Roots

While exploring Constant Spring Arcade in Halfway Tree, I stumbled across Gabrielle at her workshop. A born entrepreneur, a self-taught fashion designer with a mission, ambitious, hardworking, business savvy with a contagious smile. The following day I came back with my camera. We spoke about life, work, family expectations and the importance of positive African consciousness within Jamaica.

Thank you Gabrielle for your pure light and positive energy, you’re truly inspiring!

Check out Quaint by GSC to get your hands on some of Gabrielle’s work.

 
 
 
Story gallery
Sassy Sue // Independence
Sassy Sue // Independence

Sassy Sue lives and works in downtown Kingston, Jamaica. She's been a hairdresser for 18 years now and has her regulars who keep coming back. Developing, refining and perfecting her craft, Sue takes time, care and pride in her job, building herself up independently. This is a woman who has put her mind to something and made it happen.

Jamaican woman have a strength, drive and power that has truely inspired me to dig deeper and push harder. There are a lot of narratives about women who depend on men and who don’t want to work within Jamaica, but in reality there are just as many (if not more) narratives of women who are making big moves through their independent businesses. These are the stories I want to hear, these are the stories I want to share.

Big up yourself Sassy Sue. You are a strong, independent and successful woman!

Racquel // Weaving
Racquel // Weaving

Brown has been weaving since she was twelve years old, a tradition which runs in her family, passed down to her from her grandfather. Using screw pine, harvested from along the coast, Brown combines twill weaving, plating and plain weaving to create her baskets, adding little cross-stitches throughout her work for detail.

By passing her work over a fire made from waste straw, Brown is able to extract the natural oils from the screw pine, leaving her finished pieces glossy. Within Jamaica, the techniques and designs Brown uses have become rare to find.

Mr Roy // Customers
Mr Roy // Customers
Alexis // Strong Women
Alexis // Strong Women

For Alexis, it's the strong women in her life who have guided her, taught her and kept her aiming high.

Take the time to give thanks for the beautiful role models in your life. The women and men who push you, support you and encourage you all the way. These are the people who influence and inspire, these are the people that set us on our track and watch us fly. Take time to be a supportive role model, take time to nurture and uplift the people around you.

Shango // River Keeper
Shango // River Keeper

In the hills of St Mary sits one of my favourite spots to swim, Old Spanish Bridge. Shango, grew up at this river and has since taken on the responsibility of being the ‘River Keeper’. Shango has been looking after this spot for 11 years, keeping it clean, watching out for visitors in the water, planting flowers on the banks and maintaining the swing. Shango is the River Keeper!

Everything about this young man's story, passion and goals makes me smile from the inside out. If you're in the area go visit Shango and help supporting the brilliant work he's doing, preserving and maintaining one of Jamaicas hidden jewels.

Bobo // Cotton Tree
Bobo // Cotton Tree

Near Roaring River, in the mountains of Westmoreland stands this ancient silk cotton tree. These incredible trees which were spiritual and sacred for the Taino (first inhabitants) have continued to be significant cultural landmarks across Jamaica. The cotton tree has served as a site for gatherings, rituals and ceremonies and are used in various medicinal remedies.

As I sat with Bobo and listened to his stories, I could feel the power and energy which emanated from this tree. Apparently there is always a blue house underneath a cotton tree, and this is where mermaids make their home.