We had the good fortune of connecting with Jillian Castro and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jillian, every day, we about how much execution matters, but we think ideas matter as well. How did you come up with the idea for your business?
During the pandemic, a friend approached me to discuss his new entrepreneurial idea, including the checklist for start-up essentials. Having encountered a roadblock with his business cards, I offered to create a new, sleek design capturing his vision. That pivotal moment was the start of an unexpected passage towards my most cherished venture to date.

As I continued to lend my insights to the projects of other friends, they persistently encouraged me to turn my creative endeavors into a business of my own. Responding to this, I took the initial steps by setting up a social media page.
The turning point came when I was introduced to the services of a seasoned business strategist. Under her guidance, I not only refined my understanding of the commercial landscape but also gained invaluable tools to elevate my brand. This collaboration marked a crucial juncture in propelling me to the next level. It helped set the stage for what would become an embodiment of creativity, perseverance, and the transformative power of seizing unexpected opportunities.

Moreover, the need for this venture was further solidified after my interactions with small business owners. They shared their desire to have someone rebrand to rebrand, market and grow their businesses as well as provide direction and mentorship. Their primary aspiration was to access affordable and personalized services available to the average person; one that could accurately capture their vision. Recognizing this need, I embarked on a project that aims to bridge this gap by offering creative solutions. These are tailored to the unique needs of small enterprises and personal brands, ensuring that they receive the focused-attention and expertise they deserve to strengthen their operations in their respective niches.

What should our readers know about your business?
I have always had a deep passion for serving my community and helping individuals to realize their dreams and true potential. My background covers several industries, alongside the roles of Justice of Peace, Deputy Civil Registrar of Marriages, International Educator and Business Professional. These experiences have and continue to, fuel my desire to contribute effectively to the well-being of society while empowering people; motivating me to embark on the exciting journey of entrepreneurship.

Driven by a love for volunteerism since my teenage years into adulthood, I have actively participated in numerous projects surrounding education and youth development. These experiences inspired me to blend my commitment to social involvement, learning, growth and bringing joy to others, into my business ventures. This dedication is shown through the official co-founding of Sil Castro Consultancy and Weddings in Jamaica. We offer a range of services, including marriage officiating, counselling, and wedding planning. Supported by a wide portfolio of clients, this endeavor has thrived for more than 20 years. With an aspiration to diversify my pursuits, I branched out into the travel industry. As the owner of J’Luxe Travel Boutique – we provide all-around travel concierge services. One distinctive element that sets J’Luxe Travel apart is our tailored focus on weddings and honeymoons. While we provide services for general travel needs, our boutique agency specializes in curating romantic and memorable experiences specifically designed for newlyweds and vow renewals. With experience in event planning, combined with formal training in the discipline, these undertakings have proven to be an ideal blend. It allows me to merge both my passion for creating unforgettable moments and my skill in executing events; all while contributing to the community through impactful service efforts.

The continued interest to explore new horizons birthed my most prized initiative to date, Jill C. Design House. It is a creative branding boutique dedicated to elevating personal and small business brands. We offer a wide range of services from graphic design to business strategy consultation. Motivated by a genuine desire to help colleagues achieve their dreams, I shifted from being a hobbyist to an entrepreneur in graphic design. This was further co-signed by the encouragement and support of those who witnessed the positive impact of my work. Committed to societal improvement and economic growth, we focus on creating design solutions that are cost-effective and easily accessible to all. We seek to empower our clients, ensuring that every aspect of their brand aligns with their unique vision and objectives. By offering guidance and insights, our mission is to help those entering the business landscape for the first time, while fostering an environment where brand identity, innovation, authenticity, and success converge.

Jill C. Design House continues to expand its offerings through independent self-publication, marking advancement in our creative journey. Our most recent project, “Whispers of the Heart – An Anthology of Poems: Motherhood, Love, Life” by Silvera C. Castro, is a captivating book of poetry, that stands as a testament to this new chapter. With other publishing jobs currently in the pipeline, we are excited to offer additional consultation services for those looking to independently distribute their literary works. We ensure that each publication is not only a heartfelt expression, but also a true professional representation, of the thoughts and visions of the artists behind the pens.

