Meet Lee-Ann: A Jamaican Entrepreneur in Japan

Hello again!

How are you? If you are friends with me on Facebook, you'll know that I am now a mom. Yes, I've crossed over to the parenting world. My beautiful baby girl's name is Esther. :) I will be sharing my emotional journey about giving birth real soon. Look out for it.

In other news, I now have a driver's license! Not just any license, a Japanese driver's license! I am really proud of myself. For anyone who has gone through the process of acquiring a driver's license in Japan, you will know that it is not easy. It is really, really difficult. And EXPENSIVE. But I'm so glad that I was able to overcome the challenges and I will now enjoy the reward of being able to actually drive a car. Excited much.

And now for today's post.

I really do admire entrepreneurs, hence my reason for doing these series. So, when I see someone doing their thing, I am intrigued. I am especially intrigued by persons who make their own craft. There is one such person I discovered on Facebook. She is a Jamaican here in Japan. Her name is Lee-Ann. Everyone, let's say hello.

Hi, Lee-Ann. Thanks for agreeing to be featured on my blog! Please tell us about yourself and what brought you to Japan.

Thanks, Re-Keisha. My name is Lee-Ann Haslam. I am from Kingston, Jamaica. I came to Japan because I was interested in Japanese culture. I completed my Masters here and decided to stay.

Oh, that's cool. How did you get started in your business?

Lee-Ann's goodies on display at the Jamaican One Love Festival in Tokyo

Well, I graduated from Tokyo University of Art. I have always been creative. I made my beauty products for my family, friends and myself especially for many years. My mom used to work as an aesthetician for Estée Lauder and growing up she taught me a lot - how to make scrubs, toners, things for hair/ body, and especially face. I'm natural and moved to Japan 10 years ago when we did not have a lot of the conveniences we have now with ordering things online, and when there was the move towards healthy products that promote instead of change ourselves. I therefore had to learn how to, for example, handle my hair, make deep conditioners, oils, etc. 

An order being prepared.

Recently, two Christmases ago I decided I wanted to make personal presents for my mom and friends. I made a few and they liked it so much they wanted more. They pushed me lovingly to go commercial and sell to others. Since then, I've been making a few organic soaps, scrubs/ masks and butters and seeing the response. So far I'm glad people like them and even better, I'm glad I can help people and babies/children with skin conditions. People don't realize just how important good soap is and what it can do to/ for your skin. I'm not a size three but I've always felt no matter what I'm beautiful and I deserve to treat myself well like a queen and my bathe time/ rub up after is my daily treat to myself. Why shouldn't I treat myself well. So these "treats" I'm slowly but steadily, little by little, sharing with others on a commercial basis since this year January. 

One out of many of Lee-Ann's creations.

A little while after I started, an old college friend requested I make a soap that can help his baby with eczema. I drew from previous knowledge and research and created a pure vegan organic oatmeal soap for her. Her name is Awrya. I wasn't sure exactly how the result would be as she has eczema pretty bad. All I can say is a few months later when I sent the soap to them he mailed me appreciatively saying they love the soap. She thought it was food so she bit into it. After one bath, the redness went away and the eczema calmed down. I didn't expect it to work so fast and was surprised as there was nothing to help. His wife also noticed and asked about the soap. 


Satisfied customers make me happy. I'm a small business and as far as I'm concerned that's my job. These days, I'm noticing a lot more about people's skin, especially when I see children scratching. I just want to give them a good quality bar of soap.

My best selling products, which are all organic are, bars: Oatmeal (treats skin conditions), Coconut (gently nourishes) and Mango (aphrodisiac). New Rhassoul Shampoo/Body Bar for gentle ph balanced clean hair, especially for curlies, and New Body Scrub Whipped Soap. Also, shea and coconut infused hair/body butters and ginger/coffee scrub. 

I try to use as many natural products as possible from Jamaica like our castor oil and cold pressed coconut oil. I love them :). I gain knowledge and exotic ingredients from my travels as well, and only use grade A kosher 100% organic quality.

Oh, I should also mention that I do glass art, which was my major. It's important to me, too.















Amazing! Do you have any words of advice for someone here who has a talent that they can capitalize on?








To someone who has talent my best advice is contact those of us here who are doing or did something you want to do. We tend to help each other. I appreciate the other entrepreneurs here. We all help each other, especially in the Jamaican community: Dean Jackson, Kerry-Ann Jahjastarz, Sasha Seals, Gregory Arnold and Didan Ashanta to name a few:)

Keep negative thoughts at bay, do your research and go for what you want. 

