Coterie Retreat 2023 in the Cayman Islands: Day 2 Recap

Day 2 of Coterie Retreat 2023 in the Cayman Islands included a culinary panel, a lovely luncheon, and our always-anticipated white party. — Coterie Retreat 2023 in The Cayman Islands

On Tuesday, December 5th, 2023, our second day of this year’s Coterie Retreat in the Cayman Islands was another impactful experience with top moments including a culinary panel (with tasty treats!), a lovely luncheon, and our always-anticipated all-white party.

MunaLuchi Brides’ annual Coterie Retreat is so much more than just another conference. It champions inclusion, diversity, and community. With every retreat, it is our mission to provide a platform of growth and collaboration for wedding professionals that caters to the fastest-growing multicultural market (and to have fun, of course!).

Day 2 of Coterie Retreat 2023 kept the energy flowing from day 1 with attendees arriving at The Westin Governers Ballroom bright and early and ready to learn!

Our esteemed speakers of the day discussed topics ranging from Gen Z to marketing and sales, culinary trends, and navigating the legal landscape for wedding pros.

Main stage sessions concluded with an empowering hotelier panel led by Brian Green with Tiffany Minnis (GM of The Private Villa Collection – Turks and Caicos) and Shernette Crichton (GM of Halfmoon – Jamaica) on their journeys as Black women in the hotel industry.

Read all the details on these insightful talks below!

Our annual Coter Retreat would not be possible without the vision of our Co-founders, Jackie and Chike Nwobu, who worked together with Tiffany Chalk Events to bring all of the exciting details to life.

Thank you to our wonderful partners for day 2, including our luncheon sponsor, The Knot Worldwide, and our white party (sponsored by Cayman Airways) hosted at Rum Point Club. Our decor and rental sponsor for the evening, Celebrations Weddings, pulled out all the stops to set the scene for a chic beachside party.

A special thanks to our photography team, Trene Forbes Photography and Charity Hope Photography, and videography team, Mike Okafor Films, who captured all the beautiful details of this year’s retreat.

Check out more details from day 2 of Coterie Retreat 2023 below! If you missed it, check out our part 1 recap here.

Learn more about our next Coterie Retreat in the US Virgin Islands here.

Coterie Retreat 2023 was proudly created and partnered with the Cayman Islands Department of Tourism. Learn more about the Cayman Islands by clicking here.

Host: Westin Grand Cayman Seven Mile Beach Resort & Spa
Date of event(s): December 4th-7th, 2023
Location: The Cayman Islands

Shauna Smith – The Knot

Coterie Retreat 2023 Panelist, Shauna Smith

Shauna Smith, Director of B2B Marketing for The Knot, graced the stage to shed light on the current era of transformation happening in the wedding industry. Particularly, the evolving wedding trends of younger generations (aka Gen Z).

Looking at the numbers, the new year looks promising for wedding planners with Shauna sharing that weddings are back to pre-pandemic levels.

“The current state of weddings is 2.1 million weddings in 2023,” she shared, “and we expect those numbers to be similar in 2024.”

These numbers also show that the next generation appreciates in-person celebrations. Shauna elaborated that the upcoming generations’ top priorities include guest experience, cost, budget, and authenticity.

The statistics:

Today, many couples are feeling the effects of rising costs and inflation.

Shauna explained, “As of June 2023, 63% of couples are affected by the impact of inflation and increasing costs.”

“40% of couple’s budgets are staying flat while 78% are increasing to meet inflation,” she added.

In response, guest counts are decreasing to offset rising costs.

Things to know about the next generation (Gen Z):

Shauna got the audience involved in her presentation with an interactive multiple-choice game all about Gen Z. Notable points in the question-and-answer game were the importance of understanding the language that Gen Z uses.

For instance, Shauna asked the crowd which word Gen Z would not use to describe their nuptials. She then revealed that “Gen Z would not use the word “Cheugy” to describe their wedding.”

By definition, the millennial-coined term means trying too hard or the opposite of trendy. This seemingly silly phrase is very telling of the next generation. It shows that while younger generations engage with trends, they also embrace individuality and want unique curated experiences.

