Jannel Alexander-Reid: Making dreams a reality
Published:Sunday | May 19, 2019 | 12:00 AMRocheda Bartley - Gleaner Writer
Jannel Alexander-Reid is known for making dreams a reality. In fact, it’s her talent. Many identify the young go-getter as merely an educator; however, there is much more to the cunning trailblazer. Fusing her passions, education and events planning, Alexander Reid birthed Events by Jar. It’s a fast-rising enterprise operating in three locations across Jamaica with a focus on organising exciting affairs, training prospective planners and expert make-up artists.
“You don’t get to combine your passions every day. I love event planning and being a teacher. So, I fuel both. I don’t think of entrepreneurship as competitive. My aim is not to compete. I collaborate to be great, and I take the time to learn from others, too. I believe we all have our unique touch and flair to add to our respective ventures,” Alexander-Reid said.
It’s a fulfilling opportunity for the burgeoning businesswoman. Her services, whether decorating venues, make-up artistry or teaching the skills, make her time more meaningful. They bring joy to her, especially as she empowers others, mostly women, through training. The Mico University College graduate said this is what she enjoys most.
Through encouragement and motivation, especially from her husband, who is also an entrepreneur, the St Ann native opened the doors to Events By Jar eight years ago. She now operates in Kingston, Ocho Rios and Montego Bay. For years, she appreciated event planning and finally mustered up the courage to establish the entity because of an overwhelming desire to provide quality training to persons who wish to learn about the different areas in this industry.
BEING BRAVE
As she travels along the entrepreneurial path, the self-starter noted that she has learnt a number of invaluable lessons. Still, the boss lady explained that she is still learning, as she engages in crucial decision-making processes and share her skills with others each day. She passionately expressed that had she not ventured in the competitive arena, she would not have gained these profitable insights. So far, the most worthwhile lesson she’s learnt is to be courageous.
“I’ve realised that being an entrepreneur is being brave. It’s not for the weak-hearted individuals. If you are in it for a short season or it’s not something that you love, I wouldn’t encourage you to continue on this path. You have to be strong-willed to ride out the storm when things get rough. Plus, you need to be able to convince yourself that hardships won’t last forever,” she told Outlook in a recent interview.
JUGGLING TWO HATS
Wearing her two hats can be challenging, she confessed. However, proper time management helps her to strike a balance and keep on top of both. It also saves time for the family. Alexander-Reid has dedicated herself to continued growth. Juggling the roles of employee and an employer, she relishes the best of both worlds. One of her goals is to see her students boldly assume the role of an entrepreneur.
She reminds us: “It’s a lonely road, and I’m glad I know that now more than before I took the leap of faith. If I did, I probably would not have started. You’ll realise that you’ll lose friends along the way, you’ll have disagreements with others concerning your values and the direction you want your business to go. But it’s something that allows you to be the best version of yourself and what you believe in. I always put this first, no matter what.”
For more information about event planning and the available courses, contact 876-450-2843.