Black Immigrant Daily News

Ashli Randall-White has been on a mission to change the face of the mani industry in Jamaica.

She’s monitored every detail in the process of making her start-up Mani Aesthetics so the process feels “like a nail boutique”.

Randall-White’s designer nails were created to bring bling – or understated glam – to the fingertips, just like the nail shop around the way, but not quite.

Her brand – Mani Aesthetics – was created on the ease and functionality of press-on nails, providing pro-designed nails to jazz up your digits.

And, with an extensive colour palette that ranges from the deepest blue to the reddest red, her very own YouTube tutorials, and a nail-sizing kit for beginners, your press-on experience should be as easy as click and press on.

The options range from the coffin-, ballerina-, stiletto-, square-, or round-shaped nails; Mani Aesthetics currently has three mainstay categories: Make A Statement, Everyday Slay, and The Caf?: Nude Collection.

The best part is, each nail set is designed, handmade, and packaged in Jamaica by Randall-White.

Mani Aesthetics Creator Ashli Randall-White

In 2019, under some serious downtime during the thick of the panini pandemic, Randall-White realised that her love for art and design could be paired with her favourite hobby: painting nails.

Randall-White believes nail art and design offer sheer sophistication, and in an interview with Loop Lifestyle, she shared some other beliefs on the art.

Kadeem Rodgers (KR): Why was the Mani Aesthetics brand created?

Ashli Randall (AR): Mani Aesthetics was born out of a passion for design. I’m an artist and a nail technician so I found a way to merge the two. Our press-on nails are created to bring salon-quality nails to the homes of the booked, busy, and fabulous.

This design, known as ‘Pitchy Patchy’ is a modern approach to the Jamaican festival figure that wears a suit with multiple pieces of fabric.

KR: How did you decide on the details from a marketing standpoint?

AR: When I first thought of starting this business I wanted it to feel like a nail boutique. From there I’ve tried to tailor each component [of the brand] this way, from the social media to the packaging.

KR: What are your top three fave things about creating for Mani Aesthetics?

AR: Three things I love about creating for Mani Aesthetics are the general peace I feel when designing, seeing the finished product, and watching customers get excited about their custom sets.

KR: What inspires your designs?

AR: Many things inspire my nail art. I love colours, modern design, mixing textures, etc. The aim is for each nail set to be a beautiful accessory that people get excited about.

The ‘Black, Green and Gold’ design was created to celebrate our national flag, the flag is also positioned on the nail as a unique take on the traditional French tip.

KR: What are some of the challenges you face as a young entrepreneur in the aesthetician space?

AR: The main challenges are resources: time and money. It’s really difficult balancing a demanding 9-5 with a very new business that requires a lot of input to get off the ground.

KR: What’s the next project you’re working on and how do you imagine the press-on could evolve?

AR: We’re approaching the end of the year so Christmas and New Year’s collections are just about ready. I’m also looking at collaborations with other creatives as press-on nails evolve into a strong component in the fashion industry.

KR: Where can we find your press-on nails?

AR: You can follow Mani Aesthetics on Instagram @mani.aesthetics and check out our website www.maniaesthetics.com

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Black Immigrant Daily News

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Grenada Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell gives the feature address during the Trinidad and Tobago Manufacturers’ Association (TTMA) president’s dinner and awards at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain, Tuesday. – AYANNA KINSALE

PRIME Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell says travel within Caricom must be fixed and that the excuses which allow the issues to persist must stop.

He was giving the feature address at the TT Manufacturers Association’s (TTMA) 2022 awards ceremony on Tuesday night at the Hyatt Regency, Port of Spain.

He began his speech by praising TTMA president Tricia Coosal for her persistence in getting him to attend as “it was quite easy to say no given the challenges of, first of all, travelling in and out of Grenada.

“I’m only here because I’m the Prime Minister of Grenada, because I can come on the aircraft used by the Regional Security System (RSS) to fly me in and out of Trinidad. Otherwise, it will literally require me to spend an entire week…and the options for getting to Trinidad require me to get to Miami and then fly back to Trinidad.

