~ With Kenty Lichtenberg ~
Kenty Lichtenberg is a very driven and dynamic lady. No stranger to the world of marketing, she believes that you can achieve anything once you are committed to your goals. She tells us more about her life and her interests.
Who is Kenty Lichtenberg?
I am first and foremost the proud mother of an almost seven-year-old boy by the name of Keyon, who is vibrant, smart and outspoken. Following that, I am a marketer, a career-oriented woman who is not afraid of using her entrepreneurial skills to make things happen.
How would you describe yourself?
Outspoken, highly driven, motivated and always receptive of change. I am confident, but humble. I love challenges and am always willing to learn what I do not know.
Where were you born and how did you end up on this lovely island?
I was born in 1980 on the beautiful island of the Dominican Republic, but raised on the wonderful 37 square miles of St. Maarten. My mom, who is from the Dominican Republic, and my Dad, who is from Curaçao, met on St. Maarten. Due to a very complicated pregnancy, my mom opted to give birth to me (her first born) in her homeland, where she would have the support of my grandmother. My mom came back to St. Maarten when I was nine months old, and the rest is history.
Where did you attend school?
I attended Milton Peters College (MAVO & HAVO) and then in 2000, I moved to The Netherlands where I pursued my tertiary education in Tourism & Leisure Management.
What do you do for a living?
In 2006, I came back home with my suitcase full of dreams and drive and landed my first challenging job in 2008 at Manrique Capriles & Sons – that was the job that built my career in terms of providing me with the experience of different aspects of an organization. I found out that marketing was something I was good at and really enjoyed doing. This is how I expanded my marketing platform, and because of those experiences, I have evolved into a dynamic marketer. So I currently wear different hats, but they are all linked to each other and the various industries that I love. Besides having a full time job, I decided in 2016 to venture into something new and became a blogger.
What inspired you to become a blogger?
Being a plus size girl in the Caribbean is challenging enough. Growing up, I always found that I loved fashion but that the options on this side of the world were so limited. As I got older, my fashion sense also evolved and many plus size women were constantly approaching me and asking about my fashion style and where to get them. I decided then that I wanted to create a platform to do just that. I did my research on a few USA bloggers, and that is pretty much how it all started. You can visit my blog on www.keraikreativestyle.com. In addition to this, you can also find me on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/keraikreativestyle/ and of course on Instagram under Kerai Kreative Style 2016.
What differentiates you from other bloggers?
My blog has all the components that would be interesting for the intellectual woman of today. I am trying to keep it interactive and most of all remain consistent with topics that my readers can relate to. We are known in the Caribbean to be inconsistent, to start projects and then cancel them halfway through. I am aiming to break off that stigma, which is what will always make me different from the others.
How do you juggle a fulltime career, being a mother and everything else that you do?
It is not easy, and I am sure that many moms who are striving for progress and driven by determination can relate to this. What works for me are time-management and structure. I am literally a walking agenda! I need to book everything in advance. With that, I try to create a balance, because my first priority will ALWAYS be being a mother.
Do you think anyone can become a blogger?
I think anyone can become whatever they set their mind to become. It takes determination and lots of discipline to be able to push yourself over the limit. You would be surprised of your capabilities once you set your mind to it. As a new blogger, I research a lot and try to stay abreast because, although I find this very enjoyable, it is also a learning experience for me.
What are your pet peeves?
In one word – chaos! Like a true Virgo, I need planning and structure in my day-to-day function. What sometimes I tend to forget is that not everyone is like me or understands the importance that I place on planning. But lack of planning to me shows that you are not taking any particular project seriously.
What’s your dream holiday venue?
I love to travel, but I am definitely an urban tourist. I love big cities. I would love to go to Dubai. I am currently planning on celebrating my 40th birthday there. Planning for that is already in motion and it will be a girls’ trip as we celebrate this milestone!
What are your future goals?
I have many, but primarily to ensure that my son understands the importance of education and family values. Parenting does not come with a manual and my promise to my son is to let him excel beyond his expectations while remaining humble. I would also like to own my own marketing and advertising company. I would like to be remembered as someone that inspired others – you can’t place a monetary value on this. My final goal is to become that “Caribbean blogger” that will become internationally known for her uniqueness and style.
Do you have any hobbies?
I love to read, but due to my busy schedule I do not read as often as I used to. Traveling is also one of my top five hobbies as I love interacting with different cultures and networking. I strongly believe in globalization. As a fashion blogger, I know I do not have to mention my love for retail therapy [laughs].
Do you have a favourite quote?
Yes, it’s one by Maya Angelou, who said she’s learned that “Making a living is not the same as making a life.”
If you could ask any three persons (dead or alive) to a dinner party, who would they be and what would you cook for them?
I’d invite Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela and Bob Marley. I would have to show my mixed cultural heritage by preparing a three-course meal: We would start off with a Dominican appetizer of bacalaitos (what we know as salt fish accra). Then I would hit them with the main course of rice & peas, potato salad, macaroni pie and grilled pork chop (fish – taking Bob Marley into consideration). I know Maya Angelou liked her soul food and we all know that Caribbean people eat rice & peas for dinner. Finally, I would close off the night with some guava tart and vanilla ice cream – even if it’s not Christmas season, that guava tart would be happening [laughs]!
