Growth & Jobs | Kemisha Oates toasts Christmas in July trade show

KEMISHA OATES stood tall with pride at the lectern, beaming and eloquently reading a well-written speech. All eyes were on her, and her clear voice resonated in the hall of The Jamaica Pegasus hotel in New Kingston as she addressed the gathering during the opening ceremony of the 11th iteration of Christmas in July on Thursday, July 10.

The CEO of Body by Roxanne & Co was participating as a manufacturer for the fourth time and was selected by the producers to speak on behalf the 180 manufacturers who participated in the trade show produced by the Tourism Enhancement Fund (TEF), through its Tourism Linkages Network (TLN).

“It has been an amazing experience. Let me tell you why,” Oates told her rapt audience.

“Ladies and gentlemen, small businesses like ours, through Christmas in July, have the ability to showcase our products to a wide range of buyers, which on our own, would simply not be possible. I have always believed in the power of local connections, and the power of Brand Jamaica. The TEF doesn’t just open doors; they build bridges. Through their various matchmaking initiatives between local suppliers and the hospitality industry, I’ve secured partnerships with premier hotels that align beautifully with my brand’s ethos,” Oates explained.

“Their team understands the importance of cultural authenticity and economic empowerment, and they have championed that at every step. Our products are now a part of the guest experience at 19 hotels and resorts across the island, helping travellers connect with Jamaica’s natural beauty and local products in a meaningful way. I’m beyond grateful for their support, vision, and commitment to elevating local brands just like ours.”

She then heaped praises on to certain key players, such as Minister of Tourism Edmund Bartlett, “on behalf of all past manufacturers and the ones in this room today”, for championing Jamaica’s tourism sector, and for “doing an excellent job”; Minister of Industry, Investment, and Commerce Senator Aubyn Hill; the team from the Jamaica Business Development Corporation, “for preparing us so that we can build our brand”; and the Tourism Linkages team, especially Carolyn McDonald-Riley, director of the TLN, and Tischeeka Clarke, analyst, productive sectors, TLN.

“And finally, my fellow manufacturers. Make use of this opportunity. Look around you, be proud of yourselves and how far you have come. Stay consistent with your efforts, even when it feels like nothing is happening, keep pushing, stay passionate. I assure you, people are taking notice of your hard work and dedication to your craft. Do not be dejected if after doing an event, you don’t make a connection. Keep showing up,” she concluded.

And, how did it feel to represent the manufacturers? The Gleaner asked after the event. “To sum it up, grateful. There are so many amazing artisans out there with products that can compete on any international stage and Christmas in July consistently does an amazing job bringing these manufacturers together and showcasing the best of what Brand Jamaica has to offer. For me to be a part of that on an ongoing basis is very humbling, to know that the work that is being put in is being recognised,” Oates replied.

She started her business in 2022 “out of a desire to create more natural/plant-based products that gave the same feel good, smell good sensory experience” that she “got from many popular brands” that she “enjoyed, but minus all the petroleum by-products, fillers that had no skin benefits, and questionable ingredients that may not be the best for your skin”.

The company makes a wide range of personal-care products using ingredients straight from nature. They include bar soaps using natural plant oils and butters, sugar scrubs, body butters, soy candles, facial cleansers and body oils. There are also grooming products for men, including those for beard and hair care. The business is based online at WWW.BodyByRoxanne.Com.

But, they are also available in Things Jamaica stores (Devon House, South Camp Road and Norman Manley International Airport) and in Fontana Pharmacy Waterloo Road. Max Brown International carries the men’s line, and Lee’s Food Fair along Red Hills Road in St Andrew has select items on their shelves.

Any challenges so far? “There are challenges in every business. From sourcing ingredients, sometimes working with different agencies to make sure you’re compliant in all areas, but I don’t think any of these are deterrents to moving forward. Delayed, but not deterred,” she shared. And are there plans for expansion? “Most, definitely! That’s all I will say on that for now,” Kemisha Oates said, smiling.