In a close-knit community like the British Virgin Islands, our youth face mounting pressures, while navigating a complex landscape dominated by media influences and various forms of addiction. As we strive to bridge the generational divide, we also turn to our young people for inspiration, recognizing their resilience and their potential to lead us toward a brighter future.
Virgin Islands Life & Style was honored to meet Mr. Oneyke Huggins, a young man whose journey through faith, spirituality, and inspiration serves as a beacon for both youths and adults.
VI L&S: Can you tell us about your background and what initially drew you to the field of Religion, Spirituality, and Inspiration? Was there a particular experience or moment that inspired you to pursue this path?
OH: I grew up in a Christian Adventist home as an only child, which shaped much of my early life. However, despite being deeply involved in church activities, I never truly connected with my faith on a personal level. It wasn’t until I faced a period of feeling lost and unfulfilled that I turned to God for guidance. That turning point marked the beginning of a deeper spiritual journey for me.
I had been exposed to a lifestyle that, while seemingly fulfilling from the outside, left me feeling empty inside. This sense of emptiness led me to question the deeper meaning of my life and my relationship with God. It was in that moment of seeking, of genuinely searching for answers beyond what I had been taught, that I started to truly understand and appreciate my faith.
The realization that I needed more than just participation in religious activities pushed me to focus on my Christian Walk in a more meaningful way. My journey to a deeper relationship with God has been transformative, guiding me towards a life centered on faith and spiritual growth. It’s this journey that eventually led me to explore and focus on the fields of Religion, Spirituality, and Inspiration, as I wanted to help others find the same fulfillment and connection that I found.
VI L&S: At such a young age, what motivated you to take this unconventional route? Were there any influences or mentors that guided your decision?
OH: At a young age, I was motivated to take this unconventional route because I recognized that even though I was young, I was going through struggles that only God could help me navigate. Growing up, I saw how easy it was for people my age to feel lost or disconnected, and I realized that young people, just like anyone else, need God’s guidance and love to find true fulfillment.
Initially, I didn’t have a mentor to guide me on this path, which made the journey challenging at times. It wasn’t until recently that I found a church family at Spirit and Truth Church, led by Pastor Devon Penn. This community has been a tremendous blessing, providing the support, wisdom, and encouragement I needed to grow in my faith. I’m deeply grateful for their influence in my life, as they’ve helped me strengthen my relationship with God and continue pursuing this path with even greater passion.
VI L&S: What does being nominated for an award in this field mean to you? How does this recognition reflect your journey and the work you’ve put into this area?
OH: Being nominated for an award in this field is a powerful confirmation that I’m on the path God intended for me. It signifies that others are recognizing and valuing the work I’m doing. While I deeply appreciate the acknowledgment from my community and beyond, the most meaningful recognition for me is knowing that God sees and supports my efforts.
VI L&S: You mentioned having a business partner. Can you share how this partnership came about? How did you two meet, and what made you decide to work together?
OH: Hakeem Gravesande and I first connected through Advent Hearts Drum Corp many years ago, which laid the foundation for our partnership. Our collaboration began with the cover art for “Save Me” my first single and continued through projects like the “Tell Somebody” music video, visuals for my EP, and AIM Sessions. We decided to focus on commercial work to secure project funding, allowing us to build up AIM Productions and expand our creative endeavors.
VI L&S: How has your partnership influenced the growth and direction of your business? What strengths do each of you bring to the table?
OH: Our partnership has been instrumental in the growth and direction of our business. Given our history of working together, it was a natural choice to combine our strengths to advance the business. Hakeem’s expertise in visuals, videography, and cinematography complements my skills in sound and audio. This synergy has enabled us to create a dynamic and versatile team, fueling the success of AIM Productions by offering a full spectrum of creative services.
VI L&S: Can you describe the moment when you realized your business was starting to blossom? What were some key milestones or turning points?
OH: Our business truly began to take off when Spirit & Truth Church gave us the green light to set up a studio. That was a pivotal moment, reinforcing our commitment to keeping our work God-focused. Another major breakthrough came when we needed essential equipment but lacked the funds. Miraculously, everything we needed—and more—came together quickly, confirming that we were on the right path and fueling our momentum. We also want to extend our heartfelt thanks to our sponsors, whose support has been instrumental in our journey. Your generosity and belief in our mission have made all the difference.
VI L&S: How do you integrate your passion for religion and spirituality into your business? What role do these elements play in your entrepreneurial journey?
