Send us a text

Guest: Fiona Benjamin
Host: Clarita

Fiona Benjamin is a mom, wife, wellness enthusiast, clinical therapist, and self-care advocate. She’s also the founder of Village Remedies, a wellness brand offering a range of holistic products with a special focus on seamoss.

Books Mentioned:
Atomic Habits by James Clear
The Power of Vulnerability: Teachings on Authenticity, Connection, and Courage by Brené Brown

In This Episode, Fiona Talks About:
- Her Caribbean roots and how growing up in Dominica shaped her holistic approach to wellness
- Blending traditional therapy with natural remedies and preventative care
- What inspired her to launch Village Remedies and her focus on sea moss and bladderwrack
- What sets her sea moss apart and how she expanded into retail stores and farmers markets
- An open invitation to visit her at the Shreveport Farmers' Market (Festival Plaza, 101 Crockett Street, Shreveport, LA 71101)

Connect with Fiona & Village Remedies:
Website: www.villageremedies.us
Instagram: @officialvillageremedies
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/VillageRemedies
TikTok: @villageremedies

Send us a text

Guest: Nelcia Roehm, M.Ed.

Host: Angela St. Denis

Nelcia Roehm is an elementary educator, author, speaker, and health coach for teachers. With over 18 years of classroom experience, both in Saint Lucia and the U.S., Nelcia deeply understands the unique challenges educators face.

In this inspiring episode, she shares how her love for education intersects with her passion for health and wellness. We explore her journey as both a teacher and entrepreneur, and how she’s now guiding fellow educators to prioritize self-care, reclaim their energy, and live their best lives.

In This Episode, We Discuss:

• Her passion for helping teachers live their best lives;
• The importance of leading by example;
• What inspired her entrepreneurial journey;
• Her experience being coached by Dr. Nadine A. Joseph-Collins;
• Her seasonal program A Summer of Wellness (2025 Dates: June 22–August 1); and
• Lessons learned and what keeps her motivated

Book Recommendation:
The Seat of the Soul by Gary Zukav

Books by Nelcia Roehm:

• Living Your Best Teacher Life: A Teacher's Guide to Health, Wellness, and Wholeness
• Living Your Best Teacher Life Gratitude Journal

Connect with Nelcia:

• Facebook Group: Healthy Self-Care Habits for Teachers
• Facebook: facebook.com/nelcia.roehm
• Instagram: @educatorhealthcoach

Send us a text

Host: Angela St. Denis
Guest: Nintus Magre

In this episode, we’re joined by the multi-talented Nintus Magre—a dynamic performer, award-winning songwriter, gifted vocalist, and passionate educator. A proud son of Saint Lucia, Nintus has graced stages like the Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival and performed alongside musical legends including Mr. Ronald “Boo” Hinkson.

He’s not only a former Calypso Monarch of Saint Lucia, but also a screen actor and writer in the award-winning film Shantaye’s World. His storytelling—through music, lyrics, and screen—beautifully reflects the heart and rhythm of Caribbean culture. And this episode is no exception—he draws you in with his incredible storytelling.

In this rich and soulful episode, we explore:

• His journey on stage and in the classroom;
• How music and education go hand in hand;
• His take on creativity as a tool for empowerment;
• Lessons learned as a performing artist and teacher; and
• The legacy he hopes to build for future generations

Enjoy a blend of artistry, heritage, and heartfelt insight.

Connect with Nintus Magre:
📱 TikTok: @nintiio
🎵 Bandcamp: nintus.bandcamp.com
🐦 X (Twitter): @NintusM
📘 Facebook: Nintus Magre
📸 Instagram: @2nfm
✉️ Email: 4nintus@gmail.com

Send us a text

Guest: Laydy Stone

Host: Clarita

In this episode of Begin, Build, Blossom, Clarita chats with reggae artist Laydy Stone—a Saint Lucian-born, Brooklyn-based singer, songwriter, producer, musician, and founder of H.O.W. (Helen of West Indies) Records.

Laydy Stone shares her early love for music, the deep responsibility she feels as an artist, and what it took to host her recent intimate concert. She speaks candidly about the highs and lows of the creative journey.

If you’re building a brand rooted in authenticity, passion, and resilience - this conversation is for you.

Contact Laydy Stone:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ladyst0ne

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ladyst0n3

YouTube: @ladyst0ne https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC11pA1u-ApXiWl6_hTI0A4A

Send us a text

Guest: Aanuu Naarang

Host: Clarita

In this episode, I’m excited to introduce you to Aanuu Naarang, the founder of Planning Paradise Events. Aanuu is a passionate and dedicated wedding planner with 5 years of experience in creating unforgettable celebrations.

With a strong background in event coordination, design, and logistics, she has a remarkable talent for bringing each couple's unique vision to life. From venue selection and vendor coordination to timeline creation and day-of execution, Aanuu expertly manages every detail to ensure a seamless and stress-free experience for her clients.

