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This Week We Feature Young Professional Jade-Allison J.C. Straker

Young Professional Jade-Allison J.C. Straker is a Corporate Services Junior Administrator at Harneys and owner of Island Aromas BVI. Photo: Provided
 Island Aromas BVI manufactures and sells scented bath and body products in addition to soy candles inspired by landmarks or delicacies in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Provided
Island Aromas BVI manufactures and sells scented bath and body products in addition to soy candles inspired by landmarks or delicacies in the Virgin Islands (VI). Photo: Provided
Guava scented product under the Island Aromas BVI line. Photo: Provided
Guava scented product under the Island Aromas BVI line. Photo: Provided
List of fragrances offers by Islands Aromas BVI across their product line. Photo: Provided
List of fragrances offers by Islands Aromas BVI across their product line. Photo: Provided
Our Young Professional said she would like to see more exportation increase in the Virgin Islands since the territory has so much to offer, especially in relation to the spirit of entrepreneurship and young entrepreneurship building flourishing businesses. Photo: Provided
Our Young Professional said she would like to see more exportation increase in the Virgin Islands since the territory has so much to offer, especially in relation to the spirit of entrepreneurship and young entrepreneurship building flourishing businesses. Photo: Provided
By Ron O. D'Avilar

Young Professional Jade-Allison J.C. Straker is a Corporate Services Junior Administrator at Harneys; however, like most entrepreneurial youths, she has a booming small business under her watch. Island Aromas BVI manufactures and sells scented bath and body products, in addition to soy candles inspired by landmarks or delicacies in the Virgin Islands (VI).

Adjusting to work-life 

17-year-old Straker recently moved to Huntums Ghut after growing up in the Carrot Bay area. She had attended the Ivan Dawson Primary School until 2013 when she graduated as Valedictorian and then received her secondary schooling at the Elmore Stoutt High School where she graduated in June 2019, placing 8th in the Territory.

Just this week she enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) to pursue studies in architecture with a projected graduation time set for December 2021.

In addition to studying organic skincare formulation online, Straker said, “I am also currently attending the FSI (facilitated at the HLSCC). I am studying the ICSA program at the FSI which trains you to become a company secretary,” she said.

At Harneys, working as a Corporate Services Junior Administrator, Ms Straker's job entails keeping "BVI company" files up to date after they are incorporated here and several other paperwork as part of her duties in the office.

Sharing her love for that job she said, “I enjoy my co-workers, honestly. They’re all so vibrant and funny and hardworking. Working is a different realm than high school, so I get the joys of learning something completely new every day. And it comes without homework, which is always a plus.”

Office Challenges

According to our Young Professional, the most challenging part of the job is not necessarily the work, rather the environment.

“I’m 17, so going from being constantly surrounded by people my age to suddenly being “peers” with people I once considered to be my superiors is something I continue to adjust to. No one treats me differently but am I child or am I a co-worker? That’s the question I struggle to answer for myself,” she said.

She said over the years, she has learned first-hand that in life, you win some you lose some.

“That’s just how things are sometimes. Every time I encounter a problem I stop, overthink, overreact and then tell myself 'this too shall pass'. It’s like a thermostat for my brain; it works itself out in due time.”

Ms Straker noted that she entered that career field through a recruitment drive with training and hiring, “I saw the opportunity and couldn’t resist. I applied and successfully landed the job. I’m very thankful for it too,” she said.

Building a Business

Even with a busy work-life, Straker said that she has been running her business for several years, "Since age 13 I’ve been a part of, and as of age 15 independently running, the business Island Aromas BVI.”

By selling products inspired to the VI and its landmarks, the brand offers fragrances like Peter Island Cotton and Brewer’s Bay Breeze, “then I have delicacies like VI Pink Coconut Tart or Morning Cup of Lemongrass,” she said.

A self-funded business, our Young Professional said a majority of the capital investments came from money received after the ECamps Kidpreneur programme in 2015, where Island Aromas placed second.

“I worked with what I had, made sales and reinvested and kept it going from there. A couple amazing souls have also donated to my business which I am ever grateful for. Since I have a job now, I can fund it myself!”

“I would like to thank the BVI Tourist Board for sponsoring our business in the 2015 ECamps Kidpreneur programme. I wouldn’t be here without you all,” she said in expressing gratitude to her business sponsors.

