The Bold Ones 2016: National Hosts Local Entrepreneurs

The Bold Ones mingle was held at the Pegasus Hotel on Monday, June 13th. This year’s mentorship program includes seven small businesses: Coldbush Organics; Dejafrut; Ettenio; Shavuot International; Titronic Electronics; Turner Innovation Ltd. and; Umium. Unfortunately, Umium couldn’t attend the mingle this year.

The format of the mingle was a buffet dinner centered around the patron, Mr. Gary "Butch" Hendrickson, giving business advice and consulting with the different companies. A piece of Mr. Hendrickson's advice that resonated with us was:

We caught up with the business owners of the six other companies and here's what they had to say: 

Avarelle French started this business to make a difference, and wanted do something in farming. He owned lands in Jamaica and had a desire to work on these lands for the benefit of the community. He believes that once he goes through this experience, his business will generate a lot of interest.

Marie Wilson attended Norman Manley Law School for just over a summer before she became 'iced-cream out'. It was too hot and the kind of ice cream available was too heavy. She recalls telling her sister about how she missed the treat back home in New York called Italian ice. She could not find anything like it here and 3 years later decided enough was enough and decided to start Dejafrut.

Antoinette Davis started the business when out of a desire to grow her own hair. She would experiment with products producing her first batch that helped her friend’s daughter's hair to grow. Things took off from there. She began with a shampoo, a conditioner, a scalp restorer and leave-in products.

Sales have improved significantly and opportunities have also surfaced for things outside of Ettenio. She has also been asked to speak at conferences and give motivational speeches.

She noted that raw materials can become expensive and scarce but she still tries to use products that are indigenous to Jamaica.

Richard Harris initially launched this product abroad following his passion for entrepreneurship - which started from his days as a student at UWI. He participated in many projects and supported his family which pushed him to branch out and succeed.

The Harris' have a 'family-oriented’ business model similar to National and seek to have the same level of success in time. Social entrepreneurship is also very important to them.

Garfield Spence started this business out of a passion for electronics. He believed that once you love what you do, your return your investment is much easier. The exposure has resulted in an increase in production, mainly through an increase in demand, so they have had to structure the business much better to meet the demands.

Spence admired National which has been around for years. noting he would love for his product to be in every parish just like National. His desire is build a business that will be around for decades, Even after his time on earth is done.

 Allison Turner, founder and owner for Turner innovations expressed how important it is that throughout the programme they can just ask real questions and get real answers. There is also an element of shock as people now look on them as celebrities, recognizing them when they go out. Allison and her husband started this business after returning home to Jamaica. She was used to having a lot more resources available and coming to Jamaica was a bit of a challenge because there aren’t as many services available to small business owners.

Her husband uses his creativity to bring her imaginations to reality. Their first invention was a machine that strips sorrel for you, a first of its kind in anywhere. The product keeps gaining popularity and being a part of the Bold Ones has helped with exposure and their confidence.