Paula Lindo – Our histories, stories, present, future.

When approached about purchasing/to purchase handmade jewelry, one doesn’t usually expect to hear that the maker/seller is a returning resident with a Master’s degree in Chemistry.

That’s the story of Candace Payne, 35, who left T&T when she was eight years old. After getting her Bachelor’s at George Washington University and her Master’s at the University of Aberdeen, Payne graduated in 2014. Having been unsuccessful in obtaining sponsored work in the UK, she returned to T&T after her father died earlier this year.
Like many persons these days, she applied for jobs both within and outside her field, but was unable to find employment. So she decided to exercise her entrepreneurial spirit and began making jewellery to support herself while looking for work.
“Originally I started out making jewellery as gifts for people but decided to use it to make money as well. I call my business CEMINE Bespoke Designs. I walk and travel around asking people if they would be interested in buying my jewellery and I also make custom or bespoke pieces.”
All my materials are locally sourced, so I definitely support local businesses. The pieces are handcrafted and one of a kind, made by me. I use glass crystals, beads and pearls, and jeweller’s metals, which helps to bring the cost down. I try to make things that people would want to wear with different outfits, etc. I also like to name some of my pieces, so I have a pair of earrings I call my ‘tropical fruit punch’ because it’s bright red and yellow, and another jewellery set I call ‘my storybook romance’ because it has hearts and is very romantic-looking.”
Payne says her pieces range between $40 and $200 depending on the materials used and she also has pieces for men.
For more information, Whatsapp or call 1-868-794-7319 or find Payne on Facebook under Cemine Bespoke Designs.