The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

INSPIRED by the empowerment of women and the mentoring of youth, Bahamian entrepreneur Raquel Pinder has started an initiative called Beauty Beyond Feelings (BBF).

The non-profit organisation is geared towards uplifting and motivating women to always feel beautiful. The team’s mission is to join forces with like-minded organisations and support groups to bring about change within the community; creating an atmosphere where women can elevate themselves through positive change beyond materialistic worth.

Raquel recently advanced the movement by launching an independent fashion and accessories line named BBF Clothing & Products.

Offering T-shirts and tote Bags with the logos that say things like, “I Rock My Pearls Not My Problems” and “I Am Beautiful Beyond My Feelings,” Raquel said the collection declares how women should feel about themselves.

“My personal adversities and emotions I went through as a young woman inspired Beauty Beyond Feelings. I would often make declarations for myself and speak them out loud to myself ever day, with “I am beautiful beyond my feelings” being one of them. As I began to declare this I began to believe it. I thought to myself, if it could change me, then it can change other people. I wanted a line/saying that spoke volumes,” she said.

Raquel said she finds joy in seeing the expressions on the faces of her customers when they wear a piece from the clothing line. Her plan is to take the brand international, as she envisions women all around the world sporting BBF items from head to toe.

“My favourite piece from the collection is the tote bag. I use it on Saturdays when I’m doing my errands. I also use it as a carry-on bag when I’m travelling. When I walk with it everyone stares; it’s an awesome statement piece. Bahamians are amazed of how well put and thought-out all of the pieces are,” said Raquel.

In the near future she is looking forward to adding a variety of additional products to the BBF brand, such as hats, hoodies and exercising gear for plus sized women. Working as a secretary at the St Anne’s School, Raquel said she is also inspired to add a kids’ line.

An addition to operating BBF, she is also the owner of a hairstyling company called Styles By Kelly P.

Raquel also used the BBF platform to host an annual summit, bringing women together to share testimonies in an effort to bring about positive change.

This year made the third annual BBF event, which was held under the theme “Heart & Sole: A real life view into the lives of modern day women like yourself.”

“Word spread that the first event was a major success and the women allowed themselves to let go of the things a that kept them in bondage. Women need as much empowerment as they can get. It’s time for a change and that’s why this movement is so relevant to today’s society,” said Raquel.

“There are so many of us women who are going through so much and don’t have an outlet to release all the emotions we hold in. Some of us have lost homes, going through a divorce, uncomfortable in our singleness, and lost our kids and jobs. Some of us are up to our necks with bills and have allowed how we feel about these situations to dictate how we act. This movement is that positive change for the Bahamas. We are all about giving back.”