Girlfriend Expo and Arts Festival continues to grow

The annual Girlfriend Expo and Arts Festival, now in its In its 10th year, has achieved a regional reach with exhibitors from St Lucia, Martinique, St Vincent and Jamaica in attendance.

Events director Kimtara Clarke says the annual festival had some 90 entrepreneurs and approximately 40 new businesses participating.

Held at the Garfield Sobers Gymnasium for the first time, Clarke said that the growth of the exhibition has been “tremendous” having started with 30 booths in 2009.

She noted that the increase in innovation and enterprise could be linked to the island’s economic standing and a large number of Government layoffs.

“People are trying something new. They are starting new business and a lot of unique businesses as well. I guess because of the economy people are trying something on their own,” said Clarke.

The exhibition is all encompassing featuring beauty products and service, interior and events decorating, fashion, cuisine, insurance and more. Following this year’s theme of Africa, the organizer incorporated food, music and entertainment from countries such as Nigeria, Kenya and Senegal. Some of the patron-favorites were the head-wrapping and hair demonstrations and the ‘femi-nars’ [seminars targeted towards women].

Also in attendance at the expo was Minister of Creative Economy, Culture and Sports, John King who lauded the creativity and specialized products showcased by exhibitors.

“I am glad that our women are in the forefront of being there and the innovation and empowering themselves and by extension empowering the entire society with these initiatives,” King said. (KK)