Hailing from the U.S. Virgin Islands, Jozette Walker, affectionately know as Joz, created Carib Vue a digital magazine in July of 2010. The blogazine has given her the opportunity to blend her passion for the Caribbean with career devlopment in Communications (which she is studying at Broward College right now).
Carib Vue Magazine, spotlights Caribbean entertainment, music, sports, arts, business, travel, culture, lifestyle features, and so much more. As a daily online portal the site offers current events and multimedia content. Featuring a modern, yet laid back Caribbean style, CaribVue’s imagery and overall creative direction mirrors the contemporary look of its viewers.
When did you start blogging & why?
I started blogging almost a year ago in mid-July. The idea of creating Carib Vue came to me after losing my office job at a cosmetics company early last year. I was also in college at the time and decided to put my major (Public Relations & Communications) to use. I was born and reared in the Caribbean and I take great pride in my culture, so I decided to fuse this with my love of words. My goal has always been to have a career in the entertainment world and I decided it was time to create my own opportunities. The rest is history, CaribVue was born out of my motivation!
If you could describe your blog in one sentence, what would it be?
Caribvue, the Quintessential Caribbean…Entertainment, Lifestyle and Travel.
What do you hope to accomplish through your blog?
My goal as a blogger is to bring attention to the Caribbean. Carib Vue is a fusion of everything uniquely Caribbean – the blog explores entertainment, culture, lifestyle, and travel. My goal is to bring CaribVue to the level of Essence magazine. Currently, we’re a digital blog and multimedia site but I foresee so many opportunities for the CaribVue brand. I hail from a really small island (St. Croix, Virgin Islands) but my goal is to develop the blog into a major platform for not only entertainers but also businesses in the hospitality and travel industries. I am seeking recognition as a writer and editor, but I’m also as an upcoming media consultant and publicist. I am currently in college for Marketing and Communications so the blog helps me to develop not only my skills but also my network. I look forward to CaribVue generating revenue through advertising and opening the doors to new opportunities for me in the marketing and entertainment industries.
What is the most challenging part of being a blogger?
The most challenging part of being a blogger is keeping the content fresh. Since, I am pretty new to the game leads are hard to come by so I am constantly scouring the internet for stories that my readers may find interesting.
How do you keep content on your blog fresh and interesting?
I have found that the easiest way to stay informed when leads are few is to subscribe to RSS feeds. I follow a large number of news, entertainment, travel, culture, and national news sites that offer stories on Caribbean people, places, and things. By keeping track of RSS feeds, Twitter, Facebook, and newsletters it minimizes the time.
Are you a one person show, how do you balance writing, promoting, coverage etc.?
I am the sole operator of the blog but I’m always on the lookout for contributors. I’m not sure how I pull of this balancing act, but I do. Social media sites such as Facebook and Twitter are my greatest tools. My blog is linked directly to those two platforms and I also use them to promote my business as well Twaitter (a Twitter platform) is excellent for my automated promotional tweets. I also have friends throughout the Caribbean, U.S., and Canada that supply me with great leads and media (pictures and videos) when I’m at my home base.
Do you feel Caribbean bloggers are taken as seriously as print publications (why or why not)?
I believe that the Caribbean blogging scene is being developed, there are so many topics to cover but I feel at present Caribbean travel blogs receive most of the attention. The main reason for this is that we are known throughout the world as a “tropical paradise” however when it comes to our music, history, and food these are the lesser known things. There are few Caribbean entertainment/culture magazines that make it out of the region as print publications, so there is definitely a viable market for these types bloggers on the internet. I look forward to a time when Caribbean bloggers will be looked as authoritative figures on topics besides travel.
What advice would give someone who wants to get into blogging?
My advice to potential bloggers is to write about topics that you have a passion for. A reader can read an article and easily relate to you without having ever meeting you. Write in a conversational style to connect with your readers and the writing process will come effortlessly. In real estate its location, location, location…on the internet it’s social media connect with your readers and connect your blog with the social networks that’s your link to the world!
Who are you Vibin’ to right now (Musically Caribbean or non-Caribbean)?
I am a music connoisseur. I listen to everything but currently you can catch me listening to Nicki Minaj, Rihanna, Rock City, Chris Brown, Keri Hilson, and Beyoncé. My favorite genres are R&B, Lover’s Rock, Pop, and Bacahata.
How would you describe your personal style?
I like to describe my style as island chic. I consider myself to be a bit of a diva, I absolutely love my heels and hats. My fashion style is fun and sexy but always elegant. I admire fashion icons such as Beyoncé Knowles and LisaRaye McCoy. White is my favorite color but I’ll throw bits of colors together to keep things fresh. I am an island girl after all!
Mikelah
Mikelah is a Caribbean Culture expert, curating the bridge between the Caribbean and its diaspora. A CUNY Baruch College graduate with a BBA in Marketing. With previous experience with Caribbean lifestyle brands such as VP Records, Tempo TV and JAMROCK Magazine. Currently serving as a digital marketing maven by day, while continuing to collaborate with Caribbean brands.
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