Welcome to Insider Access: The A² Blogspot! This blog brings together young professionals to give you access to the latest insights and advice for a variety of business industries and professional development. There is a Danish proverb, “The strongest among the weak is the one who doesn’t forget his weaknesses.” This statement could not be more applicable to my situation when starting a new business. So there were some steps I had to take to ensure that I not only faced my fears but also turned my weaknesses into strengths. Digital Content Specialist Passionate about the intricacies of storytelling and content strategies, Dawn is a digital media specialist and a creative strategy coach. Armed with over ten years of experience in the industry, Dawn realized early on the power of storytelling if developed and used purposefully. Using her knowledge of new media technologies, her tried and proven results of entrepreneurship and her love for storytelling, she is forging her own lane by positioning herself as a credible coach, trusted consultant and accomplished creator for clients locally and abroad. Dawn is the Founder of the Suburban Group Company, a boutique marketing agency. She specializes in creating content that inspires. She playfully dubs it as creating moments of inspiration. When she isn’t creating moments of inspiration, she is a creative strategy coach for clients locally and internationally. Dawn is also the founder of Rosé Society, a rosé and lifestyle brand in The Bahamas whose mission is to curate rosé experiences while spearheading rosé education. The company also makes delicious rosé inspired treats. Dawn received her BA in Political Science from Acadia University and her Postgraduate Diploma from Sheridan College. She holds certifications from HubSpot, Google and MSI. Financial Accounting and Financial Planning Vernique, an ambitious and multifaceted individual with a hybrid career path concentrating in industries, such as Financial Services and Media. She has a passion for serving others and story-telling with a keen interest in financial services. In 2013, Vernique attained a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Barry University. After her journey as a student navigating the halls, her career began at a Big 4 Accounting Firm as an External Auditor of commercial banks and mutual funds. She has 3+ years of Accounting experience and a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) license. Currently, Vernique is a Senior Accountant at a Private Bank in Nassau, Bahamas. Vernique is a Financial Literacy Advocate. She also established a Financial Literacy Workshop Program. Contact: Barrister and Attorney-at-Law Nicholas is a Barrister and Attorney-at-Law qualified and admitted to practice in the UK and The Bahamas. He regularly advises on commercial matters across a wide range of issues, along with a broad portfolio of constitutional work in the area of human rights and immigration law. He has been called to the bar for seven years and is one of three founding partners of CML Chambers. Contact: Human Resources Passionate about all things people, Ralpha is a certified Human Resources professional with 8 years of related experience. She currently serves as an Associate Director of Recruitment and is also skilled in the areas of Compensation & Benefits and Training & Development. Additionally, she has studied Labour Relations, Employment Law, and Risk Management. Ralpha holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology with Great Distinction from Athabasca University, a Professional in Human Resources International certification from the Human Resources Certification Institute; and is a current MBA candidate at the University of London. She is a member of both the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) and the Bahamas Society for Human Resource Management (BSHRM). Outside of the office, Ralpha extends her passion for people as a committed member of the Rotary Club of East Nassau. Contact: Marketing and Digital Business Strategy Janay Pyfrom-Symonette is a Business Executive, Strategist and Entrepreneur. She holds the FINRA Series 7 License and has played a crucial role in the advancement of technology systems for startup environments, having managed the developments of web applications, trading dashboards, and banking technology. In 2017, Janay and Nkosi Symonette launched Sign Island, a boutique sign printing company with bespoke advertising solutions, and FindrPro, a sales management platform for small business and contractors in 2018. This year, FindrPro will be unveiling its local payroll software for small businesses, called ProPaySoft. Contact: Architect and F&B Developer Quinn Russell is a Bahamian-American Architectural Designer, Specialty Coffee Entrepreneur, and Branding Professional specializing in Travel Blogging and Social Media Marketing. Through his blog, @travellersbazaar (www.travellersbazaar.com), Quinn has travelled some 20% of the globe, writing and filming first-person vlogs & blogs on behalf of Hospitality Brands, Governmental Tourism Authorities, and PR-Marketing Agencies. Traveller’s Bazaar Youtube Channel has garnered over 890k views, and each year the blog receives over 25k readers from every continent. Quinn has collaborated with hospitality brands such as the Viceroy Abu Dhabi, L’Hotel du Collectionneur Paris, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo, Monaco, Hôtel Benkiraï Saint-Tropez, Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi, One&Only Dubai, One&Only Palm Jumeirah, Shangri-La Singapore, Grand Hyatt Bali, Hanging Gardens, Ubud, Bali, Ritz-Carlton Coconut Grove, and more. Quinn has been featured by Travel Noire, Essence Magazine, and Ebony Magazine. Quinn is passionate about the development of architectural space as it relates to the creation of brand story and identity. He is a co-founder of The Bahamas 1st specialty coffeehouse, the #2 ranked TripAdvisor Restaurant in Nassau, Louis & Steen’s New Orleans Coffeehouse. Louis & Steen’s has been featured by Condé Naste Traveller Magazine UK, Beautiful Destinations, American Airlines, The Culture Trip, and American Television Networks: Food Network, Cooking Channel, and HGTV. Quinn serves as the brands Marketing Director, Architectural Designer, and Master Barista. Contact:
Access
Granted
Coming out of the comfort zone: Turn your weakness into strengths in business
Dawn Demeritte
Vernique Henfield
Website: www.hellovernique.com
Email: contact@hellovernique.com
LinkedIn: Vernique Henfield, CPA
I.A. Nicholas Mitchell
LinkedIn: I.A. Nicholas Mitchell
Twitter: @ianickmitch
Instagram: @cmlchambers
Ralpha Moxey
Email: ralpha.moxey@gmail.com
LinkedIn: Ralpha I. M. Moxey, PHRi
Janay Pyfrom-Symonette
Janay Pyfrom-Symonette
Co-Founder of Sign Island & FindrPro
Handles:@signisland and @findrpro
www.signisland.com / www.findrpro.com
Quinn Russell
Email: quinn@louisandsteens.com
Website:www.louisandsteens.com
Personal Blog:www.travellersbazaar.com
