TROPIC FLAVORS
Caribbean/African Spice & Gift Shop
Dianna Atkinson, originally from Jamaica, has lived in Canada for 15 years, mostly in Thunder Bay. She spent a number of years gaining experience by working in many office settings in the district of Thunder Bay, and in doing so, has secured credits in administration principles and management. She is a team player and enjoys volunteering for her community.
Dianna enjoys working with community groups to promote positive change within the community. She is presently the 2nd Vice President on the board at the Thunder Bay Multicultural Association. She supports new immigrants to the city, advocates on behalf of the individual to agencies and organizations, promotes and coordinates various cultural events designed to educate people in our community regarding racism. Dianna has volunteered as a caregiver in various daycares throughout Thunder Bay. She has been a foster parent for 5 years with the Children's Aid Society.
Having lived in Northwestern Ontario for such a long time, Dianna had experienced difficulty in acquiring Caribbean and African products in her community. For this reason, she decided to open her own store carrying a variety of ethnic spices, cosmetics for women of colour, hair care products for synthetic hair, hair for braiding, and nonperishable food to reach the black and Caribbean Canadian community. At that time, Dianna became a Gateway Participant at PARO and gained assistance in developing her business plan, preparing for opening her business, trade show participation, networking opportunities and continued business counseling. After a successful first year of business, Dianna is expanding her involvement as an entrepreneur, opening space within her store to local entrepreneurs, providing a well-maintained and fully staffed location for others to sell their products. PARO programs and services continue to support Dianna’s plans for expansion, and we are confident of her continued success.
Visit Tropic Flavors at 281 Bay St. or call 807-683-0393 or email tropicflavors@hotmail.com