Shauna also noted that despite popular belief, for younger generations, “marriage is important in modern society.”

About half (49%) still want to have a reception.

“So if they’re not having grand ceremonies or a wedding at all,” she shared, “they will still celebrate their love.”

66% think that weddings are worth investing in.

“While younger generations need to be convinced of the value, they are willing to spend on their wedding,” she explained. “They prioritize finding a lifelong partner.”

Regardless of relationship status, 75% have already taken some action towards their wedding.

“This could be as simple as thinking about their wedding, starting a Pinterest board, gathering inspiration, etc.”

“62% of Gen Zers see themselves getting married,” she added. “And the average age is 28.”

This is the most diverse generation.

With many couples today marrying interculturally and interracially, it’s not surprising that 41% want to include some kind of culture in their wedding.

Therefore, Shuana revealed, “It’s critical for them to see how vendors have worked with multicultural couples.”

“They want to see brands supporting causes, that they’re “walking the walk” and taking actionable measures that are true to their brand.”

With all of this in mind, Shauna proposed the question: Is this the “golden age of marriage”?

We’ll have to wait and see what the new year brings; however, the statistics look promising!

Tamuel Cowart – RW Events

The client’s experience is not just the day, it’s every moment leading up to their wedding day.
Tamuel Cowart of RW Events

Tamuel Cowart is the President and Founder of the RW Events brand and its subsidiaries (Luxmore Grande Estate, Cypress Grove Estate House + RW Style).

As a regular Coterie Retreat attendee, Tamuel took to the stage this year to educate our audience on best practices for generating revenue and ultimately fixing what she calls, “The Sales Glitch.”

“A “glitch” in your sales process,” she explains, “can cause you to leave money on the table or undersell your product and services. Fixing this glitch is essential to scaling. You can’t scale without sales!”

To uncover what your sales glitch might be, she dived into À la carte over bundling, mathematics, and building a successful team.

Bundles vs. À la carte:

When pricing your business, Tamuel advised business owners to strive for À la carte (individual pricing) instead of charging one flat fee.

She shared, “If you sell the benefits, people will pay.”

In addition, she recommended vendors up their prices.

“Make sure you are charging your worth,” she explained.

To do this, she advised itemizing benefits like early morning fees in addition to charging extra for yourself (aka “the star”) being on site.

These details are all important to consider when it comes to pricing.

Finally, ask yourself: “Are we nickeling and diming them, or does this make sense?”

Mathematics: How are your sales adding up?

In business, there are fixed and variable costs.

Fixed costs (i.e. rental payments, insurance, and interest payments) remain the same regardless of production output while variable costs (i.e. labor and materials) fluctuate based on output.

While running a company or providing a service, Tamuel insisted that all of these costs be considered when it comes to pricing. To do this, set sales goals, factor in emergencies and time, and ultimately maximize your prices for profit, not for being their friend.

Dates are inventory in the wedding industry.

“Find out what your hot wedding dates are,” Tamuel shared. “And capitalize on them.”

She also added “Never discount on food! And always be transparent, listen, and know your industry.”

The People (aka your team):

Building a solid team is important in any industry. But especially in the wedding and events industry, there are countless moving parts and people involved in making someone’s dream event a reality.

“Motivate, train, and coach your team,” Tamuel shared.

With a team you can trust, this will ultimately help scale your business and create a “total sales experience” for couples. Because couples want a full experience.

“People are motivated by all of their 5 senses,” she explained.

Vendors can use this to their advantage when selling their products and services to clients.

Tamuel referenced Coterie Member, REEM Photography, who gives clients a full experience, beginning with an intimate trial photo session (to sell the client on his services) to the final photo shoot.

No two clients are alike.

In giving clients a full experience, Tamuel shared, “You should not have a standard selling strategy for every client.”

Providing a unique, custom experience, will therefore elevate the value of your services.

If you screw up, own it.

In life and business, Tamuel emphasized the importance of owning your mistakes.

“If you screw up, own it,” she stated. “And never make assumptions.”

As she already established, every client is unique and every couple has a different budget, needs, and vision. In that regard, she advised vendors to “Be prepared to accept payment in many different ways.”

