–Katya Moorman
I envisioned an elevated space to showcase locally made products, as far too often they are found in a market style setting or being sold at the side of the road. Shop CSFDG at Cannella is a huge step in letting artisans know that luxury can be created locally and their products are deserving of space in masterfully designed luxury hotels. –Shannen Kaylia
Why Locally Made Matters
When was the last time you went on vacation and bought something special to take home as a keepsake? If you grabbed a souvenir tote bag or T-shirt adorned with your destination’s name, chances are it wasn’t locally made—it was likely mass-produced in China and imported to your dreamy tropical getaway. In Grenada, Shannen Kaylia is working to change that.
Shannen Kaylia is the visionary founder of the Council on Sustainable Fashion and Design of Grenada (CSFDG), a nonprofit dedicated to integrating local artisans into the hospitality sector while championing sustainability and regenerative tourism. With a background in sustainable fashion advocacy, Shannen has worked tirelessly to empower Grenadian makers and create a thriving ecosystem for locally made products. Her latest achievement is the opening of “Shop CSFDG” at Cannella, Grenada’s first hotel boutique showcasing heritage brands and sustainable products crafted by local artisans, in partnership with Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club.
But Shannen’s work is only just beginning. CSFDG was recently announced as the latest recipient of a grant from the Fashion Impact Fund, a program of PVBLIC Foundation. This grant will support phase one of the Kaylia Couturier Program, an initiative designed to transform sustainable fashion production across the Caribbean. Notably, CSFDG is the first Caribbean-based organization to receive this grant, marking a significant step forward for the region’s fashion industry.
Founded in 2023, CSFDG was born out of a vision to produce high-quality goods locally and sustainably, with a focus on supplying the region’s hospitality sector.
This effort aims to retain wealth within Grenada, stimulate local economies, and contribute to a more circular economy. The Kaylia Couturier Program, running from March – September 2025, will equip local artisans with state-of-the-art tools, cutting-edge technology, and premium natural fibers, including fabrics and trims.
With this momentum behind her, Shannen sat down to discuss her journey, the importance of shopping local, and what’s next for CSFDG.
No Kill Mag: Shannen, what inspired you to focus on regenerative tourism and advocate for shopping local while on vacation?
Shannen: During a trip to Grenada in 2022, I stayed at one of the island’s most luxurious resorts, eager to bring home something meaningful for my mom, who was born on the island but hadn’t visited in almost a decade. I was shocked to find the hotel boutique filled with imported goods from China, the US, and the UK—nothing local in sight. This was a place rich in talent and craftsmanship, yet the tourism industry, the island’s primary economic driver, wasn’t supporting the local artisans. It infuriated me. Why weren’t the islands’ makers and creators being featured in the very spaces where tourists would expect to find authentic, locally made treasures?
How did you begin addressing this issue?
I founded CSFDG to connect local artisans with the hospitality sector and to close the quality gap on locally made products. Initially, it was a challenge—there was resistance from artisans who had heard empty promises before, and hotels seemed indifferent to the idea of supporting local creators. But I believed in the value of featuring authentic, locally made treasures and how it could benefit the community and the environment by reducing reliance on wasteful imports.
What specific steps did you take to build this connection between artisans and hotels?
Beyond just connecting artisans with hotels, I realized we needed to help them enhance their businesses. We worked on improving brand image, packaging, and product quality, ensuring they could meet global sustainability standards. For example we are working closely with the crochet brand, Threaded by Siren to transition from acrylic to cotton yarn. Quality is a crucial trait for any local brand to remain competitive in today’s ethical fashion landscape.
What impact has CSFDG made since its inception?
Over the past two years, we’ve built a thriving community of Grenadian entrepreneurs across the creative industries from cosmetics brands like OMI and Isle Bee Well to fashion brands Cocoberry Grenada, Bohemia, and Threaded by Siren. We’ve also engaged brands based in New York City with Grenadian heritage, like the Modestine wellness brands and Ayana B Joy for jewelry. This inclusion has helped bridge the diaspora and enhance local production. Together, we’re working toward a circular economy that prioritizes environmental sustainability and cultural preservation.
