Building A Coconut Empire W/ Kimberly Roach

Kimberly is an artsy and eccentric development practitioner whose aim is to create an inclusive, innovative, and prosperous Jamaican society for everyone. I have a dynamic professional background which has seen me working in several different contexts within the development practice. In addition, I am a social entrepreneur who believes that we can also solve developmental issues through social entrepreneurship. On the lighter side, I consider myself a coffee and coconut connoisseur, who also happens to love going on adventures in Jamaica and exploring new things.?

What Inspired You To Start Your Business??

Growing up in rural Jamaica, I recognized the importance of coconuts in the lives of Jamaicans. Coconuts play a very important role in the island’s culinary, beauty and entertainment sectors. Having recognized its value and how coconuts impact the lives of women in particular, who use them to generate income, I decided to start the Just Coconut Company. I wanted to tap into that market and also, provide rural women with some sort of economic empowerment.??

How Do You #BreaktheBias??

Simply, I am my unabashed self. Each day, I walk in purpose and in my power as a woman. I am tenacious despite setbacks and the many boxes society has attempted to place me in. I know other women may find it hard to be themselves in a society that sometimes can be restrictive because of gender norms and other toxic cultures, but I maintain that the highest form of liberation and breaking the bias is being yourself. By doing so, you will see the world for truly what it is and understand what it is you need to be successful. #BreaktheBias?

How Can One Show Support For Women??

You can show support for women by acknowledging the inequities that exist in our society that impact the lives of women. We often negate and challenge the experiences of women—denying that the world is often a harsher place for us. Moreover, we should really interrogate the experiences of women and protect them with laws and equitable practices throughout our society, like equal pay for equal work.?

What’s Your Advice To Any Woman That Is Interested In Tapping Into Your Industry??

Be your authentic self and shoot your shot. Do it. But beyond that, you must be deliberate and plan, plan, plan. Find a good business plan and work on it daily. Talk to other women and build community. Any industry can be daunting, but once you have a plan, resources and a community, then I am sure you can do it.?

How Easy Would You Say Is It To Break Into This Industry As A Woman??

No industry is easy to break into as a woman but in the year 2022, I want women to ignore the barriers and focus on executing their dreams. Finding a community of women who have done it before you and international partners that may aid their pursuit to break into the industry.???

To find out more about?Just Coconut Company, follow them on Instagram?@justcoconutcompany.?

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