BeyondTheSeens: Recent Episodes
Kerreen Wilson
Recognizing who you are beyond the "Seen". A behind the scenes look at individuals and businesses; Exploring the stories that shape the public view of who and what they have become; and Examining the tools that will take them beyond the Seen.
Envision Future Glow Learning Centre, an Early Childhood institution in the Jamaican innercity community of Oakland Road, Kingston 11. What do you see?
Joy Ellis likens her school to the scripture in John 1:46, when Nathaniel asked Phillip, "Can anything good come out of Nazareth"? And Phillip responded, "Come and See."
While studying at St. Joseph's Teacher's College in 2006, as part of her assessment, Joy Ellis was asked to envision a school which needed assistance, write a letter of request for technical and funding support for that school; and submit that letter to a Funding Agency. As Joy put pen to paper, she says that God told her that SHE would one day OWN a school, and that the name of that school would be called Future Glow Learning Centre. If you should speak with Joy, or Auntie Joy as she is called today, she will show you that letter, laminated and framed as her "Joseph Vision."
However, the road to seeing her Vision being actualized was not all smooth and clear. There were times when she felt like giving up, but the God behind the Vision was always there to help her along the way.
Auntie Joy discloses that she first wanted to become a Seamstress like her mother, and actually went to school to study Tailoring. However, another passion that her mother had was to volunteer as a Teacher in remedial learning at the then Jamaican Movement for the advancement of literacy (JAMAL) in Kingston - now renamed, The Jamaica Foundation for Lifelong Learning (JFLL). Her mom's demonstrated passion for helping the uneducated and underserved, lit a fire in young Joy - to serve in Education and to help shape the minds of young Jamaicans.
Because of her passion for Teaching, Joy made several sacrifices in realizing her Vision for Future Glow - from raising chickens and selling eggs; volunteering without pay; and even working elsewhere to use her own salary to pay (supplement the salaries) those working with Future Glow. That is what resilience and never giving up looks like! Joy is a Visionary - filled with gratutude for those who help her, and also pays it forward in helping others.
Today, Joy wants you to "come and see" her school and to also seek your support in providing technical and practical support for another of her vision - A Homework Centre.
She wishes to also acknowledge the support of the Teachers and staff of Future Glow; the parents of the children; the community of Oakland Road and its environs; Food for the Poor; Berger Paints; BH Paints; Artesan, Sheldon Blake and the First Community Church of God.
You can support Joy by contacting her via:
Email: future_glow@yahoo.com
Facebook: JOYWLOG
Instagram: @futureglow6
Telephone: 876-393-2575; 876-804-0208
Support the show
WHY WE DO WHAT WE DO
The Beyond the Seens Podcast takes a look at individuals and businesses, what keeps them successful and motivated. We discuss their beginnings, examine the fears and challenges they faced along their journeys, and share the tools they use to overcome; the lessons they learnt; and the words of motivation they can give to those who wish to start, but may not have the courage to do so.
PODCAST CHANNEL: Tune in to our Podcast Channel to listen to the full Interviews:
https://www.buzzsprout.com/1919667/episodes
APPAREL STORE: Shop our Merch here
https://beyondlifestyle.creator-spring.com/apparel
SUPPORT OUR SHOW
https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW
LINKTREE:
https://linktr.ee/beyondtheseens
INSTAGRAM
https://www.instagram.com/beyondtheseens/
TWITTER
https://twitter.com/beyondtheseens
TIKTOK
https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondtheseenspodcast
WEBSITE:
https://beyondtheseens.com/
Today we speak with Shyma, a Jamaican-American Board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner. Shyma speaks about her journey from being a teenage mother in Tower Hill, one of Jamaica’s toughest inner-city communities, to starting and owning two (2) medical businesses in the United States of America – focusing on Primary care and wellness; and Beauty and skin care.
Motivated to bridge the gap in what she perceived as racial and socio-economic disparity in the healthcare system, Shyma sought to bring the focus back on patient-care, rather than revenue generation. Stating that all her clients are VIP clients, Shyma considers Optimal Healing Center as a “Community”, which goes beyond patient care, to providing overall wellness support.
Overcoming the barriers of being a black woman business owner, Shyma speaks of days when she would go to an empty office, coming to work as though she had a vibrant business, and functioning as though she had a full schedule. But these were the moments she used to prepare her roadmap for the future. Her mantra is, “The Vision is bigger than the No’s – start with the end in mind. Even when the curve-ball comes, you still have that long term vision”
Because of her genuine care for people, Shyma now provides Mentorship and Preceptorship for young nurses; and lectures Clinical Science with the University of Connecticut and Sacred Heart University.
