Belize – Deidra Deandra

Simone Biles would look fab in our Belize Tee!

Take up the Belize Tourism Board’s offer!

You betta come to Belize Simone Biles!

After claiming the top two Olympic all-around spots, Aly Raisman joked she would crash Simone Biles’ vacation to Belize. Well it seems like Simone Biles is coming and she gets to bring her friends too! The Belize Tourism Board invited Simone and the Final Five for a visit after Rio: “Congrats @simone_biles! Belize is so proud of you. We’d love to host you and the entire #FinalFive on a vacation once you’re ready to relax.” What an offer?! An all-expense-paid vacation to Belize? I think yes!

Simone has been named the “greatest gymnast ever” and in Belize we are celebrating her victory! Achieving so much at 19 is quite an inspiration, especially to our youth. We’ll sure be referencing her a lot in our youth camps and conferences.

Simone, congrats again! We’ll find a way to get one of our 2016 Belize Tees to you; just let us know your size! It would be great for one of your fishing trips and we’ve got one for mom and dad too!

Simone Biles in Belize

MORE: Read USA Today’s Coverage on Simone’s Belize invite.
Featured image by Robert Hanashiro, USA TODAY Sports

Belize Barrier Reef from Space!

2nd Longest Barrier Reef in the World – Belize Barrier Reef!

NASA Astronaut Jeff Williams posted a video this weekend (May 7, 2016) showing a spectacular view of the Belize Barrier Reef from space! I love my little country and it’s so cool have this view captured of such a beautiful part of our country. Thank you for sharing Jeff!

Want some cool backgrounds of Belize? Check out our photos!

Belize Receives Queen’s Young Leaders Award

We are happy to announce that our Creative Director, Deidra Smith, has received The Queen’s Young Leaders Award for Belize. She has received this award for her work with youth and education in Belize. Below is a piece by Cayo Christian Academy where she has the scholarship program for which she received the award.

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme is celebrating the announcement of 60 Queen’s Young Leaders from across the Commonwealth!

DEIDRA SMITH RECEIVES THE QUEEN’S YOUNG LEADERS AWARD

Tuesday, December 8, 2015 – We celebrate in Belize as Entrepreneur and Youth Advocate, Deidra Smith is set to receive the Queen’s Young Leaders Award. This honorable award exists to discover, celebrate and support exceptional young people from across the Commonwealth, leaving a lasting legacy for Her Majesty The Queen. Deidra will spend a week in the United Kingdom where she will receive her award at Buckingham Palace from Her Majesty The Queen. Deidra will also receive a tailored package of training, mentoring and networking from Cambridge University.

“I am honored to represent my country as the recipient of The Queen’s Young Leaders Award,” says Deidra, “I am hoping that this would inspire others to actively give of their time and resources to support the youth of our nation. The access to these resources will only elevate the work I do in Belize and I’m thankful for this recognition.”

cca-school-song-launch-2 In 2012, Deidra founded a scholarship program in the community that is home to Cayo Christian Academy to support young people to pursue higher education. Two students received scholarships for their high school education. Both received scholarships for their Academic Excellence and one recipient would not have been financially able to pursue higher education without this opportunity. Deidra took the commitment beyond financial provision and was very active with the student body. She started several clubs on campus and spearheaded the production of our school song. Her love for the students resulted in an invitation from us to join our Board of Directors and since she’s been on our team, she has impacted our institution greatly. We are proud of Deidra and her accomplishments. Her support for youth goes far beyond our school this award is well deserved! Congrats Deidra!

Queen's Young Leaders - Deidra Deandra Deidra lives a life of purpose and chooses daily to be intentional in how she spends her time, wanting to leave a legacy that will inspire others to dream beyond their wildest imagination. Her passion is working with the youth and seeing them mature to be individuals who live a life of positive impact. She serves on over 10 teams in Belize and the United States and is often called on to speak encouraging messages to youth. She is a visionary and has founded her own company, Deidra Deandra, where she is the Manager and Creative Director. Deidra co-founded ID SEVEN in 2011, an organization dedicated to supporting the youth of Belize. Her word of advice, “The world is watching. That shouldn’t be a scary thought! It’s our chance to be examples that people will want to follow (Debbie Tillett).”

When asked if she had any final words, Deidra excitedly responded, “Go intentionally spend a few hours with a young person. Impart a little and watch how they inspire you.”

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For More Information Contact Deidra Here

Notes to Editors
Deidra Smith on Social Media
Twitter: @deidradeandra
Facebook: www.facebook.com/deidradeandra

The Queen’s Young Leaders Programme
www.queensyoungleaders.com

TEDxBelmopan – Tony Rath’s TEDx Talk

Tony Rath’s TEDx Talk: Photography and the Light of Respect!

