Freeport, Grand Bahama – December 3rd, 2025 – As the 2025 calendar winds down, Crafters Academy celebrated a triumphant finale with its last workshop of the year. Held on November 12th and 13th at the Susan J. Wallace Community Center, the event brought together Grand Bahama’s budding and seasoned artisans alike for a creative deep dive into crafting Christmas ornaments using sand.
Crafters Academy, a small business development initiative under the Grand Bahama Port Authority and its Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau, is spearheaded by a dynamic leadership team. At the forefront is Ms. Fatima Zahra Kaboob, Chairman of Art Lucaya and Freeport Fashion Week, supported by Creative Director, Mrs. Lisa Codella of Coastal Mojo, a celebrated local artisan. Strategic business advisory and entrepreneurial guidance are provided by LaShawn Dames, Business Development Manager at GBPA and the Invest Grand Bahama Small Business Bureau, ensuring the program remains both artistically rich and economically impactful.
Reflecting on the year’s success, Ms. Kaboub shared, “Crafters Academy has truly become a beacon for creative entrepreneurship. Beyond nurturing artisans, we are cultivating cultural ambassadors who bring the spirit of Grand Bahama to life through every handcrafted piece. The program has been warmly embraced by the community, sparking new momentum within the handmade crafts sector by inspiring collaboration, introducing fresh skills, sustainable materials, and meaningful economic opportunities for artisans.”
Mrs. Codella echoed this sentiment, noting, “This initiative is about more than just craft, it’s about encouraging new ideas and elevating the authenticity and quality of handmade Bahamian goods into the tourism marketplace. We’re helping local creators translate their artistry into sustainable business opportunities that resonate with both our heritage and the global tourism audience.”
Throughout 2025, Crafters Academy offered an impressive lineup of workshops using sustainable, locally sourced materials: from painting casuarina pine coasters, and crafting coconut bowls, to elevating palm straw bags into high-fashion clutches. The year ended on a festive high note with the creation of sand-crafted Christmas ornaments and greeting cards. Each day featured morning sessions designed for novice artisans, while evening classes focused on encouraging innovation and collaboration among seasoned creators.
From a business development perspective, Ms. Dames emphasized the program’s broader economic value: “Crafters Academy is opening doors for local talent to benefit in a growing artisan market. As Grand Bahama’s tourism market continues to expand, we’re empowering individuals to transform their passion into viable ventures, enriching our economy and showcasing the best of our island’s creative spirit through authentic, handcrafted Bahamian products.”
By focusing on truly authentic, sustainable Bahamian products, Crafters Academy is not just teaching crafts—it’s building a legacy. Local artisans are walking away equipped to turn their skills into wealth-building opportunities, anchoring the island’s cultural heritage in every piece. It’s a forward-thinking, feel-good story of community, creativity, and the entrepreneurial spirit of Grand Bahama.
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