AmberL’s Journey: Mechelle McDonald Shares Her Afreximbank Experience

Mechelle McDonald: Owner of AmberL

We are excited to welcome Mechelle McDonald, the dynamic entrepreneur behind AmberL, to a Bahamas Trade Information Portal conversation. As a featured business with the Portal, we know firsthand that Mechelle has been busy for several years fine tuning her company and developing her brand.

Her recent participation at the Afreximbank Annual Meetings highlights her dedication to expanding trade opportunities and building strategic partnerships. In this interview, we will explore Mechelle’s experiences at the Afreximbank meetings, her insights on the future of trade in The Bahamas, and what’s next for AmberL. 

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Bahamas Trade Information Portal (BTIP): How did you hear about the Afreximbank event?

Mechelle McDonald (MM): I heard about the Afreximbank event initially from the posters and decals throughout New Providence, Bahamas. I learned more details about the event from the Bahamas Development Bank upon invitation.

BTIP: Share a bit more on your invitation from the Bahamas Development Bank.

MM: I was invited to the 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024), by the Bahamas Development Bank who stated that they recognize my exceptional product offerings through AmberL and the value I bring to the country’s entrepreneurial space. Also the way the business reflects the uniqueness of Bahamian culture. The invite allowed the opportunity for me to display my products to several thousand Bahamians and international guests, on June 12th-14th at Baha Mar Resort.

BTIP: Were you able to make connections to assist with the further expansion of your company?

MM: I spoke with CEOs and Executives of local and international companies that are interested in investing in or stocking AmberL products. This includes retail and wholesale options.

BTIP: Tell us about any media coverage your received at the event.

MM: I was interviewed by Our News Bahamas, a local broadcasting and media production company. This interview included speaking about my business AmberL, my experience thus far and how I felt about being present at the event and representing The Bahamas as 1 of 4 entrepreneurs selected. This interview aired on the evening of June 15th, 2024. You can view it here.

I was also interviewed by Joseph of Africa 24 regarding my company and my experience at the event thus far. I highlighted the aspect of supporting the green economy through my business and highlighting the natural resource of sea salt. This interview aired on June 14th, 2024 in Paris, France.

BTIP: How was your overall experience at the Afreximbank meetings?

MM: I loved the experience overall because the exposure and conversations were priceless. I appreciated how local and international participants understood and appreciated the concept of AmberL, especially because it highlighted something that is uniquely Bahamian (sea salt) that is sustainable, reduces exporting and supports the local industry of farming. There were sales, demos and lots of photos. Being invited by the Bahamas Development Bank was just one aspect of our relationship which began in 2022. Having access to connect with shipping companies and entrepreneurs from around the world and provide a wider platform for my business overall. Interacting with like-minded individuals from around the world was refreshing and I gained both insight and perspective from individuals within the business industry.

I also appreciated attending the Signing Ceremony with Viola Davis: Connecting Global Africa with the tools to make a difference, which was such a symbolic and historic moment.

Overall, it was a priceless and enlightening experience that I would certainly do again.

BTIP: Where are your products sold?

MM: My products are sold at pop up events and trade shows as well as through delivery. I am currently working on more in-store retail options.

BTIP: You mentioned three (3) days at the Afreximbank meetings and a fourth day at Crypto Isle. Please share about the fourth day event and how it tied in with the Afreximbank meetings.

Ibukun Awosika: Nigerian businesswoman, motivational speaker and author

MM: The 4th event was the “Women in Business Empowerment Retreat” with speaker Mrs. Ibukun Awosika and was held at Crypto Isle on East Bay St. This event challenged women to consider branding, incorporating their values in their brand and considering the longevity of their business. This included reflective exercises that tapped in to how they see themselves and where they see themselves in their future. Mrs. Awosika shared her personal and professional experiences which helped in understanding perspectives of how to be an entrepreneur, creating purposeful connections and remembering to uplift other women in the process.

This event showed an aspect of the Afro-Caribbean connection as Mrs. Awosika is from Nigeria, Africa. Her annual conference, The International Woman Leadership Conference in Dubai, UAE also hosts Caribbean female entrepreneurs in addition to those from Africa and participants from the around the world.

BTIP: What are your insights on the future of international trade in The Bahamas?

MM: I believe that there is a great opportunity for international trade in The Bahamas and the historic 31st Afreximbank Annual Meetings (AAM2024) and the 3rd AfriCaribbean Trade and Investment Forum (ACTIF2024), was a great example of that. It really helped to bridge the gap between two key markets that can greatly benefit from each other. It was also an incredible showcase of and for Bahamian entrepreneurship within this space. With continued discussion, laws and intentional action, I believe that The Bahamas can move more steadily and productively within the international trade arena, benefiting its society and economy.

BTIP: What are the future plans for your business?

MM: The future plans for AmberL include market expansion (product offerings and their access to a wider community) as well as continuing to highlight its unique aspect of creating a safe space for our clients to share their skin stories, through its products and services.

Visit AmberL’s BTIP page to learn more>>https://www.bahamastradeinfo.gov.bs/buy/company/amberl/