1. You have quite an interesting background, why don’t you kick off by telling us about the “Jamaican Farmer” business and the inspiration behind it?
I visit Jamaica at least once a year and decided to invest my money into a product that I could clearly see the result of when I visited . My family has a New year function annually for the local community where we kill a goat, few chickens and have a good time in a beautiful place.I first thought I could do this as an easy venture that could offer me my spending money when I arrive and cost me minimal to sustain while giving my contribution to my families events. This was definitely the case.
I gained a herd of goats quicker than I anticipated which became harder to keep track of yet very rewarding. To be honest I was reluctant to start this business in JA due to reputation of its citizens and their cunning yet deceptive behaviour but met a reliable guy who handles things for me while I’m abroad.
2. What are your thoughts on the state of farming in the Caribbean?
I feel this is a strength throughout the Caribbean and in some places all they know. I’m a strong believer of playing to your strengths but throughout time parts in the Caribbean sold themselves short by allowing international businesses to buy them out and take their trade. This resulted in a massive loss in country’s revenue and unwarranted unemployment till date.
3. What has been the biggest challenge you’ve faced in business?
The biggest challenge for me is creating the A team in anything I have become part of .
4. Moving on, what was your experience at Jamie’s Dream School?
This was an unforgettable experience that only the select would understand. It was filled with Highs and Lows and controversial activities/discussions. It was all based on one question. why is education failing? is it the Teacher or Pupils?.
My answer to that question is all students have different learning styles that teaches find difficult to cater to due to the strict guild line which they have to adhere to.
Throughout the show what became apparent from all the experts was their Passion about what they were talking about which never happens in schools nowadays.
5. Do you have an idol?
No. But if I had to say one it would be my Mum and Dad as they build a strong empire around me to make me what I am today .
6. You’ve worked with sought after experts in the UK such as Alvin Hall, Cherie Blair, Lord Robert Winston and Rolf Harris. What did you learn from being around them?
I learnt that the they always had a visions and they made sure that they done all they could to make it a reality.I keep a quote in mind which is (If you think your to small to make a difference try sleeping with a mosquito). I think of all the Larger business out there that are very dominant in the market but they all has to start somewhere so never give up.
7. What’s next for Jourdelle Bennett?
Retirement would be brilliant but I still have a few years left in me so I recently launched an internal and external Decorating Company that specialize in delivering high quality jobs. Just going to keep at it.
