WHEN Dwyane Wade and Gabrielle Union wanted a luxurious Jamaican getaway, when Cynthia Bailey of Real Housewives of Atlanta rang in her birthday island-style, and when Sheryl Lee Ralph’s son Etienne Maurice needed an event designer for his wedding just three days after Hurricane Beryl battered the island, there was one woman behind it all: Shikima Hinds.

For celebrities, dignitaries, and non-famous families alike, she is the go-to architect of unforgettable experiences, known for delivering what she calls “operational excellence” with the signature warmth of Jamaica.

Hinds’ gift for hospitality bloomed early. As a little girl in Kingston, she was already crafting invitations for Sunday dinner, delighting in the art of gathering people together. “I always loved hosting — even from then,” she recalls.

That love led her to study hospitality and food and beverage management, and later to chase her dream job at the Ritz-Carlton Rose Hall.

“They were coming to Jamaica, and I sent them a letter stating that working with them would be a dream come true…I got the job,” she says proudly. It was there that she honed her skills managing luxury events and guest experiences at the highest level.

Her entrepreneurial path took shape after her own wedding, when friends sought her advice for their special days. That led to the launch of Island Bride Jamaica, a vendor referral company that she eventually transformed into Shikima Hinds Events & Concierge — now one of the Caribbean’s most sought-after planning firms.

Today, her company — headquartered in Kingston — specialises in bespoke weddings, corporate retreats, milestone events, and luxury travel coordination. With five core staff and a network of up to 20 freelancers per event, she can execute everything from intimate baby showers with 15 guests to multi-day celebrations spanning multiple venues and intricate logistics.

As a certified concierge, Hinds doesn’t just plan events, she curates experiences.

“A lot of overseas clients want the authentic Jamaican experience,” she explains. “I like to create an authentic Jamaican atmosphere — Jamaican music, Jamaican décor — and elevate it with an international appeal.”

Her approach is global in vision, yet rooted in home. She often draws inspiration from her international travels, incorporating worldwide trends into Jamaican traditions.

“I travel to experience what is happening internationally, and I bring a lot of that back with me to my work in Jamaica.”

Star-studded moments, grounded in Jamaica

Her roster includes celebrities, high-powered executives, and dignitaries — though many remain unnamed due to NDAs. The moments she can speak about are legendary: Gabrielle Union and Dwayne Wade’s island escape, Cynthia Bailey’s milestone birthday, and Etienne Maurice’s hurricane-defying nuptials.

And while her events exude glamour, they are deeply anchored in Jamaican culture. She highlights local flowers, musicians, cuisine, and artisans, elevating them with world-class flair.

“I try to keep things as Jamaican as possible,” she says. “Hospitality is not just about service, it’s about respect, professionalism, and integrity.”

Rising through challenges

Hinds’s journey hasn’t been without challenges. At one point, she paused her brand to work within another corporate event company, gaining valuable experience in managing larger teams and productions. Later, during the COVID-19 pandemic, while much of the global event industry froze, she continued hosting exclusive, small-scale or virtual events for her loyal high-end clients whilst relaunching her company during the pandemic..

She also carved out another lane during that time as a writer for the Jamaica Observer newspaper, where her voice as an industry thought leader earned her even greater visibility.

Building a legacy

Now in her 40s, Hinds isn’t just leading events, she’s mentoring the next generation. “Believe in yourself,” she tells young women entering the field. “Do it because you love it and because you believe in it — not because you think it will make you money. You won’t have the same passion and drive if you don’t love what you do.”

Despite her star-studded portfolio, she still makes space for the smaller, more personal gatherings.

“I’ve done a grandmother’s birthday party with 15 people. I’ve done very simple events, and I’ve done multi-day luxury events. Both matter equally to me.”

Jamaica at the heart

For Shikima Hinds, the island isn’t just a setting, it’s her muse. Sustainability, cultural authenticity, and community drive her work.

“As a Jamaican who lives and works here, I believe in supporting local and being as sustainable as possible,” she says.

Whether for an A-list wedding or a family’s intimate homecoming, Shikima Hinds infuses every detail with the beauty, culture, and soul of Jamaica — turning each celebration into a memory that lasts a lifetime.

As a certified concierge, Hinds doesn’t just plan events, she curates experiences.

Shikima Hinds.