#Islandfaces

Caribbean Model Tara Richardson

Meet Tara Richardson, a rising Caribbean model from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, who is making waves in the regional and international fashion scene. In this exclusive Islandfaces interview, Tara shares insights into her island roots, favourite local traditions, beloved Caribbean foods, travel experiences across the Caribbean and beyond, and her views on romance and relationships. Discover what makes Tara a standout model and ambassador for Caribbean culture, and get inspired by her journey and vibrant lifestyle.

About the Model

1. What’s your full name and nationality?
Hello, it’s Vincy.Tara — but if I’m keeping it to what was asked, hi, I’m Tara Richardson and I’m from Saint Vincent and the Grenadines.

2. Where did you grow up, and how has that shaped who you are today?
I grew up in the coastal community of Barrouallie, which turned me into a true water baby. I’m a strong swimmer and love spending my downtime unwinding by the seashore, soaking up sunsets.

3. Which schools or universities did you attend?
I’m currently enrolled an undergraduate at the University of the West Indies, pursuing a degree in Human Resource Management.

4. What’s your current profession or places you’ve worked in the past?
I’m a model, plus I’ve got 5+ years under my belt as an assistant administrative officer. However, my vibe right now is simply living life!

5. How did you get into modelling, and what has the journey been like so far?
My earliest modelling memory was wearing a cute pair of cherry-red heels to church at age 11, walking the cracked sidewalks and feeling like I was serving Naomi Campbell realness. Everyone around me encouraged my passion, and at 16, I received my first professional photoshoot as a gift. The shoot did numbers on Facebook and Instagram, and I recall on that day I felt my absolute best! I knew I wanted to continue down that path.

Since then, it’s been better than I ever imagined. I’ve been part of a major Sandals “Made of Caribbean” campaign featured on billboards in Times Square, modelled for regional and local carnival bands such as Oxygen Mas in SVG and Legends Carnival Mas Band in St Lucia, and worked with international photographers from Japan, New York, and St Martin to name a few. I’ve been evolving, making amazing memories, and most importantly, staying true to myself in the industry.

Culture & Island Life

6. What’s one tradition from your island that you think the world should experience at least once?
Good morninggggg, it’s Nine Morningsss! My fellow Vincentians and I would love for everyone to experience our Nine Mornings festivities at least once. Held nine days before Christmas, it’s a tradition unique to S.V.G., second only to Vincy Mas! If you’re a Christmas lover like me, you’ll enjoy the live parang performances, competitive games, and the warm spirit of a true Vincy Christmas among the locals.

7. If you could describe your island’s vibe in three words, what would they be?
Electric, unique, and pleasant!

8. Which local saying or slang phrase do you love using the most?
“Ants go bring news.” I recently lost my brother, Somurno Richardson, to a vehicular accident, and I hold onto the hope that this old saying is true and that the ants are keeping him updated on everything since he left.

Food & Flavour

9. What’s your all-time favourite local dish?
Someone needs to fix me a plate of blackfish and breadfruit asap — it’s one of my all-time favourite local meals. Here in Barrouallie, known as one of the island’s popular fishing communities, we source blackfish (pilot whale) and prepare it similarly to codfish, paired with a few slices of roasted breadfruit. It’s my ultimate comfort food.

10. Sweet or savoury — which do you crave more, and what’s your ultimate island snack?
I have the biggest sweet tooth, and my go-to local snack would be a peanut sugar cake (from the lady who sells at the corner of Building and Loan).

11. If you could only eat one Caribbean meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
This is such a tough question — all Caribbean dishes are special in their own way! So it’s too hard to choose just one.

Travel & Adventure

12. Which countries or islands have you visited so far?
I’ve been to St Lucia, Grenada, Trinidad, and Barbados, and I can’t wait to expand my list over time.

13. Where is your favourite place you’ve ever travelled to, and why?
My all-time favourite place is New York City. I love the hustle and bustle of city life. Compared to NYC, life in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines is more relaxed, which I also admire, but over time, I’ve come to enjoy the fast-paced energy of New York.

14. What’s still at the very top of your travel bucket list?
One of my dream destinations is Italy. Beyond the rich culture, I think the Leaning Tower of Pisa needs all the help it can get to stay standing haha

15. Do you prefer the thrill of exploring bustling cities or the peace of secluded beaches?
I love watching the sunset over the Caribbean Sea, but I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy the thrill of bustling cities.

Romance & Relationships

16. What’s your idea of a perfect island date?
My perfect island date would be enjoying sweet Caribbean music while sipping an amaretto sour at Bar One in Bequia, while admiring the sunset on the horizon.

17. Do you believe in love at first sight or lust at first sight?
Love at first sight is a fairytale — it’s something we hope for. Immediate attraction? Yes. But before you can get to love, you have to get to know a person, so I’d say it’s 9 out of 10 times lust at first sight rather than love.

18. What’s the most romantic gesture someone has ever done for you?
Hey hey, just know it involved flowers, and that’s just the tip of the iceberg.

Spicy & Intimate

19. Would you rather have a candlelit dinner by the beach… or a midnight swim with someone special?
Sign me up for the candlelit dinner anytime!

20. Which is more exciting for you: slow and passionate or wild and spontaneous?
Balance! I’d have to say a mixture of both.

21. What’s one physical feature you can’t resist in a partner?
I think I heard this in a movie somewhere, but… “The eyes, Chico. They never lie.”

Tara Richardson’s story is just one shining example of the incredible talent and vibrant culture flourishing across the Caribbean and its diaspora. At Islandfaces, we’re passionate about showcasing diverse Caribbean models who represent the beauty, spirit, and stories of our islands. If you’re a Caribbean model from the region or diaspora eager to share your journey and be part of this celebration, we want to hear from you. Reach out via WhatsApp at 758-519-5334 or email damajority@gmail.com and join the movement putting Caribbean faces in the spotlight.