Kingston Creative Celebrates Global Success for Jamaican Entrepreneur
Kingston Creative, with the backing of The UWI Creative Caribbean programme and UNESCO, is buzzing with excitement over the recent achievements of Indira Boyd-Mullings, the dynamic CEO of Naturalista Distributors Ltd. Boyd-Mullings has just returned from Cosmetagora in Paris, one of Europe’s top cosmetics innovation events, and her journey is nothing short of inspiring.
A Meeting of Minds in Paris
In a recent media release, it was highlighted that Boyd-Mullings had the unique opportunity to meet one-on-one with the French Ambassador, Marianne Ziss. This meeting opened doors to a network of European formulators, suppliers, and distributors, providing invaluable insights into product innovation that are essential for brands eyeing the EU retail market. Her time in France didn’t just stop at meetings; it generated leads for private label manufacturing and potential distribution partnerships, paving the way for Naturalista Distributors to expand beyond the Caribbean.
Reflecting on her experience, Boyd-Mullings shared, “As a Jamaican small-business owner attending Cosmetagora 2026 for the first time, and my first time in Paris, I wasn’t sure what to expect, especially since I don’t speak French. But I walked away having secured a meeting with a mineral powder supplier and learned that simplicity is a powerful force in cosmetics. Much like Jamaicans, the French truly appreciate natural products. I now carry not just new knowledge but the confidence to expand my brand, possibly even into the French and broader European market.”
Breaking Down Financial Barriers
The Go Global Travel Grant, initiated by Kingston Creative, is a game-changer for Jamaican creatives. Designed to help them seize high-value international opportunities, the grant covers essential expenses, effectively removing financial barriers that often hinder creative startups from entering export markets. Since its inception in 2017, the grant has supported various cohorts of creatives, including visual artists, musicians, and dancers, enabling them to showcase their talents on international stages.
Andrea Dempster Chung, Executive Director of Kingston Creative, emphasized the importance of this initiative. “Boyd-Mullings’s story demonstrates exactly why the Travel Grant was created. When Jamaican creative entrepreneurs connect directly with international buyers, suppliers, and innovators, they return with business leads, insights, and confidence that strengthens not only their own businesses but the entire creative ecosystem.”
Diverse Paths to Success
While Boyd-Mullings explored opportunities in Europe, fellow awardee Marlene Adolphus, founder of Adolphus Makeup Artistry, took her talents to the United States. In 2025, she completed an intensive four-day HD Film Airbrush Makeup Training at the Cosmix School of Makeup Artistry. This certification has significantly boosted her competitiveness in providing makeup and beauty services for the film and television industry.
Both creatives have shared their reflections on their international learning journeys, detailing the skills they gained, the contacts they made, and their next steps for export development. These insights are available on the Kingston Creative online blog, offering a glimpse into the vibrant world of Jamaican creativity and entrepreneurship.
A Bright Future Ahead
As Kingston Creative continues to empower local entrepreneurs, one can’t help but wonder: what other hidden gems are waiting to shine on the global stage? With initiatives like the Go Global Travel Grant, the future looks bright for Jamaican creatives eager to make their mark internationally.
