Q&A with Nayana Williams

Modesty is not something one usually associates with high-flying entrepreneurs. But spend a few moments with Lifespan Company Limited’s Nayana Williams, and it becomes clear she is not your average businesswoman, and that modesty, along with charm, humility, and a passion for making her parish and, by extension, her country, a better place is something she has in spades.

Her vision, she says, is “bigger than the universe”. Williams is a thought leader with many roles. However, she does not allow any of her roles to define her. Instead, she considers herself a woman of many talents who appreciates the simple life and endeavours to become the best and healthiest version of herself. After residing in America for some time, the Titchfield High School alumna returned to Portland in 2005 with an idea to employ the island’s natural resources and set up a business that would produce jobs – and that it did. The unassuming powerhouse continued to move the wheels of her life’s story with positive energy and used Lifespan as a vehicle for change. Now, she is putting it into writing with her book. Here’s a quick Q&A with Nayana Williams about what she has been up to.

What pushed you to start Lifespan, a water brand of all things, when you returned to Jamaica?

When I returned to Jamaica, it was to the parish of Portland, which is breathtakingly beautiful, but with limited career opportunities. After evaluating what resources [were] available, I decided to create a job for myself and others with the intention of contributing to building up my community and raising the standard of living for myself, my family and my community, which led to starting Lifespan.

In doing so, you chose entrepreneurship over your career practising law. What spurred that decision?

Though I pursued a law degree, I could not see myself living in the mundane. I have to be constantly challenged in a creative way. I wanted to set my own rules and pursue my passion and my purpose.

You manage this business with your husband of 25 years; what work goes into having your husband as a business partner?

This month makes 25 years since we have been married but actually 30 years as best friends. For me, having my husband as a business partner was one of the best decisions I could have made. My husband was that person that was always in my corner even though we had our differences. We are both very stubborn people, so it was not always easy, but if I had to do it again, I wouldn’t want it any other way. I believe we challenge each other in a good way.

Is there a sort of switch you both turn on and off while you’re at work versus when you are home?

In the early days, it was very difficult to separate work life from home life as the two were always intertwined and still is, so it was business and pleasure when the moment presented itself. We enjoyed what we were doing, and we grew closer, but we also disagreed. At work now, we don’t see each other often as Devon is off doing his work, and I am doing mine, so when we get home, work is no longer a part of the equation.

You’ve recently launched a book titled ‘The Lifespan Movement’. What’s this about, and how long did it take to put this together?

As long as I can remember, I was always writing. I write daily; it’s very therapeutic for me. Persons would come up to me time and time again saying that they would love to read my story, so that meant I had to write a book, so I gave myself a year to write my book. I included it on my 2021 vision board, and I started writing in January 2021 with the intention to publish [it] in December of the same year. However, the book was completed by July, and I published it in August 2021. [It] is the story of a girl who had big dreams but had to grow through various stages before she was able to live her dreams. My book takes the reader on my journey into the many dimensions of my life to the point in time where I find myself. This is my first book, but there will certainly be others.

Your brand is located in the cool parish of Portland; what dreams do you have for the parish?

I believe early childhood education is the key to a child’s development; therefore, this is an area where I would want to place some emphasis on the creation of an institute where persons within the community can send their children. Critical thinking and entrepreneurship should also be a core subject taught in schools from early childhood; therefore, these two subjects would need to form a part of the curriculum but specially designed to meet the age-specific group.

Is there anything lacking in the parish that you think the Government and corporate Jamaica need to invest in, and why?

Mental health is a growing concern, but not many are sensitised. I believe the Government and companies need to place some emphasis on mental health awareness and the importance of seeking therapy. The next step would be to set up an organisation to fund small businesses, and finally an organisation to develop and employ women to advance their leadership skills in the communities.

What’s your favourite place in the parish to unwind or recommend someone to unwind?

The drive through the parish of Portland is quite scenic and therapeutic in itself, but there are many nice and relaxing places to choose from. I like to lie in my hammock and look out at the ocean or drive to Boston and enjoy some jerk pork after stopping at Frenchman’s Cove for a swim.

stephanie.lyew@gleanerjm.com