Today (December 9, 2015) the first TEDxBelmopan Talk was released. Belizeans especially have been patiently waiting for this release. Tony Rath’s TEDx Talk was titled “Photography and the Light of Respect.” Using photography as a tool to explore the world, acclaimed nature photographer Tony Rath takes us on four journeys where photography helped him learn life lessons about respect. From bird hunting and whale kills in the Faroe Islands, to kayaking unexplored canyons and being mesmerized by a small grey rainforest bird in Belize, Tony Rath uses his spectacular imagery to shed light on the meaning of respect.

Deidra Deandra with Tony Rath

Tony Rath is a well published editorial and commercial photographer based along the shore of the Caribbean Sea in the picturesque village of Dangriga, Belize.

He was born somewhere, and then grew up. Along the way he canoed the Quetico, flew gliders in the USAF, became a marine biologist; worked as a technician, diver and underwater photographer for the Smithsonian Institution; worked underwater on oil rigs, missile launch sites and submersibles off the California Coast; captained a sailboat across the Atlantic Ocean (twice) and through the Mediterranean and North Seas, commercial fished north of the Arctic Circle, lived in different cities and worked with different famous and important people.

To keep up with the latest from TEDxBelmopan visit their website www.tedxbelmopan.com or connect with them on Facebook.

Deidra Deandra is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this event.

5 Small Business Tips!

5 Small Business Tips from Business Plan Presentations at The University of Belize

The University of Belize’s Bachelors students presented their Business Plans today. Six groups had worked with existing businesses in the community to assess their current status and make recommendations to help the businesses grow in the market through marketing plans and financial advice.

I was invited to be a guest judge for the areas of brand development, promotions and marketing. It was a fun experience for my company getting to help these students learn from an existing small business. It was also a learning experience for me as some of the businesses the students assessed have been in the industry for 15+ years. I especially loved all the treats they shared. (:

I was particularly impressed with a group who chose to develop a start-up. They introduced to the Belizean Market, Clover Dressings. Clover Dressings produces Caesar and Sweet Mustard Dressings. Both have no preservatives and through their current research will last about 10 months when refrigerated. Though I guarantee you won’t keep them that long; they are very tasty. I especially like the Caesar as it has extra cheese! If you’re wanting to see this product on the grocery store shelves, start supporting the business by ordering on their Facebook.

Here are 5 Small Business Tips I put together based on the presentations:

1. Facebook is the top marketing method in Belize to reach customers especially in the food industry (based on surveys by the students)
2. Fast food delivery is a rapidly growing niche in Belmopan.
3. Keep good track of your accounts. It is necessary especially as your business grows and wishes to seek funding. Get training if needed.
4. Develop a good brand from the start. You want to look good to the public. Deidra Deandra would be happy to help you develop your brand.
5. Be careful not to intermingle personal expenses with that of the business. A great way to avoid this is to pay yourself a salary.

More Photos on Facebook.
Testimonials of Deidra Deandra, a Belize Graphic Design Company.

10 New Belizean Businesses from Belize’s National University

New Belizean Businesses from the University of Belize

November 16, 2015–Today was such a fun and exciting day as I got to be a judge for the University of Belize’s Marketing Expo. Ten groups had worked to develop products to introduce to the Belizean market. They created the products, developed branding and packaging, and financed and marketed them.

Among the products were glow in the dark, eco-friendly lava lamps; yellow tomato ketchup, fruit juices, jams (including a delicious tomato jam, who would have thought?), wooden bottle holders, coconut oil, face scrubs and barbecue sauce. The response from the public was great and one of the businesses even sold out! Professor Audrey Pascasio said she was very proud of the effort her students put into their businesses and the feedback from the public.

It was so great seeing the next people the enter the workforce creating new Belizean businesses. I encouraged them to not let it be just another project but to actually follow through with their businesses. If they do, you should be seeing a whole new variety of “Made in Belize” products on grocery store shelves. Be sure to buy them!

University of Belize’s Mission Statement
The University of Belize is a national, autonomous and multi-location institution committed to excellence in higher education, research and service for national development. As a catalyst of change it provides relevant, affordable and accessible educational and training programs that address national needs based on principles of academic freedom, equity, transparency, merit and accountability.

See Photos of these New Belizean Businesses on Facebook.

Deidra Deandra at TEDxBelmopan

Deidra Deandra is a proud sponsor of TEDxBelmopan, the first TEDx Event to be held in Belize.

TEDxBelmopan, Belize I loved getting to sponsor such an awesome event by providing all the Graphic Design, Web Design and Printing Services. It is great to support such a forward-thinking event that aims to inspire Â My favorite piece to create was the “Changing the Conversation” theme graphic. I took two quotations and gave them a little personality by adding faces; it was that simple and everyone loved it. It was fun to see it come alive off the computer and many people got to take photos with the little props we got made for the event (see photos below).

For my business, this was a big step too. I’ve never showcased a booth before and was quite nervous to show one at this event where so many business professionals gathered. It turned out to be a real success and I walked away with 8 new clients. This is where I’m reminded of where the scriptures say “It is better to give than to receive.” I thought I was giving a lot with the amount of time invested in the designs for the event only to have God outdo me (as always) by giving me more job opportunities. It was certainly aÂ blessingÂ to be the Creative Director and Web Curator for TEDxBelmopanÂ and I’m thankful for the opportunity. See below some of the pieces I designed for this event.

