Our Flair women to watch for 2024 are carving their own paths, rewriting the script of success and sprinting towards new horizons. From carnival, fashion and social media to finance, farming and track and field — each name represents a story of resilience, innovation, and determination. These women are not just making waves but shaping the future.
Kandi King
From V-Kut to P-Kut stockings and Knipsies, Kandi King is at the top of her game when it comes to innovation in the carnival industry. Having positioned herself as the go-to person for carnival accessories, she has given women the chance to comfortably and confidently wear their costumes while having fun on the road. Having launched her P-Kut stockings, which come with a snap opening to allow wearers to ‘pee’ with ease, and triangular pasties, Knipsies, earlier this year, revellers now have greater access to King’s curated carnival essentials. What’s next for the ‘Karnival King’? She has her eyes set on plus-sized accessories and essentials for the performing arts. We ‘kan’t kontain’ the excitement.
Tonya ‘Ton Travels’ Williams
First captivating audiences on TikTok with stories, hacks, and travel content, Tonya ‘Ton Travels’ Williams boldly claimed the title of season two winner of ‘The Social House’ last year. Williams’ impressive growth extends beyond entertaining TikTok videos as she now navigates boardrooms, securing partnerships with notable brands like Smirnoff and Flow. Not content to stop there, she has embarked on a new adventure with The Happy Hour Podcast, where she engages in discussions with friends and guests over a drink. Let’s cheers to that and more for 2024!
Talia Soares
Media personality and host Talia Soares continues to diversify her pursuits. In 2023, this attorney-at-law assumed a significant role as the host of the talent show, ‘Digicel Rising Stars’, succeeding Terri-Karelle Reid after her 12-year tenure. With the upcoming season, all eyes are on Soares as she pledges to infuse the show with her distinctive ‘Talia touch’.
Davina Bennett
Making waves in the fashion and beauty industry, Davina Bennett epitomises grit, determination, and manifestation. Despite achieving the Miss Universe second runner-up title in 2017, her journey in the international modelling scene was not clear-cut but with years of hard work, she’s now seeing the fruits of her continuous labour. With an impressive afro and a radiant smile, Bennett secured her first billboard feature in the Big Apple for Nordstrom’s fine jewellery department. Additionally, she inked a deal with Modelwerk, one of Europe’s largest agencies. In 2024, Bennett had the unique opportunity to collaborate with the Dior team on an extraordinary photoshoot. Sitting atop the world, her future is eagerly anticipated.
Dr Karrian Hepburn Malcolm
Moving back to Jamaica at the end of 2023 from the twin-island republic of Trinidad and Tobago — where she served as managing director of Guardian Media — Dr Karrian Hepburn Malcolm took on a new challenge as head of wealth management at the National Commercial Bank. The role sees Dr Hepburn Malcolm leading the newly created wealth management division that focuses on a diverse group of products and services that will help clients accumulate and grow wealth. A dynamic leader, her transition to finance was one of the most buzzed about corporate moves, and with good reason. We can’t wait to see the returns.
Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce
After nearly two decades of track, three-time Olympic champion Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce is hanging up her spikes and heading into retirement after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games. Since her breakthrough in 2008, becoming the first Caribbean woman to win gold in the women’s 100m at the Olympics, she has undoubtedly left her mark and charm both on and off the track. Now, as she gets ready to run her last season and spend more time with her family, one can anticipate that she has big plans in other areas of her life and business. We’re eager to see what she’ll do on the track in her last year and even more eager to see her plan post track and field.
Tiana ‘Wonga Gyal’ Chung
Tiana Chung is not your average foodie. What started as an Instagram gallery of food adventures captured with her iPhone, quickly evolved into collabs with big brands. As the owner of Wonga Media, a digital marketing agency, she blends wit and charm into engaging culinary content. Recognised as a Caribbean Culinary Impact Honoree, Chung continues to shape the future of Caribbean cuisine. With exciting collaborations in the pipeline and the plan to relaunch the WongaPod (WongaGyal: The Podcast), this year is set to be another delicious chapter in her culinary content creation journey.
Nayana Williams
This is Nayana Williams’ second consecutive time on our watch list and it’s with good reason. Having been recognised with the Go Global Women in Business Award from the International Trade Council, last year, Williams has remained on the radar of women to watch in business. The Lifespan co-founder and chief executive officer has approached the new year with bigger plans which include an expansion in product lines. Not wanting to give too much away, she has described this year as an “interesting one”. Our excitement is palpable.
Basillia Barnaby-Cuff
Basillia Barnaby-Cuff is a Jill of all trades who first rose to stardom by going viral on social media. Her sense of humour, paired with her storytelling skills, have made content creation worthwhile. As a comedian, mistress of ceremonies, television host, and entrepreneur, she recently added children’s book author to her achievements. With no plans to slow down, expect more screen time from her this year.