Ultimately, she concluded, “The Client’s experience is not just the day,” she shared. “it’s every moment leading up to their wedding day.”

So make every moment count!

Culinary Panel

Tasting the Flavor: A Palatable Discussion about Elevating the Event Experience Through Culinary Artistry

Robin Selden – Marcia Selden Catering

Relationships are the currency of our industry.
Robin Selden (Marcia Selden Catering)

Robin Selden, the Co-owner (alongside her brother, Jeffrey Selden) and Executive Chef of Marcia Selden Catering, was the moderator for this year’s culinary panel.

Welcoming her brother Jeffrey Selden, along with Alain Lemaire of Sensory Delights, and Lincoln Alexander of Flour House Cakes to the stage, she noted first and foremost, that caterers (and bakers!) are often thought of last in the wedding planning process.

“We are the last ones at the table,” she shared, adding comically: “It’s like putting a leash on a unicorn.”

In her opening, Robin asked the audience, “What do people remember most about weddings and events?” “The Food!” they exclaimed back. And they aren’t wrong. Robin stated, “If the food isn’t up to par, people will remember.”

The irony of this predicament was the focus of the panel as Robin asked each panelist about their companies and what they each bring to the table.

She also highlighted the importance of culinary artistry and collaboration in the wedding and event planning process, along with the “Magic” of hospitality.

“We want everyone to feel thought about,” she shared.

Jeffrey Selden – Marcia Selden Catering

You’re only as good as your team.
Jeffrey Selden (Marcia Selden Catering)

Why are caterers thought of last?

“More than half of our events are with planners,” Jeffrey shared.

From his experience, caterers need to break the barrier and work with planners hand in hand. Otherwise, unintentional catastrophe can occur. For instance, Jeffrey recalled one particular incident during a couple’s taste-testing that went very wrong.

“The planner chose not to include [us] in the planning process and did not let us speak with the client,” he explained. “During the tasting, the bride had a terrible allergic reaction and our entire team was fired.”

The learning point here, he concluded, is to DEMAND access to your clients. He advised planners to let culinary vendors into the planning process as early as possible to create the most seamless experience.

If this collaboration is allowed to happen, the best services can be provided.

Jeffrey added, “We really listen and give the clients a full experience.”

The Magic of Hospitality:

“We walk around with candy at the end of the party,” Jeffrey shared, smiling.

After every event, the company leaves its signature red lip candies for guests to find. This magical touch helps promote their business and adds that special sweet element they’ll never forget.

Craft cocktail & mixology trends:

According to Jeffrey, liquor licenses are becoming even more important. “They are critical to the experience.”

To add some bar-tending flair to their catering packages, the company has partnered with top mixologists from the Cap. They sell these services as part of their catering package. According to Jeffrey’s sister, Robin, it helps that every mixologist is very attractive!

Produce: Fresh vs. not

With their new collaboration with Matthew Kenney Cuisine for the Naked Fig, they work with a lot of people in the Hamptons and the NY area. The Hamptons give very beachy vibes. In that case, Jeffrey shared that they use a lot of fresh ingredients to provide an exclusive food experience.

Standard vs. Custom products

“Nothing we do is standardized.”

How do you determine your sales prices?

Don’t be afraid to ask: “Who’s my competition?” and “Who am I up against?” For custom quotes, he recommends sending a range of prices.

Alain Lemaire – Sensory Delights

Food brings people together.
Alain Lemaire (Sensory Delights)

Chef Alain Lemaire of Sensory Delights is passionate about creating a dining experience that caters to all the senses: “We delight your senses… not just the taste, the smell, we want to make sure every sense is into play.”

“Your last plate should be as good as your first plate,” Chef Alain added.

And each client is going to be different, with different needs and personalities. He elaborated that chefs must craft menus that cater to those individual needs.

Paired with good service and quality food, he concluded, “We want to build a long-lasting relationship with our clients.”

Produce: fresh vs. not

Located in South Florida, Sensory Delights supports and promotes local farmers and vendors. They curate fresh ingredients for fresh-made dishes for all of their events.