You can get in touch with and support Shyma at:
Optimal Healing Center of Connecticut
Address: 4270 Main St, Suite 303, Bridgeport, Connecticut 06606, United States
Telephone: (203) 491-8908
Optical Healing Med Spa
Address: 1515 Black Rock Turnpike Suite B, Fairfield, CT 06825, United States
Telephone: (203)-916-5999
Website: www.optheal.org; Email: admin@optheal.org; Instagram: @optimalhealingcenterct
To support BeyondTheSeens, you can donate to our Paypal account @Beyond The Seens
Tune in to the show on all podcast platforms. And remember to follow us at beyondtheseens on Twitter; Instagram. Like, and subscribe to our podcast on Youtube at beyondTheSeens Podcast. Email us at stories@beyondtheseens.com
Support the show
Today, we speak with Delroy Millwood, a Jamaican Artist about his journey to becoming a Professional Painter and business owner.
Hailing from Spanish Town, St. Catherine - Delroy tells us that he discovered his talent for art from a young age, and describes for us the roundabout route he took to finally arrive at applying his gift for painting. Though he did academic work in school, at the back of his notebook, he would always draw cartoon characters and other drawings. At age 9, he peeped into an art class, not recognizing at the time that he had set eyes upon the Teacher who would years later lead him into his calling.
Thinking back on his journey, Delroy maintains that, "Sometimes, you need a little sour, to know what is sweet". His sour experience of being expelled from High School made him realize how supportive his father was - not giving up on him, but helping him to apply for agricultural school, where he could develop a skill. It was while in agricultural school, after his peers and teachers recognized his gift for drawing - that Delroy finally realized that Artwork was really what he wanted to pursue.
Setting out with the mindset that it wasn't too late for him to realize his dream, Delroy packed up and left Agricultural school, and enrolled in art classes. Over time, he would win several awards, including the St. Catherine Homecoming Association Presidential Cup. Delroy's philosophy is that "whenever you reach the top of the mountain, never settle there, as it represents the bottom of another mountain you need to conquer".
To support Delroy, you can find him on Instagram @delroy_millwood. Check out his website at www.delroymillwood.com and view his YouTube Project "Delroy Paints Jamaica" on YouTube @Delroy Art.
Support the show
In today's Episode, we speak with Ms. Natasha Griffiths - a Jamaican Screen Writer-Director, Actress, University Lecturer and Entrepreneur.
Natasha completed a Masters of Fine Arts degree in Screen Writing with the Barry R. Ferstein Graduate School of Cinema in New York ; at a time when that was unpopular for a Jamaican to do. But, driven by a deep desire to become a film director, and to work in the film industry, she stepped out and made it happen.
She tells us of the importance of being aware of the Timing of God, knowing when one season has ended, and having the courage to step into the next season. Natasha recounts how whilst teaching at a Jamaican High school, she felt that God was calling her to step into her destiny. Not wanting to disobey God, she wrote her resigntation letter as a gift for her birthday and kept it in her desk at work until the opportune time.
As we chat with Natasha, she delivers stories upon stories of how God led her into her destiny. Recently, she became a top 4 finalist in the Jamaica Film and Television Association (JAFTA) initiative called PROPELLA, for her film, "BLACK N' SHINE", which she has directed.
Natasha currently lectures in the Animation Department at the University of Technology in Jamaica, teaching Screen-writing and Story-telling to Animators enrolled in the university's BSc, Animation Development & Production program.
As to how she has gotten so far on her journey, Natasha shares with us some important discoveries. Firstly, that " A lot of us who God gives more than one gift or talent, we want to do it all. But I have come to the realization that I just have to master one thing, and the rest will come". She advises, "Spiritually, have a little faith in your dreams and purpose will make room for you, once you pursue it. Do not worry about all the things that will stop you".
Check out Natasha's Interview on our other Podcast Platforms, and on Instagram and Twitter @beyondtheseens. You can also follow and support Natasha on Instagram @tash_inspires
Support the show
Sometimes, God will ask you to do things that seem to be either impossible; unpopular or unsupported. BUT He has chosen YOU to do it. And, because He has given you this Vision, He will provide all the resources to make the Vision come to reality.
Entrepreneurship is more than Registering a Business; writing a Business Plan; seeking a Loan or Crowd-funding and promoting your Brand. Entrepreneurship starts with having the faith to birth a God-given idea and trusting that God will not put that vision to shame. Viewing Entrepreneurship through those lens, makes you see beyond limitations that you impose upon yourself both in your personal and professional life.
Do not be afraid to step out. Once you are doing something that God has called you to do, He will come alongside with the resources to bring that Vision to Life.
Support the show
In this Episode, we get to know Toni-Ann McKenzie, the CEO behind "Travel With Toni-Ann" - a travel and lifestyle brand on social media. As she speaks with us, Toni-Ann explains how her passion for History, Travel, Photography, Graphic Design, Finance and Content creating, all culminated into her discovering her true purpose.
