The Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster (JFAC), in a drive to expose its members to a holistic approach to successful personal and business management, has collaborated with Dr Leahcim Semaj to present a series of unique workshops around the theme 'Unleashing the Entrepreneur in You.'

The workshops form part of a multi-dimensional series of presentations that seek to appeal to individuals as they strive to create their niche in a competitive but unsecured business environment.

Dr Semaj is a psychologist with renowned experience in human behaviour and aptitude, productivity, and psychometric testing.

The Jamaica Fashion and Apparel Cluster is a project that facilitates the growth and development of micro-, small-, and medium- size enterprises (MSMEs) within the fashion industry. The cluster is one of 10 selected clusters benefiting from a joint venture between the European Union and the Government of Jamaica, established under a multi-faceted project organised by the Private Sector Development Programme.

Workshop

The first workshop took place on Wednesday, May 20. Approximately 30 members of the cluster, ranging from designers and accessory makers to fashion students, participated in the interactive process.

Participants went through self- examination, with confronting realistic questions exploring their aptitude for business, attitude, motivation and willingness to learn. Real-life examples of excellence were demonstrated to highlight the realm of possibility and limitless scope for success.

The workshops are designed to complement technical training, including pattern making, collection development, business education, market-penetration opportunities, and other personal-development programmes.

According to Glenda Joseph-Dennis, JFAC facilitator, "The funding will not be of optimal value unless some fundamental issues are addressed." It is hoped that Dr Semaj's intervention will begin to unveil and address some of the personal and cultural impediments to successful entrepreneurship currently hindering MSMEs.

The second part in the series will be facilitated on Wednesday, June 24, at the JBDC Incubator and Resource Centre at 76 Marcus Garvey Drive, Kingston.