Matahari goes to Bogue

Noel Thompson, Gleaner Writer

WESTERN BUREAU:

When you hear the name Matahari, you immediately think of authentic Indonesian furniture and fittings - pieces that are unique in more ways than one.

With two locations on the island, Matahari is situated at 39 Windsor Avenue in Kingston, and the ATL complex at Bogue in Montego Bay - the latter, which is its newer location, was recently opened to serve customers.

New and potential customers poured in at intervals to transact business, while others simply stopped by for a first-hand view of the fine quality furniture and accessories that are available. They came from the hospitality, legal, medical, political and the business sectors.

Jillian Henry is the store manager at the Bogue branch. Her responsibility includes increasing hospitality sales and satisfying clients' needs, locally and throughout the Caribbean.

Some raw materials, including teak and mahogany, are imported from Indonesia and are used by locals to construct the furniture. "We are considering expanding the business to offering stone flooring, mainly used outdoor around pool decks. We have everything, from residential furniture to almost every type of furniture needed in a hotel," Henry said.

The Matahari brand, now in its fifth year, is owned and operated by Jamaica-born Steve and Olive Shelton and their son Jason. The family had migrated to Indonesia in 1978, resided in Singapore and South Korea for some time before returning to Jamaica where they spent 17 years, before returning to Indonesia for a second voyage, and then back to Jamaica again.

Olive Fay Shelton admits that it is the love and passion she has for furniture that has led her to embark on starting the business. It started with her bringing her own pieces from Indonesia to Jamaica, which attracted persons who eventually wanted their own.

"Life was fantastic living in those countries, although we never met any other Jamaicans in South Korea. In Singapore, we met Jamaican pilots and bankers, so we formed our little group," she recalled.

She admitted, however, that at times things became frustrating raising three young children and adapting to different cultures, but once she was able to, the experience was priceless.

Now running the business in Jamaica, she says it is imperative to make goods affordable for the longevity of the business.