Sunbeam Chats

Arlene M. Holman
  • 5.0 (1)
  • ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Sunbeam Chats Podcast is a carefully curated cast of amazing men and women, telling their stories about their brands. Podcasters will enjoy compelling conversations on topics ranging from business, entrepreneurship, health, wellness, faith, the arts and more. In Sunbeam Chats we celebrate the Caribbean lifestyle and people. So, join us and be inspired! "Wherever Life Plants You Bloom with Grace"

  1. The Clarity Collective W/ Brittany Gonzales

    1H AGO

    The Clarity Collective W/ Brittany Gonzales

    Send us Fan Mail Brittany Gonzales is the Founder of The Clarity Collective, a woman-led community supporting local SME businesses. She is also the Co-Founder of SolveX, a startup that helps SMEs to scale with technology, transforming chaos to clarity one client at a time.  In this conversation we chat about Brittany's career trajectory from finance, accounting and risk management to founding businesses and curating Communities, with a collective focus on bringing about transformation in businesses and for female founders.  Brittany spoke about her work in external and internal audit, then we discussed risk assurance and management. She talks about exactly what it is and how impactful risk management is for organizations, businesses, SMEs and startups.  Risk management is about analyzing risk potentials within your company and across the industry; to put controls in place to minimize the risk to save the company from potential danger.  Brittany said that entrepreneurship is in her blood, having helped her grandmother and family in the early years in their businesses. She then spoke about her transition out of the Corporate world to focus on helping in the family businesses and then in her own businesses Luxe Events and SolveX.  She talks about her creative side like wanting to be an interior designer but went the Corporate route. However she fuels her creativity by curating beautiful spaces in her Event Management business Luxe Events.  She spoke about SolveX their mission, goals and intent which is to help SMSs businesses. We discuss the ideal customers for SolveX and how they can add value by customizing solutions for clients.  Brittany talks about The Clarity Collective, her inspiration for it and the intent. At the heart it is to support women led businesses and projects by supporting each other in a tangible way like shopping, promoting and creating opportunities for each other.   In essence she said "if we don't support each other we will die"  Therefore we need Community and Connection to survive.  We spoke about the Collective's first Clarity Walk and Popup Market and how the ecosystem is being built, through meaningful connections, sharing of resources, tangible purchasing of products and the relationships being built.  Brittany talks about what is new and up coming in The Clarity Collective for service businesses and the profiling, and the meaningful work happening in the Collective. This is a conversation about a woman moving with clarity; pivoting from Corporate to entrepreneurship, to equipping women in a Collective which can change the world.  Bio Brittany Gonzales has over fourteen years experience in the Financial Services and Risk industries, twelve of which was focused in External and Internal audit, Regulatory due diligence for Mergers and (M&A)  Acquisitions. Having gained this experience after eight years at PriceWaterhouseCoop (PwC). She is a member of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and a member of the Institute of Internal Auditors.

