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Toronto Caribbean Newspaper puts out Post Event Press Release on our Art & Lifestyle Expo!
https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1CeLtu8GeA/

Art & Lifestyle Expo: An Emancipendence Celebration of Art, Culture and Community

Kingston, Jamaica — July 2025 — Last Sunday, July 27, scores of persons jetted off to The Jamaica Pegasus for the 2nd staging of Suga Lifestyle’s Art & Lifestyle Expo. Anticipation peaked from clips of the previous staging and the talents promoted. The notion of “You don’t know until you go” by Event Conceptualizer and CEO of Suga Lifestyle, Gabrielle Burgess, heightened expectations.

Dubbed by members of her community as “The Best Champion for Creatives”, Burgess and her team successfully fulfilled and exceeded expectations. In an era dominated by convenience-driven online shopping and the undervaluation and declining interests of the arts, the Art & Lifestyle Expo was creatively curated into an experience, combining consumer culture with the visual and performing arts. A platform was created for local artists, authors, poets, artisans and local businesses to thrive via a connection with our local community and diaspora.

The Legacy Suite and Terrace transformed into an immersive environment throughout the day, where all were welcomed for free, greeted with complimentary Jablum Coffee and Monymusk Rums Cocktails. Yoga for Charity with Bianca Kern kicked off activities on the Terrace, attracting a small donation. The collaboration with Suga Lifestyle and the Rotary Club of Downtown Kingston, was fully subscribed, where part proceeds will go to the Feeding of the Homeless at the Marie Atkins Shelter in Downtown, Kingston on August 9, 2025. The experience was elevated with Iced Tea from Rayelle, Smoothies from Nations Choice, cool rags scented with lavender, lemongrass and peppermint essential oils in addition to sample sized personal care product pouches courtesy of Ayrtons Distributors.

In celebration of their 5th anniversary, Cookie Kraft hosted a Cookies & Cocktails session on the Terrace where visitors were sipping and decorating their cookies. While many are already familiar with Paint & Sip experiences, Cookie Kraft introduced this fun, flavorful twist that added a new dimension to event activities. Cookie Kraft expressed their appreciation to the Suga Lifestyle Team, “we thanked Suga Lifestyle for their continuous encouragement and advice, pushing innovation, ultimately helping our business to grow.”

The showcases impressed the Mayor of Kingston, Andrew Swaby, which he stated in his remarks. 

“As the local authority for Kingston and St Andrew, the KSAMC is elated to partner with Suga Lifestyle as we proudly champion the spirit of entrepreneurship, empowering small businesses, uplifting local talent, and building thriving communities, one event at a time” – Councillor Andrew Swaby.

The Minister of Tourism, Honourable Edmund Bartlett expressed his appreciation and commended the Suga Lifestyle team and the exhibitors; calling them “creative souls, are adding value to the products of our environment.” Councillor Andrew Swaby and Minister Bartlett visited all 50 local businesses, and showed their support by purchasing from Artisans. They have the experience of interacting with many creatives, but have always been impressed with the classy, comfortable, intimate environment curated by Suga Lifestyle, exhibiting innovation and a wide range of talents. 

It is no surprise that Burgess is a creative herself, an artist whose own brand, GW Art, was also featured with a new collection. Highlights from her “Our Roots to Our Culture” Collection were “Beach Days”, with a textured stretch of sand, “Dance Notes” and a Piano piece, “Hear me Play?”. Burgess expressed that she was over the moon to showcase her Art, in addition to embracing her fellow community, with the likes of renowned fine artists Ewan McAnuff and Alphanso Blake, Photography by Marie Baillie and more. Readings and showcases from Award-Winning Authors, Sharma Taylor, Marguerite C. Anderson, newcomers now on Amazon, Lauri-Ann Ainsworth and Dr. Cornelia Walters-Jones, spoken word poetic performances by Rica G., members of the Jaiku Poetry community and other talents, truly bridged the gap where Art meets everyday life. Visitors marveled at the variety offered with Handcrafted apparel, textiles, footwear, jewellery, personal care products, home accents and more that will have you make a statement wherever you go.

The day concluded with Stephanie Hazle Lyle’s, ‘Spoken For’ Book Launch, which drew such a strong turnout that far exceeded the available seating. This impressive turnout highlighted the warm, inclusive atmosphere and carefully crafted experience that the Suga Lifestyle team provided for its visitors.

As Jamaica continues to grow and evolve, so too does our artistic landscape, with events like these uniting persons from varying backgrounds socially, playing a crucial role in embracing a vibrant, inclusive cultural identity and community. Suga Lifestyle’s Art & Lifestyle Expo left visitors with joyous memories of a day where art, culture, and community converged in celebration of our Emancipendence.

Please SAVE THE DATES for CHRISTMAS CONNECTION up next!: DECEMBER 6 & 7

HAVE A GREAT HOLIDAY!
XoXo, Suga

By: Gabrielle Burgess (CEO, Suga Lifestyle)

***Awarded by the Jamaica Chamber of Commerce for Entrepreneur of the Year 2023 and 2-Time Nominee for Best in Chamber (Micro Enterprise)***

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