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

Hi Rochele, what role has risk played in your life or career?
I like to refer to risks as “Leaps of faith” and I would rather take a leap of faith than live with not knowing what the result of that leap would be. Taking risks has played a huge role in my life and career. Some of the biggest “leaps’ I’ve taken has brought big successes & failures alike. The biggest one was quitting my full time job as a bank teller to pursue my fashion business despite having no classical training or experience in running a business, I soon had to take up a part time offer with my Dad when the struggles hit but I never stopped pursuing my fashion dreams. Another huge leap took place when I resigned from working with my Dad to enter a Caribbean wide Fashion Design Competition. I was the weakest technically as I cannot sketch nor was I the best at sewing but I beat all odds and was ultimately the winner of that competition. That win brought exposure and capital needed to take my business to the next level.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I believe what sets me apart from others is my lack of fear in vaulting towards new ideas and the customer service I give to my clients. I’m most proud of my organic growth and my ability to realize my shortcomings as a business woman and being able to work on them immediately upon realization. I got to where I am professionally by taking ALOT of risks and not being afraid to network, and ask for help. Many times the help we need to get to that next level is among in the people closest to us whether it be friends or family. It was not easy getting to where I am now, like every other human I am a creature of habit and a lot of what I have managed to learn and apply to get to where I am now involved the discarding and forming new habits. I am blessed to have people in my life who push me to do better both directly and indirectly. I’m surrounded by go getters and achievers, that is all I see, speak to and so despite challenges because of the type of people and energy that surrounds me it forces me to get up and push forward. As cliché as this may sound absolutely anything is possible, I am a girl from a tiny dot on the map who despite lack of resources in a third world country managed to build and grow something that has touched the lives and bodies of women right here at home and all over the world, and if I can do it anyone can.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Man!!!!! I love this question lol… where do I start, We would tour all my favourite spots right her in Jamaica!

Sunday – Brunch at my favourite restaurant Broken Plate the ambience the food and the drinks are absolutely divine!!! We would then head to Port Royal and take a small boat over to lime cay for a chill day on the beach.

Monday- Wednesday – We would head on down to a quaint and peaceful seaside community called Treasure beach to relax at a villa visit various food spots and attractions like Pelican’s bar out in the sea, Jack Sprat, Jakes and 77west.

Thursday- We would spend a day in Negril, jump off the cliff at Ricks Cafe and spend the remainder of the day eating, drinking and chilling on the beach at my absolute favourite spot in Skylark Negril and catch the sunset.

Friday -Saturday- We would visit the lush and scenic parish of Portland, go rafting on the blue lagoon, have lunch at Boston jerk, and stay at a beautiful Sea Cliff Resort and wake up to a beautiful sunrise!!.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I read this question so many people /books came to mind. There is no one person or thing but I will speak briefly on the most impactful ones.

1. My Parents – Both entrepreneurs, I’ve seen huge risks taken, failures, successes but the most valuable lesson learnt from them is perseverance. I’ve watched them both build comfortable & free lives for themselves and their children despite the challenges of entrepreneurship & living in a third world country.

2. Think & Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill – This book was life changing!!. It taught me that with the right mindset and a solid plan mixed with hard work, consistency and staying focused on the plan/goal, literally anything can be achieved.

3. What I call my mastermind group of friends :

Krystal Spencer – The mastermind/sister who keeps me spiritually grounded.

Peta-Gaye Melinette – The mastermind that brings peace and balance.

Samantha Sergeant – The mastermind that keeps me mentally grounded.

Rhea Gayle – The business bestie with whom I share and exchange tips, tricks & best practices on this entrepreneurship journey.

Renee Stewart – The smartest person I know/ business support system / goal accountability partner.

Dale Gayle & Madison Gayle – My life partner & the child who made me a mother / my biggest source of motivation in life and business.

Website: www.yourstrulyrochele.com

Instagram: www.instagram.com/yourstruly_rochele

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rochele-spencer-938aab194/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/YTRochele

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC014Xxd2D4ovLzmCv5lb7gQ

Image Credits
Adrian Smith

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