Cocktails with… — October 17
Island Bride Jamaica co-directors Carmel Legros (right) and Shikima Hinds are simply radiant as they stand inside the Devonshire, eager to meet their guests who turned out for the launch of the 2011 wedding season. We’re holding court with these two fabellas over cocktails. Here’s what they both had to say.
What are you sipping?
Carmel Legros (CL): I’m having one of the evening’s four signature cocktails, it’s called the Blushing Bride.
Shikima Hinds (SH): And I’m having the other, Something Blue.
What kind of day are you ladies having?
CL: It’s been quite productive, just putting on the finishing touches to ensure that our function goes as planned.
Socialite or homebody?
CL: I’m more of a homebody.
SH: When I’m at home in the country I’m a homebody, but when I’m in Kingston, I’m a socialite.
Flats or stilettos?
CL: Stilettos… flats are for when we’re working at events, and even then we always go for stilettos as they’re more appropriate.
Jeans or LBD?
SH: We believe there’s a time and a place for them both.
What’s your style?
CL: Trendy
SH: Classic yet trendy.
Who does your hair?
CL: I live in Miami so I go to a Dominican hairstylist named Reina.
SH: Roxanne Shields at Roxanne’s… I’ll drive from the country to have her do my hair.
Who does your nails?
CL: I don’t have a special person.
SH: Manor Collections, or when I’m in the country I’ll go to Elaine’s or the Red Lane Spa at Sandals Whitehouse.
What perfume are you spraying?
CL: Dolce & Gabbana The One
SH: Guilty by Gucci
What’s in your clutch?
CL: BlackBerry, digital camera, MAC Lipglass and my company phone.
SH: Co Bigelow, my BlackBerry, my digital camera and my MAC powder and brush, and car keys.
What’s your idea of the perfect date?
CL: Dinner at the Grog Shoppe in Jamaica and if it’s Miami, then it’s dinner at Mr Chow’s in South Beach.
SH: Anywhere that involves the beach or the ocean and being with someone who, like me, enjoys good conversation.
What’s your idea of the perfect man?
CL: A loyal one.
SH: My husband… I like a hard-working, ambitious gentleman; he must be a gentleman. One who is supportive of your dreams, and he and I must be able to build a life together.
What’s the best thing about being co-directors of Island Bride Jamaica?
CL: It’s not work, it’s a passion and it’s also who we are.
SH: The joy of fulfilling a bride and groom’s dreams and the chance to share in their joy and their love.
What projects are you currently working on?
SH: Several weddings for 2011 and we’ll be working with some luxury private villas to be their exclusive wedding planners. We also have a number of new promotions for Island Bride Jamaica. I’m also assisting my mum and sis with our family business: Brookdale and Morningside Retirement Homes.
What’s the best piece of advice you’ve been given?
CL: “Be passionate, consistent and always consider your work ethic.”
SH: My parents have always taught by example and that includes their showing me, “prayer and hard work conquer all”.
And 10 years from now?
CL: Married with a family, and also nurturing the great relationships you form with some of the brides and grooms.
SH: I hope to have a family and more success in business, as well as a stronger relationship with God and my family.