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I'm circling back! Carey Lee Dixon, also known as Carey Digital returns to the podcast for the first time since 2018 to reflect on her entrepreneurial evolution, career pivots, and the power of community.

Since her last appearance, Carey has navigated challenges—from being fired and finding resilience to becoming a Canva Design Community Ambassador and a champion for women entrepreneurs.

But this episode is extra special—we’re also celebrating 10 years of the Carry On Friends Podcast! 

In this conversation, we dive into:

• How Carey’s journey has evolved since 2018
• The impact of mentorship, collaboration & creative storytelling
• Lessons learned from building brands & communities
• Why it’s important to pause, reflect & celebrate progress

Whether you’re a content creator, entrepreneur, or someone navigating career transitions, this episode is filled with insights and motivation to keep pushing forward.

Connect with Carey - Website | YouTube | Instagram

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This episode features Jamaican American, Natalie Bennett who shares her journey from working at Google to entrepreneurship after facing layoffs. The conversation highlights redefining success, finding one's purpose, and the importance of personal leadership.

• Exploring success beyond accolades
• Understanding the impact of layoffs
• Emphasizing the significance of personal "why"
• Overcoming scarcity mindset
• The role of personal branding and networking
• Embracing full identity in professional spaces
• Lived experiences as a unique asset
• Encouraging resilience and self-discovery

The episode also highlights the importance of maintaining a balance between professional ambitions and cultural identity, encouraging listeners to embrace authenticity in all facets of life. Natalie's insights into personal development and overcoming insecurities offer a powerful reminder of the value of building relationships and networks proactively. As she reflects on her journey and the unique strengths shaped by her experiences, Natalie inspires others to be audacious, to leverage their cultural heritage, and to embrace their wholeness. This episode is not just a conversation; it is an inspiring call to action for anyone seeking transformation through self-discovery and empowerment.

Connect with Natalie Bennett: Website | Instagram

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Tristan Barrocks and Donisha Prendergast join us for a lively conversation that explores the heart and soul of Jamaican storytelling. Tristan's film "Sugar Dumplin"
starring Oliver Samuels is a heartfelt story of family, dementia, and cultural legacy. This conversation celebrates Jamaican artistry and storytelling. Learn about the vision for the project, its social impact, and how communities can support Caribbean films.

We discuss the challenges faced by independent filmmakers like Tristan and Donisha, as they bring their creative visions to life amidst the evolving landscape of the film industry. The episode highlights the significance of authentic representation in media, celebrating Jamaican storytelling's cultural impact and the anticipation surrounding "Sugar Dumplin." From community screenings to financial support, discover how you can engage with and support the vibrant tapestry of Jamaican culture, ensuring that these essential stories reach a global audience.

Don’t miss this rich discussion about reclaiming identity and heritage through film.

Sugar Dumplin - Website | Instagram

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This episode celebrates a major milestone - ten years of Carry On Friends! Thank you for your support over the years.

I will be celebrating the milestone all year long and would love to hear from you. Which episodes are your favorite, or who is your favorite guest?
Your stories and reflections will be featured throughout the year, so don't hesitate to share. As we commemorate ten years, it's your support and engagement that truly make this podcast a thriving community.

Looking ahead, get ready for the After Show, a segment that's packed with exclusive behind-the-scenes content to keep the conversation going. Plus, there are more powerful stories on the horizon that truly reflect and celebrate our culture and experiences. Whether you're a new listener or have been with us since the beginning, there are many ways to support and engage:

How You Can Celebrate With Us

1. Wear Your Pride:
   Support Carry On Friends by purchasing merchandise from our store. Whether it’s for yourself or as a gift for someone who loves Caribbean culture, your purchase helps us continue to share our stories and preserve our heritage.
2. Join the Community:
   Sign up for one of our paid memberships to access exclusive content, connect with like-minded individuals, and support our mission. You can also gift a membership to someone who would love to be part of our growing community.
3. Make a Difference:
   If you believe in our mission and want to help amplify Caribbean voices, consider making a donation. Your support helps us create impactful content, build meaningful connections, and reach even more people with the beauty of Caribbean culture.

Here's to amplifying our voices, celebrating our culture, and building our legacy together. Thank you for an incredible ten years, and here's to many more! Walk good.

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Is the Caribbean prepared for the next hurricane season, or are we stuck in a reactive cycle? As I look back on the turmoil of the 2024 hurricane season, I question the chaotic and fragmented approach to disaster relief efforts in the diaspora. Many in the diaspora are eager to help but are caught in a web of mistrust surrounding donation processes. The absence of a centralized organization that can effectively manage and coordinate relief efforts leaves us at a crossroads. The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) under CARICOM exists, and seems to be in the best position to bridge this gap and engage the Caribbean diaspora, especially in the United States, to foster a unified and effective disaster management strategy.

Looking ahead to the 2025 hurricane season, there's an urgent call for community preparedness and collaboration. We need to come together to strategize with a focus on proactive planning rather than reactive scrambling. This is a conversation for everyone—community members and organizations alike. By publishing this episode early in the year, my hope is to spark dialogue that will lead to meaningful collective action. Let’s build a network of trust and efficiency, ensuring that when the storms hit, we are ready to stand strong together.

UPDATE: The Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA) exists under CARICOM. At the time of my initial research and recording, CDEMA did not accept public donations. It appears to have recently created an account to accept donations for Hurricane Beryl relief. While this is a step in the right direction, there is still a significant gap in the system.

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As we prepare for 2025, I'm excited to unveil a major milestone— January 13, 2025 will be the 10th anniversary of the launch of the Carry On Friends Podcast! 🎉

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the podcast and looking to the future, I am excited to announce the birth of the Carry On Friends membership community!  The Carry On Friends Community of Friends Membership will launch on January 13, 2025. This new membership community is designed to bring together passionate individuals who value culture, connection, and meaningful contribution.

