10 things you didn't know about Thalia Lyn

Thalia Lyn has been dubbed a social lioness and empress by social arbiters and scribes. She is, however, one of the island's leading entrepreneurs who, unlike many who went brand shopping as a way of establishing a foothold in the Jamaican business landscape, opted to fashion and create her own home-grown brand using traditional Jamaican culinary treats and spices to fashion her now-celebrated Island Grill chain of restaurants across Jamaica.

Known and celebrated as honorary consul general of the Kingdom of Thailand, the indefatigable Mrs Lyn is as much committed to philanthropic endeavours, chairing and/or assisting in bringing to fruition many a charitable causes and solutions, as she is to national development. Without fanfare and/or media-hogging spotlight, she serves her less fortunate countrymen as part and parcel of her Christian upbringing and giving spirit.

An iconic business leader and socialite, the ascribed moniker social empress and/or lioness was given as a testimonial to her role as a social mover and shaker, as against the passive bystander who plays a leading role in bridging the gaps between the hard-nosed world of business and commerce and that of the equally powerful social swirl.

Today, we share 10 things we did not know about the pioneering entrepreneur and leading socialite.

- CFJ

1. Despite being a competent driver from the age of 16, she still has not mastered the art of reversing. This has led to her children and close friends ribbing her and getting out of the way whenever she gets into her motor vehicle and has to initiate reversing.

2. She is no Spelling Bee, but will red-circle bad grammar when it is forwarded to her in correspondence and return to sender for their attention.

3. She graduated from high school at 15, university at 20, taught at Immaculate, then got married at 21. Her father was adamant that his nine daughters could not marry without a tertiary education in their back pocket in case an exit strategy became necessary. She and husband, Mike, recently celebrated 45 years of marriage.

4. Lyn cooks just as well as her husband, renowned chef Captain Michael Lyn. She is actually a celebrated chef in her own stead and prepares most dishes at their parties, but her bottom drawer at her office is laden with junk food.

5. She is a licensed stockbroker in Canada.

6. She signs every single birthday card and Christmas card for her 600-plus Island Grill family. Her beloved sons, Michael and Craig, settle for a singing Skype call, or the odd visit, all things being equal.

7. Her husband, Michael, helped her blow out the candles on her sweet 16 birthday cake. She enjoys nature and prefers walking barefooted (she wears shoes at home only when she has visitors).

8. Lyn can't stand suspense. She is unable to watch her grandchildren compete at swimming meets or sit through a movie (even if it's Craig's).

9. She was bestowed with The Most Noble Order of the Crown of Thailand within a year of being appointed the honorary consul general of Thailand, and has added Thai cooking to her culinary repertoire.

10. Her grandchildren are now the real love of her life, with working with Msgr Gregory Ramkissoon and assisting his charities next.