Organic ingredients have a flavor profile that’s totally different.
Chef Alain Lemaire of Sensory Delights

Thus, they don’t just cook to feed. “There’s math involved, there’s a science involved.”

There is also a sentimental quality of food.

“There’s a nostalgic sense to food,” he explained. “Food brings back memories and moments in time.”

Ultimately, considering all of these details can provide the best client experience.

Standard vs. Custom products

At Sensory Delights, they offer “standard products” to give an idea of the services they provide. However, after hearing what the couple wants, they can create a custom food experience based on their vision and background.

“We love to hear what you like,” Alain stated. “Then, we create an experience from there.”

Lincoln Alexander – Flour House Cakes

For me, cake is an art.
Lincoln Alexander (Flour House Cakes)

With over 20 years in business, Lincoln Alexander of Flour House Cakes (a scientist turned cake artist!) has built an entire career based solely on his love of baking and creating masterful, beautiful, and delicious cakes.

He even surprised our audience with delectable lemon velvet cake cups to try themselves!

Why are cake artists thought of last?

“With cake, you’re literally last,” he shared, laughing.

While the cake may seem like the last delicious piece of an incredibly complex puzzle that is planning a wedding, it’s still so important. Especially for the couple.

Lincoln stated, “Cake represents the couple coming together, making a moment.”

With this in mind, Lincoln noted that both flavor and decor are so important in his creative process. And to determine the couple’s likes and dislikes on these critical details, being able to have an open line of communication with them is integral.

Reflecting on a similar experience as Jeffrey, there was a time when a planner didn’t let Lincoln’s team speak to a client. Because of this, he provided a selection of cake samples and the bride didn’t like any of them.

Advocating for (and as Jeffrey previously stated, demanding) access to the client is a non-negotiable for him now.

Magic of hospitality:

For a magical added element of surprise, Lincoln shared one of his special touches: giving the couple a mini-replica of their cake.

“This sweet detail lets the couple either save [their cake] as a memento or enjoy it together after their wedding day,” he shared.

Cake trends for 2024:

Big cakes and statement cakes are back!
Faux layers mixed in are back (allowing artistry to be on the outside allows for less wasted food – who needs a twenty-layer cake, really?).
Smaller/multiple cakes are trending.
Flavors: Seasonal, but more pungent flavors like lemon and lavender are on the rise.
On the way out: DIY and Boho

Luncheon Sponsored by The Knot Worldwide

Tiffany Chalk making magic happen behind the scenes…

The details…

Tropical attire…

Leah Weinberg – OduBerg Law

Our mission is to make the law less scary.
Leah Weinberg of OduBerg Law

Leah Weinberg is the Co-founder of OduBerg Law, a law firm FOR small business owners BY small business owners, striving to make the law less scary.

With her unique background in wedding planning and law, Leah was the perfect guest to speak on all things weddings, contracts, and navigating the legal landscape as a wedding professional.

As any good attorney would, Leah began her presentation (seriously and humorously) with a legal disclaimer.

Client Service Agreements:

So, what is a client service agreement? A client service agreement is a written contract between the company and the client, outlining the specific details and nuances of the service that will be provided.

Leah highlighted the importance of client service agreements, sharing that “These are the building blocks of your business and foundation of your relationship with each client.”

Essentially, a quality service agreement is how client disputes are prevented in the first place.

According to Leah, as a business owner, you should…

Revisit your contracts yearly.
Add things that you don’t want to have happen in your contracts.
Include payment revisions and timelines.
Include a communication clause (set your hours of operation or preferences for and how to be contacted).

It’s practical to set these boundaries.
Leah Weinberg of OduBerg Law

Frequent Client Service Agreement Missteps:

Force majeure: A clause that is included in contracts to remove liability for unforeseeable and unavoidable catastrophes that interrupt the expected course of events and prevent participants from fulfilling obligations.
Free termination: Highly recommends against this (allows vendors to sign contracts and then terminate and give your money back, but you’re left high and dry without said vendor).
No default provision: A clause that outlines the specific circumstances under which a buyer can be deemed to be in default of the contract.
- *suggests including a Termination for cause into contracts. This asks for a reason for termination including “airing of grievances.”

