Layne passionate about inspiring the next generation of Entrepreneurs

The Barbados Entrepreneurship Foundation (BEF) is a thought-leader and catalyst for creating change in the economy through the promotion and development of entrepreneurship.

As the world celebrates Global Entrepreneurship Week, the BEF is highlighting some of the young persons who are prime examples of entrepreneurial excellence.

Keosha Layne and her team won a Sector Champion Award in the 2018 installment of the $20 Challenge, with Smooth Sensation, natural skin care company.

Keosha shared her thoughts as she reflected on her journey: “We won in the category of Branding and Niche Marketing. We were ecstatic. We knew that our branding was on point  – from our logos, ingredients listing to packaging – everything was well executed.

“Our approach to developing a niche market was to localise our business; making it different from other vendors in Barbados.

“We chose different beaches in Barbados and named our products after them. And as it was the month of November, we fashioned a trident inside of our gels.”

Having graduated from the University of The West Indies, Cave Hill Campus with a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting (Special), Keosha continued to give back to the BEF initially as a Student Ambassador. Later, she became a judge and member of the planning committee. She is currently the co-ambassador for her alma mater, the Springer Memorial School.

“At the 2018 Gala and Awards Ceremony, I was announced as a Student Ambassador for the $20 Challenge. Both Mrs. Celeste Foster and Ms. Sophia Lisk encouraged me to come behind the scenes to see what the organisation truly does.

“I have represented the organisation on CBC  TV‘s Good Mornin’ Barbados programme, and co-hosted the 2020 Gala.

“I also got the opportunity to visit the St. George Secondary School, to speak about the $20 Challenge and  my journey as a former participant.”