Meet Kenty Lichtenberg | Marketer, Brand Stragetist & Awarded Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kenty Lichtenberg and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kenty, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?
I am from the beautiful island of St. Maarten. The only island in the world that is governed by 2 countries: The Netherlands & France with lots of Caribbean flavors. I was born in the Dominican Republic but raised on this beautiful paradise that i get to call home and carry in my heart,

Coming from a middle class family, my parents were strict about education. They always said “this is the only thing that we can offer you so make sure to exploit that opportunity and do well in school”, and so I did my best

Yes, your background can indeed have a significant impact on your upbringing. Background refers to various factors such as your family’s socioeconomic status, cultural values and traditions, educational opportunities, and the overall environment in which you were raised. These elements shape your experiences, beliefs, and perspectives, influencing the way you perceive the world and interact with others.

Being raised in a multicultural world, by multi lingual parents, gave me the opportunity and ability to communicate with masses. I was able to implement that during my tertiary education and post college life. It is no surprise that I would have ended up in a creative industry where communication is KEY.

It is important to note that while background can significantly influence upbringing, it does not determine an individual’s entire future. Individuals can overcome challenges and strive for success through personal agency, education, mentorship, and access to opportunities.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I never saw myself as an artist until the digital phenomenon showed me otherwise. I was always creatively able to delegate ideas and had a critical eye for details and aesthetics. Content creation and the blogging industry has allowed me to see myself as an artist.

Indeed, content creation can be considered an art form. Art is typically associated with the expression of creativity, imagination, and the ability to evoke emotions or provoke thought. Content creation involves the development and production of various forms of media, such as writing, photography, videography, graphic design, and more, with the intention of engaging and connecting with an audience.

In 2016 and 2018 I took different risks that would shape my career into what it is today. Both moves were different but during a time of resilience and digital evolution, for the Caribbean region at least that was the case. Was it easy? Absolutely not! A lot of research, investment, time and sacrifices went into me understanding what these moves were and what they could mean for my career and entrepreneurial journey.

Overcoming challenges is an integral part of the entrepreneurial journey. Building a business often entails facing various obstacles and setbacks. Here are some strategies to help you navigate and overcome challenges along the way:

Develop a Resilient Mindset: Cultivate a resilient mindset that acknowledges that challenges are part of the journey. Embrace failures as learning opportunities and setbacks as stepping stones to success. Maintaining a positive and determined attitude will help you persevere through difficult times.

Set Clear Goals and Prioritize: Clearly define your goals and establish priorities. Break down big goals into smaller, actionable steps, and focus on the most critical tasks. This helps you maintain a sense of direction and enables you to tackle challenges one step at a time.

Seek Support and Mentorship: Surround yourself with a supportive network of mentors, peers, and fellow entrepreneurs who can provide guidance, advice, and emotional support. They can offer different perspectives, share their experiences, and help you navigate challenges more effectively.

Continuous Learning and Adaptability: Stay open to learning and be willing to adapt your strategies and approaches as needed. Entrepreneurship is a dynamic field, and being able to learn from your experiences and adjust your plans accordingly is crucial for overcoming challenges.

Problem-Solving and Creativity: Approach challenges as problem-solving opportunities. Encourage creativity in finding innovative solutions. Break down complex problems into smaller components, explore different perspectives, and think outside the box to find unique solutions.

Embrace Failure as a Learning Opportunity: View failures as valuable learning experiences rather than insurmountable obstacles. Analyze what went wrong, identify lessons learned, and use that knowledge to make improvements and better decisions moving forward.

Build a Strong Support System: Surround yourself with a reliable team that shares your vision and complements your skills. Delegate tasks to capable individuals and create a supportive work environment. A strong team can help you overcome challenges collectively and provide diverse expertise.

Maintain a Healthy Work-Life Balance: It’s important to take care of your physical and mental well-being. Balancing work with personal time allows you to recharge, gain perspective, and approach challenges with a fresh mindset. Prioritize self-care and create boundaries to prevent burnout.

