Shelly Chang (l) and Wendy Wong

They abound in every city - a burgeoning district, street or corner frequented and or owned by those looking to ultimately influence and control. All Woman celebrates today - two days shy of International Women's Day - three such trendy corners beautifully styled, owned and managed by those who will, we suspect, ultimately have a huge say in how we style our lives.

Wendy Wong and Shelly Chang are the visible faces of Curves (Jamaica) an international exercise franchise with over 9,000 members worldwide and branches in Cayman, Bermuda, The Bahamas and Barbados. Located in a minimalistic, oh so chic setting upstairs Liguanea Post Office Mall, it affords a serene view of the mountains. For Wong and Chang however, the spectacular vista is just a small taste of the offerings. "We want," they share, "to offer Jamaican women the combination of resistance training and cardio exercise to protect muscle, increase metabolism and burn fat." The message and the backdrop out of the way, there are subtle but oh so important factors like the absence of mirrors and women in make-up (no need to visit a make-up artist prior to the gym). "Curves is about women reaching their goals and having fun.there are no fancy dance steps or complicated machines to wrestle with (hip, hip, hooray!) Just a simple, effective circuit and a staff member to help if you need it," opines Chang.

All Woman suspects, based on the positive reception already given to Curves by women only too willing to enjoy the non- restrictive lifestyle-30 minutes is all it takes.you can drop in anytime your Curves is open and enjoy a complete workout:

1 warm-up
2 cardio exercise
3 strength training
4 cool down; and
5 stretching.

Michelle Jackson-Douglas carries 60% male and 40% female clothing at Boy O Boy.

That we will be curving our way in five steps 30 minutes at a time.

Michelle Jackson Gordon's inspiration for Boy O Boy, located at 12 Merrick Avenue came as a result of the birth of her own son, Christian David. "As a new mother I naturally wanted to dress up my bundle of joy in fabulous clothes.I suddenly realised that there was not much to choose from and that I was not alone." Much market research later, Jackson Gordon opened her quaint boutique for boys last December. "The result has been positive," shares the excited new entrepreneur, "I had much apprehension about getting it right - creating the perfect space and of course choosing the right outfits and accessories." Three months later, her apprehensions are still with her but are suitably positive. Boy O Boy now carries not only trendy stuff for boys but has been forced to make way for sisters, cousins and nieces. There are also Saturday reading sessions. Perhaps the best news of all is that the trendy boutique owner is now in expansion mode. "We've already outgrown the almost 400 square feet of space."

There are no regrets for this new mother whose store not only dresses newborns but the entire baby area. Jackson Gordon is also smart enough to know that it's never too early for a boy's first driving lesson.

If Michelle Jackson Gordon's focus is on styling newborns and creating the Caribbean's version of Posh Kids, then
Juanita Diaz, owner of Peridot, an interior atelier offering casual modern items for homes of the young at heart, is smart enough to know that successful entrepreneurs never isolate but instead indirectly carve out a niche that all can embrace. And this she has done at 9 Merrick Avenue, offering window treatment, picture frames, rugs, scented candles and bedding. "I suspect that everything that I did before, (working at GraceKennedy and Wisynco) as well as the influence of family has led me to this point. I love it and have absolutely no regret." And why should she? Having created a veritable oasis of comfort in which to work and in which to entice potential customers. "I want to offer options for those of us who dwell in smaller living spaces.the way photos are hung for example is something I'm determined to influence." And indeed she has, judging from the response to her myriad picture frames as well as coffee/tray tables, magazine racks and screens.

Owner of Peridot, Juanita Diaz wants to offer design options for those living in smaller spaces. (Photos: Joseph Wellington)

Diaz has commenced 'space conversation' and the 'young at heart are indeed listening.'

Are you or anybody else that you know creating trendy spaces? Share your space/s with us at All Woman
whyten@jamaicaobserver.com

Feeding the multitude

DANGEROUS PETS

Pepper Pot