Cornelia Walters-Jones has boundless patriotism for Jamaica , “ di place where she born an ’ grow ”. Getting a taste of being a member of the diaspora and being the mother of two Jamaican daughters has strengthened her resolve to create a successful online business that either directly or indirectly provides jobs for Jamaicans . Her website , Jamaicangyal . com , has existed since 2016 and has been selling local products to members of the diaspora since July 2017 .
I recently met this dynamic woman to learn more about her business and her vision for its growth .
Why Jamaicangyal . com ?
I have a Bachelor ’ s degree in International Trade and Customs and a Masters degree in Project Management and I attended university in Mexico for both degrees . Being away from home gave me a chance to experience firsthand what it ’ s like to be a member of the diaspora . I often longed for our local treats , spices and seasonings .
Additionally , I worked in the export departments at both Lasco and the Jamaican Biscuit Company . Both experiences required consistent interaction with the ports and various export bodies . I soon realized that there was a gap in the market for providing members of the diaspora with the tangible elements of Jamaica they miss . Being away from home can be lonely and depressing ; having these simple comforts often makes a huge difference .
Describe your business in one word .
Necessary . Most of my customers come from Europe and they constantly remind me that they need the service I ’ m providing .
What products does your website focus on ?
There are two sides to the business . Firstly , I sell products on a retail basis through the website . Whatever products my customers need that can be shipped , I provide . There are some pre-packaged baskets and products available on the website but customers can send me special requests and I ’ ll fill the orders . I ’ ve had customers request Prestige donuts , Chippies , blue soap , a bag of white rice ( strange but true ) and the list goes on .
Secondly , I help businesses find distributors . This element of the business is quite costly and requires a great deal of effort . Therefore , a client requesting this service has to be willing to invest both time and money . I focus on the following markets : the United States ( US ), Canada , the Caribbean and Europe .
What challenges have you faced as an online shopping company in Jamaica ?
Logistics and finding the right payment gateway have been my challenges . The Jamaica Post has been great with getting deliveries to customers on time ( sometimes even before they are expected ). However , their fast track delivery service is done through DHL and that has caused me some challenges . I want this website to be the next Amazon of Jamaica so I am working hard to solve these challenges . It ’ s often hard for local businesses to find distributors because a lot of regulations govern that process . I help businesses work through what they need to do .
How do you balance entrepreneurship with motherhood ?
My two children , Emily ( 11 ) and Elizabeth ( 4 ), give me life . I tread a fine line between sanity and insanity daily but I enjoy it ! I also have a hands-on husband who is very supportive .
What resources would you recommend to someone who wants to become an entrepreneur ?
It ’ s important to be actively aware about current affairs , especially if there is an export element to your business . I recommend reading the local newspapers , the Financial Times and Harvard Business Reviews . I also recommend joining local