    1h 3m
  2. Jus Curls W/ Carla Beckles

    6D AGO

    Jus Curls W/ Carla Beckles

    Send us Fan Mail On the Podcast this week, my guest is Carla Beckles, the Founder and CEO of Jus Curls, a Caribbean haircare brand produced and manufactured in Trinidad and Tobago. In this conversation, we chat about Carla’s entrepreneurial journey, the inspiration behind Jus Curls, the process of launching and manufacturing multiple product lines, and her vision for the future of the brand. Carla said that she created Jus Curls from a place of love for her daughter and a deep passion for healthy, natural hair. Now what began as a personal journey to care for textured hair has grown into a thriving brand dedicated to serving the natural hair community with intention, integrity and results. She talks about her natural hair journey, and how she started making products at home for her and her daughter's hair. Which led to the starting of the business.  Carla's friend who had a store, encouraged her to put some of the products in the store. She then put 25 jars of moisturizer and 25 bottles of oils for sale. Back then the label gave the instructions to microwave the products for one minute. To Carla's surprise the products were all  sold.  In hindsight, she attributed the sales to the fact that persons admired how healthy and flourishing her and her daughter's hair looked, which was the  ultimate testimony for the products. She then started to produce 25 jars of moisturizer and oils per month, for purchase in the store.  Carla then enlisted the help of a Chemist to help her produce the products minus the microwave step. To ensure that they had a longer shelf life and to move towards more professional standardized products.  We spoke about her sales and marketing strategy, which started out with traditional media, because it was what she knew having worked at the radio station. Then she moved into digital and social media.  We spoke about manufacturing, production and staffing which was the "family business" her engine room. I told Carla she mirrored the famous Madam C.J. Walker. to which she said Madame C.J Walker was her biggest inspiration.  Carla spoke about the introduction of other products in the line, the packaging and her desire to produce products that will compete on the world stage. Her intention is to present a affordable, attractive and quality product for clients.  Carla shares the story behind the lines of Jus Curls, which now carries (4) lines. The Shea Butter, Rosemary Peppermint, Sea Moss and Cocoa Collection. Which has a combination of Shampoos, Conditioner, Moisturizers, Oils and Grease. They can be used interchangeably. Carla said on the horizon is a line for persons with natural locs.  We discussed her challenges during the entrepreneurial journey, which centered around the sourcing of packaging from abroad. The lesson learnt is to do your research on all aspects of your business to avoid pitfalls and unforeseen challenges. Carla said business is not for the feint of heart.   We discussed dealing with competition and finding her loyal customers. Her view is that there is room for everyone in the market. She believes that her people will find her. In her experience her base grows from referrals and word of mouth.  Carla spoke about her vision for Jus Curls, which is for the brand to become a household name in the Caribbean. To scale she would like investment to open a factory, and for a partner to ship/distribute the products across the Caribbean.  Her advice to women, on business and ideas that you may have, is to "just start where you are, don't think it has to be grand. Don't talk yourself out of it just start"

    43 min
  3. Taking Flight / W Aneisha Trim (Commercial Pilot)

    APR 3

    Taking Flight / W Aneisha Trim (Commercial Pilot)

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode we are taking flight in an exciting conversation with Aneisha Trim a Commercial Pilot from the Caribbean, whose journey in aviation is both inspiring and impactful. She flies with one of the  leading carriers, to destinations across the Caribbean.  In this episode, we spoke about Aneisha's journey to becoming an aviator, what the reality of life as a pilot truly looks like and her experience flying the friendly skies.  Aneisha said the desire to become a Pilot arose when as a flight attendant she walked into the Cockpit and saw the many blinking lights and buttons on the dashboard, instantly she felt a spark and that birth the desire to fly.  Aneisha shared about her first familiarization test flight in the air (in a light airplane) with an instructor, which further solidified her desire and determination to pursue this path.  We discussed the rigors and extensive training required at different stages of the training process, and how she was able to navigate that season in her life. She said it requires countless hours of study and exams.  Aneisha spoke about flight school, generally the process can take about 2 years and is very costly. However persons can fly and learn at their own pace beyond the 2 year period. Aneisha did her training first in Trinidad to obtain her private license, then completed training in Miami, to acquire her full commercial license.  Aneisha shared about her experience of being one of the few black female aviators from the Caribbean in the Miami flight school. It was a novelty among her peers, which created quite a buzz. She did however find the experience enjoyable and was able to successfully complete her studies.   After obtaining a Commercial license, the process for applying and waiting to be hired to work at an airline, can sometimes vary and be lengthy. Aneisha was fortunate to be hired shortly after her license. Once accepted and assigned to an aircraft, she then had to do more training to learn how to use that specific aircraft. We talked about a day in the life of a Pilot. Which starts with them looking at aviation dashboards, preparation for each flight, briefings to crew, aircraft checks and to generally ensure that all the checks and protocols are done before a flight.  When asked what she likes most about flying, Aneisha said being able to work with different crews, flying in the sky, seeing the horizons, flying into new airports and just everything about aviation.  Aneisha sheds light on what is turbulence, how it impacts the aircraft and how Pilots fly through atmospheric conditions; to make flights more comfortable for passengers.  She also shares some practical tips on how passengers can feel calmer and enjoy their inflight travel experience. We chat about her lifestyle blog and how she loves sharing and capturing moments to show the beauty of Countries around the world.  We chat about the destinations she loves like Thailand and Greece, and also places in the Caribbean. Aneisha says Grenada reminds her of  home in Tobago. She fancies islands like Barbados, St. Lucia and others.   When asked as a Pilot, which Country she likes flying into, it is St. Maarten which is thrilling to see the person on the shoreline waiting for the planes to fly above them.  Aneisha's message to people who want to pursue their dreams are "goals can be achieved, just focus and remember why you started the journey, don't give up."  I invite you to listen to this thrilling conversation. From Tobago to the Cockpit to the World, Aneisha's story will make your heart soar and make you believe that the sky is the limit.

