For thousands of Jamaican grads, leaving school signals the beginning of a new, thrilling chapter, the start of a
burgeoning career. However, unfortunately, for many, what lies ahead is a daunting world with no guarantees to get a position and even fewer prospects to land that dream job.
As the island wades through economic uncertainty, stumbling out of recession towards its goal of sustainable growth, unemployment levels remain alarmingly high. According to STATIN, by January 2014, the island’s unemployment rate stood at 13.4%, with a staggering 31.4% of 20-24 year-olds unable to find work.
The solution: accept any job offers, be it temporary or low paying; resort to the criminal underbelly, risking the chance of jail time and diminishing future employment options; or migrate to explore better work opportunities abroad.
There is, of course, an alternative solution – become your own boss! Although an estimated 80% of start-ups fold within the first year, and a half of operations, per Bloomberg, young Jamaicans are nevertheless, challenging the entrepreneurial odds and establishing their own
businesses.
Photos: Herbert Thomas
Allison Richards, Malibands
Social Profile: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Malibands | Instagram: @malibandsja
With bright ribbons, adorable bows and sparkling gemstones, the perfect headband can make any little girl feel like a beautiful princess. At Malibands, a local design outfit specialising in custom hair accessories, mums can adorn their little ones with the most fashionable, locally-made hair accessories. Best of all, no two bands are alike, with each sporting a different, vibrant design and boasting whimsical names such as Windmill, Vintage Flower or Tri-Bloom.
“Growing up, I saw my mum sewing her own clothes and I embraced the idea of making things for myself,” shares Malibands founder, Allison Richards. “After having my daughter, Malia, I had difficulty finding non-generic headbands to match her clothing so my cousin, Danele, a self-taught designer, encouraged me to start making my own,” explained the textiles entrepreneur.
Social Profile: Facebook & Instagram: @whitelotusbridal
The big day calls for a special gown, a true head turner that’s not soon to be forgotten. With its eclectic selection of dress styles, colour palettes and famed designer labels, White Lotus Designs, is helping island brides nail their dream wedding look. What’s more, this local boutique can top it all off with stunning, handmade accessories, so stylish women can have their pick of traditional and modern veils, feather fascinators, elegant belts, racy garters and attention-grabbing, cocktail hats.
“My interest in fashion came out of being forced to wear clothes that I thought were ugly,” recalls White Lotus owner Kamala McWhinney. “I always vowed that once I was an adult I would take control of my own fashion and sense of style. After being bitten by the ‘do it yourself’ bug, I started handcrafting hair accessories, shared my creations with friends and before long the company came about,” she explains.
Photo: Joanna Francis
Sentwali Amen-ra Abayomi and Ashenafi Abayomi, Siwatu Jewelry
Social Profile: Website: www.siwatujewelry.com Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: @siwatujewelry
In addition to pulling together an outfit and effortlessly complimenting any wardrobe, accessories are also statemented pieces that help to tell a story. Through their Siwatu Jewelry collection, married duo Sentwali and Ashenafi Abayomi are exploring Jamaica’s roots and highlighting our exotic heritage through chic, African-centric designs. The couple carefully handcrafts rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets from pure copper metals and sheets, creating a simple yet eye-catching catalogue.
“When I was younger, I loved to collect old jewellery, pull it apart and make something new,” says Sentwali Abayomi. “As my interest in jewellery making grew, I took a few classes, watched lots of YouTube videos and read several books about different techniques. My husband and I wanted to do something different, and with our strong desire to be self-sufficient, eventually, my hobby became a business,” she reveals.
Ocardo Lewin
Oshane Dixon, Future Trendz
Social Profile: Facebook:FutureTrendz / Instagram: @future_trendz_2050
Our clothes say a lot about who we are, giving a glimpse, albeit slight, into our background, our personality and the image we want to portray. At Future Trendz, fashion-conscious shoppers can purchase one of a kind shirt, tanks and sweatpants, developed from top quality cotton and splashed with special effect ink. Here, creative connoisseurs deck out apparel with rebellious looks, cheeky messages and edgy designs.
“While I was at school, I became interested in graphics and began exploring Photoshop,” notes Future Trendz proprietor Oshane Dixon. “I spent countless nights learning about the interface, later moving on to Illustrator and InDesign because I wanted to study the entire Adobe suite. Over time, I taught myself graphic and web design, animation and printing, and I decided to use my skills to build my own company,” Dixon recalls.
