The Caribbean Girls Unite movement started out as a Meetup group and expanded into a blog and various social media outlets: which I discovered on Instagram some time ago (featured on Web Wednesday). I was ecstatic when I finally got to meet Des, the creator of Caribbean Girls Unite at the SBOC Conference a few weeks ago — it was like hanging with an old friend. Her determination to keep Caribbean women united in the Caribbean or its diaspora is inspiring. Get to know more about Des and Caribbean Girls Unite.
What made you start Caribbean Girls Unite?
CGU was started out of a need to connect with women within my community. It all started with a meet up group I started on Meetup.com. The group quickly grew to over 100+ women over the summer and I met some really amazing and forward moving women. I even made some great friends.
Why is it important for Caribbean Girls to remain united?
I’ve witnessed the strength and resilience of the Caribbean women around me growing up and wanted to form a network of women, especially Caribbean women to get together, network, build friendships and support each other. I always say, “Make allies not enemies, because there is power in numbers.”
What do you think is different about a Caribbean woman?
We are sassy, have endurance beyond measure and we are some of the most family oriented and multifaceted women on Earth!
How do you decided what to blog about?
Well my blog is ever evolving. At this point I focus on quality as opposed to quality and I really have to be moved by something in order to write. At this point in the blog I focus mostly on fashion, entertainment and personal posts. I report on things that appeal to me and that I am interested in writing about. I want to keep my content specific to my taste so that I can keep a consistent tone and my voice is original in each post. Sometimes you feel the pressure to just push out any and everything to keep up with the Joneses, but I have established a great group of dedicated readers and that was my goal from the start!
How do you balance your blog and life outside of blogging?
When I was working full time this was a much more difficult task. But now that I have switched careers, I have way more time to dedicate to my blog, and like I said before I give myself permission to write what I like, when I like. So I blog when I am inspired!
What are short and long term goals for the site?
I plan on incorporating my blog into a full on business at some point, and push it even further and have a not for profit for young girls to unite and be empowered, that long from now. However, for now I just want my blog to find its place in the blogosphere and continue to highlight and empower Caribbean women worldwide.
What are your favorite Social Media outlets?
I LOVE Instagram! I have the most followers there because I am much more engaged on that platform. I am a visual person, so Instagram is right up my alley. I plan on putting more time into my twitter and facebook, but Instagram is where it’s at for me!
What are some of your favorite Caribbean inspired things to do?
I love to eat! (LOL) I know this isn’t very specific to being Caribbean, but I believe we have the greatest food on the planet, so I love to indulge in as much Caribbean cuisine as possible. I intentionally seek out Caribbean restaurants to eat. That is always my #1 preference. And let’s not forget about going to a dance every now and again. I am very biased and at this point in my life will only attend Caribbean parties… lol
How would you describe your style?
I am very eclectic. I dress depending on how I feel. I literally wear my emotions. So I can switch it up very often. But I gravitate towards heels, greens, blacks and patterns!
What are you Vibin’ to right now?
Right now I am totally vibin’ out to Gyptian’s new album Sex, Love and Reggae! I have had the biggest crush on him since I saw him at party back in 2007 and have been loving on everything he touches ever since!
Be sure to keep up with Des and Caribbean Girls Unite: Facebook | Twitter | Instagram
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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