Akiya Brewley Designs is the winner of April’s Business of the Month for her exemplary customer service; generous donations to the local community; and innovative service in graphic design and illustration.

Business of the Month officially launched on March 3, 2015 under the theme: “Fueling the Entrepreneurial Spirit" is led by the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs on behalf of the Government of the Virgin Islands. 

Director of the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs, Mrs. Karia Christopher said that Akiya Brewley Designs won based on outstanding customer service, provision of unique products, and diligent community involvement.

“Ms. Brewley’s work demonstrates innovation and vision. Her illustrations and graphic designs represent the energy we require in this robust knowledge-based economy. We are proud to have her as our April’s Business of the Month,” she said.

She further explained that as winner, Ms. Brewley will receive a cheque for $1,500 and promotion by way of Government providing free advertisements of the business for the month of April. These include a GIS interview with the business owner; sponsored commercials for the month on radio and television; a business profile on the Government’s Website and the online media; a featured article in our local newspapers; profile on BVICCHA Website; one year’s free membership with BVICCHA; and framed certificates for Business of the Month.

In expressing her delight with the award, Ms. Brewley said, “Every job and client becomes personal to me. Being able to bring a job to life by capturing the client’s personality and letting it show in my work is at times the most difficult thing to achieve, however, it is the most gratifying once the job is completed.”

She said that her business contributes to the local community, by creating signature signage, logos, and business cards for businesses.

“I feel that I am helping them to get noticed and be remembered. Business branding is as important to a company as location, products or pricing. One strong image can communicate to the world, in one glance, who you are, and what product or service you are offering,” she explained.

Ms. Brewley has a Bachelor of Science degree in Graphic Design & Illustration from the Arts Institute of Pittsburgh.  She is a freelance designer specializing in graphic design, publication design, corporate identity, and traditional and digital illustration.

For more information about Akiya Brewley Designs, visit www.brewleydesigns.com or email akiyabrewley@gmail.com.

The Business of the Month initiative was designed to promote and assist small businesses in the BVI and is a part of the investment strategy of the Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs. Through this programme, a local business will be featured and showcased every month. In addition, at the end of the year one of the featured businesses will be nominated for Small Business of the Year.

Businesses can apply, or members of the public can nominate businesses or business persons by submitting a nomination form and an essay of at least 300 words stating why the nominee should be considered for the Business of the Month award. Click here to access the Business of the Month nomination form.

Application forms are available online at bvi.gov.vg and must be submitted to the Trade and Consumer Affairs Department in the Sebastian Building. Alternatively, submissions may be emailed to lmercer@gov.vg.

The Department of Trade and Consumer Affairs is responsible for facilitating the development and growth of the BVI business environment, by helping businesses to realise their full potential. This is done through the establishment and management of programmes and networks that provide information, education, training, finance and other assistance in order to foster sustained economic development in the BVI.