Sarita Nauth is a multi-talented powerhouse, seamlessly blending her roles as a pioneering Indo-Caribbean producer, social media strategist, and beauty influencer. With nearly a decade of experience at top networks like VH1, BET, and MTV, Sarita has established herself as a leading voice in the industry. Her impressive resume includes spearheading numerous award-winning digital series, most notably the acclaimed “Black Girl Beauty.” She is also a master of crafting viral red carpet coverage, generating millions of views for prestigious events like the VMAs, MTV Movie & TV Awards, BET Awards, NAACP Image Awards, and the MET Gala. As an influential figure, Sarita has forged exclusive partnerships with leading beauty brands, including Juvia’s Place, Il Makiage, and Evolve MedSpa. Her extensive background in Publicity and Communications is firmly grounded in a Bachelor’s degree in Advertising Marketing Communications from the fashion Institute of Technology, further enhanced by ongoing education in Digital Cinematography at Berklee. With over 10 years of experience in Media & Entertainment, Sarita is passionate about amplifying the visual narratives of Caribbean women. She strives to foster authentic conversations surrounding beauty, culture, and identity, bringing these vital stories to the forefront of the industry. Its safe to say, there’s an undeniable energy that surrounds Sarita Nauth. Maybe it’s the fiery spirit of her Indo-Caribbean guyanses roots, or the captivating confidence she exudes in every step she takes – whatever it is, it’s magnetic. Sarita is a true force to be reckoned with. In this edition of “Caribbean Queens,” we meet Sarita, a woman who is redefining what it means to be a powerful voice in the media and entertainment industry. We delve into her journey, tracing her path from the fashion institute to the red carpets of Hollywood, where she’s become a master of crafting captivating narratives that amplify the voices of Caribbean women.
Vinik Ernest: Can you tell us about your journey and how it has shaped who you are today?
Sarita Nauth: From a young age, growing up in Guyana and Belize, I felt destined for a future beyond the conventional paths available to me. A vibrant, artistic expression marked my early years, yet I struggled with self-image and finding my place within the community. Despite these challenges, I succeeded in media and entertainment, providing me with a platform to tell genuine stories. As a Caribbean producer, it became essential for me to delve into my family’s history, understand my own Caribbean femininity, and embrace self-love and acceptance. This ongoing journey is one I am committed to daily, striving to become the best version of myself.
VE: What inspired you to pursue your current career or passion?
SN: Inspired by my grandmother, a seamstress in Guyana, I pursued a career in fashion design throughout high school and college. My passion for media and entertainment grew from this foundation, particularly through my experiences with high-profile events such as the MET Gala, where I had the honor of contributing for two consecutive years, as well as working on red carpets for major fashion events. This exposure has refined my creative vision and has significantly contributed to my growth as a producer, enabling me to curate content that is both aesthetically pleasing and aligned with the unique identity of my brand.
VE: How do you hope to empower or inspire other Caribbean women through your work?
SN: I hope that Caribbean women everywhere can find inspiration in my journey through overcoming challenges related to body image, self-love, and acceptance of my cultural identity. I openly document and share my experiences with aspects of myself that may not align with conventional standards of beauty perpetuated by today’s media. Embracing my unique traits—such as my body shape, overbite, stretch marks, scars, keratosis pilaris, and PCOS—I view these attributes as integral to who I am. Although societal standards may not celebrate imperfection, I consider these features as badges of honor. My commitment to exploring new routines, products, and methods to live authentically is intended to serve as a source of inspiration.
VE: What are some challenges you have faced, and how have they influenced your growth?
SN: I have long faced challenges with body image and creating a consistently positive environment for self-care. Recognizing the need for change, I committed to a routine of daily exercise, which has become an integral part of my life and a testament to my commitment to self-love, irrespective of the timeline. Engaging with my followers daily brings me great joy, as many draw inspiration from my dedication. Their support motivates me to remain steadfast in my routine and not let them—or myself—down. The gym has witnessed both my triumphs and struggles, yet I find strength in knowing that no external comment, whether from an “Aunt” or anyone within my community, can diminish the effort I invest in myself. I am also deeply grateful to my teachers, trainers, and healers who have supported my growth mentally, physically, and emotionally throughout this journey.
VE: What message or advice would you like to share with aspiring Caribbean women?
SN: To all Caribbean women: you are deeply valued, worthy, and deserving of your place in the world. Continue to assert your presence in spaces where you may feel diminished, and remain unapologetic about your body, mind, soul, and vibrant spirit. Your mere existence may serve as a powerful inspiration to others. Despite the scrutiny you might face regarding your natural curves, movements, or lively personality, remember that the unhealed projections of others should never diminish the light you bring to this world.
