Coco de Mer Fragrance company celebrated Juneteenth by sponsoring the “Culture & Connection” craft event. The event was held on June 19, at the Victoria in Harlem. The collection is famous for its unique scents. These scents are mainly created using the  Coco de Mer; a rare palm nut that grows in the Seychelles. The collection also features spices and florals from the Indian Ocean and African Union islands. The Coco de Mer Collection of perfumes have never been available outside of the Seychelles archipelago until now.

Photo: PSH YKW 1A L-R : Kashanna Evans, Abdul Tubman, Anita Kopacz, Carlton Jones, Yvonna Kopacz Wright

The event also included a panel discussion exploring topics such as: Reclaiming Ancestral Legends. The panel speakers were drawn from the arts, literary, and philanthropic communities. On the panel were; author Anita Kopacz (The Wind on Her Tongue), Abdul Tubman (Founder, Tubmans Underground) , Legendary Lasseindra Lanvin (International Voguing Icon, and European Ballroom pioneer) Yvonna Kopacz Wright (Actress, environmentalist, beekeeper) The panel was moderated by designer Carlton Jones.

Yvonna Kopacz Wright is an actress,  beekeeper, environmentalist, and part of the Caribbean diaspora. Born in the U.K.,Yvonna’s family roots are in St. Kitts. The event gave us all a chance to connect while enjoying cocktails. After the panel discussion I was able to talk to Yvonna in more detail about her current projects and her work with Coco de Mer.

POSH: Yvonna, where in the Caribbean is your family from, and does your schedule allow you to visit much?

YKW: My mother is from St. Kitts, Dieppe Bay. We still have a lot of family there. My cousin still lives in the house that my mom grew up in. We go back quite often, about every three years. I have a very very big family. Everybody that has a big birthday, an anniversary or wedding always celebrates in St. Kitts. We always go back home, I plan to own some land there as well.

POSH: You were a model at one time, was that how you met Carlton Jones?

YKW: I started modeling in New York in 1990. I met him through Kahsanna. He also knows another designer friend of mine; Epperson. Epperson and I worked together about five years ago with Kashanna. We did a photo shoot for Ebony or Essence; all the black models of the 90s, it was very cool.

POSH: What are some of the productions our readers would have seen you in?

YKW: I was on Guiding Light for eight years. I have been on Law and Order SVU for the last 10 years. I’m also a beekeeper. I own a company called Lomar Farms. We make beeswax candles, honey and body oils. I have been doing that since 2016.

POSH: How did you connect with Coo de Mer?

YKW: Coco de Mer is a fragrance that was just introduced to us through Marcy and Kashanna who work with Coco de Mer’s PR Agency. They’re friends of ours, and they thought it would be a great fit for who we are. I’m an environmentalist and beekeeper. The way that this seed is harvested is really important to me. It’s important that they conserve nature. I really love the company because of what I’ve heard about it. I love all the scents, the scents are actually amazing. My daughter and I tested all of them and they are just divine.

POSH: What other ventures are you involved currently that you’re excited about?

YKW: I’m a part of something called the Goddess Wisdom Council with my sister. We take women around the world for a health and wellness retreat. I’m the yoga and embodiment coach. Anita teaches sacred sensuality, and how to connect with ancestors. Our next trip is going to be to Morocco in 2026. We’re really excited about that.

POSH: Do you have a message for your family in St. Kitts?

YKW: My cousin Sankofa and his beautiful family. I love you so much and I’m so proud of everything you’re doing. He has an amazing organic farm in St. Kitts. Sending a shout out to all my family, love you all.