Celebrating Caribbean Women in the Beauty Industry: An Event by Sarita Nauth
In the vibrant tapestry of New York’s beauty scene, Caribbean women stand out as passionate consumers and trendsetters. Yet, their contributions have often gone unrecognized. Sarita Nauth is on a mission to change that narrative through her initiative, Islands of Influence, which aims to empower Caribbean women and elevate their voices within the beauty industry. Scheduled for March 25, 2026, at Atmosfera New York, this event promises to be a transformative gathering featuring founders, beauty professionals, and entrepreneurs.
Bridging the Gap in Representation
Sarita Nauth established Islands of Influence to create a platform for Caribbean women to be acknowledged as innovators and leaders in beauty. “For too long, Caribbean women have fueled the beauty economy without owning the spotlight,” Nauth stated. “If we don’t create rooms for ourselves, we will keep waiting to be invited into spaces that were never designed with us in mind.”
Having built a career collaborating with high-profile influencers and celebrities, Nauth now focuses her influence back into the Caribbean diaspora in New York, creating community-centered events that uplift and showcase Caribbean talent.
Photo courtesy of Sarita Nauth
Nauth, known as “The Glamorous Social Media Maven,” observed a significant disconnect between Caribbean influence and representation in the beauty sector. Despite the substantial spending from Caribbean women on hair care, skincare, and cosmetics, they are frequently absent from key marketing campaigns.
Celebrating Cultural Beauty
Born in Guyana and raised in Belize before establishing her career in New York, Nauth is passionate about changing how beauty is perceived within Caribbean communities. “Beauty has always been part of our culture, but the conversations around it were often controlled or silenced,” she reflected. Her mission is to foster an environment where Caribbean women can openly discuss beauty, entrepreneurship, and self-expression without judgment.
Nauth’s early career experiences, including working with Emmy Award-winning makeup artist Andrew Sotomayor, revealed how rarely Indo-Caribbean women were recognized as industry leaders. She aims to alter that landscape through her event.
The Islands of Influence gathering will feature a live panel discussion and a marketplace spotlighting Caribbean-owned brands such as Yuvana Beauty, Amoureux Beauty, and Avalah Beauty. This initiative not only aims to celebrate Caribbean culture but also to promote economic empowerment by connecting founders directly with their communities.
Photo courtesy Garfield “Garry G” Galbraith
Nauth emphasizes the importance of recognizing grassroots brands that may not dominate the headlines but are integral to the Caribbean beauty narrative. “We have to support and spotlight them just as loudly,” she said.
An Open Dialogue for Change
Beyond celebrating beauty, Nauth hopes to spark important conversations around sensitive topics such as colorism, skincare standards, and the perceptions of cosmetic procedures within Caribbean communities. “This isn’t just about glam; it’s about ownership, visibility, and building sustainable businesses rooted in our heritage,” she explained.
Ultimately, Nauth envisions Islands of Influence as the beginning of a broader movement to ensure Caribbean women are seen not just as consumers but as leaders shaping the future of the beauty industry.
Conclusion
Sarita Nauth’s initiative is more than just an event; it’s a clarion call for recognition, empowerment, and sustainable growth within the Caribbean beauty community. As Caribbean women reclaim their narratives and build their brands, they are not just participating in an industry—they are transforming it. Supporting events like Islands of Influence is crucial for ensuring that this vibrant culture continues to flourish and receive the accolades it deserves.