Related Topics:Â Tony Rath’s TEDx TalkÂ | First TEDx Event in Belize

First TEDx Event in Belize

TEDx Event in Belize – 9 TEDx Events will be happening worldwide on October 1 and one will be in Belize!

Belmopan City, Belize – September 30, 2015—The inaugural TEDxBelmopan will be hosted in Belmopan City at the University of Belize Auditorium on October 1, 2015 from 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. A home to young leaders, innovators and change-makers, and an institute of learning, we believe this to be the ideal venue for TEDxBelmopan.

TEDx Event in Belize

The independently organized event, licensed by TED, will include special presentations, TEDxActive Lab, TED Talks videos and will feature talks from invited speakers: Kalilah Enriquez, Janelle Chanona, Lisa M. Shoman, Tony Rath and Yasser Musa.

Feedback for the event has been overwhelming and spaces quickly filled up. Organizer Jeanelle Mencias said, “We have new messages in our inbox daily but can seat no more. To comply with TEDx rules, we can only host 100 attendees at our first event and we are currently at capacity.” Mencias also said this is the first of many, so keep an eye out for the next TEDx event in Belize!

TEDx Event in Belize - TEDxBelmopan

TEDxBelmopan will be hosted under the theme “Changing the Conversation” in an attempt to prompt discussion on issues affecting Belize and the world at large. As the world advances, and Belize with it, this generation is more aware of the importance of changing the conversation on how we perceive and do things. It is our hope that attendees will be inspired and moved to dig deeper into these issues and continue the discussions long after TEDxBelmopan. Mencias said, “We are committed to creating an event where participants are challenged to communicate their passions in an exciting and engaging dialogue. Speakers will have the opportunity to discuss their ideas with attendees, encouraging the exchange of ideas and information.”

To keep up with the latest from TEDxBelmopan visit their website www.tedxbelmopan.com or connect with them on Facebook.

Deidra Deandra is proud to be a Gold Sponsor for this event.

TEDxBelmopan-Belize-Sponsors

Related Topics: Deidra Deandra at TEDxBelmopan | Tony Rath’s TEDx Talk

WOW! Cool Photo of Belmopan’s First and Current Queens

Scrolling my Facebook Timeline this morning I saw this photo and had to share; it’s Councillor Anna Banner Guy with Belmopan’s First and Current Queens. Clarita Ozaeta won the title of Queen of the Bay in the early 1970s and Melissa Robinson holds the title this year (2015).
belizes-first-and-current-2015-queen-of-the-bay

10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home

I always enjoy the opportunity to share about the country I call home-Belize! These 10 beautiful photos of the piece of earth I call home, highlight some of the natural produce we get from the land, the animals, and the beautiful scenery!

1. Coconut Tree – I took this photo on the beach in Dangriga, Belize. Dangriga is a Town located in the Stann Creek District, Belize. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Coconut Tree

2. Waterfall – This Waterfall is located in the Elijio Panti National Park in Belize, a beautiful destination to visit in the Cayo District. The park has several activities including swimming, waterfalls, hiking, nature trails, caves, and Mayan artifacts
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Waterfall

3. Mennonite Produce – this photo was taken on a visit to the back-ends of the Mennonite Community, Spanish Lookout, in Belize. I can’t remember the name of the crop planted here but it goes on for miles and is a beautiful site to see. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Mennonite Community

4. Manatee – The manatee is a marine mammal that is a protected specie in Belize. This photo was taken at the Swallow Caye Wildlife Sanctuary, the best place to see manatees in Belize. Manatees have paddle-like flippers and can grow to about 13 feet long with 1300 pounds.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Manatee

5. “E” – I remember taking this photo on a hike through the Elijio Panti National Park. It was quite an exciting find, a naturally formed “E” in the Belize Rainforest.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - "E"

6. Sunset in the Capital City – This photo was taken in Belmopan, Belize, the Capital City of the country. It reminded me of a Lion King Movie Scene. (:
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Sunset in the Capital City

7. Pink Rose – This beautiful rose was captured right at home in my mother’s garden. She has a variety of them in different colors and I always enjoy taking photos of the newly bloomed ones. Check out some of these same roses in our Mother’s Day Cards Designs. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Pink Rose

8. Sleeping Giant – The Sleeping Giant is a Group of Mountains in Belize located along the Hummingbird Highway. As you can see, the group of Mountains at a point on the highway, resemble a Sleeping Giant, hence the name.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Sleeping Giant

9. White Horse – I took this photo at the Banana Bank Lodge in Belize which is home to over 90 horses.
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - White Horse

10. Coconut Apple – Locally known as “Grow-ins,” the Coconut Apple is found inside dried coconuts. It is quite a sweet find. [Download this Free Belize Wallpaper]
10 Beautiful Photos of the Piece of Earth I call Home - Belize - Coconut Apple