a perfect combination of her Grenadian father and Italian mother. According to her, her curried chicken is a tasty as her eggplant parmesan. She grew up in New York City, surrounded by an abundance of sights, sounds, scents but most importantly, the arts. Eljon therefore set her sights on becoming an actor. She would later realize that her passion lived behind the camera. After stints behind the scenes at a major News Channel and MTV, Eljon decided to try writing. A decision that allowed her to express her creativity like never before. She had finally landed where she needed to be. Now standing on a stack of well received plays and an award-winning web series, Eljon is now one of the city’s rising stars in the world of writing.

 Playwrights and screenwriters have the power to mold and shape our minds and open chambers of our imaginations that we didn’t even know existed. Eljon is one such writer and her work is certainly designed to make audiences think. Her work is well thought out. It pulls emotions and creates moods that demand us to pay attention to both her subtle and intentionally displayed messages.

 Though she continues to bask in the rays of success, she is immensely grateful. Her ability to create was almost taken from her because of an unforeseen incident. In this interview Eljon discusses this incident, her love of the arts and opened up many other doors to her world.

Episode 5: Kerth Gumbs

Growing up around Anguilla’s charming food scene is what allowed Kerth Gumbs to develop his eclectic palette. A chance opportunity to join a food and nutrition class while in high school would further usher him into the world of the culinary arts. More than a decade on, and several adventures in kitchens throughout Europe and Asia, Kerth is now the Executive Chef at one of London’s top restaurants. Here is the story… thus far… of Chef Kerth Gumbs.

Episode 4: Wendy Brooks

The 90s would see the rise of what would be coined “plus size” models. One of the models to push the boundaries and emerge at the head of the pack was Wendy Brooks. A Toronto based beauty of Jamaican heritage. Now retired, I sat with her on a bright Sunday morning overlooking the turquoise waters of the Caribbean Sea to discuss her rapid rise and years of success in the fashion industry.

We discussed the early days of her career, details about the business that aspiring models should definitely pay attention to and her new business ventures in the Caribbean.

 

 

Episode 3: David S. Kapp

In the late 1970’s a high school kid from New York was gifted a Bob Marley album by his friend. From the moment he dropped the needle on that record he fell in love with Reggae Music. That kid was David S. Kapp.

 In 1992 Kapp was instrumental in the launch of CSN (The Caribbean Satelite Network), the world’s first 24-hour TV channel dedicated to Caribbean music. With no budget, a limited staff and even less equipment Kapp walked away from CSN after two years with great experiences and even better stories. Here is the story of David S. Kapp’s wild two-year ride with CSN.