Attorney at Law Terneille Samuel Herbert has an avid passion and deep appreciation for the arts. The former St Francois Girls College student is also no stranger to the stage as a past winner of Citibank’s Twelve and Under. She also competed in the Prime Minister’s Best Village La Reine Rive Competition and the Miss City of Port of Spain Pageant, and represented this country at the International Hal Jackson Talented Teens Queen Pageant in the United States.
Since she knows the magic of being in the spotlight, Samuel Herbert is excited about her latest project, TalentPot Kids Talent Competition, which she created out of a deep desire to help shape the next generation of leaders in our society.
“Its purpose is to show children that while traditional paths to success are important and always available, they are not the only paths. The performing arts offer powerful opportunities, confidence-building, character development, and self-expression,” Samuel Herbert told Her Magazine.
She hopes that through healthy competition, young participants learn “discipline, resilience, sportsmanship, and the value of striving for excellence, not just winning.”
The Talentpot competition is designed for children between the ages of seven and 12 with talents in singing, dancing, acting, and playing musical instruments (including steelpan, piano, violin, guitar, drums, and more).
Auditions will take place across Trinidad and Tobago from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. on April 11 in Port of Spain at St Patrick’s Newtown Girls’ RC; on April 18 in the South, at San Fernando East Secondary School; and on April 25 in Tobago at Bishop’s High School.
Following auditions, the finalists will participate in a series of developmental workshops led by respected facilitators in speech, dance and environmental and sustainable development, including Penelope Spencer, Derron Sandy, Latoya Bushe and Alicia Barrie. These sessions, scheduled for July, will focus on creativity, self-awareness and social responsibility, shaping not just strong performers, but well-rounded young citizens.
The grand finale will take place on August 14 at the Winifred Atwell Auditorium, Queen’s Hall.
“My inspiration comes from a deep desire to empower the next generation in the same way I was once encouraged. I want children to understand that their gifts and talents are valuable and that success in life can take many forms,” Samuel Herbert said.
“While academic achievement remains important, I believe it is equally important for children to see that their creative abilities are also meaningful and viable paths in life. My hope is that through opportunities like The TalentPot, children can build confidence, recognise their potential and understand that with support, discipline and hard work, they truly can become anything their hearts desire.”
Born and raised in Belmont, Port of Spain, Samuel Herbert is the only child of Claire Samuel and Neil Herbert (deceased).
She received theatre training in acting, set and costume design, stage management/production and more from Penelope Spencer, Naima Thompson and Lydia Ledgerwood of Necessary Arts, and has been trained in music and voice by the renowned Merle Albino-de Coteau and in dance by the Belmont Freetown Cultural Arts and Folk Performing Company.
Samuel Herbert is also the founder and managing director of Dot Ten Entertainment, a talent management and Event Production Company, and currently serves as creative director for artiste Mical Teja.
Herbert said she would welcome contributions or sponsorship from businesses, organisations and individuals who are interested in supporting The TalentPot initiative. Interested persons can contact her via e-mail at:
dottenentertainment@gmail.com and thetalentpot.tt@gmail.com
What is your state of mind at the moment?
Excited and determined. Launching The TalentPot has been both thrilling and demanding, especially given everything happening locally and globally. But I am deeply committed to delivering an experience that Trinidad and Tobago has never quite seen before in a talent competition from the moment audiences walk through the doors of the Winifred Atwell Auditorium at Queen’s Hall at the grand finale.
What is your biggest fear?
Honestly, I’m not sure I have one particular fear. I try to focus on living well, doing good and staying determined to pursue the goals and dreams that matter most to me.
What makes you laugh the most?
Comedy movies and series, without question. I absolutely love to laugh. A good comedy can fix almost any mood.
If you could do anything for a day, what would it be?
I would travel to Thailand and spend the day with elephants. They are my favourite animals. I’d love to learn more about them and interact with them up close rather than just admiring them from afar.
What song would you sing at karaoke?
Machel Montano and Davido’s “Fling It Up.” I am a true soca baby at heart.
If you could only eat one meal for the rest of your life, what would it be?
That would be a very cruel decision for someone who genuinely loves food! But if I absolutely had to choose, it might be garlic-herb shrimp, beef lasagna, mashed potatoes and crab and dumpling—an unusual combination, perhaps, but some of my favourites—and it must be paired with an ice-cold Coca-Cola.
What is your pet peeve?
Simple manners. If someone enters a room and doesn’t say good morning, good afternoon or good evening, it really bothers me. Basic courtesy and respect go a very long way.
How many pillows do you sleep with?
Just one pillow, but I will confess that I am a serious blanket hoarder. If you share a bed with me, there is a strong chance you may end up negotiating for your half of the covers!
What’s the craziest thing you’ve done in the name of love?
I went on the VelociCoaster in Orlando and also ziplined at Xplor Park in Cancun—both things I would normally avoid! My partner loves adrenaline adventures and sometimes pushes me outside my comfort zone. In the end, it reminds me that we’re capable of far more than we think.
Are you related to anyone famous?
My uncle, Saleem Samuel, is a local fashion designer and fashion coordinator with over 20 years in the fashion industry. His designs have been featured at Brooklyn Fashion Week, Jamaica Fashion Week, and across the Caribbean. He is also the founder of the Miss Belmont Beauty Queen Pageant, which began in 1999 and was recently revived in 2025 and has coordinated Queen Pageants in New York, Barbados and the T&T Miss World Pageant in 2009.
What celebrity would you like to meet for coffee?
I don’t drink coffee, so I’d much prefer lunch or dinner! My choice would be Viola Davis. She is an extraordinary actress and storyteller, and I would love to hear about her experiences, both on stage and on screen.
What are the top songs on your playlist right now?
My playlist is currently a mix of Bruno Mars, soca hits, and a good dose of pop hits. I like music that keeps the energy high.