What truly sets her apart is her commitment to understanding and honoring the individuality of each couple, crafting weddings that feel deeply personal and one-of-a-kind. She brings a blend of creativity, organization, and infectious enthusiasm to every event and we’re so glad to have her share her journey and expertise on the show.

Contact Aanuu:

Phone: (408) 805-2471
Email: Anunar@gmail.com
Instagram (Business): @theplanningparadiseevents
Instagram (Personal): @aanuunaarang
Facebook: Aanuu Naarang

Send us a text

Guest: Atlyn Forde

Episode Host: Angela

In this powerful episode, host Angela sits down with Atlyn Forde—award-winning speaker, inclusion strategist, and founder of Communicate Inclusively. From her early days visiting Saint Lucia to her career shift from marketing to financial services to full-time entrepreneurship, Atlyn shares her incredible journey of building inclusive spaces and mentoring future leaders.

We explore how her upbringing shaped her worldview, what inspired her to enter the world of inclusive communication, and how she's grown her business through coaching, team development, and bold decision-making. If you're an entrepreneur, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) professional, or career-changer, this conversation is filled with insight and inspiration.

What We Talked About:

- A surprising fact about Atlyn and the impact of her childhood visits to Saint Lucia;

- Her passion for the field of Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI);

- Successes and challenges of launching multiple ventures to making the bold leap from employee to full-time entrepreneur;

- The value of mentorship and life coaching in helping navigate challenges and success and and her approach to overcoming obstacles with resilience; and

- Her book, Navigating Crossroads: A Black Woman’s Guide to Career Transitions.

About Our Guest – Atlyn Forde:
Atlyn Forde is a passionate advocate for inclusion, with a background in marketing, financial services, and global tourism. Before founding Communicate Inclusively, she led campaigns for the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority and held leadership roles at Pepper Money, focusing on financial inclusion and colleague engagement.

Today, Atlyn helps organizations build authentic, inclusive cultures through workshops, speaking engagements, and her Change Maker programme. She’s also the founder of the Inclusive Travel Forum, a space for advancing equity in the travel industry.

Connect with Atlyn Forde:
- Website: communicateinclusively.com
- LinkedIn (Personal): linkedin.com/in/atlynforde
- LinkedIn (Company): Communicate Inclusively
- Instagram: @communicate_inclusively

Send us a text

Guest: Angela Tait

Episode Host: Clarita

Angela Tait is the Founder and Chief Talent Strategist of Tait Consulting, an HR consulting and recruiting firm that helps growing businesses hire smart, build strong cultures, and retain top talent.

With over a decade of experience in people operations, Angela recently released The Human Capital Playbook—a practical guide for leaders navigating the modern workplace.

Angela holds a Master’s in Organization Development from Pepperdine University and is a SHRM-Certified Professional. Her expertise on workplace culture, hiring, and leadership has been featured in SHRM, Fast Company, U.S. News & World Report, and more.

She’s also the host of The Mom-Me Podcast, where she champions ambitious working mothers and advocates for more inclusive, flexible workplaces. Through her consulting, writing, and podcasting, Angela is helping reshape the future of work—one team at a time.

In this episode, we talk about:

• The launch of The Human Capital Playbook
• How Angela landed a 6-figure client on LinkedIn
• Her journey of self-discovery, pivoting, and embracing opportunity
• Actionable HR tips that business owners can start using right away

Resource:

Job Description Template

Connect with Angela:
The Human Capital Playbook – Amazon
The Mom-Me Podcast – Available on Spotify, Apple, and more
Website – angelatait.com
LinkedIn – linkedin.com/in/angelatait

Send us a text

Guest: Chef Pamela Leonforde

Chef Pamela Leonforde left the corporate world to pursue her passion for health, wellness, and cultural preservation through food. Her mission: to shift how Black communities approach nutrition and confront chronic illnesses like diabetes and heart disease.

From Saint Lucia to Guyana to Africa, she has worked alongside tribal communities, blending ancestral traditions with plant-based nutrition and advocating for sustainable, culturally rooted eating.

Now based in Nova Scotia, Canada, she is the founder of Café Caye Mangé—the province’s first Black female-owned plant-based café. Chef Pamela also leads a pay-it-forward meal program, collaborates with schools and community groups, and champions food justice and rural business resilience.

In this episode, we discuss:

- What it means to open Nova Scotia’s first Black-owned plant-based café;

- Her journey from Saint Lucia to Kenya to Canada;

- How her childhood shaped her path;

- The ups and downs of entrepreneurship; and

- Her advice for fellow entrepreneurs.

Connect with Chef Pamela:
Restaurant Location: 291 Main Street (Old Toots Building), Yarmouth, NS
Email: cafecayemange@gmail.com
Tel: 519-943-5219
Instagram: @cafecayemange
Facebook: Café Caye Mangé