My path to entrepreneurship, specifically the creative field, began with a profound love for project management. My introduction to this area of study occurred at the university level; where I went on to obtain a Bachelor’s degree in Production and Operations Management in Jamaica. Exploring the discipline further sparked my interest in undertaking solutions-oriented initiatives. It instilled in me a passion-purpose stance for taking projects from their inception through to completion.
In addition to the above-mentioned efforts, my professional journey spans 16 years of work experience in the Caribbean and Japan. As both a business professional and an international educator, I’ve contributed to the success of businesses in manufacturing, retail, and telecommunications. Additionally I’ve delved into the unique and fascinating world of teaching English as a foreign language, adding a distinctive dimension to my professional profile. Now, standing at the intersection of these realms, I am on the brink of merging my accumulated knowledge to initiate a corporate learning and development venture.

Wearing many hats while navigating the entrepreneurial and professional landscape is certainly not without its challenges. These include work-life balance, financial investment, adaptability and many more. However, my key components to handling these are relying on God for His guidance and having a strong work ethic including: organization, discipline and time management. As well as outsourcing where necessary.

I have always been an advocate for growth and development; but one main lesson learned along the way is that fear has no place in the pursuit of one’s aspirations. In every step forward, fear has tried to make me doubt my decisions or hesitate when approaching new opportunities. Yet at my core, I have remained rooted in the Bible verse Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you”, declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you”. Therefore, my journey has become a testament to the idea that, on the quest for advancement, fear is not a hindrance but a stepping stone. One that, when acknowledged and courageously confronted, paves the way for unprecedented personal and professional achievements. Hence, we should challenge ourselves by facing our fears head-on; embrace the tests and boldly explore the unknown. It will yield a beautiful journey of self-discovery and empowerment, ultimately unlocking doors to new opportunities in uncharted territories.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
In Japan, I would take them to the most popular tourist attractions including Miyajima, Kinkaku-ji Temple, Osaka Castle and Mount Fuji. Depending on the season of their visit, the Sea of Fog in Miyoshi, Hiroshima is a spectacular view. Additionally, Senkoji Park in Onomichi is an excellent spot for breath-taking cherry blossoms, while winter showcases beautifully festive illuminations all across the country. Their trip would not be complete without delectable meals such as a Hiroshima-style okonomiyaki, yakinuku, mouth-watering oysters and off course, sushi. Finally we would go shopping on Nakamise Shopping Street in Asakusa in Tokyo for the most “kawaii” (cutest) Japanese souvenirs ending with an entertaining session of karaoke.

In my beautiful island of Jamaica, the beach is a must with my personal favorite being Puerto Seco Beach in St. Ann. We would also spend two nights at one of our beautiful all-inclusive hotels for a rejuvenating experience, while soaking up the sun, sea and sand. Indulge in the thrill of rafting on the Rio Grande along with a visit to other iconic attractions such as Dunn’s River Falls, Green Grotto Cave and Rick’s Café. For culinary delights, my go-to recommendation is Little Ochie for delicious seafood, savoring in Blue Mountain Coffee at Café Blue and a stopover at Devon House for the best ice-cream in the world. No visit to Jamaica is complete without indulging in flavorful jerk chicken available at various locations island-wide. We would conclude with a photo-op amongst the eye-catching murals in Downtown, Kingston, a tour of Bob Marley Museum, drinks at Terra Nova Hotel and lastly, enjoy the vibrant energy of a local party or reggae concert.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
My achievements and the woman that I am today are all credited to God first and foremost for His continued guidance and protection. Secondly, I would like to express my gratitude to my grandmothers, Eugenie Castro and Jane Pryce, my parents – Silvera and Vivienne Castro and my dear sister Natasha. Their endless prayers, support, love, nurturing and guidance have been the bedrock of my strength, resilience and dedication. Though no longer here, both my grandmothers’ prayers continue to cover me as they remain a source of great inspiration in my life. They have molded my character by instilling in me a profound sense of love, kindness, family orientation, spirituality, philanthropy, determination, humility and hard-work. My parents, with their enduring commitment and sacrifices, have provided the foundation upon which I continue to build my dreams. Natasha, my sister and biggest supporter, has been a constant source of affirmative motivation, sharing in both the triumphs and challenges of my journey.

Together, their influence has not only carried me through life’s ebbs and flows but has also been a guiding light in the fulfillment of my aspirations.

Last, but certainly not least, my best friends and soul sisters, Jacqueline, Kadianne and Deniece; as well as my extended family members and friends who are too many to be named individually. They are my unsung heroes who have uplifted me along my personal and professional pursuits.

Website: www.jilliancastro.com

Instagram: @jillcdesignhouse / @silcastro_weddings / @jluxe_travel_boutique

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jillian-castro/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jillcdesignhouse / https://www.facebook.com/silcastroweddings / https://www.facebook.com/jluxetravelboutique

Other: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CPDDT3PC?ref_=pe_93986420_774957520

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