Crista Strachan-Chase is aPediatric Occupational Therapist and Content Creator. She is a culture, fitness & lifestyle blogger and vlogger at Bahamianista from the Bahamas based in Tampa, Florida.
Describe your style?
My style is always evolving but if I had a few words for it — street style, edgy with a tiny bit of timeless.
What song describes your vibe?
Right now, Chronixx – Likes. *laughs*
If you were stranded on an island and could only listen to music from 5 Caribbean artists who would they be?
Chronixx, Machel Montano, Tessanne Chin, Ronnie Butler and Beenie Man.
What’s your favorite Caribbean festival/experience?
Junkanoo!
What Caribbean country or experience are you looking forward to visiting in the future?
St Lucia for St Lucia Carnival.
Why is it important to stay connected to your Caribbean culture and what are 3 things you do in order to do so?
For me, it’s pivotal because it’s what gave birth to me and my ideas and what shaped me as a young woman. 3 things I try to do is talk and listen to people, especially the older generation, their experiences and “know-how”. I also try to ask questions, especially about things I don’t have a clue about–whether its someone else’s practices in their culture and why they do things. Last but not least, I’m learning to maintain who I am as a young Caribbean woman in the United States in spaces where my culture is absent instead of assimilating and going with the norm.
What’s a misconception you find people have about Caribbean culture?
A big misconception is that the Caribbean is just beautiful beaches — there’s so much more to see, do and discover, feel and learn about the culture. I’m always discovering new things every day about other Caribbean nations and my own.
How are you helping Caribbean people and/or culture thrive?
I believe I’m helping Caribbean people through my platform as a content creator and just trying to show up in spaces, roles and ways that we aren’t conventionally present or expected to be in by telling my own personal stories and hopefully in turn encouraging someone else to do the same.
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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