A delegation of accomplished Vincentian entrepreneurs showcased their talent and expertise at the Cross-Regional Forum on Intellectual Property and Women’s Entrepreneurship, held in Kingston, Jamaica, on December 5–6, 2024. This landmark event brought together participants from across the Caribbean and Africa to explore the intersection of intellectual property (IP) and women’s entrepreneurship.
Organized by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in collaboration with the Jamaica Intellectual Property Office (JIPO) and supported by the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the forum highlighted the pivotal role of intellectual property in empowering women entrepreneurs.
Representing Saint Vincent and the Grenadines were: fashion designer Kimon Baptiste founder/creative designer of Kimmystic Clo, Kimya Glasgow founder & creative director of sustainable fashion & lifestyle brand Kimya Glasgow, Marslyn Lewis of founder & CEO of Marslyn’s All-Natural Seamoss Solutions, and Aneisha Glasgow, a representative from the Commerce and Intellectual Property Office (CIPO).
The two-day event featured thought-provoking presentations, interactive workshops, and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
Highlights included: A keynote address by Stacey Hines, author of Balanced Lady Boss and founder of Epic Transformation Ltd; discussions on integrating IP into entrepreneurship, led by experts such as Dr. Yentyl Williams and Ms. Lauri-Ann Ainsworth of the Branson Centre for Entrepreneurship; business mentorship session emphasizing strategies for growth, balance, and passion, featuring Ms. Keesha Fleming Lake and Ms. Nasha-Monique Douglas.
The Vincentian contingent actively participated in discussions, working sessions, and group pitches, drawing from their experiences to contribute to regional conversations on innovation, branding, and collaboration. The event also provided a platform to feature video highlights of entrepreneurial success stories, including those from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.
The participants were invited to attend a textile design exhibition showcasing high-quality resist technique textiles and textile products from Jamaica and Nigeria.
The final day of the event included a commitment to continued collaboration and the launch of the WIPO online hub – IP For Her, designed to support women entrepreneurs worldwide in navigating IP systems and scaling their businesses, as well as providing support and guidance for IP stakeholders.
Participants were also put into groups that had to develop and pitch a product to a panel of Jamaican angel investors. The fashion group, of which Ms Baptiste and Ms Glasgow were team members, emerged as the winners of the business pitch competition.
The event culminated in a pop up shop event, where participants were able to showcase and sell their products to the Jamaican public.
Speaking on the significance of the event, Kimon Baptiste stated: “Before this training, my understanding of intellectual property was vague at best. But now, I see the incredible possibilities it holds—not just for my business, Kimmystic.Clo, but for growth, innovation, and protecting creativity across the region. The lessons I’ve learned are invaluable, but equally priceless are the connections and networks forged during this journey. The collaboration and exchange of ideas have truly enriched my perspective, and I am inspired to implement what I’ve learned moving forward.”
Kimya Glasgow stated: “This forum was a remarkable opportunity to highlight the role of intellectual property in protecting and promoting MSMEs, including the creative sector. It reinforced the importance of empowering women entrepreneurs to leverage IP as a tool for sustainable growth and innovation. I am looking forward to sharing what I’ve learnt during this year of training and being coached, as well as what we have learnt in the forum. Considering that the Orange economy is one of the biggest economic drivers of these times, it is crucial for Caribbean and St Vincent & the Grenadines creative MSMEs particularly to position themselves to be a part of this far-reaching growth”.
Marslyn Lewis also stated: “As an innovator in the evolving field of sea moss value-added products, I was previously oblivious to the vast scope and significance of my intellectual property (IP) assets. The training was truly an eye-opener, revealing vital information that I now realize is integral to the growth, value, and stability of my business. For WIPO, this may have been another project executed, but for me, it was a life-altering experience. Being in a forum surrounded by such a remarkable cadre of talent and skills was not only motivational but also profoundly inspirational.”
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