    55 min
  4. Caribbean Herbalism & Modern Medicine W/ Aleya Fraser

    MAR 18

    Caribbean Herbalism & Modern Medicine W/ Aleya Fraser

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, we’re diving into the powerful connection of culture, plants, healing, and heritage. I am chatting with Aleya Fraser, an Author, Ethnobotanist, and Land Steward dedicated to preserving and honoring Caribbean plant knowledge. We talk about her professional training, her journey writing this important book, the healing power of herbs, and what it means to reconnect with land, knowledge, and ancestral wisdom in today’s world.  Aleya spoke about her serepedipitous journey into health and wellness practice, which started out with her studying Medicine to become a Doctor. After volunteering on a farm during college, she came to a keen realization that food and herbs were medicine. She then switched her studies and careers goals and choose to focus on the traditional form of medicine over the western side.  While farming Aleya discovered many plants and herbs which inspired her to find out more about their use. Through this study she was able to understand the roots and benefits of herbs as medicine; and for her working with the land is tied to herbalism and healing.  We talked about her book Caribbean Herbalism, which started as a blog on Substack about herbs, plants, it's use and benefits. After which a Publisher contacted her and asked her to write a book on Caribbean Herbalism.  Aleya spoke about the process, research and travel across the Caribbean which informed and helped shape the book. We spoke about the Caribbean connection of rituals, food, herbs and practices in culture which is described in the book.  We talk about using herbs and the belief system and rituals surrounding them. Our ancestors believed in their healing powers; which is part of knowing the benefits, believing in how they can heal and be used for general health and wellness.  We discussed how to responsibly use herbs; that is understanding doses. Aleya spoke about some herbs that can be incorporated into our daily diet, lifestyle and for preventative healthcare. Plus, for culinary and beauty use.  We chat about the use of herbalism in skincare and beauty products; Aleya talks about using sorrel and honey for a mask, aloe to tighten and clear pores, bacano leaf and ratchet used as shampoos for hair etc.  We chat about her work as a Land Steward; like the tours, hikes,  ethnobotany walks they offer. Plus the cocoa bean to bar chocolate making experience, on their land.  For Aleya this lifestyle and the practice of herbalism is about creating harmony in your body. It's her life's work and life to which she has fully embraced.  Caribbean Herbalism, a groundbreaking work that blends memoir, cultural record, and practical herbal guide. Her book explores traditional Caribbean healing practices, plant wisdom passed down through generations, and modern research, while thoughtfully documenting oral traditions with deep respect for their cultural roots.

    47 min
  5. KOR Gourmet Popsicles W/ Rochelle Bellemare

    MAR 3

    KOR Gourmet Popsicles W/ Rochelle Bellemare

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting with Rochelle Bellemare an Entrepreneur and the Founder of Sweet B’s and SuBe Manufacturing TT, which produces a line of frozen artisan desserts and sweet treats. The flagship brand is KOR, a gourmet ice cream popsicle. In this conversation we chat about her interesting path to entrepreneurship. Before that Rochelle studied Biology, Ecology and the Environment, specializing in Zoology. Over a five year period, she worked in an Eco Park and in the Emperor Valley Zoo in Port of Spain Trinidad.  After which she decided to switch careers to build her own business and to pursue her dreams. She then conceptualized Sweet B's and later created a line of liquid nitrogen ice-cream.  Rochelle spoke about the journey and process for building her first business; which were production, branding, sales, marketing and the highs, lows, challenges and changes she made along the way to grow. Rochelle then spoke about the hard decision she made to close the business and then her pivot to start SuBe Manufacturing TT.   Rochelle talked about starting over, the reinvention, rebrand and new product development which led to the making of KOR. This time armed with invaluable experience and an investment; she focused mainly on B2B and less B2C with the introduction of this new product line.  KOR was distributed in retail stores and she partnered with entities for seasonal events and festivals; for the soft launch the  T&T Trade & Industry Convention (TIC) Trade Show. She spoke about having to be flexible when necessary in business and also not compromising on the things that matter most to stay true to the vision and brand.  Rochelle spoke about what success will look like, milestones, the future and her mission to build a global brand. Which involves multiple KOR product lines across the world, rooted in that Countries' culture.  She said, KOR is not just a gourmet popsicle, it is memory, identity and stories frozen into each bar. They pull from lived Caribbean experiences.  KOR popsicles are carefully crafted to reflect island heritage both in taste and the vibrant branding and each product. Each package is rich in culture like the pops are rich in flavor. I invite you to listen to Rochelle's inspiring story of a woman on a mission to create, innovate and build a brand with cultural relevance and connection to a Country and it's people.