OH: As a Christian, my faith is a fundamental part of who I am, so integrating it into my business was a natural step. It’s not just something I practice personally—it’s the foundation of how I approach my work. Bringing my faith into a professional setting means ensuring that our business decisions, projects, and interactions reflect the values and principles that guide my life. Religion and spirituality aren’t just aspects of our business; they shape our entire entrepreneurial journey, influencing everything from our creative vision to how we conduct ourselves in the industry.
VI L&S: What challenges have you faced in combining such a personal and spiritual focus with a business venture? How do you maintain authenticity and integrity in your work?
OH: So far, I haven’t faced any challenges in combining my personal and spiritual focus with our business venture, and for that, I’m thankful. Maintaining authenticity and integrity in our work comes effortlessly because our business is an extension of who we are. By staying true to our values and keeping our work God-centered, we’re able to navigate our projects with a clear sense of purpose and honesty. This approach has allowed us to align our professional goals with our spiritual beliefs seamlessly.
VI L&S: In what ways do you feel your business contributes to the broader conversation around spirituality and inspiration? How do you engage with your audience or community through your work?
OH: Our business contributes to the broader conversation around spirituality and inspiration by inspiring Christian creatives and entrepreneurs to integrate their faith into their work. We demonstrate how serving God and conducting business can go hand in hand.
We engage with our audience through various platforms, including YouTube, Facebook, and Instagram. Through these channels, we share uplifting content, provide encouragement, and foster a sense of community, reflecting our commitment to both our faith and our professional endeavors.
VI L&S: Vision and Impact – What is the mission or vision behind your business? What impact do you hope to have on others through your work?
OH: Our mission is to be a leading production company in the Caribbean, creating exceptional content that resonates with audiences and sets industry standards. We also aim to inspire and uplift others through our work, striving to exceed expectations and make a meaningful difference in the industry and community.
VI L&S: Can you share a story or example where your work has made a significant impact on someone’s life? How did this experience affect you personally?
OH: One of the most meaningful aspects of my work is hearing from people who find comfort in my music during tough times. Knowing that my songs help and bless others is incredibly humbling. Lately, I’ve also been sharing more about my faith, and seeing others gain clarity through these conversations gives my work deeper purpose. I’m also deeply grateful for the AIM team. Watching them do what they love and witnessing their impact reminds me of the importance of our work together.
VI L&S: How do you see your work evolving in the future? Are there new directions or projects you’re excited to explore?
OH: I see my work evolving as I continue to deepen my relationship with God and walk in my purpose. Each new experience shapes the stories I share with the world. I’m especially excited about working on my first album, which I hope will resonate deeply and touch many souls across the Caribbean and beyond.
VI L&S: As a young entrepreneur, what have been some of the most important lessons you’ve learned so far? What advice would you give to other young people looking to start their own ventures?
OH: Plan thoroughly, stay organized, and surround yourself with a team that shares your vision. Don’t wait until everything is perfect to start—take that first step and continue to learn as you go.
VI L&S: How do you balance the demands of running a business with maintaining your own spiritual and personal growth? What practices or routines help you stay grounded?
OH: As a new business, our demands are manageable for now, but as they grow, I plan to balance them by prioritizing my time and staying disciplined. I’ll ensure to keep space for spiritual reflection and personal growth in my routine.
VI L&S: What role does innovation play in your business? How do you stay ahead in such a unique and evolving field?
OH: We rely on our creativity to keep our work original. Innovation comes naturally, as I let my creative instincts guide me, ensuring that everything we produce is authentic and true to our vision.
VI L&S: Looking back, what are you most proud of in your journey so far? How do these accomplishments align with your original goals or aspirations?
OH: I’m most proud of my consistency on this journey. I never lost sight of what I asked God for in the beginning. Even when things didn’t go as planned or took longer than expected, I remained determined to keep going. With each step forward, I’ve seen everything gradually align with my original goals and aspirations.
VI L&S: What’s next for you and your business? Do you have any upcoming projects or goals that you’re particularly excited about?
OH: Next for us, we’re excited to expand into more commercial work and continue our aim sessions. We’re also looking forward to producing a variety of new series and podcasts.
VI L&S: If you could share one key message or piece of inspiration with young entrepreneurs, what would it be? How do you hope your story will inspire others?
OH: My key message to young entrepreneurs would be: Pray and Trust in God’s plan, as it often exceeds anything you could envision for yourself.