Jhanique O. Thompson has always had a love for cooking and now she has turned that love into a career. While her job has slowed since the advent of COVID-19 in the Virgin Islands, she said the virus has also hampered her big entrepreneurial plans for the future. Photo: Provided

One of the meals prepared by our Young Professional. Photo: Provided

Before working in the VI, Ms Thomson said she worked at 'Café Anna' in Vermont College of Fine Arts as a management trainee and noted that her career is definitely a work-in-progress but remains a 'pride and joy'. Photo: Provided

Gluten free cake prepared by Young Professional Jhanique O. Thompson. Photo: Provided

Perfecting skills

‘I love to cook. This is my number one passion," she told Virgin Islands News Online (VINO), adding that she also loves to sing, play her favourite laptop game- Legend of Leagues- travelling and "going out."

The 26-year-old out of Hope Hill, Tortola, attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School and Elmore Stoutt High School (ESHS).

She enrolled at H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC) after graduating from ESHS in 2010 and then attended culinary school in 2017.

At HLSCC, Jhanique acquired an Associate's Degree in Food and Beverage Business Management before attending culinary school at New England Culinary Institute (NECI) in the USA.

Jhanique is currently employed with Rosewood Little Dix Bay Resort on Virgin Gorda; however, she revealed that while she is in love with her job, she has bigger plans of becoming a personal chef/caterer.

Building a business

“I’m still working on the details but my business/career entails providing personal culinary services for any customer in need. My goal is to provide personalised meals for customers with different food needs based on food preferences, food allergies, dietary restrictions and so on,” our young Professional said.

Jhanique was not shy to reveal what drives her passion for the job, “I get to share my love and passion for food and creative food ideas with others to enjoy.”

“Being able to satisfy every food accommodation and to meet every customer's food budget price,” she said remains a slight challenge.

Our Young Professional was clear to outline that if you want to make something happen, you have to start at some point, “Waiting for the right time will keep you stagnant,” she said.

Before working in the VI, Jhanique said she worked at 'Café Anna' in Vermont College of Fine Arts as a management trainee and noted that her career is definitely a work-in-progress but remains a 'pride and joy'.

COVID-19 & Big Ambitions

With Jhanique revealing big plans to venture into entrepreneurship, she said saving and budgeting for personal needs and not get caught up in ‘want’ spending, are some of the key funding constraints venturing into a self-funded business.

She said her wish ultimately in the profession is to become “a top personal chef and caterer on Tortola and creating opportunities for younger chefs in the making.”

Turning her attention to the Novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) and its presence in the Territory, Jhanique said it has drastically slowed down the progress of getting her business started officially.

“My family life has not been affected by the pandemic, but my personal life has been tested a bit due to the lockdown, curfews and my job.”

She also cautioned the Government to educate people on the truth of this virus so they would know how to handle the pandemic in a more civil manner.

“So far I’ve seen and even experienced ignorant behaviours from most people because they are scared and not properly informed of this virus.”

Parting Advice

For young people looking to pursue a dream, Jhanique said, "Do not settle for a career you cannot see yourself committing to for the rest of your life. Your career is like a second home, make sure you are comfortable so you can always do your best.”

She also urged persons to choose a career that makes them happy and watch the success follow, “I would also like to add that no matter how far or hard it seems to reach your dream career, never stop working towards it.”

In final parting advice to those pursuing a passion, Jhanique said, “Little steps eventually lead to milestones and milestones lead to huge accomplishments.”

Jhanique is looking forward to huge accomplishments despite the present odds.