Congratulations on opening the Shop at Cannella! Can you tell us more about this boutique?
Thank you! Cannella (which means cinnamon in Italian) is Grenada’s first hotel boutique showcasing locally owned products exclusively. It is a dual cafe and boutique space located at Mount Cinnamon Resort & Beach Club. The initiative is a collaborative effort with Barry Collymore, a CSFDG advisory board member and owner of Mount Cinnamon, who shares our commitment to regenerative tourism.
The boutique is a celebration of Grenadian culture, craftsmanship, and sustainability, and we are working toward expanding this concept to other local hotels, empowering Grenadian artisans and showcasing the rich culture of the island to tourists.
Why is shopping local so important for sustainable tourism?
When travelers choose locally made products, they contribute directly to the local economy, help artisans build generational wealth, and reduce the environmental impact of imported goods. Over-reliance on imports is a major issue for small island developing states (SIDS) like Grenada. Too many hotels still rely on imports, even for agricultural products which doesn’t benefit the local economy. By shopping small and local, tourists can support sustainable practices and create lasting impacts on the places they visit.
What advice would you give to travelers who want to shop more sustainably on vacation?
Make it a point to seek out local artisans and invest in handcrafted goods. Instead of mass-produced souvenirs, look for items that reflect the destination’s culture and craftsmanship. If you’re visiting Grenada, stop by Cannella to shop local and help support our mission. Together, we can make travel a celebration of local culture and sustainable fashion.
Beyond Cannella: A Bold New Chapter for Caribbean Fashion
Shannen’s work with Shop CSFDG is a major step in shifting Grenada’s tourism industry toward sustainable and regenerative practices. But with the Kaylia Couturier Program, CSFDG is expanding its impact beyond retail and into fashion production, training, and international collaboration.
A portion of the grant funding will be dedicated to renovating CSFDG Studio, a collaborative co-working space offering essential equipment, resources, and training to artisans. The program will launch hybrid educational workshops in partnership with regional and global collaborators, providing artisans with both technical skills and access to international markets.
The first phase of the program will feature virtual training with experts from leading institutions, followed by a select group of participants traveling to Kaylia HQ in Biella, Italy—a world-renowned textile hub. There, Grenadian designers will gain hands-on experience working with high-quality natural fibers, trims, and skilled Italian artisans. This international exchange will create long-term opportunities for Grenadian designers in the global fashion industry while strengthening access to premium, sustainable materials.
“The Fashion Impact Fund’s support of the Kaylia Couturier Program in Grenada, a small island developing state (SIDS), creates a transformative alliance,” Shannen explains. “This partnership not only provides crucial resources but also establishes a pioneering model for collaboration between fashion hubs and developing nations. Together, we are addressing the unique challenges faced by SIDS while promoting sustainable fashion practices.”
Kerry Bannigan, Managing Director of PVBLIC Foundation, highlights the importance of supporting women-led initiatives through programs like Kaylia Couturier:
“We are proud to support the Council on Sustainable Fashion and Design of Grenada through the Fashion Impact Fund grant. This initiative not only empowers women but also promotes sustainable practices that align with our global vision for social change through the creative industries. Fashion can be a powerful vehicle for economic growth, gender equality, and environmental sustainability, and we are excited to see the transformative impact this partnership will have on the lives of women in Grenada.”
The Kaylia Couturier Program leverages the creative economy as a key tool in strengthening climate resilience. By fostering local craftsmanship and circular design, CSFDG is creating a sustainable fashion industry that benefits both artisans and the environment.
A Sustainable Future for Grenada and Beyond
With the launch of Shop CSFDG at Cannella and the Kaylia Couturier Program’s groundbreaking new phase, Shannen Kaylia and CSFDG are proving that sustainability and luxury can go hand in hand. By empowering artisans, bridging the diaspora, and integrating local production into tourism and fashion, they are paving the way for a more sustainable, resilient future—not just for Grenada, but for the entire Caribbean.
For travelers looking to make an impact, it’s simple: shop local, choose quality over convenience, and support the artisans shaping the future of sustainable fashion.
If you’re visiting Grenada, stop by Cannella to explore the island’s rich culture and craftsmanship—and be a part of this growing movement.
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