Business decision vs. legal decision:

A legal decision is contractual while business is, well, just business.

When differentiating between business and legal decisions, “Don’t let pride, ego, or principle get in the way,” Leah shared.

Independent contractors vs. employees:

Some people have these two confused!

“Roles can change over time,” Leah explained. “One example is an employee becoming an independent contractor over time.”

On the other hand, employees fulfill certain requirements.

These differences are really important to pay attention to. Leah revealed that depending on your state, “Even if your employee signs a document, they can still dispute.”

Tips for determining if someone is a contractor or an employee:

Ask yourself, are they an entity or an individual?
Ongoing role vs. project-based.
Set hours vs. freelance.

Creating iron-clad contracts:

“A contract is like a prenup for your business,” Leah shared.

To protect yourself and your business, she emphasized the importance of outlining one’s role, compensation, confidentiality, restrictive covenants, intellectual property rights, and termination in your contracts.

Leah’s legal facts & tips:

It is illegal to add people to an email list without their consent. Make sure to include an “Unsubscribe button” at the end of your emails.
Audit of automatic renewals (set calendar reminders)
Never apologize if someone wants to terminate (via email or otherwise).
“If you don’t understand it, don’t sign it.” – Kunbi Odubogun (Co-Founder of OduBerg Law)

When to hire an attorney?

Simple contract updates can be handled by the employer; however, business decisions versus legal comments can go either way.

According to Leah, you should 100% get a lawyer involved if…

You’ve never had an attorney review your client service agreement.
When you’re hiring people.
When you’re going into business with someone.
Before responding to a client dispute.
Before you sign anything.

Her last advice was to “Start a relationship with an attorney before you need one.”

Establishing a connection with a solid attorney (like Leah or her colleague, Kunbi!) can help immensely in the legal process and ensure you have the right support you and your business need.

Terrica Skaggs

No Dozing on the Closing

Renowned Wedding Planner, leading Business Coach, and Educator, Terrica Skaggs, brought big boss energy to the stage!

Originally from Baltimore, Terrica has been making her mark in the wedding industry for 19 years. She currently lives in Brunswick Georgia and is known for her modern southern weddings and “soft demure” style.

During her session, Terrica revealed her top tips for identifying clients’ needs (what she calls “pain points”), how to ask for the sale (without guilt!), unique follow-up points to help close the deal, and when to let go of a lead.

Identify Common Pain Points:

To provide quality service, you first have to understand your client’s needs (or as Terrica calls them, their “Pain Points”).

A paint point could be many things, such as:

Instagram/social media
Overbearing parents
Time
Lack of creativity
The client doesn’t have the connections (but you do!); stop giving out your referrals for free!
They don’t have the $$$.

Listen between the lines.

Listening is not only a sign of respect, it’s also a great way to discover what your client wants. It can also help planners discern what’s rooted in reality.

A wedding is a luxury. Wedding of their dreams or wedding of their means; you decide how to marry both.
Terrica Skaggs

While hearing out a client’s vision, Terrica advised folks to pay close attention to how they react.

“Listen to their descriptors,” she shared. “Ask yourself, how do they want to feel?”

Once you understand what your client wants, you can create what Terrica calls “Attraction alchemy.”

Every business’ attraction alchemy will be different.

However, if you’ve listened to your client, and picked up on those “think,” “want” and “feel” pain points, you can add those to your alchemy to help close the deal.

Become a storyteller.

“Sell your services with your words,” Terrica explained. “Price is only an issue in the absence of value.”

Therefore, if your services and proposals showcase your value, people will pay.

So skip the discounts!

Terrica’s top tips to help close the deal:

Assumptive close questions – Always think about how you can add to the sale.
“Exclusivity is sexy” – Limit the number of weddings per season + collections.
“Money Loves Speed” – Add a ‘date of event section’ to your inquiry form; this will determine your response and time frame.

Her process map:

Starts with an Inquiry → Taste (provide starting rate) → set up a call or 15-minute meeting (really 30 to make the client feel special) → proposal → contract

If you don’t hear from them → follow up → check in → provide free info with value (images, venue pics, etc.) → conversation (potentially part ways).