Beyond being described as a 'Social Media Influencer', She tracks her journey and shares that at the beginning, she wondered how creating content for her travel site, would connect with others. But, she went ahead and did it anyways. In addition to pursuing what she really enjoys, Toni-Ann also uses her platform to financially educate other Creatives, guiding them on how to start their own platform and tips on monetizing it.
Toni-Ann is emphatic about being responsible on social media, and not allowing the 'energy' to validate who you are and what you represent as a person or brand. She also cites an example of how her current Brand-Ambassador role with Yello, arose from her maintaining a healthy social media presence.
You can check out travelwithtoniann on the following platforms:
Instagram & Tiktok: @travelwithtoniann
Youtube: travelwithtoniann
Website: travelwithtoniann.com
Support the show
How we treat others often impacts how they themselves go on to treat someone else. We live our lives for ourselves and also for what value we bring to and bring out in others. The scriptures in Matthew 5:16 tell us to let our light shine...SO THAT others may see our good works. This means that our lives are always impacting someone else, and the works we perform must be good works. In doing good works, we glorify our Father in Heaven.
God wants to have a people in the earth who value themselves and value others - seeing themselves as significant, and seeing another person's talent, gifting and value also as significant. Once we embrace and recognize this, we find that we do not need to compete with another person, because we are all valuable. We then freely give recognition, affirmation, love and encouragement because we no longer feel threatened by someone else's gifting.
A lot of people's destinies are tied to our own journeys of overcoming. How we live our lives blesses others, and causes a ripple effect of blessings. Today, make someone's day as great as yours!
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
In today's episode, we talk with Ms. Christina Lawrence, the CEO of Re-Present Foundation Limited
Christina shares with us her journey from becoming a Teen mom, being pregnant at age 15, to now starting her Foundation [Charity] to predominantly help teenage mothers and women in crisis. In the interview she shares the highs and lows - the hills and valleys of attending high school while caring for her daughter at the same time; the ridicule and abuse she faced at the hands of classmates and persons within her community who sought to punish her. She speaks about her family support system, and how they came alongside to help her during that time of crisis in her life.
Christina is adamant that persons who find themselves in the company of teen moms, are not to give up on them, nor ostracize them; but to love, respect, affirm and re-affirm, encourage and support them. The words we speak and the actions we perform during life's uncertain and unplanned moments are usually the catalyst that helps the person to heal, and to remain on track to fulfilling their destiny.
A lot of people's destinies are tied to our own journeys of overcoming, and our own journeys of forgiveness and restoration. Christina describes our past as scars that shape the power we amass in order to change the world. Finally she encourages women to "Love Yourself; Embrace and honour your valleys. They help you to find your Purpose. Do not hide your Talent, but multiply it."
To get in touch with Christina, you may reach her at:
Instagram: @representfoundationja
Email: representfoundationja@gmail.com
Telephone: 876-818-0632
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
In this Episode, we interview Mr. Chevaun Manning whose song "Daddy" sends such a potent message about family, relationships and parenting.
Chevaun, also known by his musical name, 'Chevv" sings about a topic that not many people are comfortable discussing. He explores the impact that an absentee parent can have on a child, and how the demonstration of love through material gifting cannot compensate for the words of affirmation and the emotional support that a child requires.
Broken homes and broken relationships are part of a lot of our history. This Interview speaks about the opportunity to discover that our parents at times loves us the best way they knew how, and that all's not lost on the journey to reconciliation. Affirm someone today.
You can find find Chevaun's music here:
https://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=chevv
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
Planning for success in your future is part of growth and maturity, whether it be personal or business growth.
We do not want to dwell too much in the past, that we become stuck there. Neither do we want to live too much in the future that we miss the indicators and opportunities in our present that could help us to navigate our future better.
Living in your present is important because:
1. It is where you stand, having been victorious over any challenges or obstacles in your past circumstances
2. It is where you apply lessons learned from your past in order to make better decisions and better choices in your present life [circumstances]
3. It is where you grow, the place from which you are able to plan to make things happen for your future.
4. It is the place from which you "Hope". Hope keeps your dreams alive, and seeing your dreams become reality - also keeps hope alive!
Acknowledge your "Present" today!
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beyondtheseens)
Have you ever achieved something for yourself? You feel good about it, but no one celebrates or encourages you. Whenever this happens, you automatically feel deflated, and your achievement now seems not to matter to anyone.
But, it SHOULD matter....... TO YOU! When we celebrate ourselves, it changes how we perceive ourselves. It leads to a life that is much more happier and focused. We get to measure how we have progressed towards our own goals, and we get to look forward to improving our past achievements.
