In 1950, Violet Taylor became one of only nine women in the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF). For her, the experience was interesting and exciting. "It was very interesting and exciting going here and there, going on raids. I had a very exciting experience."

Having been involved in girls' guide, Taylor felt that being in the JCF gave her a sense of contributing, especially when she worked with young people who, as she describes it, 'got into a little trouble'.

After only three and a half years, she fell ill and had to resign. "That was a very sad time for me but by then I had gained enough experience."

Taylor moved on and got involved in woodwork as a means to an end and because she saw it as a challenge. But, "woodwork got a hold of me and wouldn't let go".

Her first company, Arawak Woodworking Establishment, manufactured the panelling, entrance doors and desks at Gordon House. Of these she is particularly proud and every time she sees then "mi head grow". Her company has also done the guango wall panelling in the office of the minister of finance and supplied the wooden compartments for major housing developments including in Mona Heights, Harbour View, Independence City and Duhaney Park, to name a few.

"At first I had to employ people who knew more than I did. The more I saw the more I became curious and wanted to learn more and more." And she did.

However, there have been sad moments and as she describes it she has been stopped in her tracks.

She is currently the managing director of Phoenix Architectural Woodwork Company, focusing on representing overseas companies. She notes that her company being called the phoenix is no coincidence. Like the phoenix that rises from its ashes, she notes, "I'm rising".