I published my first short story in 2000 and was introduced to the concept of intellectual property. Since then, I've been fascinated by the ability to create a piece of property from creativity and effort, that can go on to provide income leaading to multi-generational wealth. This realisation coupled with living through the Jamaican economic crash of the late 90's propelled my interest in studying intellectual property to contribute to bettering my country. After completing studies in Business Administration (Music Industry Focus) and an LLB, I was admitted to the Supreme Court of Melbourne, Australia and worked at a boutique entertainment law firm in Melbourne. I returned to Jamaica in 2008 and founded Nanook Enterprises Ltd. 

 

Nanook version 1 was a boutique legal and business consultancy firm focused on providing innovative solutions to the Jamaican creative community. I conducted research as part of islandwide auditions with the "Rising Stars" television programme, and supported the formation of the Jamaica Reggae Industry Association as the Youth Representative of the first Board, and later served for several years as head of the Constitution, Advocacy, Lobbying and Membership Committee. In 2009, Nanook moved to it’s Half Way Tree, Kingston home. I began to offer artist development services and seminars in collaboration with industry experts. In 2010 Nanook supported Manifesto Jamaica in its Festival of Aartical Empowerment, and produced its first event “Half Way Tree LIVE! 

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Support for these early efforts came In 2011, when Nanook was among the inaugural cohorts of Branson Centre of Entrepreneurship - Caribbean and I began receiving mentorship and other supports in the establishment of a creative hub. A soft launch of the Creative Hub offering took place in 2012 and Nanook began developing the physical space in part through funding from the Sir Arthur Guinness Social Enterprise Award received that year. In 2013 Nanook version 2 officially launched the C.I.R.C.L.E., a creative hub and a co-working offering, and began delivering value to a widening base of creatives involved in music, film, animation, app design and fashion. While membership subscription to the C.I.R.C.L.E. was low, Nanook quickly became hailed as a “safe space” for creative expression and appreciation. The multi-functional space hosted seminars, LIVE music and painting events, film castings and screenings, media interviews, yoga classes, fashion shows, listening sessions and other showcase or educational activities for a local and international audience. 

 

However, while Nanook was having significant social impact, its financial base remained relatively weak. The subscription model was failing and government subsidies that support such development centres internationally were not forthcoming. The idea of harnessing the artistic value of the community into a community dollar that we could use to trade for good and services within the community was explored as a possible solution, but vetoed as the Bank of Jamaica advised it would be viewed as illegal tender.  So Artist representation and Hostel accomodation were introduced to support operations. The former effort failed, the latter was successful to some extent, but the gains were incremental at best. The increase in international clients translated to Nanook beginning to recieve significant international attention and in 2016 a European promotional tour ("UP Tour") was staged to promote the Nanook community and hostel, sell local aftwork and create business connections. The UP Tour was a financial disaster but a priceless experience for all involved. Following the tour, Nanook began the Level UP series of weekly community discussions, which evolved into a radio show of the same name in 2017 on the now defunct Hot 102 platform. However, the extended financial hurdles eventually led to the closure of the C.I.R.C.L.E. creative safe space. It was time to re-calibrate and learn some lessons.

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Despite the official closure of the community space, I/Nanook continued to contribute to creative and cultural industry development. In 2017 I began "Cannabis Conversations" a series of islandwide infomation sessions to raise awareness of concerns and opportunities in the Jamaica ganja landscape, and in 2018 I produced the Rebel Salute "Herb Curb" installation and cannabis conference. Nanook also produced the first "Guide to Filming in Jamaica" for the JAMPRO Corporation and the "Herstory: Women In Music" docuseries for FIWI Jamaica. 

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In 2018, I accepted the opportunity to develop a Jamaican seed-to-sale cannabis company which resulted in Itopia Life. While at Itopia Life I developed and protected the brand, its strategic position and ensured regulatory compliance. The experience provided many opportunities to strengthen the skills needed to execute the mission of Nanook with greater clarity. Initially a re-development and re-launch of the physical creative safe space was intended, however, the pandemic required me to shift... to Web3. Poor documentation practices, low levels of accountability and trust, lack of financing options and a limited geographical market were some of the main challenges Nanook sought to address, and ultimately succumbed to before. I am now 2 years into researching, experimenting and supporting others on their journey into the Internet of Value and have found that blockchain solutions and decentralised financing offer genuine paths to long term financial gain for those who are willing to do the intentional learning Web 3 requires.

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Introducing NANOOK 3.0 is the continuation of a journey to connect creative communities and cultivate collaborative capital. I am using my intellectual property knowledge to assist myself and others to claim long term financial independence . I am looking forward to re-connecting with the old Nanook creative community and building self-sovereign operations worldwide!