Why the lack of response?

Simply put, sometimes the client isn’t ready.

Other reasons could be a lack of funds, they’re exploring their options, they’ve booked someone else, or they forgot or got busy. Life happens.

But Terrica noted that it’s important to follow up on leads.

She revealed, “Your chances of a response increase by 20% by sending 2 to 4 follow-up emails.”

Implementing affiliate programs and CRM (email automation with personalization) can also help engage with leads and keep old and new clients up-to-date with your offerings.

To help couples feel more comfortable talking about money, she also advised vendors to ask what’s their “financial comfort zone” instead of “budget.”

Dealing with cold leads:

If you’ve done all of these steps and a lead is still unresponsive, it may be time to end the engagement.

“Determine what works for you,” Terrica stated. “Consider including a ‘past proposal expiration date’ to hold clients accountable.”

She concluded, “We’re not chasing and we’re not convincing.”

Wrap up:

Know your service
Know your alchemy
Get down on one knee (make the sale!)
Steps in summary: Sales agenda → hear the vision → correct false expectations → provide free value → follow up

Hotelier Panel

Unlocking Opportunities: Navigating the Hotel Industry’s Perspective on Your Wedding Business

Brian Green – Moderator

The award-winning Wedding and Event Planner, Brian Green of By Brian Green LLC, was the moderator for our hotelier panel.

Brian decided to go off-script with panelists Shernette Crichton (GM of Halfmoon – Jamaica) and Tiffany Minnis (GM of The Private Villa Collection – Turks and Caicos) and changed the panel’s topic to Black Women in Tourism.

The resulting Q&A was an intimate and more personal interview that left attendees inspired and in awe of both women and their journeys.

Coterie Rereat 2023 – Hotelier Panel (from left to right): Brian Green (moderator), Tiffany Minnis, and Shernette Crichton.

Shernette Crichton (GM of Halfmoon – Jamaica)

Shernette Crichton has been the General Manager (GM) of Jamaica’s luxurious Halfmoon Resort since July 1st, 2019. However, she has a long-standing history in hospitality (particularly with Half Moon!).

Her tenure at the iconic resort destination began back in 1990 when she started as a trainee manager.

From there, Shernette steadily moved up the ranks to assistant sales manager then to assistant manager, and special projects manager (where she was writing standards for over 850 staff members!), leading Half Moon’s environmental and training programs. Since 2015, she served as Half Moon’s director of resort operations and then interim GM since December 2018.

Shernette’s immense experience, skillset, and leadership abilities made her a natural selection for the role.

She is the first woman GM of Halfmoon.

“Faith, respect, honesty, and integrity are my guiding principles,” she shared. “I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength.”

Shernette credits her success to her team.

When she took over in 2019, soon after COVID hit. The world and the travel industry changed overnight. During this time, she created consistent standards with Half Moon’s partners. A consistent and collective effort by Shernette and her entire team kept Half Moon thriving.

She quoted Tamuel’s presentation, citing: “Teamwork is the fuel that allows common people to accomplish uncommon goals.”

“I inspire and I empower,” she stated. “No man is an island. No man stands alone.”

She believes in the mentoring process.

In her role as GM, Shernette looks for young leaders and people who can be successors.

“So you’re not the first, you’re the first of many.”

To pave the way for future leaders, she has created a succession and mentorship plan to provide the skillsets, tools, and mentors needed for future leaders.

Personally, her most impactful mentors (regardless of gender) were those who were tough on her.

“Those who are tough on you will allow you to grow,” Shernette shared.

If she doesn’t know something, she isn’t afraid to ask questions.

“I love to ask questions,” she admitted. “I am not afraid of challenges.”

She added, “If I make a mistake, I’m only human. I’m not afraid of accountability.”

“Let the numbers and the quality of the experience speak for you.”

Work-life balance is critical.

Being a wife, a mom, and a high-level manager is a lot to handle. But Shernette navigates motherhood, marriage, and work by setting expectations and maintaining a healthy work-life balance.

