Shanique Taylor ‘igniting’ Buff Bay

At just 20 years old, Shanique Taylor made the decision to be her own boss and chart her own course in life.

Having seen her mother operate a bar for years, Taylor, who had enrolled in university and found it not to her liking, decided to use the experience garnered from helping her mother to venture out on her own.

The Buff Bay, Portland native, who now owns and operates the hotspot of her hometown, Ignite Bar and lounge, explained how she started her business over a decade ago.

"I started university, but it wasn't working out, so I decided to open a bar," she explained.

After experiencing significant growth at her first location, the booming business needed a new home.

"Business was booming, things were going well, but we wanted a location that was more visible, so we sourced and got this bar," she added.

After securing the current location, Taylor focused her energies on enhancing the aesthetics to attract even more customers.

"We did some refurbishing and gave it a plush look," she said, with a smile.

Once the renovations were complete, Taylor sought help with naming the new business.

"A friend of mine came up with the name after I told her that I was starting another bar, and I told her that I wanted a name that would stand out and she came up with the name 'Ignite'. I liked that name immediately," she explained.

Now fully operational and very inviting, Ignite Bar and Lounge has become a popular chill spot for community members and visitors alike.

"Ignite is the hottest chill spot in Buff Bay, it stands out. I closed the bar for three months and went overseas, and the place was like a ghost town. When I came back and opened up, it light up back the town," she bragged.

And there is a particular drink that her 'regulars' demand every day.

"Business has been good. My two best selling products are Wray & Nephew White Overproof Rum and Campari. When mixed, they call it 'special'."

Like her bar's frequent visitors, Taylor also has a fond relationship with Wray & Nephew. She recently received a bottle of J. Wray & Nephew Ltd Parish Collection representing her home parish, Portland, in recognition of the long-standing partnership with the brand.

"I feel special to know that I'm one of the two bar owners being highlighted in Portland and I'm the first stop. I feel honoured, I feel like I'm actually doing something good," Taylor excitedly shared.

Adding a new showpiece to her tastefully decorated bar, the lifetime entrepreneur reaffirmed that visiting Ignite is the thing to do when in Buff Bay, Portland.

"This place is peaceful and quiet. We don't have any violence. When people are having problems, they come by, have a drink and relax. On Fridays and Saturdays, we play music and provide food on sale for our customers," Taylor said.