To continue reading, purchase Vol. 7 #10 2015 issue
Share this post:
For thousands of Jamaican grads, leaving school signals the beginning of a new, thrilling chapter, the start of a
burgeoning career. However, unfortunately, for many, what lies ahead is a daunting world with no guarantees to get a position and even fewer prospects to land that dream job.
As the island wades through economic uncertainty, stumbling out of recession towards its goal of sustainable growth, unemployment levels remain alarmingly high. According to STATIN, by January 2014, the island’s unemployment rate stood at 13.4%, with a staggering 31.4% of 20-24 year-olds unable to find work.
The solution: accept any job offers, be it temporary or low paying; resort to the criminal underbelly, risking the chance of jail time and diminishing future employment options; or migrate to explore better work opportunities abroad.
There is, of course, an alternative solution – become your own boss! Although an estimated 80% of start-ups fold within the first year, and a half of operations, per Bloomberg, young Jamaicans are nevertheless, challenging the entrepreneurial odds and establishing their own
businesses.
Allison Richards, Malibands
Social Profile: Facebook: www.facebook.com/Malibands | Instagram: @malibandsja
With bright ribbons, adorable bows and sparkling gemstones, the perfect headband can make any little girl feel like a beautiful princess. At Malibands, a local design outfit specialising in custom hair accessories, mums can adorn their little ones with the most fashionable, locally-made hair accessories. Best of all, no two bands are alike, with each sporting a different, vibrant design and boasting whimsical names such as Windmill, Vintage Flower or Tri-Bloom.
“Growing up, I saw my mum sewing her own clothes and I embraced the idea of making things for myself,” shares Malibands founder, Allison Richards. “After having my daughter, Malia, I had difficulty finding non-generic headbands to match her clothing so my cousin, Danele, a self-taught designer, encouraged me to start making my own,” explained the textiles entrepreneur.
Kamala McWhinney, White Lotus Designs
Social Profile: Facebook & Instagram: @whitelotusbridal
The big day calls for a special gown, a true head turner that’s not soon to be forgotten. With its eclectic selection of dress styles, colour palettes and famed designer labels, White Lotus Designs, is helping island brides nail their dream wedding look. What’s more, this local boutique can top it all off with stunning, handmade accessories, so stylish women can have their pick of traditional and modern veils, feather fascinators, elegant belts, racy garters and attention-grabbing, cocktail hats.
“My interest in fashion came out of being forced to wear clothes that I thought were ugly,” recalls White Lotus owner Kamala McWhinney. “I always vowed that once I was an adult I would take control of my own fashion and sense of style. After being bitten by the ‘do it yourself’ bug, I started handcrafting hair accessories, shared my creations with friends and before long the company came about,” she explains.
Sentwali Amen-ra Abayomi
and Ashenafi Abayomi, Siwatu Jewelry
Social Profile: Website: www.siwatujewelry.com
Facebook/ Instagram/ Twitter: @siwatujewelry
In addition to pulling together an outfit and effortlessly complimenting any wardrobe, accessories are also statemented pieces that help to tell a story. Through their Siwatu Jewelry collection, married duo Sentwali and Ashenafi Abayomi are exploring Jamaica’s roots and highlighting our exotic heritage through chic, African-centric designs. The couple carefully handcrafts rings, necklaces, bracelets, earrings and anklets from pure copper metals and sheets, creating a simple yet eye-catching catalogue.
“When I was younger, I loved to collect old jewellery, pull it apart and make something new,” says Sentwali Abayomi. “As my interest in jewellery making grew, I took a few classes, watched lots of YouTube videos and read several books about different techniques. My husband and I wanted to do something different, and with our strong desire to be self-sufficient, eventually, my hobby became a business,” she reveals.
Oshane Dixon, Future Trendz
Social Profile: Facebook:FutureTrendz / Instagram: @future_trendz_2050
Our clothes say a lot about who we are, giving a glimpse, albeit slight, into our background, our personality and the image we want to portray. At Future Trendz, fashion-conscious shoppers can purchase one of a kind shirt, tanks and sweatpants, developed from top quality cotton and splashed with special effect ink. Here, creative connoisseurs deck out apparel with rebellious looks, cheeky messages and edgy designs.
“While I was at school, I became interested in graphics and began exploring Photoshop,” notes Future Trendz proprietor Oshane Dixon. “I spent countless nights learning about the interface, later moving on to Illustrator and InDesign because I wanted to study the entire Adobe suite. Over time, I taught myself graphic and web design, animation and printing, and I decided to use my skills to build my own company,” Dixon recalls.
To continue reading, purchase Vol. 7 #10 2015 issue
Share this post: