As our commemoration of International Women’s Day throughout the entire month of March comes to a close, we are eager to highlight and recognize one more female entrepreneur who is blazing the trail in Tobago’s tourism industry, contributing to the beyond ordinary experiences we cultivate in unspoilt Tobago. This final series of our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing… HER campaign pays tribute to Meisha Trim, a dynamic entrepreneur who manages Miss Trim’s, continuing her mother’s legacy at this family-owned food business that specializes in local cuisine. At the helm of Miss Trim’s for the past 17 years, Meisha manages food-related operations along with catering for special events. Meisha’s creativity elevates the strong foundation she builds upon, maintaining and elevating Miss Trim’s reputation on a global scale.
Meisha is a dynamic, multi-faceted professional – she is a Marketing and Communications Professional, she spearheads other business brands like Swing By – a pop up barbecue experience offering a variety of sides, salads and barbecued meats – and the Nest – an Airbnb studio apartment. Meisha also operates the Bene Market – a real estate business – and Hand-picked Tobago – a boutique marketing agency. Further proving her desire to support our local community, Meisha runs a non-profit organization called GRIT: Girls Raised in Trinidad & Tobago.
We are grateful for the opportunity to chat with Meisha about HER Story:
What motivated you to pursue a career in tourism, and how have you navigated the challenges or opportunities unique to women in the industry?
“My Mom is truly my only motivation. She was retiring and needed a hand to take over the business. Since I had completed my studies, gaining a high level of education and gaining exposure to marketing and branding, I recognized the value and understood the industry in Tobago. As such, it was fitting for me to use and apply my experience in marketing and business. Family legacy and bonding are also deeply important values to me, so being able to maintain our legacy at the helm of Miss Trim’s was a contributing factor to me taking the baton from my Mom. Managing Miss Trim’s truly allows me to pay homage to my family and the family business from which I was able to acquire everything that I have! I also recognize that tourism is one of the main industries in Tobago. So, here I am now, 17 years later, still receiving support from my Mom of course, who is still providing advice and engaging with the business in her near 90s. I am grateful to carry on this family legacy. Miss Trim’s is a self-made brand, and it is challenging to replicate my mother’s personality. I am also navigating other challenges like managing a number of employees and finding some specially-qualified employees, given the shrinking labour force in the industry.”
Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
“I have experienced numerous instances of feeling empowered – I have fortunately been handed this baton from my Mom. However, I will highlight the very significant experience of receiving the baton, as it speaks of the passing on of the family legacy. My Mom was a self-made entrepreneur – the perfect template and example I could learn from. This passing on of the baton and torch has placed me in a bold, fearless position. My Mom built a brand that is internationally recognized! My upbringing, in many ways, has caused be to feel empowered, especially as my Mom has always been very hard-working and dedicated to providing quality service.”
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
“There should be more accessible funding made available for women. Yes, women are often the breadwinners in their families, they are known for being nurtures, and they have many roles to fulfil. However, women do not always have the time to gather assets that institutions require to facilitate assistance with funding. Women have natural instincts, especially within the field of business, but they are not always handed the necessary tools, nor do they always have the necessary qualifications (on paper) to access assistance and thrive in our society. Many of our institutions are not set up to deal with women’s challenges and perspectives.
Also, there should be more opportunities for women with regards to mentorship and networking. There are many female stalwarts and trailblazers in Tobago, and women should be able to tap into these stalwarts’ unique perspectives and experiences, learning lessons from them.
There should also be more educational opportunities in the field of hospitality in Tobago. There is a lot more work that needs to be done.”
In your opinion, what are some of the untapped opportunities for women in tourism, and how can we encourage more women to explore these avenues?
“There are no limitations on what women can do! Women have taken up space in many different areas in Tobago that can be tied to the tourism industry. For example, in the field of wedding planning and design, women are able to work with local vendors, dressmakers, makeup artistes, etc. The women in Tobago are pulling other along. When one or two women establish themselves solidly, they should then boost their brands by including and collaborating with other brands that, although not tourism-focused, could be downstreamed and included in the tourism industry.”
What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to enter the tourism industry, and how can they use their unique perspectives to drive positive change?
“My advice is to believe in yourself and your brand. Take up all the space! Do not ask for permission. Your idea came from within, so nurture your brand and put it out there. Consider looking further than Tobago as your market. We live in a highly digitized world, so we can access global markets. Be resolute! Also, always ask for feedback to perfect your art and your product.
Everyone brings their own style and unique perspective to the market. You should believe in yourself and never water down your brand for anyone else. You can never be someone who you are not! Everyone has something different to offer based on their unique perspective, so you should always be true to who you are!”
Meisha, thank you for taking the time to share your story with us through our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing… HER campaign in celebration of the many phenomenal women, like you and your Mom, who dedicate their services to supporting Tobago’s tourism industry. We applaud you for carrying the family legacy so elegantly, navigating the industry and determining how to remain true to yourself while carrying on the family business that your Mom so successfully built. We also congratulate your Mom, Greta Trim, for her commitment to the industry, building an internationally recognized brand that offers delicious, local cuisine.
Women, you are phenomenal, and your potential is endless! As Meisha suggested, collaborate and network with each other, learning from the experience of the stalwarts in our local tourism industry.