Sweet Like JAM X Exotic Stone Creations showcases J’can craftsmanship

Luxury, culture, creativity and craftsmanship came together in St Andrew as Sweet Like JAM and Exotic Stone Creations unveiled their highly anticipated JAM x Exotic StoneCollection. 

Hosted at a private venue in St Andrew, the exclusive launch and mixer provided invited guests with an intimate first look at a collection that seamlessly blends artistry with functionality while placing Jamaican craftsmanship firmly at the forefront.

The launch represents a major milestone for Sweet Like JAM. Following the success of its immersive pop-up experience at Skylark Negril, the platform has now expanded beyond curated experiences and into the world of physical design objects, introducing statement furniture pieces designed to transform and anchor interior spaces.

At the heart of the collection is a series of sculptural marble pieces, including coffee tables, accent pieces, and display furniture that showcase a modern interpretation of Jamaican stone craftsmanship.

The collaboration was led by fashion editor and creative director Mecca James-Williams, alongside Alexandra Haber, design lead at Exotic Stone Creations, bringing together creative vision and technical expertise.

Guests enjoyed a wide array of finger foods and cocktails to cool them down during the hot day, but they were also instantly immersed in what James-Williams described as the "Sweet Like JAM world", a fully curated environment where every item was intentionally selected to celebrate culture and creativity.

"We did a collaboration with Exotic Stone Creations and created a curation of tables. We have living tables, marble tables, marble accent pieces, and they're all available right now," she explained.

"Everything in this room was curated to be shoppable. We have different artefacts and pieces celebrating Jamaican culture and black culture, and we're really excited to be here."

For James-Williams, the partnership extended far beyond simply creating a beautiful piece of furniture. It was also about investing in local talent and showcasing the island's vast creative possibilities.

"It was necessary because I really wanted to make sure when I collaborated with artisans that they were local," she explained.

"We wanted to really show the breadth and creativity of everyone on the island. We started with a coffee table that was originally made for my home and then expanded into pieces that could live in hotels, homes and creative spaces."

She added that working with Exotic Stone Creations felt like a natural fit because of their shared values and vision.

"I could tell Alex had an eye and an ear for just something new and freshness. I think that's really important in design and creativity, creating something that doesn't exist or taking something that exists and refreshing it."

For Haber, the collaboration also represented an opportunity for Exotic Stone Creations to move beyond its traditional offerings and explore a new side of design.

"Exotic Stone is known for countertops, so being able to make coffee tables and display tables, I think this collaboration has helped us to expand in that direction even more," she shared.

The collection also carries an environmentally conscious message, as many of the pieces incorporate unused stone materials that would otherwise have been discarded.

"The idea is to reuse pieces in our yard to create something new and beautiful so nothing goes to waste," Haber explained.

"It's really a way for us to show our team's creativity and demonstrate how these stone pieces can be transformed into something beautiful and customised."

While luxury furniture often feels distant or inaccessible, Sweet Like JAM's philosophy centres on inclusion and inspiration.

"Ultimately, JAM is an opportunity to help create vision and dreams," James-Williams said.

"We want people to see themselves in the spaces and feel included. Whether you're from uptown or downtown, we want people to feel celebrated, seen and inspired."

The project itself also carries a deeply personal story for James-Williams, whose journey with Sweet Like JAM grew from her move from New York to Jamaica and her desire to bridge communities through culture and creativity.

"I was somebody who was obsessed with Jamaica and the culture, and now I've become somebody who really pours into the community and creates something the community can be proud of," she reflected.

With the JAM x Exotic Stone Marble Collection, that vision appears to be taking shape beautifully.

o’brian.wynter@gleanerjm.com