Holiday shopping will start early this year at a new event highlighting products made in the Virgin Islands.
On Saturday, the Forge BVI centre in Pockwood Pond hosted a mixer for business owners to brainstorm plans for a holiday show slated for the first weekend in October.
“The idea is that we’ll get together a number of companies to come and display in the space, internally and also externally,” said Meade Malone, a Forge BVI founder.
He added that the items on display will cover three areas aligned with the holiday theme: gift-giving, entertaining and decorating.
The October show will start with an invite-based cocktail reception in the morning geared towards corporate partners and other professionals, according to Mr. Malone.
Later, he said, a display open to the public will feature an array of companies and live music. More details will be available as the date draws closer, he added.
Forge BVI, which launched in 2017, bills itself as a platform for VI entrepreneurs to access resources that aid in the growth and development of businesses in the territory. The October holiday show will be the organisation’s first such event.
The mixer
During the Saturday mixer, a few VI entrepreneurs gave short presentations about their businesses and answered questions. Presenters included designer Kristin Frazer of Trèfle Designs, Annie MacPhail of Nutmeg & Co., and Fran Morell of House. Among the attendees was Marisa Malone, creator of the brand Virgin Islands Made.
“We do apparel; we do events and networking between creatives and young entrepreneurs,” said Ms. Malone, who has led her brand for eight years. “We also stand as a platform for young athletes, artists — anyone who does anything creative and entrepreneurial or professional that can stand on the Virgin Islands Made platform.”
Companies that are members of Forge BVI can take part in the show for free; non-members must pay an entry fee of $250.