Business View Caribbean - Dec 2023

29 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 SCENT OF CARAIBES In the words of Sam, “Every fragrance is going to have a QR code... which will lead them to my website, and it will have them read about the island the fragrance represents.” This pioneering approach is not just about olfactory pleasure but also about cultural enlightenment. This idea, conceived around April 2020, shortly after the birth of her sixth child, stemmed from a deep desire to pay tribute to her Caribbean lineage. Sam, a New Yorker with roots in Saint Thomas, USVI, BVI, Antigua, Aruba, and Saint Vincent, envisioned Caraibes, LLC., as a bridge between her heritage and the wider world. Her initiative goes beyond just creating fragrances; it’s about correcting misconceptions and expanding the understanding of the islands beyond their picturesque landscapes. “We are way more than just beautiful beaches,” Sam asserts, highlighting her commitment to educating tourists and enthusiasts about the rich and diverse cultures of these regions. Caraibes, LLC. operates on a wholesale model, welcoming partnerships with fragrance companies interested in selling their products. Sam emphasizes the importance of a basic yet protective contract for both parties, ensuring the integrity and distribution of the fragrances. The company’s website, continuously updated with each new collection, provides detailed information about each scent and the island it represents. The first collection features ‘Ville de Amore’, a tribute to St. John, U.S.V.I., described by Sam as a long-lasting, sweet, floral perfume. Packaged in a 90-milliliter bottle, it requires only a few sprays for an enduring scent. But ‘Ville de Amore’ is just the beginning. Sam eagerly notes the expansion of the collection, including fragrances representing Tortola, Chile, Belize, Puerto Rico, Trinidad, and St. Croix, USVI. Each scent is carefully crafted to encapsulate the essence and reputation of its respective island, offering tourists a tangible, lasting memento of their experiences. THE INSPIRATIONAL JOURNEY OF KIESE SAM The path leading to the creation of Caraibes,