Bahamas News
Baha Gala: Nature-inspired creations by Designer extraordinaire, Tenisha Carey
By Shanieka Smith
Features Writer
#TheBahamas, April 26, 2022 – They say an original is worth more than a copy, Tenisha Carey can attest. Fifteen years ago Carey became tired of seeing everyone in the same jewelry designs. So, she decided to use her
Baha Gala was established in 2003 and took off in 2008, sharing the love of Bahamas’ culture, nature, and beauty through its designs.
As owner and designer, Carey is committed to exposing the creativity and beauty of the natural materials found in The Bahamas: shells, sand, seeds, corals, turquoise, semi precious stones, freshwater pearls, and even the Bahamian coin, one of her best sellers.
“I design everything,” said Carey after listing some of the items she handcrafted. Necklaces, earrings, belts, bracelets, tiaras, and comb clips are some of the pieces she named. She expressed that these items can all be personalised to customer’s likings.
She expressed that, “I not just wanted to purchase designs that people can purchase from the shelf, I also wanted persons to personalise and to become their own designers.” Baha Gala goes as far as to offer customers the opportunity to purchase customised items within their budget. The cost for the pieces at Baha Gala starts at ten dollars and the pieces are diverse, they are for everyone; children, men, women.
The store is located at the RayVin Mall in Freeport, Grand Bahama, The Bahamas and has a presence on Facebook and a website; which Tenisha explains is where many people place their orders. Some walk into the store to collect already customised pieces, others get their special design in the mail. She has shipped as far away as the continent of Africa.
Besides nature, Carey is deeply inspired and supported by her mother and husband – her mom has similar passions, and her husband assists with some of the handy work. 
When it comes to a work of art, many see the art and not the work. For Baha Gala, it has so far been a success. Carey said she designs for both Bahama and Atlantis, ships worldwide, and is in talks with cruise lines like Royal Caribbean. However, she shared that the journey has not been the easiest.
“I always tell persons if you’re going to choose a craft or anything to go into, you have to truly love it. Jewelry design is tedious… it’s been a slow growth but I knew it was going somewhere,” she expressed.
She added, “when I told my dream to the first three or four persons, if I had listened to what they said, I would not have done this.” She encouraged others to pursue their passion anyway and advised that you cannot fail if you do not try and if you do fail, do it again differently.
Carey, the passionate creator of authentic pieces from Baha Gala is also a Communications major, song writer, published author, marketer, clothing and interior designer, and model. She does a little bit of everything.