Innovate Anguilla was alive with possibility on Thursday, 25th September 2025, as women entrepreneurs of every stripe — teachers, designers, artists, strategists, visionaries — gathered for a workshop that was part classroom, part family reunion, and part pep rally for women in business. The occasion? “Coaching, Connection & Collaboration: An Introduction for Women Entrepreneurs,” presented by the SheTrades Caribbean Hub in collaboration with the Gender Affairs Unit and the Anguilla Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACOCI).
The day opened with warm words from Ms. Kemoloy J. Murphy, representing the Gender Affairs Unit and the Ministry of Social Development and Education. She beamed as she welcomed new and familiar faces returning after the last successful session on marketing, where many had launched creative campaigns.
Ms. Murphy reminded participants that the day’s session was about much more than business tips. “Coaching at its core is about unlocking potential, and I know that after today, we’ll be unlocking some potentials,” she said with a smile. With trust, collaboration and networking in the mix, she explained, business growth and personal growth can go hand in hand.
She also revealed the winner of the very first SheTrades Caribbean Boost Her Business grant—a US$500 award designed to help entrepreneurs scale their ventures using marketing and AI tools. After a tough selection process, the honour went to Ms. Britnee Williams, who received a hearty round of applause from her peers.
The spirit of togetherness carried through the morning, with Ms. Shellecia Brooks-Johnson, speaking for ACOCI, praising the entrepreneurs’ energy. “You guys are incredible,” she said, reflecting on the entrepreneurs she has come to know. She underscored the Chamber’s role in supporting business growth and encouraged attendees to consider membership. “Together, we’re here to support, uplift, and empower each of you as you grow your businesses and navigate your entrepreneurial journeys.”
Ms. Kayanne Anderson, regional coordinator for the SheTrades Caribbean Hub, joined virtually to highlight Anguilla’s role in the wider region. “Anguilla was the first focal point that signed on to promote the SheTrades activities in the region,” she noted proudly. With SheTrades now spanning 94 countries, she explained that joining the network means becoming part of a global sisterhood. “We are willing and happy to introduce you to other women entrepreneurs from Africa, Asia, Latin America, and around the Caribbean, as we grow this family,” Anderson said.
The facilitator for the day, Janine Edwards of JanineConnects.com, needed little introduction. With over 25 years’ experience across tourism, real estate, and business development, she brought her signature energy to the session. “As women in business, we wear so many hats… But the truth is, success is not based on our own talent and our own drive and what we can do as a solo person,” she said. “The true multiplier effects and synergies emerge when we come together, we collaborate, we share, and then all the boats raise with that tide.”
Her session was anything but stiff or academic. Women introduced themselves, proudly sharing their ventures and passions, while also admitting their goals and challenges. Some voiced their personal goals, including empowering other women, embodying exactly what the SheTrades movement stands for.
Participants learned of the importance of coaching in business. A skit on coaching styles — comparing autocratic with directive — brought both laughter and lessons, as participants agreed directive coaching felt far more empowering.
Then came the Coaching Carousel Role Play, a lively exercise that split participants into groups of three. Each woman rotated through the roles of Coach, Coachee, and Observer, tackling questions about business choices, strengths and challenges, and skill development. Afterwards, the groups reunited to reflect on how it felt to sit in each role, what could be improved in real-life coaching, and how the exercise might shape their own approach to guiding and receiving guidance in business.
And just when you thought things couldn’t get more interactive, a round of entrepreneurial Bingo further elevated the session’s established liveliness. Cards prompted players to find someone who had, for example, “Started a business 2 years ago” or “Loves public speaking.” Each square wasn’t just a game but a spark for conversation, laughter, and networking.
By the time the session wrapped, it was clear this was no ordinary business seminar. It was a celebration of women daring to grow, learn, and lead together. With partnerships spanning the Gender Affairs Unit, SheTrades Caribbean Hub, and ACOCI, the morning was proof that Anguillian women entrepreneurs are not working in isolation but tapping into a web of local, regional, and global support.
by Janissa Fleming
