It’s Thursday afternoon we’re at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel participating in The Business of Sport conference — a product of Carole Beckford & Associates— and sharing cocktails post-fashion show — with one of Jamaica’s finest milliners, Marcellas James. Owner of Cinderella Hats & Bridal House Company Limited, the busy entrepreneur has outfitted Jamaica’s most stylish men and women who seek her one-of-a-kind headwear, international celebrities — Ne-Yo, Tyra Banks to name a few. The proud, hardworking business owner tells us of her drive to be the best.

What are you sipping?

I am sipping white rum with two splashes of Angostura bitters.

What kind of day are you having?

My usual hectic, ‘million things to complete all at once’ day, that I try to balance and make it happen. At the same time give back value to the people who have brought us here, and at the end of the day be satisfied with the accomplishments.

Jeans or LBD?

LBD

Flats or Stilettos?

Stilettos

Who does your hair?

I do my hair most of the time and I wear hats. If I get it done, it’s Neahlis.

Who does your nails?

My niece: she’s a professional nail technician.

What perfume are you splashing?

I’m splashing Chanel No 5

What are your travel essentials?

My hat. I never go anywhere without a hat and my cellular phone.

How would you describe your personal style?

It is classic elegance, very simple, clean elegance.

Are you a romantic comedy or action adventure type of gal?

I am both the romantic comedy and the action adventure type.

What bad habit would you most like to put in your rear-view mirow?

Probably, not to take on too much work.

Who inspires you?

My mother, she really inspires me.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

Someone who is confident in who they are, knows their purpose in life, has the capacity to love, and a man who has good family values.

Where do you see yourself five years from now?

Very happy and content with who I am and what I’ve done.

What book is on your bedside table?

I finally read The Audacity of Hope by Barack Obama.

Where’s the place you head to when you need to escape it all?

I head home.

What’s your life philosophy?

Live, love and laugh.