Carry On Friends: The Caribbean American Experience

Send us a text 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: lifetime pricing 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. 🎉 Join the Waitlist! 🎉 Celebrate the 10th anniversary of the podcast by being part of something new—our exclusive membership community launching January 13th! 💡 Founding Members get: 👉🏽 Click here to join the waitlist. Don’t miss this chance to connect, contribute, and celebrate with us. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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! Share in the comments! Check the playlist of songs mentioned in this episode. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text 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 Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text In this episode I sit down with J.O., a multifaceted Jamaican American filmmaker, songwriter, and content creator whose journey is nothing short of inspiring. From the musically rich influences of Bob Marley and Michael Jackson during his childhood to the pivotal moment of appearing on Extreme Makeover in 2005, J.O. shares his story of perseverance, growth, and relentless ambition. Our conversation uncovers the layers of J.O.'s career, from the continuous effort of honing his craft in acting, songwriting, and screenwriting. J.O. opens up about the challenges of the creative journey, emphasizing the importance of understanding one’s purpose in storytelling and maintaining focus on personal growth. We delve into the business side of the arts and the complexities of maintaining cultural authenticity in mainstream media. J.O. shares his strategies for building an independent entertainment brand, particularly within the Caribbean context, and the power of a DIY approach. Highlighting his work with Black and Sexy TV and the creation of his hit series, Rider, J.O. provides insights into leveraging partnerships and monetizing content. This episode is packed with ambition, cultural energy, and practical advice for aspiring creatives eager to carve their own paths. Don't miss out on this enriching conversation! Connect with J.O. - Website | Instagram Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text The Atlantic Hurricane season have given the Caribbean a beating. Now the relief and the recovery efforts begin, what can we do to help? Join the convo online using #cofpodcast Carry On Friends - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Read more about on carryonfriends.com Enjoyed the show? Please remember to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text Tasha Morris is the co-founder of Benchmark Creative Group a marketing agency. In this episode Tasha shares how she launched her business with a co-founder and tips to consider if you're considering starting your own service based business. Join the convo online using #cofpodcast Carry On Friends - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Read more about on carryonfriends.com Enjoyed the show? Please remember to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text In this episode, Kerry-Ann chats with Rohan Gilkes serial entrepreneur and founder of Innclusive on what it takes to launch and run multiple businesses. And the lessons he has learned from his successes and failures. Join the convo online using #cofpodcast Carry On Friends - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Read more about on carryonfriends.com Enjoyed the show? Please remember to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text The first episode where I answer listener questions!! When is a good time to quit your job to follow your dream? How important is strategy when starting or running your business? I also answer a listener question asking what I miss from back home (Jamaica) that I'm unable to get in America. Email hello@carryonfriends.com to submit questions that may be asked and answered in a future episode of the podcast. Also coming soon - the C+E Advisory Connect. Email hello@carryonfriends.com for more information. Carry On Friends - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production

Send us a text In sharing our journeys we also have to share a little bit of our challenges and struggles. Life happens and the unexpected will come. What you do with the unexpected when it happens is more important than the unexpected itself. Read more of the show notes on carryonfriends.com Enjoyed the show? Please remember to leave a rating and review on iTunes. Connect with us on Social MediaCarry On Friends - Twitter | Instagram | Facebook Support the show Connect with @carryonfriends - Instagram | Facebook | YouTube A Breadfruit Media Production