The Caribbean Export Development Agency, in cooperation with the European Union, has been working to empower Caribbean entrepreneurs over the past year with the inaugural Women Empowered through Export (WE-Xport) programme.

Since its launch in March 2018, 20 female entrepreneurs have been involved in a range of interventions through We-Xport, including access to a finance workshop co-sponsored with the Caribbean Development Bank.

They’ve also benefitted from one-on-one business coaching and technical assistance support to strengthen the development of key aspects of their businesses, and prepare them to start exporting, or grow their exports regionally and internationally.

At the Barbados Manufacturers Exhibition (BMEX) from 7-10 June 2019, the first cohort of women-owned Caribbean businesses will come together at two WE-Xport pavilions to meet and connect with Barbadian, regional and international buyers.

Meet the brands of We-Xport at BMEX 2019:

Beauty, cosmetics, fashion and jewellery W 23/24

Your True Shade (Jamaica) – A high quality product that uses natural minerals and local ingredients to create a potpourri of 23 make-up shade variations that match the Caribbean woman. YTS believes in the mantra “Flawless Skin and Flawless Makeup”.

bahamaSpa™ (The Bahamas) –A luxurious line of spa products handcrafted using the finest indigenous, healing, nourishing, mineral replenishing, herbs, salts and essential oils from the Caribbean land and sea.

Designs by Nadia (Saint Lucia) – One-of-a-kind designs and limited collections created from indigenous and naturally occurring material, such as seeds, fish scales, sea glass, leather and metals from the region. The pieces exude a sensual femininity that instinctively complements the wearer.

Bijou Lakay (Haiti) – An innovative line of jewellery and accessories handmade with natural materials like bullhorn, bones, wood. Each collection tells a story. Authenticity and style define Bijou Lakay.

Tambran by Tamara (Grenada) – A luxury eco-jewellery brand that specialises in the creation of one-of-a-kind, handmade, statement jewellery and accessories from the transformation of recycled materials and naturals seeds and fibres.

Kimya Glasgow (St. Vincent and the Grenadines) – The Kimya Glasgow aesthetic celebrates the rhythm of the human form in motion, influenced by the Caribbean aesthetic through its culture and art. Unique touches such as hand-painting and hand-beading, add a sense of luxury to handmade wearable-art pieces.

Meme Bete (Saint Lucia) –Même Bête provides bags that are both practical and fashionable. All items are handmade with precision in Saint Lucia, to offer the best quality and finishing. The vibrant chic designs are inspired by island life; the colour, the traditions and the history.

Kapril Industrial Laboratorio (Dominican Republic) – The Kapril Industrial brand is a line of professional hair care products which provide optimal hair care, inspired by nature, and backed by science.

Dominica Tours (Dominica) – The Nature Island’s experience coordinators offering accommodation and unique off-the-beaten-track experiences in Dominica.

The Villas at Sunset Lane (Antigua and Barbuda) – Nestled beautifully on a hillside surrounded by the richest of colours and natural fauna, you will find your home away from home – the award-winning villas at Sunset Lane.

Food and Beverage E 44/45

Benlar Foods Ltd (Jamaica) – Nutritious, healthy and convenient foods with product offerings such as ackee, callaloo, carrot drink, fresh sorrel, seasoning mixes and pumpkin soup mix and much more.

Eco Farms (Jamaica) – Innovators of honey, EcoFarms utilises sustainable technology to produce organic-quality products. EcoFarms bees are strategically positioned in remote areas near orchards of coffee, logwood, orange, flowering trees and crops to create naturally-flavoured honey.

Wippy Peanut Butter (Suriname) – Peanuts, peanuts and more peanuts that are naturally grown and sourced from across the region and internationally go into every jar of Wippy Peanut Butter.

Caribbean Cure (Trinidad and Tobago) – A collection of healing teas that are handcrafted with premium organic ingredients which contain no additives or artificial flavours. Local healing ingredients are paired with aromatic natural herbs, flowers and barks to ensure tea drinkers enjoy maximum wellness in every cup.

Habanero Trinidad (Trinidad and Tobago) – Adding flavour to life by always providing the finest quality pepper sauce. Habernero pepper sauce uses sun ripened Trinidad Moruga red peppers, land race yellow peppers and scorpion peppers.

Hot Mama’s Belize Ltd (Belize) – Manufacturers of food products using fresh ingredients. Vegan, non-GMO, gluten free with no preservatives. Hot Mama’s vision is to become the world’s favorite pepper sauce supplier.

Sugar Town Organics (St. Kitts and Nevis) – Sugar Town Organics is a mother and daughter led health and wellness company with two product lines: Yaphene and Flauriel. Together the duo and their team create farm fresh cosmetics and food products packed with raw, organic, and active ingredients to promote good health and wellbeing.

Come along to BMEX 2019 to meet, connect and support Caribbean entrepreneurs.