Everyone has benchmarks for themselves, and aspirations they develop as their career grows. For me as a young teenage writer living in Trinidad, I wanted to write books and I wanted to write for magazines. I decided early on two of them I wanted to contribute to – Rolling Stone and Caribbean Beat. Rolling Stone being Rolling Stone, and Caribbean Beat being the official airline magazine of Trinidad and Tobago, the magazine in every back pocket of a BWIA (which is now Caribbean Airlines) plane seat.
I wanted to write for Caribbean Beat because the best known writers of the diaspora contributed to its pages and their articles were always engaging and great. It’s like the best writers of the Caribbean writing about the most significant Caribbean luminaries and experts in their respective fields. But despite my efforts, it never happened – maybe because I don’t live in Trinidad anymore, and I wasn’t there to make the right connections? My e mails never seemed to land in the right inbox, or never got any meaningful response. Through the years, I pitched one or two stories there but my career has taken me in a different direction. I began to focus less on pitching to print and more on building my name and reputation online. And now, instead of writing FOR Caribbean Beat, I’ve found myself being written ABOUT in the pages of Caribbean Beat. Which is a wonderful turn of events indeed.
This story has been in the works for a WHILE now – the brilliant writer, Kari Cobham, has been working on this for a minute, but various Caribbean magazines hadn’t yet heard about me or didn’t express significant interest. And finally, here we are – entirely thanks to Kari’s believing in me and my story. I’m SO EXCITED to see this in PRINT!
For the article she interviewed my dear friends Felicia Leatherwood and Kim Coles, both of whom said such amazing things about me that I really need to take them both out for dinner and drinks ASAP, LOVE these women!! My sisters from other misters! AND she interviewed my parents! Mama and Papa Bella could be a whole article by themselves, I know – Kari did such a great job of putting it all together. When I first read it, I cried. I did. Because it means so much to me to be recognized in my own country, by my own people. If you’re flying on Caribbean Airlines in May to June, you’ll get to see it. OR you can click here to read it online!
The accompanying photos were by Chuck Olu-Alabi – we did a shoot at my apartment just for the occasion! I kept it very Trini for my outfit. I’m wearing:
Earrings and bracelet by We Dream in Colour, an amazing jewelry line by Trinidadian designer Jade Gedeon.
Necklace by Eloquii – their accessories are great quality!
Cocktail ring by Max and Chloe.
Dress and sleeveless cardigan M Squared by renowned Trinidadian designer Meiling – this is her affordable line that’s available at Micles stores in Trinidad. I bought these at Westmall The Falls on my last visit home.
Other photos in the issue are by Krystle Rowry of KrissDidIt.com!
Thank you, Kari and thank you Caribbean Beat for making this dream come true! Next stop, Rolling Stone!
Just kidding 
Awww, that’s awesome. Never too late to write for us, though. 😉 Stay tuned for the blog post and newsletter promoting this issue too! Have a great weekend!
Hey congrats! Long overdue :0)
Very proud of you. Your Mom and I were thrilled when Kari called requesting the interview. Of course, she could not print every thing we said, but we thoroughly enjoyed reading the end product.
You always knew what you wanted and you went for it. I remember learning about U M after it was a ”fait accompli”……… but that was where you wanted to study and you excelled. We were very proud then, and you have continued to make us proud today.
When we hear about all your achievements, we feel very happy for you, especially as you are doing it all on your own terms. You may not be totally aware, but you are an inspiration to millions worldwide and a true representative of Trinidad and Tobago and the best we have to offer the world.
We love you dearly and wish you continued success.
D&M
Dearest! So lovely to have read both this post and the online Caribbean Beat – we are getting a few hardcopies to keep. You have achieved a few of your goals and will have to make new ones – like finally writing a book. Keep doing your excellent level of work and thinking of new ways to promote yourself, and most importantly continue to enjoy what you do and pay it forward through mentorship and charity. Hugs
Congrats! 🙂
I discovered your blog by way of Black Enterprise. Glad I’m on board at such an exciting time in your life. I look forward to daily inspiration. Congratulations!!!!
Sweet! Congratulations.
I’m so ecstatic that your dream was surpassed. I just love reading your blogs and the wonderful energy and inspiration that is radiated. The jewelery is so beautiful and stands out over your beautiful outfit.
Wow….Let me start by saying,your post is an inspiration.I don’t even know you,but I’m proud of you,not only as a woman ,but as a trni also..lol.Congrats.You have just encouraged me to continue working toward my goals.I assure you,that you will be hearing alot more from me.I pray that God blesses you,and continues to build you up.Keep strong,and continue showing the world the treasure that Trinidad can produce.
How freaking awesome is that! Congrats on being featured in the magazine as well as all the fabulous accomplishments you have made thus far. You are truly an inspiration 🙂
Patrice, it was a joy to interview you and those in your circle, and even more of a joy to write the story about a fellow Trini doing it big. Thanks for being you and for inspiring so many. 🙂
I took the Caribbean Beat Mag with me on a flight from Tobago to Trinidad. Finally, today I got the chance to sit and read the magazine. I was amazed by what I read and touched at the end of your article.
Congratulations and I know that feeling of wanting to be acknowledged by your own but this is your destiny. This is one trini that acknowledges your work. So proud of you Ms Yursik!
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