    48 min
  6. MedVoice AI W/ Darnel Francois

    FEB 17

    MedVoice AI W/ Darnel Francois

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast we are talking about  MedVoice AI, product development, tech, startups, and about helping people by solving problems with the right products. Plus much more.  My guest is Darnel Francois a multi-sector Entrepreneur and Product Leader with a proven record of building, scaling, and exiting technology ventures. He is the Founder of MedVoice AI, a transcription App for  every accent.  In this conversation Darnel talks about working with startups, founders,  entrepreneurs, public sector, private sector and venture capitalists. Also about finding your tribe and likeminded people in business and the tech ecosystem.  Darnel spoke about Omni Caricom it's focus, services and what it takes to build Tech companies in the Caribbean.  He spoke about the abundance vrs scarcity mindset and how it informs his thinking and decisions in life and business. He emphasizes that this mindset is important to become and foster innovation. Which opens the door to discover new opportunities and to create innovative ideas, across any sector.   Darnel gives us the origin story of MedVoice AI and how it works. He said that this service has become an integral tool for some Doctors; and he shares how the company continues to build, scale and evolve the solution.    We spoke about looking for the signs in your life; for the things that "follow" us, which can unlock doors, opportunities and untold blessings.  We discuss his pursuit of law and how it enhances his business acumen to make him more knowledgeable and effective as an entrepreneur.  Darnel's dream for MedVoice, is for it to upgrade the Public Healthcare System and to maximize efficiency, save time and physical space/ storage for those who use it.  For it to become the backbone of healthcare in the region, in so doing the Doctors and practitioners can live abundant lives.  Darnel spoke about making space for abundance and being mission focused, to achieve his goals in business and life. As such he has created an ecosystems in his operations so that those around him can also experience this abundant life.  Darnel Francois  Is was the Senior Product Manager & Partnerships Lead, at Draper Startup House Caricom, and Founder of MedVoice AI. He is currently completing an LLM in International Law at the University of East London. MedVoice AI is a voice-first electronic health record that lets clinicians document visits, complete forms, generate reports, and manage patient records using natural speech.  It is trained to understand accented voices across the Caribbean diaspora, and emerging markets. It is built for real voices, including accented ones.

    1h 28m
  7. From Corporate to Candles & Scents W/ Patriena Modeste

    FEB 4

    From Corporate to Candles & Scents W/ Patriena Modeste

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, we are talking about scents and the power to pause, inhale, exhale and reset.  Patriena Modeste is an Entrepreneur and Founder of Modest Scentsations where she makes candles, diffusers and other scented products. She also hosts candle making sessions for the public. Patriena is also the Founder of Reset Hub a serene wellness space designed to help you pause, inhale and exhale. The hub is where calm meets creativity; the sanctuary to unwind, recharge and reset. In this conversation, we discuss her pivot from Corporate life to entrepreneurship, which started with a "restlessness"' of wanting more, and being "drained" after work.  Patriena talks about the family discussion which gave her the idea to start making candles and how she prepared by doing research, buying the raw materials and working with formulas to create her first protypes.   Patriena shares that after she began working on the candles, mixing and making the scents; after work she discovered that this became her happy place outside of her family life - the Reset she needed.  Her first customers were coworkers and family who loved the candles and asked for more. After consulting her husband, who asked her what was her vision, together they started the business.  We discuss the upgrade from the original candle concepts to the rebranding and packaging. Then the introduction of reed diffusers and room sprays, in the line of Modest Scentsations. Patriena spoke about their focus on creating eco-friendly healthy products in the market for their customers, which is a hallmark of the brand.  We discuss the marketing and branding of Modest Scentsations, which made her products stand out.  For the sales, Patriena tried the usual, pop-up and farmers markets and even sold at local retailers. However she knew that being in the Trade Channels and weekend markets, was not her ultimate goal.  Patrienna talks about the intention of her products which is to give people a feeling of "home" in their space. To savour the moment of calm and peace in their spaces.  This feeling she created with her products, Patriena wanted to capture in a physical space where people can gather to enjoy the moment.  Patriena shares that starting the Reset Hub, was a journey of highs and lows, as such she had to persevere and trust her faith in God. She kept the vision, and then slowly the Reset Hub was borne and launched We discuss the impact of words of affirmations as part of the power in the Reset Hub space. What it does for guests and for her personally. Patriena said her word of 2026 is Faith, which speaks to the fact that while she may have plans, she must have faith that God can change it according to his will. Then if or when it happens she can understand why and be grateful for the redirection.  When asked if she has plans for her Modest Scentsations and Reset Hub for 2026. She said yes, but she is flexible and open, because life happens as such she must be resilient and adapt.  When asked what advice she will give to business woman who want to find their joy. She said pray, have faith and also be open to release and let go, because we have no control over everything.  Finally Patriena said - this year we are giving you permission to reset, to be intentional in your life and in your space. So that what you speak and think, it will flow through your everyday life.