She “designed a road map” to navigate raising children and married life with her busy work schedule. She worked longer hours as her children got older versus less when they were small.

As for “Mom guilt,” she admits, “I pray about it.”

“I decided to get help, delegate, and not bring the work home.”

Ultimately, she credits “having someone supportive (in her team and her marriage)” as so important to making things run smoothly in business and life.

On handling the tough decisions and navigating the stigma of women being “softer”:

With her staff, Shernette uses the 3 F’s:

Friendly
Fair
Firm.

She recommends doing research and understanding the business as much as you can (from all sides and roles) so you get “buy-in from other staff.”

She added, “I’m not afraid to stand in front of my team and express challenges.”

When cutting staff, she often gives them insight into other resorts with openings; essentially, she believes in taking care of your people (even when letting them go).

If people could describe her leadership style, she hopes they would say she is compassionate.

“This is the leader I want to be. I am visible and I am accessible.”

Her visibility amidst the Half Moon staff trickles down to eating lunch, which she chooses to do in the cafeteria with her staff.

“My success is part of their success,” she said, proudly. “Happy employees make for happy guests.”

Advice for others:

“Treat others the way you would like to be treated. Recognize individuality and lead by example.”

Tiffany Minnis (GM of The Private Villa Collection – Turks and Caicos)

(center) Tiffany Minnis – General Manager (GM) of The Private Villa Collection in Turks and Caicos

Tiffany Minnis, the General Manager (GM) of The Private Villa Collection in Turks and Caicos, didn’t begin her career in tourism or hospitality. Twenty-two years ago, she was working in auto mechanics.

Entering the hospitality space was a happy accident but one she hasn’t looked back from since.

Throughout her career, she has worked for various Turks and Caicos locations including Gansevoort Turks and Caicos, The Regent Grand Hotel Providenciales, Seven Stars Resort & Spa, and COMO Parrot Cay.

After applying to work for Grace Bay Club 3 times, she was finally accepted, and after 2 years, she was appointed the guest service manager. Her dedication to the highest level of service and customer satisfaction made her a standout candidate for an even bigger role.

Following a successful 5-years with Grace Bay Club, Tiffany was appointed the GM of the Private Villa Collection in September 2023.

“When God has his hands in your life, you don’t have to worry.”

As a Black woman in a male-dominated industry, Tiffany admits, “You have to show up.”

She shared, “When you go into spaces as a woman, you are often overlooked.”

Tiffany recalled her first board meeting where she was made to feel small. In the next meeting, she showed up wearing a black dress, heels, and cherry red lipstick.

From that day forward, she decided she was “Never gonna let [them] see [her] shrink.”

Instead, she’d be bold and powerful: everything that makes up a woman.

A support system is key.

Many of Tiffany’s biggest mentors are the strong females in her circle.

Opening the door for others, especially other women, is important to her.

She views her current role as a great achievement; however, she’s also looking beyond herself.

“I am working myself out of my seat,” she shared. “I’m already in the room; I have to make sure she’s the next in the room.”

Over her career, she has had to make sacrifices.

“Everything has a price,” Tiffany admitted.

She missed Parent Teacher Associate meetings, was late for birthdays… she even lost a marriage. However, looking back, these sacrifices were necessary for the incredible life she’s built for her family today.

Tiffany shared, “The sacrifices that I made back then… I know that I was doing it for [my kids]. Now they look at me and say I’m their superhero.”

Speaking at Coterie Retreat 2023 (her first-ever panel) was her cultural “aha” moment.

Admittedly, as someone who is always “working on accepting where she’s at,” Tiffany shared that the Coterie Retreat has been an amazing experience.

“This experience is something you can’t put a price tag on,” she said, smiling.

On handling the tough decisions and navigating the stigma of women being “softer,” she’s built a strong reputation for balancing the livelihood of the team and business.

For the business side of things, whenever asking for more money for the resort, she shared “I make sure it is a need, not a desire.”

She also elaborated on the importance of creating trust between employees and owners. This balance, between team and business, is so important in creating a healthy work environment where folks want to give their best effort.

“As women, it’s our natural urge to take care,” she shared. “And when you show people you care, people will move the world for you.”