From farm to table - Spotlight on chef Charissa and farmer Cleo

Jamaican cuisine has always been a combination of history, flavour, diversity and the zest of life. Our food isn't merely sustenance; it's a celebration. It combines the spirit of togetherness, while utilising local produce.

Pepsi Cola Jamaica Spotlight host Chad Luchey recently sat down with farmer Cleo Jones, from Raise Right Poultry Farm, and chef Charissa Henry-Skyers, a culinary artist at Pink Apron, to discuss their passion for farming and cooking.

With a remarkable fire for cooking, chef Charissa infuses each dish with unparalleled devotion and a genuine love for her culinary craft, having started her journey at a young age.

"When I was younger I used to watch my mommy cooking all the time and I just loved it," she recalled affectionately.

She took this dream to Florida, in the United States of America, where she studied culinary arts at Johnson and Wales University, and then established Pink Apron - an enterprise that is almost a decade old.

As a new entrepreneur, Charissa encountered challenges that tested her resilience and determination. Establishing her business meant navigating paperwork and regulations, as well as convincing people to explore and savour a different cuisine that required her to showcase the authenticity and allure of her dishes. The Pink Apron chef overcame that barrier by showing her distinct brand.

"Jamaicans, back in the day, weren't as adventurous as now, I find, so it's almost like you got to be teaching them a new cuisine ... Just getting them to that point so they can trust you," she expressed.

Pink Apron offers an exciting, tantalising, and fresh take on gourmet cooking to meet all your catering and foodie needs.

Meanwhile, Cleo Jones, a 22-year-old poultry farmer, shared how he ventured into farming after the COVID-19 pandemic, in search of security in a time of uncertainty.

"Before that I had other businesses, but COVID-19 was detrimental to that. The pandemic taught me that essential businesses are the best. I wanted something that could withstand a pandemic," he explained.

Cleo operates his farm Raised Right Poultry Farm in Glade, a community in rural St Catherine, with the invaluable guidance of his uncle and the support of a small team. He has around 8,000 chickens and 20 pigs on his farm.

Nonetheless, amid the bustling activity of poultry farming, Cleo's heart yearns for a new agricultural pursuit - crop farming, particularly the fruit market, with watermelon, grapes, banana and kiwi. According to him, the ultimate goal is to export these goods.

Cleo also shared his outlook on dealing with other adversities that may arise.

"Being able to sell probably three to four thousand pounds of chicken on a weekend, as a 22-year-old entrepreneur, now that's super, that's some crazy numbers! I'd have instances where I don't get my desired wage, but for me when you love something the Ls are lessons, not losses," he offered thoughtfully.

The young farmer also shared that what sets him apart from the rest is the way he promoted his business with the use of music and social media to get to the masses.

Both Charissa and Cleo demonstrate resilience and passion in their respective fields. Cleo showcased his thriving farm, unveiling the process behind raising chickens, while Charissa demonstrated her culinary finesse by preparing a vibrant and delicious dish of guava jerk chicken paired with a colourful Mexican quinoa salad. A true showing of farm-to-table.

Embarking on a journey to showcase extraordinary Jamaican talent, Pepsi Cola Jamaica proudly introduces the Spotlight Videocast series. This dynamic platform unfolds the stories of individuals pushing boundaries and expressing their unique 'JamaICAN Flava.'

A 15-minute escapade into the lives of these exceptional Jamaicans is now available on Pepsi Jamaica's Facebook, YouTube, and Instagram pages.