Few journeys in media embody resilience and vision quite like that of Stephanie K. Nihon. From an early beginning growing up in The Bahamas to international runways to becoming a producer passionate about Caribbean storytelling, her path is a reflection of both determination and purpose. What began as a modeling career that gave her the chance to see the world in the pages of Italian VOGUE and later evolved into a deeper calling which started creating opportunities where few existed and amplifying voices long overlooked.
That calling took form in 2020 with the launch of LFD Productions and its flagship series, GOOMBAY KIDS. More than entertainment, the show became a cultural milestone, redefining how The Bahamas and the Caribbean is represented on screen. Now in its fifth season with 15 international awards and global streaming deals, the series is standing as a testament to her belief that authentic stories resonate far beyond regional borders.
Yet her work is not confined to production alone. Through talent development initiatives and her new leadership role at CAPAS, she is laying the foundation for a sustainable creative ecosystem in The Bahamas. Her journey is a illustration of how vision, anchored in cultural identity and community, can transform challenges into platforms of possibility, an example of leadership that uplifts while reshaping the future of an industry.
From Runway to Screen: A Meteoric Rise
Stephanie’s journey began at age 15 when Elite Models discovered her in New York City, launching a career that would make history. She became the first Bahamian model to sign with Elite Model Management and grace the pages of Italian VOGUE.
Her modeling portfolio reads like a fashion industry hall of fame. American VOGUE, Marie Claire, and Harper’s Bazaar all featured her work, while legendary photographers Steven Meisel, Craig McDean, and Peter Lindbergh captured her essence through their lenses. Yet despite her success on international runways, Nihon harbored bigger ambitions that would eventually reshape an entire industry.
The transition from modeling to production wasn’t without its challenges. She openly acknowledges her early struggles with fundraising and admits she wishes she had developed stronger business acumen during her modeling days. However, these experiences forged the resilient mindset that now drives her entrepreneurial success. “Rejection isn’t a personal failure,” she learned, a lesson that proved invaluable when she later faced the daunting task of building a production company from scratch.
Building upon a dream: LFD Productions and GOOMBAY KIDS
In 2020, as a proud Bahamian, Stephanie founded LFD Productions with a clear mission of creating opportunities for underrepresented Caribbean talent while celebrating the region’s rich cultural heritage. The series exemplifies her vision of meaningful entertainment, following island children known as ‘The Goombay Kids’ on their island adventures. In an era dominated by animated content, she deliberately wanted to create live action content to preserve what she calls “the human element.” Each episode is a combination of epic island adventures with educational content addressing modern issues like environmental protection, youth empowerment, and inclusion, all while showcasing actors of Caribbean descent.
“GOOMBAY KIDS” has achieved what many deemed impossible for Caribbean content. The show secured historic streaming deals with major platforms including The Roku Channel (worldwide), Tubi, Kanopy, Amazon, and Apple TV. At the Cannes World Film Festival, the series won Best TV Series while Nihon claimed the Best Producer award, validating her belief that Caribbean stories deserve global recognition.
Pandemic Pivots and Creative Solutions
When COVID-19 struck just as “GOOMBAY KIDS” was gaining momentum, filming had begun in January 2020 Stephanie refused to let the pandemic derail her vision. After initially pausing production to assess the situation, she made a crucial decision: get creative or get left behind.
Her team pioneered remote filming techniques and worked with skeleton crews during lockdowns, completing two seasons despite unprecedented challenges. This adaptability not only saved the project but positioned it perfectly for audiences stuck at home during global lockdowns. The pandemic, rather than defeating her ambitions, became a catalyst for innovation and proved the resilience that defines her leadership style.
Beyond Production: Mentorship and Industry Development
Stephanie’s influence extends far beyond her own productions. “For six years, I was serving as a consultant for a talent and modeling agency in Nassau, helping secure international contracts for numerous models and actors,” she says. This commitment to developing local talent reflects her core philosophy: true leadership means creating paths for others that didn’t exist before.
In 2023, she founded The Cays Conference, a groundbreaking scouting event that brought 15 top international modeling and talent agencies directly to The Bahamas. The inaugural event proved spectacularly successful, generating over 400 callbacks and resulting in signed contracts for aspiring models and actors from across the Caribbean and beyond.
Recognition and Accolades
The entertainment industry has taken notice of Stephanie’s transformative work. Women’s Herald named her one of the Top Ten Inspiring Women to Watch in 2024, while Disruptor’s Magazine recognized her as one of the Top Ten Entrepreneurs Disrupting Their Industry. NY Weekly Magazine selected her as an Entrepreneur to Watch for 2025, and she received a Global Recognition Award, cementing her status as an industry trailblazer.
As a sought-after speaker, she delivered a keynote address at UNESCO’s Transcultura Event, sharing her insights on cultural representation and media diversity.
Balancing Motherhood and Leading Producer
As a mother of three daughters, Stephanie brings a unique perspective to her professional endeavors. “My family life directly informs my creative choices. I wanted to create a show whose tones were meaningful and a way we could showcase the incredible talent of our islands, “GOOMBAY KIDS,” she says. She describes motherhood as excellent preparation for producing, noting that, “Being a mother of three, you have to be very pragmatic and ready for anything to change at any given moment, which is a lot of what it takes being a producer.”
This integration of personal values with professional pursuits is creating a sustainable approach to success. For her, work isn’t just about building a business; it’s about giving back to her community.
Vision for the Future: CAPAS and Beyond
As Head of Production for CAPAS, Stephanie enters her most ambitious chapter yet. The Performing Arts Center’s partnership with UTA will bring international standards to the curriculum, offering students access to guest lecturers from Los Angeles and New York, along with valuable internship opportunities. The initiative’s phase plan includes further building out infrastructure needed for the industry, positioning The Bahamas as a premier destination for international productions.
“GOOMBAY KIDS” continues expanding with animated songs supported by Creative Caribbean, UNESCO, and CARICOM, merchandise appearing on shelves and airlines, and premiering a new season on streaming platforms in early 2026. A book series is in development.
Leadership Philosophy: Purpose Over Profit
Stephanie’s advice to aspiring leaders centers on purpose-driven action. “Lead with purpose and always do what feels right in your heart while lifting others up. Teamwork is the key to success, and finding something you enjoy that can also make money is the winning combination,” she advocates.
Her approach demonstrates that sustainable success comes from creating value for others. By positioning “GOOMBAY KIDS” as a “springboard” for local talent, she built not just a successful series but an entire ecosystem supporting Caribbean creative professionals.
A Testament to Possibility
Stephanie K. Nihon’s journey from teenage model to a leading media professional is an illustration of what becomes possible when vision meets determination. Her work proves that Caribbean creatives can compete on the global stage while remaining rooted in their cultural identity. Through CAPAS, she’s now positioned to multiply that impact exponentially, training the next generation of Bahamian and Caribbean entertainment professionals.
“It is the privilege of my life to work on Goombay Kids. It is amazing what can happen when you give someone a chance,” she reflects. As she is preparing to open CAPAS’s doors and welcome the first cohort of students, that philosophy giving people chances and creating opportunities that will transform not just individual careers but an entire region’s creative economy.
In an industry often dominated by established power centers, Stephanie K. Nihon has proven that meaningful change comes from those bold enough to create their own stages, write their own stories, and lift others as they climb.
