Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience Carry On Friends

As we wrap up a stellar season of enlightening and engaging conversations on Carry On Friends, it's time to slow down, take a moment to breathe, and reflect on the wonderful journey we've been on together. From life-transforming discussions with Ingrid Murray to humorous banter with White Yardie, and finance-centric wisdom from Keisha Bailey, we've covered a lot of ground this year. Not forgetting the insightful chat with Kemoy (Part 1 and Part 2), this year has been a rollercoaster of knowledge, laughter, and reflection.

Now, it's time for a brief respite as I take a much-needed break to recharge and rejuvenate. But fret not, while I'm away, seize this chance to catch up on any episodes you might have missed or revisit your favorites. Also, I'd love to know your thoughts on this season, so do share your feedback in our survey. Your inputs will shape the future of our podcast. I'll still be around on social media, promoting past episodes and interacting with you all. Here’s to an amazing 2023 season, and can't wait to connect with you soon in the new year!

Please complete the  2023 Audience Survey
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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Introducing a new series within Carry On Friends call "Circle Back" where I catch up with past guests and check in on what they've been up to since they last appeared on the podcast.

In this episode, I catch up with Kamilah Campbell, jewelry designer and founder of The Pink Locket. Kamilah first appeared on the podcast November 2015. Now with 15 years of business ownership experience under her belt she imparts invaluable insights on pivoting swiftly, understanding customer interests, and acknowledging what you don't know.

Join us as Kamilah opens her treasure chest of business experiences, revealing her proudest moments and her journey to achieving longevity in a highly competitive industry. Glean wisdom from her past as she recounts the lessons learned the hard way, including the critical importance of building business credit early on. With a shift in focus, she also discusses the tricky balance of having inventory versus made-to-order pieces and the necessity of eliminating products that don't resonate with your audience.

As we move on from business to more personal growth topics, Camilla reminds us about the underrated yet significant aspect of self-love. She warns us about the pitfalls of comparison, especially in the age of Instagram, and how it can negatively impact our lives.

Connect with Kamilah & The Pink Locket - Instagram @thepinklocket or www.thepinklocket.com. 
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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Jamaica's real estate scene is booming. In this episode, my guest, Ruth Lacey from Proven Properties guides us through the intriguing and thriving property market of Jamaica. The allure of owning a piece of this tropical paradise is drawing not only Jamaicans living abroad but also international investors.

Also discussed in this episode:
Sustainable development and environmental friendly measures because it's important that we preserve Jamaica's beauty. Affordable Housing for local JamaicansTechnology's role in the buying and building process
In conclusion, this episode serves as a comprehensive guide to understanding the Jamaican property market. Whether you're a potential investor or simply interested in the dynamics of the real estate industry, the insights provided by Ruth from Proven Properties will undoubtedly prove valuable. So, whether you're looking to own a piece of The Rock or just interested in the intricacies of the real estate market, this episode is a treasure trove of knowledge.
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production

Join us for an insightful tour around the world with Marcus Haynes, a Brooklyn-based entrepreneur with an intriguing Caribbean-African-American heritage. Picture this - you're a kid from New York, raised in Africa, and you find yourself bewildered in an American college, surrounded by an alcohol-heavy culture, a stark contradiction to the values instilled in you by your Pan-Africanist parents. That's Marcus's story, and he's here to share his unique perspective on cultural identity, global experiences, and life's unexpected twists and turns.

Ever wondered what it's like to live in a remote African village? Marcus vividly transports us to a humble community outside Kasumu, Kenya, where language barriers, cold showers, and constrained resources are part of everyday life. This journey doesn't stop there; we follow him to South Africa, where he navigates the contrasting lifestyles of Soweto and Johannesburg amidst socio-political change. And if you think that's fascinating, wait until you hear about his unexpected encounter with Nelson Mandela and the subsequent culture shock of returning to college life in the US!

As our conversation with Marcus progresses, we address more than just global travel and cultural experiences. We delve into his entrepreneurial journey and his work as an HR Consultant. Marcus uses his multicultural background to offer valuable insights into the growing emphasis on DEI, diversity, equity, and inclusion in companies. But it's not all serious. So, grab your headphones and prepare to step into Marcus's world – a blend of cultural exploration, personal growth, and plenty of humor that you won't want to miss.

Connect with Marcus - Website | LinkedIn
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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What happens when a Guyanese-American food blogger discovers her gluten sensitivity? How does this revelation transform her understanding of Caribbean cuisine and her own dietary habits? This episode's guest, Althea Brown, shares her riveting journey from discomfort and confusion to awareness and adaptation. Althea opens up about the nuances of the Paleo diet, how it echoes the principles of Caribbean culinary traditions, and the fascinating way she remixes classic Guyanese recipes to suit her new lifestyle.

Have you ever wondered about your gut health? In this enlightening conversation, Althea and I explore how the evolution of our diets can dramatically impact our wellbeing. Althea's personal story of research and discovery in the face of troubling food allergies is a compelling study in self-awareness, dietary habits, and health. We also navigate the labyrinth of diet culture, shedding light on the need for balance and understanding in our approach to food, especially when our loved ones may not share our dietary choices. 

Food enthusiasts, make sure you stick around for this. Get a sneak peek into Alvia's book, Caribbean Paleo, as she spills some delicious Paleo-friendly recipes. Althea  highlights how crucial it is to listen to our bodies and realize the effects of different foods on our health. We discuss her struggle with gluten intolerance and her journey to discover scrumptious Paleo-friendly alternatives. This episode isn't just about food; it's about understanding our bodies, our cultures, and the beautiful interplay between the two. We promise it's going to be a feast of knowledge and insight!

Connect with Althea - Website | Instagram
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
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This episode's guest, British-Jamaican-American Marsha Archer, takes us through her compelling journey and dives into the fascinating world of public relations.

Public relations is more than just a job for Marsha; it's an art form. We delve into the nuances of crafting a compelling story in PR, and Marsha shares how she ensures her clients stand out, reflecting their brand tone and unique voice. We get a glimpse into the exciting clients on the, M Squared PR agency roster.  Plus, Marsha opens up about her road to a better work-life balance - how she started her own business and the trade-offs she had to make.

As we round up our conversation with Marsha, she offers invaluable advice to aspiring entrepreneurs. From taking a leap of faith to start her business, how relationships have been the bedrock of her success, to admitting her weaknesses and learning to delegate effectively. Marsha's story is packed with practical nuggets of wisdom. So, don't miss this episode full of rich insights, powerful lessons, and an unforgettable success story.

Connect with M Squared PR - Website | Instagram
Support the showConnect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube
A Breadfruit Media Production