TURNING Caribbean identity into a business has become entrepreneur Victoria Gordon’s niche. From Tek-a-Tups card games built around the region’s humour and shared experiences to Frangipani Palms’ handbags inspired by Caribbean flags and tropical fruits, Gordon has created products designed to help Caribbean people at home and across the Diaspora feel connected to their roots.

“People just wanted to see themselves represented in fun and unique ways,” Gordon said in an interview with the Jamaica Observer.

While Frangipani Palms celebrates Caribbean identity through handbags, Gordon first entered the market in 2020 with Tek-a-Tups, a line of card games inspired by the region’s humour and everyday experiences. Originally developed as a drinking card game, Tek-a-Tups has since expanded into a collection of games for different age groups, with country-specific expansion packs highlighting the traditions, dialects, and cultural quirks unique to individual Caribbean islands.