It might sound cliché to say “Home is Where the Heart Is” but to me it is my reality. Less than a year ago I left what I knew as home and migrated to the United States where most of my family have lived for more than three decades.
Although, I knew the day would come when I would make the United States my home it was something of an internal battle because of my love for my country. I am a quintessential Island Girl; the warmth of the sun invigorates me and the rumbling sound of the waves tumbling onto the shore pacifies my soul. Therefore, leaving my calm tropical haven brought immeasurable internal conflict.
However, the desire for my daughter to be near family resolved my decision. I wanted her to enjoy the childhood I was privy to, one that was filled with cousin’s laughter, Aunties’ stern warnings and an abundance of family gatherings.
With that notion in my mind, I knew it was only a matter of time before I followed the journey my Dad, brother, Aunties, Uncles and cousins had all made and leave my paradise. I took solace in the thought that I would retire to my heaven on earth one day and departure would never be forever.
I claim to be the quintessential Island Girl, but one thing has always haunted me, and that was my inability to swim. I love the ocean and while I could be found on Maracas Beach as often as time permitted or I would lay out on Store Bay salivating over a crab and dumpling I never ventured into the deep.
The serenity of the ocean is indescribable and the therapy it provides to the mind, body and soul is invaluable. This year I committed myself to conquering my fear and prepared my mind to one day swim beyond the shore. I still marvel at the fact it took me moving to finally muster the courage to attempt this feat, but I began learning to swim.
Embodied in this journey I started less than a year ago is my passion for the arts and creativity. Truthfully speaking the law will always be the jealous mistress, shadowing on the outside of my heart which is captured by my love for drawing, writing and creating beautiful DIY objects.
This does not take away from my career passion, instead I have channeled these emotions into helping my fellow creators and business owners who invest blood, sweat and sometimes tears building their own dreams. With this thought embedded in my mind I always think of ways to empower the creative sector within my country and the Caribbean diaspora. It is this drive and vision that birthed the brand CC Licensed.
My motto before graduating from law school was to always help other creatives know that their natural skills and talents have an economic value. I was directed to my profession because my Father grew up in an era where law meant stability, and the art was viewed as an uncertain form of financial sustenance.
I am happy to see the development the digital age has brought and the demand for creative content providers. This shift in mentality has fueled my determination to encourage and inspire others to believe that they can always CREATE and CONQUER.
Follow my journey to swim beyond the shoreline and let me teach you how to be CC Licensed.
