As the only country in the world named after a woman, this International Women’s Day (March 8), Saint Lucia is celebrating some of the extraordinary female founders who are shaping the island’s tourism landscape.
It’s no secret that Saint Lucia is known for producing incredible women – just take a look at Olympian Julien Alfred and trailblazer Marie Grace Augustin, for example. This International Women’s Day (March 8th 2026) the Saint Lucia Tourism Authority (SLTA) is shining a light on the entrepreneurial spirit of a collection of women who are creating popular experiences for visitors to enjoy that feature culture, adventure and nature.
Across the island’s communities, these female business owners are building meaningful experiences and thriving companies that are at the heart of Saint Lucia’s hospitality.
Louis Lewis, SLTA CEO said: “We have an impressive collection of talent in our tourism industry. As we mark International Women’s Day, we want to recognise some of our female entrepreneurs who embody cultural pride and empowerment by showing that women can play a powerful role in tourism and community development. All of these experiences are for our visitors to enjoy so we encourage you to get out into the communities and explore.”
Meet some of the founders
Amy Stephens, co-founder of Pelican Tours
Amy is from Anse La Raye, a fishing community on the west coast. She has already had a varied and rich career including living in Taiwan where she learnt Mandarin. Amy is a Board Director for the Cultural Development Foundation representing the young people in Saint Lucia. She set up Pelican Tours in 2025, making it Anse La Raye’s first community tourism business. Pelican Tours offers fun, adventure based experiences which include guided excursions around the village area by electric bike or Kayak.
For more information: Pelican Tours
Meveline Colmet Daage, founder of Kayak on the Bay
Meveline is the passionate founder of Kayak on the Bay, a unique eco-tourism experience in Praslin, on the east coast. Prior to launching her business, she worked in hospitality and customer service. She was inspired to start her own tourism experience that blended adventure, education and respect for the environment. Visitors can enjoy guided and self-guided kayaking through the mangroves and bay waters as well as the opportunity to meet local sea moss farmers and see the endangered Whiptail lizard up close.
For more information: Kayak on the Bay
Helena Thomas, owner of In Bloom: Mother Nature’s Way Farm
Helena is a farmer with a thriving estate in Chassin, Babonneau in the north of the island in the rainforest. She is one of many ‘farmhers’ who have been helped by Helen’s Daughters, a non-profit organisation with a mission to amplify the role of agriculture and women in Saint Lucia. It runs farm tours for visitors and Helena is one of the original host farmers. Visitors can enjoy exploring her organic farm which also has a medicinal garden. She is renowned for her delicious nutmeg jam and includes a demonstration of how to make it on her tour.
For more information: Helens Daughters
Maylisa Catherine Alexander, owner of Garmaii boutique and restaurant
Maylisa is from Soufriere in the south west. She is an entrepreneur guided by her faith. Her duty-free shop and restaurant can be found in the centre of the island’s old capital, Soufriere. The Garmaii boutique showcases the vibrant creativity of local artists where shoppers can choose from local crafts and paintings to handmade facial scrubs and souvenirs. The Garmaii diner serves up a delicious local menu.
For more information: Garmaii
Bernadette Agdomar, founder of Slim’s Weaving Haven
Bernadette is from Choiseul in the south, a community known for its creativity. Her passion for crafts began at a young age, watching her mother weave. At Slim’s Weaving Haven, Bernadette and her 80-year-old mother work side by side, creating beautiful baskets of all sizes, table mats, and more.
Bernadette sells her woven pieces by the roadside and invites customers to watch the weaving process and even try it themselves. Her work also serves to preserve culture and tradition, not only for younger generations but for everyone who comes to experience the island.
Donna Calderon-Obeius, owner of Obeys Sanctuary
Donna grew up in Vieux Fort, in the south east of Saint Lucia where she still lives. Following a successful career in sales, she began her B&B business project thanks to her husband giving her a piece of land to build a rental property for their retirement. In 2025, she opened Obeys Sanctuary, an eight-bedroom apartment with a pool in Black Bay, Vieux Fort and now regularly welcomes guests from around the world.
For more information: Obeys Sanctuary
