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It is said that you can find a ‘Trini’ everywhere, even in Bali, Indonesia. Ethan Auguste is a cultural ambassador, event organiser, entrepreneur and talent manager who has been living and working in Bali for the last year and a half. Through his company, Thrive, Ethan has hosted Caribbean cultural events and creative showcases in the United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Los Angeles, California; and Bali. His love for our culture and our unique Carnival experience, have been his main inspiration for creating this niche in these foreign territories. From Petit Valley, Trinidad to Bali; this is how this cultural entrepreneur is doing what he loves “with love and honesty”:

Getting ready to fly

After secondary school, I headed to TTHTI (formerly Hotel School) and also started working at MovieTowne. I had to repeat the first year of the programme after I got a job with Courtyard by Marriott. In that same year, at 19 years old, I also started my first company, A&A Productions. Due to the work schedule and demands, I had to take a break from TTHTI, hoping to continue at a later date. After leaving the Marriott to join the opening team at Hyatt Regency, I eventually moved to Dubai to work for Emirates Airline.

THRIVE-ing

In 2013, while living in Dubai, I launched Thrive to provide an environment where creatives can interact with and support each other. Through Thrive, I have been able to showcase over 100 performers, 20 designers, feature ten films and host 60 industry speakers across five countries. One of my “Thrivers”, who is actually from Trinidad and Tobago recently scored a distribution deal with Sony Music. When we are able to achieve opportunities like this, I am happy and realise it is all worth it as our culture and uniqueness, are being shown to the world.

While in Geneva in 2018, I started to get many ads targeting digital nomads and entrepreneurs who want to live in Bali for a month. I viewed this as the universe sending me signs and identifying possible areas for the expansion and growth of my platforms and companies. Up to that moment, I had never been to Bali and knew very little about it so I took to Facebook to do research. Friends who had either lived there or spent time there, gave me some tips and started connecting me to people. Once I had enough information and did enough research, I made the move.

“It all came together randomly”

If anyone would have asked me if I knew I would be working in this specific field, I may have said “no”.  It all came together somewhat randomly. I started getting into talent management and events when my friends started a rock band. I felt they had talent so I created a rock show so they and a few other friends could perform in front of an audience. This was Rock Alive and the band was Krash. After moving to Dubai and not hearing our music played in the clubs, I decided to create Caribbean parties and experiences to showcase and highlight our culture and food to others. This love for displaying and introducing our country’s beautiful assets to the world, made me realise that this is what I want to do as a career.

Every challenge or setback is an opportunity to grow and learn

As a creative entrepreneur, there have been highs and lows; challenges and opportunities. Some career highs for me would be bringing Caribbean culture to the United Arab Emirates and coordinating a SONY music deal for Trinidadian singer, Kalpee. Some challenges may be with the Government and the slack of support for the various opportunities I presented over time that I felt would promote and showcase our islands. Not having the funding needed to make a greater impact and help more talents or showcase more of my culture outside of Trinidad and Tobago, has been another challenge. I want to do so much more. I have come to realise, however, that every challenge or set back may be an opportunity to grow and learn. They are all steppingstones that lead to something else.

People find their ‘genius’ at different times

Notwithstanding any challenges or setbacks that one may encounter in this particular field, I love it. I would encourage anyone to work in this sector. If coordinating events and working with talents excite you, yes, come and join this dynamic field. However, I would first say that you should do what makes you happy. Find what will make you eager to get off your bed in the morning.

If you are unsure and still searching, I would say to find your passion, listen to your gut and don’t feel pressured. Don’t be afraid of failure, build your network and write down your goals. People find their ‘genius’ at different times of their life. You will know when it hits you.

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Ethan has finalised his book, S.I.G.H (Stores to Inspire and Give Hope) which will provide tips and case studies from his journey thus far. He is also working on keepcre8ing.com a platform which will sell creative supplies, craft and equipment and recently launched an app (ThriveIN) for creatives to connect. The app can be downloaded on all platforms. His board game “The Game of Influence” will also launch this month. You can follow him on IG @ethanauguste and listen to his podcast Discover a Thriver to keep up to date.