Fri | Mar 29, 2024

Nastassia and Jamar unlock the ‘Wright’ way to purpose

Published:Sunday | August 28, 2022 | 12:09 AMKrysta Anderson - Staff Reporter
The two might not have hit it off in college, but post studies sparked maturity, purpose and love.
The two might not have hit it off in college, but post studies sparked maturity, purpose and love.
After losing her father to gun violence and her house to fire at 10, her mother passing away by the time she was 16 and her grandmother dying from cancer when she was 18, Nastassia Barrett-Wright had lost hope. Until she was able to unlock her prupose in l
After losing her father to gun violence and her house to fire at 10, her mother passing away by the time she was 16 and her grandmother dying from cancer when she was 18, Nastassia Barrett-Wright had lost hope. Until she was able to unlock her prupose in life. Today, she, alongside her husband, encourage others to unlock their true potential and go for their goals.
Walking into their greatness, the entrepreneurs and international speakers shared that they are anchored by faith to withstand all the seasons of life.
Walking into their greatness, the entrepreneurs and international speakers shared that they are anchored by faith to withstand all the seasons of life.
Jamar and Nastassia unlock the ‘Wright’ way to purpose.
Jamar and Nastassia unlock the ‘Wright’ way to purpose.
Jamar and Nastassia in action, doing what they do best: public speaking
Jamar and Nastassia in action, doing what they do best: public speaking
Coming from abject poverty, Jamar reflects on the days of food stamp, PATH programme and hustling with family to make ends meet. Today, the proud husband ans father is happy to have found his purpose and provide for his family.
Coming from abject poverty, Jamar reflects on the days of food stamp, PATH programme and hustling with family to make ends meet. Today, the proud husband ans father is happy to have found his purpose and provide for his family.
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“Poverty is not an accident,” the great Nelson Mandela once said, adding, “It is man-made and can be removed by the actions of human beings.” Power couple Nastassia and Jamar Wright echo a similar sentiment, having broken every chain to build on their strengths and influence as successful public speakers and entrepreneurs.

“Leadership is about making a difference by influencing positive change. It’s having a vision for your family, your company, or organisation. And we’re all leaders. Everyone was born a leader; it’s just that they haven’t tapped into that side as yet. That requires understanding your purpose and walking in your gifting,” Nastassia told The Sunday Gleaner.

The two, whose lives were stricken by deprivation and trauma, met at the University of Technology Jamaica some years ago. Armed with knowledge, understanding, and purpose, the pair found solace in influencing positive change and now encourage others to tap into their greater selves with their business, Mind Food International.

The leadership development human resources consultancy firm specialises in training seminars for corporate companies, churches, and schools. The organisation has since branched out into recruiting and outsourcing, with over 100 staff members to date.

Natassia has accomplished many goals as a United Nations ambassador (NGO), a Governor General awardee, and an international speaker. While her husband, Jamar has paved the way to becoming a Human Resource consultant, author, international speaker, and ordained minister. But life wasn’t always this sunny for the inspiring couple. Once upon a time, their reality was all a dream.

Growing up in the inner city of Allman Town in Kingston, the now wife and mother recalled trekking down a rough road to self-redemption. “Although I am a grateful child, living in poverty isn’t the easiest. It was tough, but I did well in school,” she said. Losing her father to gun violence and her home to fire at the tender age of 10, she confessed, shattered her world. Then her mother passed away six years later, two days before she would sit her Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) exams. Just when she thought life had dealt her enough losses, her grandmother, who had taken her in, died of cancer when she turned 18.

These devastating events, according to her husband, left nothing but sadness in Nastassia’s life. As she forged her way to a better livity, the last thing she needed was a partner who wasn’t serious about his endeavours.

Born and raised in abject poverty in Bog Walk, St Catherine, Jamar confessed that despite the financial situation, he was happy growing up. “We lived in a board house, 11 of us,” he explained. Living on food stamps, he entered the Programme of Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH). Candidly, he stated that rats, roaches, and duck ants were his pets.

Surviving in his grandmother’s hustle, he explained that she stood as the inspiration and driving force behind his strength and appetite for success.

“We used to go to the country with my grandmother to get bananas, tomatoes, onions, and scallions, put our markup on them and sell them. That’s how we could have dinner. Merge that with my mother’s little earnings and the Path programme, and that’s how we lived day by day. But I had a happy childhood, playing football,” the optimist shared.

His wife went on further to state, “It took him time and almost a miracle to make his way to Portmore to live with his uncle who was doing better and could assist him with going to university.”

The two initially didn’t get along well because they differed in priorities. She told him he was immature at a lecture. But they remained cordial. It was until they graduated from the University of Technology and began working that she saw a different side to Jamar, one filled with hope and purpose. “I noticed that his posts on Facebook were really deep. He was talking about purpose and destiny. It was obvious that he was reading books. Although he was young, he had a plan for his life, he would walk up and down with a life plan in his wallet. He knew what dreams he wanted to accomplish and when he wanted to accomplish them,” she said, adding “And I was searching for purpose in my life; I was working and making an income, I never felt fulfilled. So that is how we were able to really connect.”

His character, integrity, and morals spoke to her and that was exactly what she was looking for in a life partner. While recommitting her life to Jesus Christ, she began sharing with others, which opened the gates to speaking events. Along her journey, Jamar also assisted in her healing process. “His love was so pure. And he was so understanding. Very patient. In fact, if it wasn’t for him, I wouldn’t be known as a supposed ‘influencer’ for the kingdom of God. I am introverted by nature so he encourages me to be a better version of Nas every day.”

He was fascinated by her maturity, she read the same books he was into and was on the same course of purpose and vision; this attracted him to her. So in sync, they were with each other, and they decided to capitalise on the opportunity to make a great team. “It’s like a jigsaw puzzle; you need another piece to fit for the picture to come to life. Nas is the piece to the jigsaw puzzle; when I fit her into what I was doing, everything came to life.” Going forward, he ensured that this was a part of his pursuits.

For the married couple, it has been a good experience working together. “We have been steadily growing. And being married has its nuances but we make it work because we know each other’s strengths and weaknesses,” she revealed. With warm and encouraging feedback, the dynamic duo is excited to push forward. When things change, because that is inevitable, they are anchored by their faith in God. “Seasons will not last; the night will not last, the day will break, so that lights a flame of hope for us,” he pointed out.

As public speakers, the aim is for others to discover their purpose, fulfil their vision and maximise their potential. “So many people grow up, only to die with their idea and it never comes to life. We have seen too many people go to the grave with the music inside of them. You might be born in humble circumstances but that should not limit or define you. People should die with no regrets, knowing that they did everything they were sent on this earth to do,” Jamar added.

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com