Dr. Corrie Amos, a child of immigrants spent her childhood between NYC where she was born, and the beautiful island of Jamaica, where she is from. She was able to spend her formative years in Jamaica and it was there she discovered her love of science and medicine, now she is a board-certified anesthesiologist, culinary enthusiast, health & wellness advocate, and creator/CEO of the spice theory, a handcrafted, small batch spice blend company with products made from natural and fresh ingredients without additives, preservatives or MSG; low in sodium, high in quality and never compromising flavor! Much like her spices, Dr. Amos is packed with flava and personality. There’s a certain undeniable magic that emanates from Dr. Corrie Amos. Maybe it’s the sun-kissed glow of her Jamaican heritage or the effortless grace she carries in her board-certified anesthesiologist scrubs – whatever it is, it’s captivating. This ensemble immediately reminded me of the easy breezy, and alluring island where she grew up and found her passion. In this edition of “Caribbean Queens: Stories through Style,” we delve a little more into her journey from a NYC childhood to the sun-drenched shores of Jamaica that led her to become the amazing woman she is today.
Vinik Ernest: Can you tell us about your journey and how it has shaped who you are today?
Dr. Corrie: I am a child of immigrants so I spent my childhood between NYC where I was born and Jamaica, where I am from. I went to prep school in Jamaica and it was there that I discovered a love of science. I like to break things down to their elements…see how they are made. I was inquisitive about everything! Especially food. I was my grandmother’s shadow in the kitchen, watching fascinated as she gathered her herbs and spices to season the food. I constantly peppered her with questions about her cooking methods and use of natural home remedies. Little did I know that I was making the connection to harness the power of food as medicine.
VE: My grandma’s house was where you went to get an authentic homecooked Jamaican meal that would rival any 5-star restaurant…the secret?
DC: The herbs and spices, always fresh from the market. I developed that love of cooking and associating food with family and friends as I matured. My college years in Atlanta, medical training and travels influenced how I approached cooking, incorporating vibrant, flavorful ingredients without compromising health. Now I’m back in New York where it all began! Whether I’m hosting a dinner party for friends or making a quick one-pot meal for my husband and young children, the creativity in the kitchen never ceases. The Spice Theory was born of that desire to be inquisitive. Food should be bold not boring. Push the boundaries and dare to be different!
VE: What inspired you to pursue your current career or passion?
DC: In 2021, my grandmother Violet passed away from complications of heart disease. She was the matriarch of our family, and the head cook for our holiday gatherings and celebrations. Cardiovascular disease is the number one killer in the United States, with Black Americans disproportionately affected at 30% higher rates compared to the general population. These staggering statistics have affected me personally, and as a physician, I am devoted to providing low sodium, flavorful Caribbean spice blends for the community I deeply care about. According to the American Heart Association, approximately 80% of heart disease is preventable with diet and lifestyle modifications. Focusing on decreasing the salt content in your food, and being intentional about cooking more at home are small steps that lead to big results. My grandmother continues to be my source of inspiration, fueling me to connect with my patients beyond the hospital setting. Her memory is the driving force pushing me to build a community of culture and health. As the Founder & CEO of The Spice Theory, I am proud that we have an unwavering commitment to improve the food ecosystem for the Caribbean diaspora and generations to come.
VE: How do you hope to empower or inspire other Caribbean women through your work?
DC: Mentorship has propelled me in my personal life and professional career. I aspire to be a role model for women who want to venture into business ownership by being honest about my struggles, while providing practical solutions and advice based on my experience. I want to be an integral part of the mentoring village that uplift women of color along their entrepreneurial path. I would not have come this far without the guidance from other women, and I want to pay it forward.
VE: What are some challenges you have faced, and how have they influenced your growth?
DC: I experienced both motherhood and entrepreneurship simultaneously. I was in my first trimester with my second child when I decided to take the leap into business ownership. As I prepared for my grandmother to depart this earth, and eagerly anticipated the arrival of my daughter, the need to create healthier food products that reflect the bold heritage of my Caribbean upbringing couldn’t have been more evident. The Spice Theory honors the past, while serving to protect to future’s wellbeing. The entrepreneurial process has revealed the depth of fortitude I carry within me. Managing my family responsibilities, practicing anesthesiology full time, while forging a path forward for my budding business is not easy. It requires grit, time management skills, and the ability to turn to others for support. I still struggle with balance, and lean more towards harmony. As a mompreneur, I’ve learned to embrace my resilience while giving myself the grace to make mistakes and learn from them. I’ve also learned to build a network of thought leaders and nurturers to help navigate this arduous, yet gratifying journey. This journey as a mompreneur is not linear. The boundaries of your creativity will be stretched, but I hope to teach my children that they too can speak life into their dreams and birth something beautiful.
VE: What message or advice would you like to share with aspiring Caribbean women?
DC: Don’t be silenced by people that think you are too loud, too assertive or too ambitious.
Don’t be afraid to reinvent yourself. Scrutiny will come; however, you are allowed to redefine yourself through the vision that only you have the power to see. Commit to self-care and interpersonal development to support your growth. No one will take care of you better than you can, and it will serve as a blueprint for how others treat you.
This interview appears in the pages of PALMTREE Issue #1: now available for purchase!
Photographer 1shk
Fashion There own
Interview Vinik Ernest