Stay Persistent and Adaptable: Persistence is key in entrepreneurship. Expect obstacles and setbacks along the way, but stay focused on your vision and continue taking consistent action. Adaptability is equally important, as the business landscape can change rapidly. Be willing to adjust your plans and strategies when necessary.

Celebrate Milestones and Successes: Acknowledge and celebrate your achievements and milestones, no matter how small. Recognizing your progress boosts motivation, reinforces positive habits, and reminds you of your ability to overcome challenges.

Remember, each challenge you encounter presents an opportunity for growth and development. By staying resilient, seeking support, and applying creative problem-solving strategies, you can overcome obstacles and progress on your entrepreneurial journey.

My brand is unique, is like no other and that is how we should all feel about our respective brands. Treating your brand correctly is essential to ensure that others appreciate and value it. Your brand is not just a logo or a product; it encompasses the entire experience and perception people have of your business. The core of my brand lies is educating, supporting and expanding our women in business. It focus on having the right image to go with that and ensuring that your digital footprint is seamless.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
St.Maarten is known for so many things, one of them is our culinary experience that we offer our visitors. So for that friend i would of course include a variety of local places where she can experience real Caribbean flavors. Yvette’s restaurant would for sure be one of our first stop. Then a rum tasting by one of our very own Amy Arrindell (Awarded best Guavaberry and followed by the family’s recipe that has been in their possession for years).

I would then ensure that she ensure our French side market and we are also known to have some of the best mixologists in the world so cocktails??? YES PLEASE!!

I would also connect her with some of our NGOs that are passionate about sustainable tourism and organizations that ensure that pour into the heart of our youths by inspiring them to become the vest version of themselves to represent St.Maarten on various platforms!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
Absolutely! Women who have inspired me have played a crucial role in shaping our business journey and success. Here are a few reasons why they are important:

Role Models: Inspirational women in business can serve as role models, showing you what is possible and providing a source of motivation. Their stories of overcoming challenges, achieving success, and making a difference can inspire you to pursue your own entrepreneurial goals and aspirations.

Breaking Stereotypes: Women who have succeeded in the business world can challenge traditional gender stereotypes and demonstrate that gender does not limit one’s potential for success. Their achievements can inspire you to break barriers, embrace your unique strengths, and strive for excellence in your field.

Learning from Experience: Women who have accomplished remarkable things in their careers can provide valuable insights and lessons learned from their experiences. Their wisdom and knowledge can offer guidance on various aspects of running a business, including leadership, decision-making, problem-solving, and navigating obstacles.

Networking and Mentoring: Building connections with inspiring women entrepreneurs can open doors to networking opportunities and mentorship. These connections can provide guidance, support, and advice tailored to your specific business challenges, helping you avoid common pitfalls and accelerate your growth.

Empowerment and Confidence: Seeing successful women in business can boost your confidence and empower you to pursue your goals with determination. By witnessing their achievements, you realize that you, too, have the potential to make a significant impact and succeed in your chosen field.

Diversity and Inclusion: Recognizing and highlighting the accomplishments of women in business promotes diversity and inclusion, which are vital for a thriving business ecosystem. By embracing diverse perspectives, experiences, and talents, you can foster innovation, creativity, and a more inclusive workplace culture.

Remember, the women who inspire you don’t necessarily have to be famous or well-known. They can be family members, friends, colleagues, or even individuals you’ve read about or heard speak. Their stories and achievements can serve as a source of inspiration and guidance as you navigate your own entrepreneurial journey. In my case, it started with my Mom, the many friends that support what i do one way or the other, the aunties that are ready to babysit when I need it and the women that pray for me without me having to ask.

Website: https://keraikreativestyle.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keraikreativestyle2016/

Linkedin: Kenty Lichtenberg

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kerai.lichtenberg/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@keraikreativestyle4256

Image Credits
Alvin Prescod Phography Artistic Drive