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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Guest: Bynta Ernest of Rights Based Solutions

In this inspiring episode, we’re joined by Bynta Ernest, a Public Policy and Development Professional based in Saint Lucia with over 11 years of experience in human rights, gender equality, diplomacy, and community development. She is the Founder and Principal Consultant of Rights Based Solutions — one of the first St. Lucian-owned rights-based development agencies of its kind, launched in 2022.

Bynta shares her journey of climbing personal and professional mountains—literally and figuratively—including an unforgettable climb up Petit Piton (video of a climber, not Bynta, climbing Petit Piton) in Saint Lucia. We dive into the value of mentorship, the strength of lifelong relationships, and what it means to stay rooted in purpose while building something new.

From her reflections on the film Whale Rider to navigating life as a Gen Xer in the digital age, this episode is filled with insight, warmth, and inspiration.

What we talked about:

• Her adventurous climb of Gros Piton in Saint Lucia
• Starting one of the first St. Lucian-owned rights-based consultancies
• How a powerful mentorship experience helped shape her journey
• The importance of relationships and lifelong connections
• Keeping rights and inclusion at the heart of her work
• Leveraging LinkedIn and social media to grow her consultancy
• Gen X perspectives on digital presence and branding
• How she defines success in her own words
• Reflections on Whale Rider and having the courage to lead

Connect with Bynta & Rights Based Solutions Consultancy:

📧 Email:
info@rightsbasedsolutionsconsulting.com
bynta.ernest@gmail.com
📱 Instagram: @rbsconsultancy
🔗 LinkedIn & Facebook: Rights Based Solutions

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Today, we’re honored to sit down with Verdel Jones; an educator, author, media host, and community connector with over 30 years of experience in public education. From teacher to school counselor to district-level administrator, Verdel has devoted her career to empowering others through knowledge and access.

She’s the founder and CEO of the nonprofit Share Inform Enlighten, the producer and host of Conversations with Verdel Jones, an author, and an award-winning advocate for equity and community-building.

Her passion for sharing resources and uplifting others is truly inspiring. In this episode, we explore the impact of her work, her journey through education and media, and the powerful lessons she’s learned along the way.

We Talk About:

• How her childhood shaped her journey
• Her love for being an educator
• Working together as a family
• Forming her LLCs and nonprofit

Documentaries Mentioned:
- Maxine’s Baby: The Tyler Perry Story
Watch on Amazon
- Soul Food Junkies by Byron Hurt
Read More Here

Resources:
NOLO Legal Resources – legal guidance for small businesses

Featured Guests on Interviewed by Verdel Jones:

• Dr. Steve Perry
  Watch Episode
• Chef Marc Bynum
  Watch Episode
• Vera Moore
  Watch Episode

Upcoming Events:
View the latest events from Share Inform Enlighten:
shareinformenlighten.org/events

Podcasts/Media:

• Conversations with Verdel Jones
  Watch on YouTube
• Let’s Kick It With The Joneses
  Watch on YouTube

Connect with Verdel:

• Website: shareinformenlighten.org
• Instagram: @verdel_jones
• LinkedIn: Verdel Jones
• Facebook: Conversations With Verdel Jones