Also, they can join business groups such as Tokyo Black Professionals and the like, or FEW (Females Empowering Women). Those are of great help.

Lee-Ann with some of the other Jamaican entrepreneurs here. Photo taken at the One Love Festival in Tokyo.

Thank you, Lee-Ann! It was really a pleasure talking to you! I will definitely be trying one of your products soon.

There you have it, guys. You may see all that Lee-Ann offers on her Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/LeeCreatesPage

If you enjoyed this post, please help me by sharing with your friends.

Also, please like my Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/jamaicangirlinjapan

Until next time :)

Meet Angie Taylor: An American Entrepreneur in Japan

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

It almost doesn't feel real. Can you believe it? 2014 has passed and we are now in a new year.

How was 2014 for you? Whatever happened or didn't happen, we can be grateful that we are still here. Yes, we've lived to see another year!

To kick off the new year, we will hear the wonderful story of Angie Taylor, a successful black woman from America, who is making her mark here in Japan.

Funny how time flies when you are having fun! 

I first came to Japan in August of 1992. I had entertained dreams of coming here ever since I was in elementary school....maybe it had to do with the impact that Godzilla left on me at that early age. Or maybe it was the effect of one of my favorite childhood songs, the "Sukiyaki Song."  After studying for a semester at an American university in the mountains of Niigata, I was hooked. I returned to the States, applied for a job through the JET Program and never looked back. That officially started my 21-year "journey" with Japan.

I taught English for seven years, then decided to return to America in order to pursue graduate study. By chance, I happened to sing a few songs at the wedding of a friend's relative. The owner of the wedding company heard my stage and offered me a job on the spot. In the 13 years that I worked as a professional wedding singer and bridal planner, I participated in over 5,500 weddings. Yes....from meeting Chaka Khan (and cooking macaroni and cheese for her!!) to singing a few times on national tv...to having the honor of singing for the Japanese Emperor's daughter and Magic Johnson when he came to Niigata, I have been blessed with numerous opportunities to express myself through music. It doesn't stop with just "me," either. One of my former music students signed with SONY Japan and became a part of one of the hippest hip-hoppers in Japanese music.  It is very clear that the ripples we create while here are often amazing!

Oh, and speaking of cooking, I started my own country "kitchen"...an expression of my love of pies, pastries, cookies, cheesecakes and other sweets. Lol!

A truly elegant Strawberry Creme-White Chocolate cheesecake! Melt in your mouth goodness!

a chocolate chestnut pound cake

A fall favorite: a fig pie. A whole fig, plucked from the tree, sprinkled with cinnamon and a touch of sugar....wrapped in phyllo sheets! Then baked until golden brown!! So simple (the most difficult part is fighting the crows off the trees for the best figs!!)

So, how did it all start you ask? My friends asked me to open a bakery after I surprised them by making all of the desserts at a Christmas party.  It took three days for me to bake everything, but it was so worth it! I will never forget the happiness and excitement that my kitchen-skills brought!! Though I stopped baking professionally a few years ago so that I can focus my energy on creating a healthier version of myself, my friends still ask for goodies every now and again. I delight them, of course, but with a much healthier versions of those comfort food originals!

a pumpkin cheesecake, with layers separated

As mentioned, my latest focus has been on health. I have successfully dropped about 100 pounds over the past 4 years and I feel amazing. I am not quite where my body needs me to be, but we are well on our way. In an effort to help spread my love of a plant-based lifestyle, I have challenged local chefs to create a new kind of menu for a series of exclusive dinner parties. The rules are simple: no oil, no butter, no meat, no added sugar, no dairy....and no eggs. The dinners and brunches have all been major hits; I am truly moved by all the interest.  Honestly, there is something really wonderful about sharing the wealth of health with others.  Recently, in addition to coaching others who are interested in losing weight and getting healthy, I have been focusing my efforts on promoting healthier foods for children.  As a result of the interest in my restaurant challenges, cooking classes and seminars, I am currently working on a debut cookbook that focuses on kids and nutrition.

