JENILVA BREE: BRIDGING CULTURE AND CREATIVITY
Jenilva thrives in behind-the-scenes roles, crafting meaningful content and capturing authentic moments. While stepping out of her comfort zone isn’t easy, Jenilva embraces the challenge, believing in the transformative power of connection and collaboration within the creative industry.
One of her standout projects features breathtaking drone photography that merges art and empowerment. Using flowing, colorful dresses and Suriname’s stunning natural landscapes—from lush rainforests to tranquil riversides—Jenilva creates empowering visual narratives for women. These shoots not only celebrate their confidence and elegance but also showcase the beauty of her homeland.
Can you tell us about the current state of women empowerment in Suriname? What are some of the main challenges women face?
Women empowerment in Suriname is growing, with more women stepping into creative spaces. Despite challenges like: mentorship, societal pressure and cultural norms, there is a strong drive among women here in Suriname to make their mark and uplift one another. We just need a collective or platform like UMA SOCIETY that’s inclusive and easily accessible for creatives.
How do you personally contribute to empowering women and what inspired you to take this path?
Through projects like the flying dress drone shoots, I give women a moment to feel powerful and beautiful in nature, capturing their confidence and individuality. My inspiration comes from seeing women break out of their comfort zones and embrace themselves fully. Every project I take on, whether it’s a workshop or a photoshoot, aims to empower and celebrate women’s unique stories and qualities.
In your view, how can the creative community help drive change and create opportunities for women in Suriname?
The creative community has the ability to break down barriers by fostering spaces where women can freely express themselves and explore their talents. By offering mentorship, encouraging collaboration, and promoting women’s work, we create opportunities for new voices to emerge. Art can redefine perceptions, providing a platform where women are celebrated for their contributions, creativity, and resilience.
How would you describe the creative scene in Suriname? What makes it unique, and how does it impact society?
Suriname’s creative scene is vibrant and rich with cultural diversity, blending influences from African, Indian, Indigenous, and Indonesian heritage. This fusion gives Surinamese art and creativity a unique identity, rooted in tradition but constantly evolving. The creative community plays a big role in shaping social awareness, whether by highlighting important issues, preserving cultural values, or encouraging younger generations to explore their creativity. We also have a unique historical perspective that needs to be shared with the world.
Could you share some examples of projects or collaborations that have had a meaningful impact on the local community?
A project that’s been especially impactful is The Candle Bar Su, which celebrates Surinamese culture through candle making, making sure people especially tourists leave with a souvenir that they craft themselves and that reminds them of the beautiful Suriname. The flying dress drone shoots are also meaningful to me; they create an empowering experience for women, allowing them to capture their beauty and strength against stunning Surinamese landscapes. It’s not just about the photos; it’s about creating a moment where they feel seen, valued, and proud of who they are. I try to work with an all woman team - female photographer & makeup artist - to make women feel more comfortable and confident during these shoots.
What advice would you give to young women in Suriname who want to pursue a career in the creative industry?
Embrace your unique perspective, your background, culture, and story are your strengths. Take time to build your skills, stay curious, and don’t be afraid to start small. Find a supportive community and mentors who uplift you and remember that every challenge is a chance to grow. Most importantly, trust that your creativity can make a difference and create opportunities not just for yourself, but for others.
How do you stay inspired and motivated to continue your work, especially when facing challenges?
I find inspiration in connecting with other creatives and in the impact my work has on others. For example, seeing a woman light up with confidence during a flying dress shoot or hearing that a candle from my line brings someone joy fuels me to keep going. When challenges come up, I remind myself of my purpose and the community I’m serving, and I take things one step at a time.
What are some goals or dreams you have for the future of the creative community and women’s empowerment in Suriname?
I dream of a creative community that’s strongly interconnected, where women can find mentorship, resources, and collaboration opportunities. I hope to create more empowering experiences that celebrate women and our culture. My goal is to foster an environment where women feel confident to lead, create, and innovate, with a supportive network backing them up.
How can the international creative community support and connect with women in Suriname to foster growth and opportunity?
The international community can help by offering mentorship, funding, and collaboration opportunities. We’d love to connect with global creatives who want to work together, share knowledge, or simply celebrate Surinamese culture. By building partnerships and showcasing our work internationally, we can create valuable connections that empower Surinamese women to thrive in the global creative space.
