Some countries have the resources and opportunities for a young aspiring creative to learn and thrive in any industry they want and in others the infrastructure is much less scarce - which is how  Stephanie K. Nihon views her home country of the Bahamas. "The growth and momentum of the TV and Film industry in The Bahamas can only be attributed to the hard work, passion, and enormous contributions that a handful of professionals made. These professionals ensured that they, against all odds walked toward achieving their desired success while inspiring young minds along their journey." Stephanie K. Nihon tells us , an example herself of someone who did precisely that and thus today is known as a rising leader and a top voice in the Caribbean entertainment industry.

Her journey went from being a successful fashion model hailing from The Bahamas to a mother of three to becoming the CEO of her growing production house LFD Productions and the creator of the ground breaking live-action island adventure children’s show, “Goombay Kids.” which embraces important topics for primary age children including inclusivity, cultural awareness, youth empowerment and protecting the environment.

Photographer Credit: Navado Dawkins

Photographer Credit: Navado Dawkins

Nihon's passion, resilience and strong belief in her product and the talent and creatives behind it is how the TV series was able to do the impossible and what no Bahamian-made show had done before it. From season one which consisted of a shoe string budget and a whole lot of heart, to now heading toward season 5 in which Goombay Kids is now the #1 rated children's show in the Caribbean, Stephanie showed that hard work and perseverance pays off. The media brand has now employed over 350 Bahamians to date.

‘Goombay Kids initially was meant to be a spring board for actors to get a chance to showcase their talent and a way to build resumes. It started with a small crew, me wearing many hats and training many people along the way. I just did whatever it took and was motivated by the level of talent the actors have. We are very fortunate that with every season the series has continued to grow, build momentum and have the support it needs.’

The series secured a historic streaming deal for the Caribbean region as the first live action children’s TV series to ever get a  North American streaming deal and also boasts winning 14 international awards. Goombay Kids is now available on AmazonFire, AppleTV, Roku, BatteryPop, ToonGoggles, Xumo, Redbox, YT Kids, and Happy Kids among others.

Now Nihon is known as a trailblazer in the Caribbean entertainment industry, creating opportunities for local Bahamian talent. She tell us she has facilitated in securing up to 30 models and actors contracts with international agencies while helping develop their talent with a local agency. This led to her starting The Cays Conference, a industry and scouting event featuring talent agents from around the world which had a successful first year and resulted in two young actors signing contracts with international agencies.

Goombay Kids has now out grown it’s borders and has an impressive international team behind it helping to grow the brand.  Some of team includes Janis Shen (Sony Music, Wax Mgmt), Jonathan Barbato (Starz, Best Ever Channels), JakaBenedicic (Talking Tom, Outfit7, Epic Story Media) and the team at Playmakers Entertainment.

It is clear that Stephanie K. Nihon is determined to give underrepresented talent and creatives a platform to showcase their talent and we are here for it.