Six months ago, I moved to the Tohoku area to help motivate and guide the kids and communities that were affected by the 3/11 disasters. Yes, I left everything behind in Niigata because I felt that it was my duty to share some of my many blessings, happiness and expertise with those who are still going through extremely difficult times. Many of my friends thought I had lost my mind, leaving such stability back in the rear-view mirror. Actually, it was, by far, one of the best decisions I have made in a long time. Just knowing that I am living my idea of life with true meaning and empathy has filled my heart with a level of happiness I can barely describe. Where I first thought that I would be leaving my love of food and music behind, I find that those interests have followed me here. I have joined a local band AND connected with a local restaurant interested in changing its menu to promote healthier dishes.  Yes, new opportunities, including talk of a full scholarship for my doctorate degree in wellness tourism are in the works. My grandmother always said that those who give fully of themselves will be refilled with a cup that flows over.  My goodness! How does it get much better than this!?

Life in Japan has not always represented the smoothest of rides.  Many of my opportunities have come without warning....with the transitions being very unpredictable and often times chaotic. Even so, I trust that I am already where I need to be...for even the words "crisis" and "opportunity" share the same kanji.  The minute I let go, and "let God" (as my mother often said), things magically fell into place. The road carrying my success has been full of many, potholes, roadblocks, crazy turns and selfish "road hogs" on the verge of road rage. Still I accept it all very graciously, thanking Japan daily for the gift of this amazing, life-changing journey. Yep....taking my feet off the brakes, enjoying every second of the ride!!

Anyone interested in coming here would benefit from keeping an open mind as to what Japan might offer. Sure, we can listen to and appreciate the adventures of others. That being said, we might want to think twice about allowing their experiences to serve as a final indicator of what Japan "is" to us. To really experience it, one must witness it with his own eyes, heart and collection of attitudes, values and beliefs. I strongly believe that in the same way we each bring unique gifts to Japan, it gifts us with unique moments and stories in return!

 Stay healthy, happy and blessed. 

Thanks so much Angie! Your story has definitely inspired me. I hope it sparks something in my readers and that they too can know that their dreams are possible.

Meet Norman Munroe: A Jamaican Entrepreneur in Japan

Hello, friends!

Here is another individual here in Japan who has launched a business here. He is our second guest in this newly added feature to my blog.

Welcome, Norman! Please tell us about yourself. 

My name is Norman Munroe and I’m from Chapelton, Clarendon. I’ve been living in Japan since 2003 having come here as an ALT on the JET Programme. I started cooking and messing about in the kitchen when I was a child and my mother encouraged it, so I pay tribute to her for that. My form teacher at school, Mr. Paul Reed, who was also our church organist, made an outstanding banana bread and was a pretty good cook himself and he was also a source of inspiration. Plus, I loved then and still love to watch cooking shows.


So you moved from playing around in the kitchen as a child to an actual business making money in the kitchen. Cool! How long have you been operating Sweet Jamaican Things?

I’ve been operating SJT for about three years now and I started doing this mostly at the prompting of former Jamaican Ambassador to Japan Claudia Barnes. On a couple of occasions I made some stuff for the Embassy, they loved it, and the Ambassador was quite surprised when I told her that I only did it as a hobby. She suggested that I think about turning it into a business and I took her up on the suggestion. 

SJT's Bread Pudding

Interesting. Your business idea came from someone taking interest in what you did. Tell us, how do you run your business?
I make Jamaican pastry to order and I sell them via my website, www.sweetjamaicanthings.com, and also my SJT Facebook page. I also occasionally go on the road and sell at festivals and other events. It is a one-man operation and sales are up and down. My busiest time of the year is Christmas when many Jamaicans want to get their hands on traditional Jamaican Christmas cake. Easter buns also sell fairly well, too. Among my other items are Jamaican favourites like sweet potato pudding, bread pudding and banana bread. I deliver all over Japan, via parcel delivery services.

SJT's Sweet Potato Pudding

Rum cake, anyone?

Sounds yummy! Any words for someone wanting to start a business here?

If someone is thinking of starting a business here, make sure you have drive, determination, patience and also the ability to innovate. All these, of course, plus the necessary capital and the assistance of Japanese speaking people who can assist you to tap into markets that you may not be aware of, as well as with things like translations etc. There is a market for Jamaican goods and if you can tap into it then so much the better.

Sweet Jamaican Things’ mission: “To provide the finest quality, authentic products to our customers, in good time, at a reasonable price.”

Thanks, Norman! You've also given me something to think about. What's next for you?

My dream is to see Jamaican sweet treats with my brand on them in pastry shops and supermarkets all across Japan and also further afield. That and also a successful chain of pastry and coffee shops, although that side of the food industry is particularly competitive.