“That is how difficult it is to travel within the region.”

He said since trade was being discussed at the ceremony, “if we can’t even move people, then it’s obvious that we can’t trade.”

He said he feels the pain of people in the region, especially as he can only travel freely within the region because of the RSS.

“And if I’m seeing that much trouble, imagine what the citizens of the region have to go through.”

He said although the covid19 pandemic created “significant challenges” in the region, “We collectively need to stop making excuses and start taking action and putting the resources where it’s required.”

He added, “We don’t ask whether the roads are profitable…I don’t think we ask ourselves, ‘Are we making money from asphalt in the roads?’ So it’s difficult for me to understand why we ask, ‘Are we making money from airlines?’ if we recognise the importance of trade.”

He said he is looking forward to his country strengthening its ties with TT when it comes to trade.

The two countries, he said, already enjoy “strong cultural and familial ties that are only strengthened by the robust trading relationship between our nations.”

He said he used the word robust as it was clear which country benefits more.

In 2019, he said, Grenada exported US$5 million worth of goods to TT, but imported US$248 million worth of goods.

“I’m not complaining, I’m just pointing out the obvious,” he said as he chuckled.”

He said his administration believes in the power of trade as a “catalyst for social and economic development.”

He added that trade contributes to growth, development and creation of sustainable jobs.

He listed five areas he believes are important in transforming the approach to trade, nationally and regionally: supporting regional food security through trade in fish and agro-processed goods, diversifying the production of goods and services to cater to diverse tastes and interests, strengthening private sector engagement, embracing technological advancements to new means of production and public sensitisation and education.

He said the need for technological advancement is crucial for policy makers and businesses.

“We must ensure that our human resource capacity is well equipped to function in the economies of the future.

“There is an urgent need for new digital policies if we are to increase our collective competitiveness.”

He urged Caricom leaders, “Let us invest in ourselves today, in our citizens, in our innovation, in our sustainable practices and in the future of our countries.”

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Black Immigrant Daily News

Le nouveau patron de Twitter, Elon Musk, a demandé individuellement aux employés du réseau social de s’engager, d’ici jeudi, à se donner “à fond” pour l’entreprise, faute de quoi ils seront licenciés…

NewsAmericasNow.com

Black Immigrant Daily News

Le nouveau patron de Twitter, Elon Musk, a demandé individuellement aux employés du réseau social de s’engager, d’ici jeudi, à se donner “à fond” pour l’entreprise, faute de quoi ils seront licenciés…

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Black Immigrant Daily News

BASSETERRE, St Kitts, November 15, 2022 – St. Kitts and Nevis’ Foreign Minister, the Right Hon. Dr. Denzil Douglas hosted a series of bilateral meetings with various nations during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP27).

The dialogues began with The Republic of China (Taiwan). During the joint session, ROC (Taiwan) expressed its commitment to support the Government of St Kitts and Nevis in its bid to transition from fossil fuel energy consumption to renewable energy

Minister Dr. Douglas indicated during the meeting that ROC (Taiwan) has been a longtime friend of St. Kitts and Nevis for some thirty-nine (39) years. He reminded the gathering that Taiwan has always supported the Federation’s energy transition.

The Foreign Minister said, “Now as we head to another critical transition in our nation’s history, Taiwan has confirmed its support for St Kitts and Nevis. We are eternally grateful for the friendship because Taiwan has been a dependable partner. They have provided invaluable technical cooperation across all sectors. We deeply appreciate their loyal commitment to the advancement of St Kitts and Nevis. And so, we always have and will continue to be their loyal partner and friend.”

Dr. Douglas also held bilaterals with Egypt, The United Arab Emirates, Ireland, and Nigeria in the hopes of securing partnerships in climate finance.

Following the series of meetings, Minister of Energy, Hon. Konris Maynard and Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke joined the bilateral where continued partnerships in energy and water security as well as waste management, were discussed.

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