Natalie Bennett
Natalie Bennett initially joined VM Pensions Management as the acting manager for risk and compliance in October 2015. Fast forward to September 2023, she achieved a significant milestone by being promoted to the role of chief executive officer (CEO), making her the first woman to hold this position. In her capacity as CEO, Bennett is tasked with leading the business to maximise its potential, with a focus on utilising digital solutions to revolutionise retirement planning. Her vision for VM Group involves continuing to transform the lives of ordinary Jamaicans by helping them achieve and enjoy financial well-being, particularly during their retirement years. She is definitely one to watch as VM Pensions looks to launch new products this year.
Diandra Rowe
Abbey Garden Farm is a familiar name in the local scene and owes its recognition to Managing Director Diandra Rowe. Continuing her father’s legacy, the farm is renowned as one of the pioneers in sustainable agriculture, earning recognition for technological advancements in the sector. In 2023, Rowe was honoured with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Young Farmer of the Year Award during the Caribbean Week of Agriculture, adding to her many accolades for greenhouse farming. This year, her primary goal is to propel business growth and expand operations, including setting up a more advanced greenhouse with temperature control and also, growing sister companies Quality Harvest Limited and Central Greenhouse Supplies and Services.
Keisha Bailey
With a strong focus on real estate, CEO of Profit Jumpstarter and industry heavyweight, Keisha Bailey, came from humble beginnings and gained acclaim as an experienced financial professional and advocate for home ownership and generational wealth. Following her conference at the AC Hotel Kingston in August, the sought-after financial entrepreneur with decades of experience has charged into 2024 as a newly published author with her first workbook: Get Serious About Wealth. We’re looking forward to seeing her make even greater moves in the coming months ahead and helping to jump-start your profits along the way.
Shericka Jackson
This year, all attention is on 2023 Distinguished awardee Shericka Jackson, following an impressive season. The four-time World Champion was conferred with an honorary Doctor of Laws degree by the University of Technology last year, adding to the series of accolades for the versatile sprinter. As she continues to thrill fans with her growth, speed, talent and resilience, one can agree that the best is yet to come as she prepares for the Olympics in Paris this year.
Ivy ‘Coco’ Maurice
Returning to our watchlist, Ivy ‘Coco’ Maurice’s creative direction as a stylist has been truly mesmerising. The entrepreneur showcased her work by styling her mother, Sheryl Lee Ralph, at prestigious events such as The Emmys, SAG Awards, and Critics’ Choice Awards. Additionally, her expertise shone on the red carpet of the Bob Marley: One Love movie premiere. There’s no telling where the glitz and glam will take her next.
Allison Dunn
Founder of Hibiscus Brew Café and Coffee Shop in Brooklyn, New York, Allison Dunn has defied the odds and has created a space for people to enjoy. Having opened during the pandemic in 2020, the pretty pink café has gained the attention of many passers-by, serving as a space of inspiration and the enjoyment of delicious food and drinks. A true inspiration, Dunn has done a remarkable job at positioning her Caribbean food brand in the US market and we can’t wait to see where else this venture will take her.
Keneea Linton George
You name it, Keneea Linton George has done it. Featured on major fashion runways around the world, most recently Portugal Fashion Week, Linton George became a household name with her Caribbean reality television series, Mission Catwalk. A pillar of Caribbean fashion, she even took her audience on an inspiring TED Talk on the evolution of fashion late last year. We anticipate more impressive developments from this ground-breaking fashion entrepreneur.
Krystal Tomlinson
A glamorous guiding light in motivational speaking, self-development and motherhood, Krystal Tomlinson is intent on winning in life through passion and purpose. Bringing intentionality to media and communication in game-changing fashion, this consultant and management strategist has graced some of the island’s top institutions, starting the conversation on emotional intelligence in life and the workplace. With a little courage and a lot of discipline, she aspires to thrive in 2024 as she motivates other women to walk in their purpose.
Shanique Ellington
When we said there was no stopping Shanique Ellington, we meant it. Owner of the vegan make-up line, Le Champ Cosmetics, the beauty guru has made significant strides throughout 2023, winning the Jamaica Manufacturers and Exporters Association’s Next-Generation Leadership Award, topping Scotiabank’s Vision Achiever Program and winning the Top Entrepreneurial Woman award. For 2024, this entrepreneur is taking her brand to higher heights.
Racheal Callaghan
Founder and digital marketing strategist of Start Social, Rachael Callaghan, took a leap of faith as a young entrepreneur to refresh the way we do business. Her drive towards providing project planning and management, social media consulting and public speaking services over a decade landed her in the big leagues as one of the finalists to represent Jamaica in this year’s Young Leaders of the Americas (YLAI) Fellowship Program, scheduled to be held in Denver, Colorado.
Tishan Lee
Tishan Lee, chief executive officer at Engine Room Brand House, is making significant strides in the digital marketing realm. As a marketing and communications innovator and strategist, she excels at tapping into the psyche of her target audience to wield influence and create impactful campaigns. With her brand marking its sixth anniversary this year, the excitement lies in working on regional projects, establishing new partnerships, and undertaking more brand initiatives within the Caribbean, Canada, and the UK. Lee serves as a true testament to the power of self-investment. We have no doubt that this is just the beginning of even greater accomplishments in the advertising industry.