It shouldn't be competitive, because you cannot compete against yourself. What celebration does is put us in a place where we see set-backs as something to overcome, not to bury us in despair. Sometimes, what we are accustomed to seeing as set-backs, eventually changes - because our perceptions of who we are and what the problem is - have changed.
Celebrate Yourself today! Celebrate Yourself tomorrow! Celebrate yourself Always! You deserve to be celebrated.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
In today's Episode, we interview Miss Patricia A. Daley - a Jamaican Author, Educator and Philanthropist. Patricia speaks about her journey to becoming an Educator in the United States of America, and also what inspired her to become an Author.
Patricia has written and published two (2) captivating books so far: "Wait for What?" and "River of Love", both of which can be found on Amazon and Barnes & Noble. In her newest upcoming book, she seeks to address the impact of Migration on children and families in the Caribbean.
In addition to being an Author, Ms. Daley is the Founder and CEO of Give Back Generation which she founded based on her own personal financial struggles while attending college in the United States. Give Back Generation is a non-for-profit corporation, with the sole purpose of providing scholarships for College and university students in Jamaica. Patricia believes that "the educational success of any student is paramount to the economic, social, and psychological development of any society."
To learn more about Patricia and her work, connect with her on LinkedIn; Email her at givebackgenja@gmail.com; or check out the website to benefit from or contribute to the scholarship fund at: https://givebackgen.org/
Patricia's books can be found via the following links:
https://www.amazon.com/Wait-What-Patricia-Daley/dp/1545612072
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wait-for-what-patricia-a-daley/1126991274
https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/river-of-love-patricia-daley/1130547824
https://www.amazon.com/River-Love-Patricia-Daley/dp/1643496220
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
At some point in time, some or perhaps most of us have discounted something we do - considering it of no value. Oftentimes, we wait around for someone to come in and validate what we have to offer.
Today's episode is about encouraging you that no matter what your sphere of life is, believe in the value that you impart and contribute to society.
Do not wait for someone to validate your value. Make Your Impact and Make it well!
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beyondtheseens)
In this Episode, we interview Mrs. Amoy Virgo, CEO of Jamaica Reads. Amoy speaks about her journey and the hurdles she overcame in order to develop and offer a Literacy Program extending beyond the borders of Jamaica to the wider Caribbean and Latin America.
Despite beginning on a traditional career path in Banking and Investments, Amoy had a deep desire to help Jamaican children and even adults, to become literate and functioning members of our society.
Her company's philosophy is that "students love to learn when they are not struggling". Jamaica Reads offers an environment that is relaxed, fun and confident. It identifies individual weaknesses contributing to low grades, poor comprehension and lack of interest; and then designs specific and individualized programs to develop strong and independent readers.
You can learn more about Jamaica Reads at www.jamaicareads.com and the following social media platforms:
Instagram: jamaicareads
Facebook: jamaicareads
Twitter: @jamaicareads
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beyondtheseens)
Oftentimes, we see people as being strong, persevering, determined, diligent, always smiling and always willing to help! But, though they seem strong, "The Strong Persons" also need to be strengthened.
Just recently, I spoke with several young persons attending Universities - ranging in age from late teens to early twenties. Predominantly, the void of persons checking in on them - was what led each conversation to go past the base formalities.
It was within each enlightened moment as I listened to them, that I recognized the importance of all of us going beyond the bare politeness of our days, and finding out how we can help each other.
As we go through a Pandemic together, can we help the elderly to get necessities that they struggle in getting, whether due to either financial or physical challenges? Can I help an adult friend who may be having things a bit more difficult than I am? Does he/she need help with the children? How can I be there to help you?
We will discover that as we reach out to help, then others also begin to reach out to help us. Check up on a "Strong Person" today, even if it means checking up on YOU.
Support the show (https://www.buymeacoffee.com/beyondtheseens)
Today, we interview Sydia Griffiths - Managing Director of Sidcile Custom Craft Limited, a Jamaican family-owned company designing and manufacturing personal and home accessories from natural Jippy-Jappa fibre.
Listen to Sydia as she shares her lessons learned as a business woman, and how being authentic in following her own dream, instead of someone else's dream has even made her evolve into a better person.
Check out Sidcile Custom Craft on its social media pages:
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/pages/category/Accessories/Sidcile-Custom-Craft-Ltd-154251644619053/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sidcile_custom_craft/?hl=en
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
Have you ever wondered about how where you are now and what you do now will ever match up with what you really want to do?
Nothing is ever by chance.
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)
Beyond the Seens will take a look at the stories that shape the successful individuals that we see within our societies. We will share these stories with you so that they will both encourage and help to successfully shape you and your businesses.
Stay tuned for our upcoming Interviews!
Support the show (https://www.paypal.com/donate/?hosted_button_id=N456YM2P7SJQW)