    1h 11m
  8. Natural Haircare Solutions & Salon W/ Ayanna Blake

    JAN 24

    Natural Haircare Solutions & Salon W/ Ayanna Blake

    Send us Fan Mail In this episode of the Sunbeam Chats Podcast, I am chatting about Natural Hair with Ayanna Blake a Scalp & Haircare Specialist and the Founder of The Natural Haircare Salon.  In this conversation, Ayanna shares about what inspired her to start The Natural Haircare Salon, her training, journey of entrepreneurship, and how she is building her business. She also gives advice and tips on how to care for natural hair.  We delve into common myths about protective hairstyles, traditions like oiling the scalp, using oils for moisture, good hair and more.  Ayanna talks about her purpose for educating women, she is said to have gifted hands and therein lies her mission to help. She indicated that most salons focus on styling, but hers is about proper and effective haircare.  Ayanna indicated that taking care of your hair involves understanding your particular hair type; and that general care involves the hair and scalp. The hair which requires hydration, moisture and trims to grow and retain length, the scalp must be kept clean and healthy.  A common issue she sees with natural hair is dehydration, which affects elasticity. Women often think that the application of oils on the scalp and hair will fix "dry hair" but this does not work.  In client consultations, Ayanna first discusses their hair history, concerns or issues then hair goals. She also asks about the products they use and gives advice on which is best suited for their hair, which is a key factor in the haircare journey.  She talks about the use of oils which if used frequently or abused requires the use of a clarifying shampoo to clean the hair and scalp. Oils do not necessarily hydrate the hair.  We discuss braids, weaves, wigs and other options for women. When used, should incorporate effective care and maintenance when applied to natural hair.  Three habits we need to incorporate into natural haircare are keeping the scalp clean and product free, maintenance hair cuts and the use of a clarifying shampoo when cleaning/washing.  Some harmful habits for natural hair are  not washing regularly, hair should be washed minimum every two weeks. When washing your hair  should be open and exposed, not in braids etc. Taking care of hair with colour, understand that there will be additional treatments required.  We talk about services like scalp & hair rehabilitation, hydration & moisture therapy, maintenance and length-retention systems. What these entail and how Ayanna is able to help women achieve their hair goals.  Ayanna talks about braids. She said it is not a protective style especially when used with edge control and gels. The use of braids can be quite harmful to hair, if the natural hair is not prepared well to accept the braids.  We discuss issues with women's hairline and receding edges. Ayanna  talks about treatments and what women need to do to protect their scalp.  Ayanna is a natural hair "whisper" and hair "doctor". With her training, knowledge, experience and passion she is helping women to repair and  restore their hair to maintain healthy natural hair.  Her final message to women is "Your hair is not the problem, you just have not been taught the right way. So be patient and give yourself grace. Your hair is worthy of  understanding and not frustration".

    50 min
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About

Sunbeam Chats Podcast is a carefully curated cast of amazing men and women, telling their stories about their brands. Podcasters will enjoy compelling conversations on topics ranging from business, entrepreneurship, health, wellness, faith, the arts and more. In Sunbeam Chats we celebrate the Caribbean lifestyle and people. So, join us and be inspired! "Wherever Life Plants You Bloom with Grace"

Information

  • Creator
    Arlene M. Holman
  • Years Active
    2K
  • Episodes
    149
  • Rating
    Explicit
  • Copyright
    © 2026 Sunbeam Chats
  • Show Website
    Sunbeam Chats