Originally from Jamaica, Queens, New York, Tracy Antoinette Greene Douglas now resides in the black water region of Madewini Creek, along the Soesdyke-Linden Highway in Guyana. A naturalized Guyanese, Tracy co-founded “Pandama Retreat, Winery and Center for the Creative Arts” with her husband, Warren Douglas, who is a native of South Ruimveldt in Georgetown. Following a 2009 visit to Guyana, Tracy’s spirit led her to leave her then North Carolina home behind and relocate with her family to the “Land of Many Waters” in South America. An ordained Non-denominational Minister, Reiki Master and Shift Coach, Tracy holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Art and Woman In, Spirit Form through an independent study program in Vermont, USA. She also pledged Alpha Kappa Alpha.
Pandama Winery produces fruit wines, vinegars, fruit soaps, scrubs and butters, art and Art Wear. The current collection includes Pineapple, Jamoon, Aunty Desmond, Noni, Cherry, Malacca Pear, Duka, Carambola and Sorrel wines. Periodically Pandama Winery also offers “Pulse”, a libido enhancement tonic wine which is made from barks native to Guyana and the Amazon Basin. The company also hosts a variety of tours currently featured online at Pandamaretreat.com and have been honored in a variety of ways for their Eco/Agro Tourism business efforts. Pandama retreat also offers a fully functional campground for picnics and reunion. The bunk station can very comfortably sleep 20 adults within a cool, shaded camping area. There is also a large benab for meetings and corporate events, and nature trails for hiking and exploring.
Tracy has also created a line of all-natural Health & Beauty products that are now being marketed under her Blackwater label. This line of products offers a series of fruit infused soaps created from essential oils, oatmeal, coconut oil, and cucumber. A Neem natural insect repellent/moisturizer, blackwater body butters and sugar scrubs are also a part of this line.
A major part of Tracy’s work involves surface design that includes working with fabric. For almost 30 years Tracy has been a master at the art of tie dye. She utilizes dye-friendly fabrics to create these colorful masterpieces. She has set-up a sight on Redbubble.com under the name “Goddestria” with all her recent ArtWork. Art pieces can be purchased in a variety of ways, including prints on paper, canvass totes or tees, etc. Proceeds will go towards the purchase of art supplies to support and ongoing Let’s Paint Guyana project for children of all ages.
Tracy believes that painting immediately brings the Soul present and it allows for peace of mind, creative stimulation and expanding the intellect. “My business approach is very nontraditional”, Tracy shared. “First I believe that all I do is a collaboration with spirit that allows me to put the Ego aside and just do what I am called to do and have the absolute knowing that there is someone to receive what I have to offer.” Tracy’s advice to other is to create the lifestyle you would want through painting, writing, vision boards or affirmations. All or just one of these processes will work, she said. “Get clear about how, where, what does it taste like, feel like, smell like. How much does it cost to have your dream lifestyle? Lastly, figure out how to use your gifts/talents to financially create income to support that lifestyle. This way you are not just making money, you are creating your reality and enjoying life.”
In October 2014, Tracy was nominated along with 9 other women from around the world for the Empretec Women in Business Awards (E-WBA). The E-WBA awards are granted every two years to exceptional women entrepreneurs who have overcome obstacles and persevered to establish and grow successful companies. The 10 finalists all shared a contagious passion for their work and are using their role as businesswomen to give back to their communities. Tracy was selected for her innovative business techniques and spirituality principles, and represented Guyana at the awards ceremony held at the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland on October 15th.
Tracy, through her winery and creative arts center, has created an organic connection to the local Guyanese Community and has established an ongoing relationship with the Guyanese Youth who desire to start their own businesses, and needs guidance. Pandama also supports a number of independent farmers throughout the region. “There are a lot of feeding the belly projects, but I want to feed the Soul”, Tracy shared. “I want to be able to show up for any group, community, school or club that has a desire to create without money being an issue.
The Pandama Arts Center welcomes any donations including brushes, beads, paints, paper etc. from those in the Diaspora who want to support and create a change back home in Guyana. To contact Tracy or to learn more about “Pandama Retreat, Winery and Center for the Creative Arts” visit their website at Pandamaretreat.com