In this bonus-episode, I share:

• The vision behind the community
• What each membership tier offers (Foundation, Roots, and Legacy)
• How Founding Members can lock in lifetime pricing by February 28th.
• Why Roots and Legacy include an application process to keep the community intentional

Whether you’re looking for exclusive content, meaningful discussions, or premium mentorship opportunities, there’s a place for you here.

As we mark a significant chapter in Carry On Friends, I invite you to join our waitlist and become a founding member of this transformative community. Limited spots mean a rare opportunity to lock in special rates and be part of something truly impactful. Your unwavering support over the past ten years has been invaluable, and whether you're a long-time listener or a new listener, I can't wait to embark on this new phase together.

Join the waitlist today to be the first to know when doors open on January 13th. 

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Reggae Carols, Christmas Hymns: Caribbean Christmas Vibes!

In this debut of the Sounds and Color series, I dive into the music that shaped my holidays in Jamaica—from classic hymns and American Christmas staples to Reggae-infused carols and Dancehall riddims. I revisit the music that bring the season alive. 

Chat to Mi!

• What's your favorite Christmas hymn from their childhood?
• What's your favorite Reggae Christmas song?
•  What was Christmas like "back home" or at home? 

Share in the comments!

Check the playlist of songs mentioned in this episode.

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Have you ever felt trapped in the endless cycle of learning without ever taking action? In this episode hear my strategies for mitigating the grip of information overload and found a way to prioritize actionable learning. This episode is a must-listen for entrepreneurs, content creators, and business professionals who find themselves constantly seeking the latest strategies but never putting them into practice. I'll uncover the pitfalls of overanalyzing and emphasize the importance of making mistakes as a critical component of learning and growth.

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Imagine being stuck in the endless grind of a long commute and an unfulfilling job while pregnant. That's where Jamila Soufrant found herself before she stumbled upon the FIRE movement, a discovery that would propel her into a life of financial independence. This episode takes you through Jamila's inspiring journey from her Brooklyn roots to becoming a leading voice in financial empowerment with her platform, podcast, "Journey to Launch" and book, "Your Journey to Financial Freedom." Her story is one of transformation, supported by her family's unwavering belief.

Listeners will gain insight into navigating the stages of financial independence, from the first step of managing expenses to the ultimate goal of complete financial freedom. Personal anecdotes and a carefully designed framework break down what might seem like an overwhelming goal into actionable steps. Whether you're just starting or well on your way, these stages offer a relatable guide, underscoring that every little progress counts. It's never too late to start, and Jamila’s story is a testament to the power of small, consistent steps towards a significant life change.

We also discuss cultural heritage and personal growth. From the deep familial bonds woven during trips to Jamaica to the personal challenges and milestones symbolized by events like the Reggae Marathon, the conversation is deeply reflective. Listeners are encouraged to embrace personal challenges and inner work as a means of achieving both financial independence and personal fulfillment. This dialogue isn't just about money; it's about the holistic journey to a life well-lived, embracing every step, no matter how challenging, with resilience and joy.

Connect with Jamila - Podcast | Book 

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As a first-generation Guyanese American, Randy Pulayya's journey from the vibrant streets of Richmond Hill, Queens, to over 60 countries, has uniquely shaped his entrepreneurial vision. In this episode, Randy shares his experiences living in Southeast Asia and the curiosity he encountered about Caribbean culture, drawing fascinating parallels between Caribbean and Asian culinary traditions.

Randy takes us behind the scenes of building West Indies Pepper Sauce, shedding light on the complexities of entering major retail markets like Walmart and Whole Foods. He talks about the financial challenges, such as slot-in fees and cash flow management, while discussing his motivation to share cultural heritage through this flavorful venture. His story is a testament to the power of community support and maintaining a strong Caribbean identity amid the hurdles of scaling a premium brand.

Celebrate with us as Randy and his wife, Shauna, launch an initiative to increase Caribbean brand representation in local stores. This venture not only showcases their dedication to cultural storytelling but also highlights the resilience and innovation required to thrive as entrepreneurs. Randy's admiration for the cultural narratives behind each brand is evident, and he encourages us all to embrace our heritage with pride and passion.

Connect with West Indies Peppa Sauce: Website | Instagram

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In this episode Shari, a spirited Jamaican entrepreneur, shares her remarkable journey from Jamaica to the UK, to the bustling streets of New York, and finally to Kampala, Uganda. Starting with her challenging yet eye-opening experiences in the UK, Shari talks about adapting to new environments and finding inspiration in unexpected places. Her story is a testament to the power of resilience and an adventurous spirit, as she navigates her way through different cultures, eventually finding a place that truly feels like home.

Shari shares the ins and outs of setting up a business in Uganda from a Caribbean perspective. Shari recounts the hurdles she faced, from navigating visa requirements and work permits to overcoming the cultural biases that persist against female entrepreneurs. Listen in as she provides an honest look at the logistical and emotional challenges of establishing her spa business, emphasizing the importance of preparation and persistence.

She shares the touching stories of how her work has transformed the lives of many women, providing them with newfound self-esteem. Shari’s dedication to uplifting others shines through as she reflects on the personal sacrifices and emotional rewards of her entrepreneurial path. Shari discusses her future aspirations and the continuous dream to expand her horizons, underscoring the beauty of community and connection that has defined her incredible journey. Listen to be inspired by Shari’s unwavering drive and her mission to make a positive impact on the world.

Connect with Shari: Shari's Instagram | The Spa's Instagram 

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