Caribbean entrepreneurs own and operate many businesses contributing to New York City’s identity and sense of community. Sharing the goods, foods, vibes, and hospitality of the Caribbean in various ways, these individuals show that while the Caribbean islands may be relatively small, they are mighty.
Brooklyn-based and Trinidadian-born entrepreneur Nicole Grimes is dedicated to championing and amplifying members of this group through the Carib Biz Network (CBN). This platform supports the growth of Caribbean American businesses. As of 2019, there were approximately 3 million Caribbean immigrants across the United States, with the highest population of communities in Miami and NYC. “CBN started because of the NYC community,” says Grimes. “A high concentration of our business community and network is based here in NYC. These include Caribbean restaurants, shops, and service-based businesses scattered mainly ac- ross Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx.”
“I started CBN as a passion project on social media to promote the small businesses of those I knew and their own circles. A year later, I incorporated a formal business as a platform for Caribbean Americans to gather and grow in the American entrepreneurship landscape. Two and a half years later, we’ve grown into a passionate community of people trying to achieve success and tell important Caribbean stories on their own terms. I’m so humbled and thrilled to be a part of that.”
CBN holds events throughout the year, such as the Island Jingle Holiday Market, the Boss Lady NYC Mixer, and the Momentum Expo, a three-day event at City Point in Brooklyn this past June. This year’s expo included business owners vending jewelry, hair care products,
clothing, and fine soaps and hosting discussions around building wealth and legacy, the cost and benefits of becoming an entrepreneur, and the importance of maintaining your authentic Caribbean self in an ever-changing digital workplace.
Learn about some Caribbean-owned businesses in Brooklyn and how they share their islands’ culture with NYC.
Allison Dunn (Jamaica), Hibiscus Brew, 546 Flatbush Ave., Flatbush
How would you describe your business?
Hibiscus Brew is a pink café that seeks to bring a slice of the Caribbean to Brooklyn with our signature hibis- cus/nonalcoholic sorrel wine that we use in smoothies, iced teas, and vegan soft-serve ice cream. The café is fo- cused on health, nourishment, and creating a space that sparks joy.
How is your native island reflected through your busi- ness and product?
From our sorrel to the tropical storefront–this space was created to add vibrancy to my neighborhood and bring a bit of Jamaica to my adopted home in Brooklyn. I took one of the happiest moments in our culture—the Christmas holiday when we drank sorrel and ate rum cake—to create an experience that sparks joy for my customers.
What is your favorite thing about the country that you’re from?
I love Jamaica because of the friendly people, great food, fun music and culture, beautiful beaches, and warm weather.
What is your favorite thing about Caribbean culture in NYC?
It’s great to experience the Caribbean in Brooklyn. The little Caribbean is the ideal place to enjoy the food and culture of your favorite island. You don’t have to go far. ,…
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