While the business is still going, our Young Professional revealed that finding the motivation to persevere remains a challenge, “All these years and my greatest challenge still remains motivation. I am discouraged very easily if I don’t see instant results. At times I feel like quitting but that’s honestly not an option,” she told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO).

She said friends and family are constantly reassuring her that hard work will pay off one day which is something that is highly appreciated, “A win for me is a win for them. We will win. “

Future & Inspiration

In the future, while she wishes to continue pursusing academics, Jade-Allison told this news website that she wants to become a fully qualified chartered secretary and a reputable architect.

“However, entrepreneurship has my heart. I absolutely love Island Aromas and hope to see myself being the owner of an international skincare brand with possibly a couple other businesses added to my portfolio,” she said. 

“I’ve accomplished quite a bit at age 17, which is interesting. I can be defined as interesting,” she recalled as one of her interesting qualities.

Ms Straker said her mother Adel Clyne remains a big inspiration.

Other personal sources of inspiration include, “Aunt Crystalene because she works tirelessly and never burns out. Mrs Portia Harrigan who has nurtured my entrepreneurial spirit and venture from the very beginning up until now. And Kristin Fraser because she continues to break boundaries, reminding me that a small island should not limit me to small dreams.”  

Parting Advice

Injecting some parting advice, Straker said age does not equate to ability, “You don’t suddenly become capable when you become an adult. Whatever you envision, you are able to accomplish. Time waits on no one, so why should you wait on time?"

Our Young Professional also said she would like to see exportation increase in the Virgin Islands since the Territory has so much to offer, especially in relation to the spirit of entrepreneurship and young entrepreneurship building flourishing businesses.

In final parting advice to youths, Straker said, “Please do not doubt yourself ever for a second. It’s the quickest way to failure if I’m being honest. Simply believe you can, and do. And if you do it wrong, do it again. I can confirm that anything can be perfected with time.“

16 Responses to “This Week We Feature Young Professional Jade-Allison J.C. Straker”

  • TALLY (24/01/2020, 09:58) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Very beautiful and inspiring. Congrats
  • All the best (24/01/2020, 10:18) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    So proud of this little lady. The sky is the limit Jade-Allison. Keep Jehovah first and all else will be added.
  • gkefkkdakxq (24/01/2020, 10:33) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    So proud of you Jade.
  • Proud Aunty (24/01/2020, 10:56) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    That’s my baby!!!! Keep making us proud baby girl!
  • me again (24/01/2020, 11:04) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    If she is whom I think she is Then with her father genes SHE will go places . They are “ go getters” who love a challenge .
    Good luck young lady ; The Sky is your limits
  • Go Niecey! (24/01/2020, 11:08) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jade, you are nothing short of an exceptional young lady. I’m so proud of you for all you’ve accomplished and eager to see what you will accomplish in the near future!

    Aunty is cheering for you!
  • Up Top Sis <3 (24/01/2020, 12:05) Like (6) Dislike (0) Reply
    Cheering from the sidelines!
    Without a doubt you know you have our full support in whatever endeavors you strive for and accomplish.
    xoxo
    - C & A
  • family (24/01/2020, 12:51) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Jade. Your extended family is extremely proud of your accomplishments. May Jehovah continue to guide you and grant you wisdom beyond your age.
  • ICSA Classmate (24/01/2020, 13:28) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congratulations Jade. So proud of you.
  • Divajs (24/01/2020, 14:47) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Jade-Allison, you are great continue and with Jehovah's help you will be fine.
  • Aunty (24/01/2020, 15:19) Like (4) Dislike (0) Reply
    Congrats Jade, baby cakes. Truly proud of you and your accomplishments.
  • Aunty cocopuff (24/01/2020, 20:24) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    May God continue to bless you and your endeavors,
  • anegada (24/01/2020, 20:40) Like (3) Dislike (0) Reply
    Proud of you Jade! Yoh keep doing you! Best wishes in your future endeavours.
  • A satisfied buyer (24/01/2020, 21:14) Like (5) Dislike (0) Reply
    Such a pleasant and humble young lady. Could not believe she was only 17! I recently bought a few items from her Island Aromas business and they are really great products. Keep on pushing your products, believe in yourself and always keep God in your midst. You will do well.
  • rock city (25/01/2020, 17:17) Like (2) Dislike (1) Reply
    Congratulations on making vino you are blessed
  • Katy Green (25/01/2020, 19:04) Like (2) Dislike (0) Reply
    Well done Jade. You’re doing so well - wishing you all the best for your plans.


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