A local artist is seeking to ensure that traditional Barbadian culture lives on both here and abroad.
Akilah Inniss, owner of X(ambiance) Studios, produces the Little Barbados range of greeting cards and postcards, which depict local sayings, characters, games, foods and social settings.
She told BARBADOS BUSINESS AUTHORITY both visitors to the island and Barbadians living overseas had responded well to what started out as a “random idea” in 2008.
The cards, which include a Christmas line, are available in several hotels, art and craft stores and souvenir shops in the island.
“Little Barbados since its inception has been getting great reception from hotels right down to the consumers. It is important as a young businessperson to have support; not necessarily just by purchasing but by giving counsel or just doing what you can to help and the hotels have seen the quality and the passion . . . in my products so they’ve been . . . positive towards them,” she said.
Inniss noted that she wanted to educate young Barbadians about local traditions and ensure that the country’s history was preserved.
She said she planned to produce a third series of cards next year along with canvases and T-shirts among other items next year.
Marketing representative and sales assistant Amanda Maximilien pointed out that the cards were not just for tourists, but also businesses that wanted a unique way to recognize partners and clients.
“They’re also great when businesses want to send them out to partners and these are really good pieces of history so they can cater to all types,” she said.
Meanwhile, sales representative Wanita Parris said Barbadians like the cards for their relatives residing overseas.
“We have a lot of families outside that like to hold on to something from Barbados,” she said.
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