Well, I hope you enjoyed meeting Norman. Do head on over to his page for Sweet Jamaican Things at, https://www.facebook.com/SweetJamaicanThings. いただきます！

Meet Dean Jackson: A Jamaican Entrepreneur in Japan

Hi, friends!

As I stated in my most recent post, I'll be adding new things to my blog. I've had the idea for a little while now to chat with a few persons who are here in Japan and have launched a business here. Well, I've stopped procrastinating, and here's our first guest.

Welcome, Dean! Please tell us about yourself. My name is Dean Jackson. I'm 32 years old and I graduated from the University of Technology Jamaica with a major in Marketing and a minor in Human Resource Management. 

I've been living in Japan for the past 7 1/2 years teaching English and doing various endeavors from selling Jamaican T-shirts, Dj-ing, event promotion, phone case distribution and on the odd side,  wedding ministering ( don't ask , won't tell). I've always been involved in business. As a teenager, I can safely say my friends and I were the first to put sound system cassettes from parties and mix tapes  onto CDs in Jamaica and distribute them to cassette vendors in the Kingston area. Other things  I've sold include cell phones, cars , wrist bands, earrings, belly rings, candies and some things I can't even remember.

My problem was that I was too focused on making money and not doing what I liked and what had meaning to me.  My latest projects , Irie876.com® ( a Jamaican goods website, based in Japan, selling: seasonings, pepper sauces, ackee, soup mixes, snacks,  art, crafts, accessories etc  ) and IRIE iDRIN© ( a digital patois sticker collection now available for Line messenger)  have filled that void. 

How was your business idea birthed? - Irie876.com® all started from a painting I received from a friend just about two years ago. She was going to throw it out but decided to give it to me. The painting was one of those Ocho Rios craft market paintings with Rastafarians playing drums and singing. Another friend came to my house and saw the  painting and said "oh nice, you started selling Jamaican paintings" ( people who know me always know I'm selling something). I laughed and said "no , but that's a good idea". So I thought about it , wrote plans, discussed it with the same friend and decided that I'm going to start a website that sells Jamaican arts and craft. At that same time my job was going through a period of down time (contract rest /break time, one of those Japanese things) which entailed 3 months no work. So during the months before the down time I contacted a web and graphic designer and got the site built. During the down time, I planned a trip to Jamaica, went around to all these artiste and bought some of their work. While in Jamaica I got an inspired thought to buy a few Jamaican food products and accessories to sell on the site. Well, up to this day I haven't sold one painting ( except some smaller desk paintings) but the food and accessories are doing great. I have faith the right opportunity will appear for the crafts and paintings.

So you have LINE stickers out. Tell us about them. iRIE iDRIN© basically branched out from irie876.com®, I had made my designer create a few logos for 876 and decided to keep 2 of them (one is the logo on the site now and the other, a rasta character I named "iDrin". iDRIN was actually the sales rep for 876 for some time and was featured in various digital posters and adverts, I even got my brother (nivek productions) to animate him.  

One day I was looking at a message on "Line messenger" and the stickers I received and thought "wouldn't it be cool to have a Jamaican patois sticker set?" but I didn't think much of it. Then the idea kept on coming back to me now and then. One day I looked at the  iDRIN character on irie876's site  and thought,  "wow you are the perfect character for a Line sticker". So right then and there I started to think of the illustrations I wanted and wrote them down and drew a few. At this time there was no creators market where  individuals could sell stickers but I thought I'd just contact "Line" with my idea once it was finished and see if they would go into a contract or buy the illustrations from me.  A week after I got my ideas down on paper the creators market was announced. It was destiny. iRIE iDRIN©  was launched on September 2nd,  2014, and has gotten 1000 plus downloads in the three weeks since it's been up.

Interesting stuff! Any advice for others who'd like to start their own business? My advice to individuals that want to start a business (or are in business already) is to be open to ideas and opportunities by  being grateful about your situation now, because if you're not feeling grateful you can't see the opportunities around you.  Also take the first step in faith and every step after that, don't worry about not having enough money, time or know how. Do what you can do now to the best of your ability, and find people who can help you do the things you can't. Never doubt your abilities or the outcome. Use the power of visualization to create the outcomes you want in your mind first, have faith and prepare for the manifestation of that outcome and have fun. I  also recommend  having a group you can brain storm ideas with (mastermind) even if it's just one other person. The ideas and the support you will get through masterminding is priceless.

Thanks, Dean! All the best to you!

You may contact Dean from his website, or you may give him a call at +81-908-072-2409.