Business View Caribbean - Dec 2023

33 BUSINESS VIEW CARIBBEAN VOLUME 10, ISSUE 8 SCENT OF CARAIBES PARTNERSHIPS PAVING THE WAY The success of Caraibes, LLC., is not solely a tale of individual creativity and entrepreneurial spirit. It’s also a story about the power of strategic partnerships and the value of mutual respect in business relationships. Sam delves into the integral role her vendors and suppliers have played in her journey, shining a light on the collaborative nature of her enterprise. Sam eagerly acknowledges the support of DSM Firmenich, a significant player in the fragrance industry. “When I met with them, they took a gamble on this single mother of six,” she recalls, underscoring the risk they undertook in supporting her ambitious project. This partnership was more than a business transaction; it was a vote of confidence in her vision and capabilities. DSM Firmenich treated Sam with the same respect and diligence they would accord a seasoned player in the fragrance industry, an approach that deeply impacted her. Another crucial collaborator in her venture is Quality Resource Services. Sam’s voice reflects gratitude as she recounts how they came into the picture. “I was referred to them... and happening was, I was doing this alone,” she explains. This referral was pivotal, steering her away from potential pitfalls in the industry. Quality Resource Services didn’t just offer a service; they offered a partnership, providing guidance and support through the complexities of launching a business. The availability of these fragrances is a critical component of Sam’s business strategy. Currently in discussions with the Duffry group, which specializes in sales points on cruise ships and airports, she is also reaching out to high-end retailers like Macy’s, J.C. Penny, Nordstrom and Neiman Marcus. Meanwhile, Posh Boutique, My Girlfriend’s Closet, & Serenity Glow Candle Co. in the Virgin Islands serves as the pioneer retail partner, having already signed a contract to sell her fragrances. This strategic distribution approach reflects Sam’s dedication to making Caraibes, LLC. a globally recognized brand, while also ensuring it remains rooted in the culture and essence of the Caribbean and Latin American location it represents. In these collaborations, respect and loyalty emerge as recurring themes. “The respect and loyalty was there. And that’s something I’m big on,” Sam emphasizes, acknowledging the importance of these values in her professional relationships. Her experience with these contractors has fostered a sense of deep loyalty and trust, laying the foundation for long-term partnerships that will continue to support the growth and evolution of Caraibes, LLC. VISION FOR THE FUTURE In the world of fragrance, where trends shift like winds and competition is as intense as