Published 2 June 2018
Buckie Got It, St. Kitts and Nevis News Source
By: Media Source
A.U. and Nathalie Browne chalk up 25 years in business in St. Kitts and Nevis
Basseterre, St. Kitts, June 1, 2018 – Local entrepreneurs, Amiel Uriah Browne, better known as A.U. Browne and his wife, Nathalie celebrated 25 years in business in St. Kitts on Friday.
The Sandy Point-born Browne returned to St. Kitts in 1993, after quitting his journalism job at LBC Television in St. Maarten and starting Prime News Agency two years earlier. He and his wife, Nathalie moved to St. Maarten in 1988.
“I remember when we started Music Unlimited next to the Ballahoo Restaurant, many persons including my mother thought it was a bad idea to have a business upstairs. My optimistic response was with advertising people will come – if you play music on a mountain our music loving people will find it. I’ve never regretted starting upstairs. We quickly became the number one music store and eventually the only and last music store in St. Kitts Nevis,” said Browne.
In 1995, Music R Us, was opened on Prince William, Charlestown, Street Nevis.
“In 2000 we moved downstairs the TDC Mall to expand and diversify. I felt the music business was going to suffer and eventually be wiped out due to piracy, lack of enforcement of the copyright act and YouTube and proceeded to move away from it. Today I looked back on that decision as visionary,” said Browne, who is also a song writer and recording artiste.
He applied and received a mercantile license to operate First Class Jewelry.
“By 2005, we discontinued the sale of music and in 2008 moved to the duty free zone of Port Zante. Although rent there is exceptionally high (Manhattan rates lol), it has been ten years in that space,” said Browne, also a recording artiste
With pride he said First Class Jewellry is the only locally-owned jewellry and perfume store serving both locals and tourists to St. Kitts and Nevis and is located next to the taxi stand at Port Zante, Basseterre.
In 2008 CDK Bar and Restaurant was opened in the TDC Mall. “We got out of that business quickly due to various reasons, which I’m not going to list. Suffice it is say, the restaurant business can be a nightmare,” he said.
Silver and Scents, which customers refer as “the bag store” located on Cayon Street in the Amory Mall, was opened in December 2014. It carries the largest assortment of handbags as well as the largest collection and best quality Goldfilled Jewelry on the island.
“Vision, determination and hard work always pay off. We will continue to provide genuine products at affordable prices and grade A customer service everytime. Our aim and slogan will forever be to make you ‘Look and feel like a million bucks without the huge price tag,’ said a proud A.U. Browne.
Kyss 102.5FM was officially launched on this day in 2005.
“Although I was born in September, the month of June hold lots of significance for me. My father, two of my brothers and one of my daughters were also born in June,” said Browne, who quickly added: “Lots to be thankful for and I am truly thankful to our God and many customers. Thank you.”
Photo 1 – A.U. Browne and Nathalie Browne
