Joanna Niles is a Software Support Engineer and the founder of Joannae.com, a lifestyle platform showcasing the balance of travel and life while working full time. Hailing from Brooklyn, NY with Trinidadian roots her blog shares travel guides, affordable style inspiration and Natural Hair & beauty tips for professional women.
Describe your style?
I would say affordable, comfy-chic. I love a good deal, but love quality pieces. There’s no shame picking items from the thrift store or searching through the sales rack at Target or Saks.
What song describes your vibe?
Currently, I Can by Chronixx describes exactly how I feel the majority of the time.
If you were stranded on an island and could only listen to music from 5 Caribbean artists who would they be?
Buju Banton, Beres Hammond, Rupee, Machel Montano and Marc Anthony.
What’s your favorite Caribbean festival/experience?
Even though I don’t go to them often, I love Carnival! It shows the people’s creativity, cultural pride and an individual’s expression of freedom.
What Caribbean country or experience are you looking forward visiting in the future?
I am looking forward to visiting Haiti. In addition to learning more about the first black republic, I’m interested in seeing what the history books and television broadcasts don’t share. I also think it would be cool to for me to see the differences and similarities with its neighbor the Dominican Republic.
Why is it important to stay connected to your Caribbean culture and what are 3 things you do in order to do so?
Staying connected to my culture allows me to have a relationship with extended family. Being up to date with the news, music and familiarization with basic customs and food encourages conversations and pretty much meets us in the middle when it comes to some cultural differences.
What’s a misconception you find people have about Caribbean culture?
That the Caribbean is only good for cruise and beach vacations. If you’re into history or even eco-tourism, there’s a lot available in the Caribbean.
How are you helping Caribbean people and/or culture thrive?
As a consumer, I support Caribbean-owned businesses. As a traveler and content creator, I like to discover the differences and similarities between the islands and share them with my following.
The #StyleandVibesLife feature is a series profiling real Caribbean people who are living life with Style & Vibes! You may be living in the Caribbean Region or throughout the diaspora. Designed to inspire people to keep sharing and exploring Caribbean culture through music, fashion, travel and more! Share your Style & Vibes Life by submitting HERE.
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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