What do you do when you see a significant gap in media exposure that needs to be filled? If you are anything like Minoca Alexander for St. Croix Entertainment Today, you will find a way to fill it yourself. The vlogger and entertainment correspondent saw a way to support young and upcoming artists in the Virgin Islands and has been giving voice to their talent since 2018.
Originally from the nature island of Dominica, Minoca grew up in St. Croix and understands what it means to have the support of your community, especially living on a smaller Caribbean island. She started STX ET to balance the scales and ensure that space is carved out and cultivated to support Virgin Islands entertainment and highlight its vibrance on a digital platform. .”
I believe in the talent that we have here in the Virgin Islands, I really want others to see and believe in what we have as well. The Virgin Islands has much more to offer than what they read in the headlines.
Those headlines and the shift in the VI community are what prompted Minoca to do what she could to change the narrative. Witnessing her peers and members of the community leave the place they call home because opportunities were scarce struck a deep chord. Minoca decided to be the change and a voice for those who needed to see that opportunity, especially if you are willing to create your own lane.
Building a platform that caters to news and highlights for artists, events, and other entertainment in the Virgin Islands has its share of highs and woes; challenges are not few and far between. It is challenging to be a vibrant young woman coming in on the heels of male-dominated media platforms. Often compared to outlets such as the VI Consortium, Minoca is steadfast in separating STX ET from any other outlet that does not represent her values. “For women, it’s more difficult to earn respect, and our intentions are questioned more so than if it were a man. I’m trying to make my own way in this industry, and being compared to a man isn’t all it’s cracked up to be.”
Staying true to who she is and consistently delivering authentic and relatable content sets St. Croix Entertainment apart. Avoiding the faux pas of media outlets like TMX and VI Free Press, shock and awe are not in the STX ET blueprint. Minoca believes in the entertainment industry of the VI and the impression that music, arts, and entertainment have on VI culture. It is dedicated to delivering authentic imagery and representation that matters. If content does not represent the culture authentically, it will not be seen.
Bringing these stories to life is not easy, but it has been rewarding. Minoca’s work earned her a spot as a guest speaker for the University of the Virgin Islands Association of Black Journalists and was featured in multiple publications alongside some of the biggest names in the media game. Showing up for what she believes in and staying true to it has opened doors for her, and she wants her platform to continue doing that for the community. Empowering others to have the freedom to express themselves and stand up for what they believe, even when others don’t agree, is the message she wants the community to take from her journey.
This journey has been filled with adventure, learning, and a good time! Good music, food, and vibes are a recipe for enjoyment that Minoca cannot get enough of, and she takes advantage of it. It’s why her passion for STX ET is seen in every interaction and event you catch her at. She would not be half the exceptional talent she is if it wasn’t for her circle’s love and support, especially her husband, mother and grandmother, sister, and close friends. They entertain and encourage every idea and ensure she continues enjoying what she does.
Minoca is just getting started and has so much more to bring to you with St. Croix Entertainment! Be on the lookout for more great events, interviews, and a good time on one of the Virgin Islands’ fastest-growing platforms.
Minoca Alexander is an entertainment blogger from Dominica, and a resident of St. Croix, USVI. She is a graduate of St. Croix Central High School.
IG – @stx_entertainment
Twitter – @viblogger18
TikTok – @msstxentertainmenttoday
Youtube: STX Entertainment Today
Website: www.stcroixentertainment.com
Finding Her Way, One Highlight At A Time