What are your earliest memories of Kingston?

My first time at J’Ouvert in 2010. It was such an experience! I had never partied like that before and I’ll never forget it.

What’s the most memorable meal that you have enjoyed in Kingston?

Jerk Chicken! It’s a post-nightclub ritual with the crew to prevent the inevitable hangover — Appleton Estate Rum is no joke!

What would be your recommendations to a first-time visitor to Kingston?

Stay local, eat new things and experience the culture — there’s so much history here. I’ve also heard of a new spot — Drinks On The Rock — it’s a hot spot too (laughs).

What’s your beverage of choice?

Whenever I travel I try to indulge in the culture as much as possible. While I’m in Jamaica, even though I’m a big tequila drinker; my go-to would have to be local beer or Appleton Estate Rum. However, when I’m at Drinks On The Rock, I’m at the full mercy of our mixologist Wynton Hudson; he’s got amazing skill and always serves up something really tasty.

Share the title of the last book you read.

How To Win Friends & Influence People by Dale Carnegie. It’s a book I keep myself coming back to at least once a year since I’ve started my career in nightlife. The book goes over self-improvement, salesmanship, corporate training, public speaking, and interpersonal skills. It’s been a centrepiece of my development as a night club operator since Day One.

What was the last bit of music you listened to that you enjoyed?

Music is everything I find myself plugged into almost 80% of the day. In NYC we get a wide variety of formats between each club, so I would have to say it just depends on my mood, however, lately I’ve been a big hip-hop fan.

What cologne are you splashing?

At the moment Bleu de Chanel, but Curve is a classic favourite of mine.

Share some places in your travel black book.

Dominican Republic & Armenia are my most recent stops; my two closest friends are natives and were great tour guides. I really enjoy travelling to places where I can stay in the cities outside of resorts to really get a feel for the culture.

How and where did you get your first break into the nightlife scene?

I initially broke into the NYC scene as a model. After attending an event hosted by my agency, I immediately fell in love with the hustle and bustle of the nightlife operation and industry.

What potential do you see in Jamaica’s current nightlife landscape?

Endless potential. While I’ve enjoyed my time exploring Jamaican nightlife, I can see where certain things differ compared to my operational procedure, and I think you will enjoy what my team and myself bring to the table this summer!

Outside the world of nightclubs, do you have any interest in mounting party series, music festivals or even Carnival-related fetes?

As a patron, I love attending and seeing a large production team put together an amazing party for thousands of people at a time. As an operator, — excluding this year — the last two years I’ve worked with Insomniac to produce Electric Daisy Carnival (EDC) in NYC. While I loved being a part of such an amazing team, multiple stages and VIP platforms, seeing about 40,000 people a day is a bit overwhelming and a bit impersonal for me. I like to be able to interact with people while working. Big events make that a bit difficult at times.

What is it about the allure of nightclub/party culture that elicits the dreaded ‘fear of missing out’ (FOMO) syndrome?

Bragging rights and status. The social media universe is a big place these days and everyone wants to be a part of something ‘trending’.

In an environment where a new club opens as another one shutters, what steps can a venue/space take in securing a stable foothold within such a vicious cycle?

Keep it fresh; don’t get stale or lazy. Mixing things up and keeping people constantly entertained can keep doors open forever. I learned that the hard way with my first job as a floor manager at Tenjune in NYC. It only gets harder when a venue gets older, but if you’re willing to work at it and adapt, anything is possible. Keeping staff positively motivated does wonders as well. I’ve always had a great team behind me that I could trust to get things done.

What do you consider your best and worst traits?

I’m a very motivating and energetic person. I love helping people to reach their full potential — after all you’ve got to give to get. I’m a strong believer in karma. Being so energetic, my excitement can get the best of me sometimes. My worst is I can get very intense, which can, understandably, be overwhelming for others.

What was your last major splurge?

I’m a big tech person, so any chance I get to have the newest and latest I’m all over it. I just purchased the Sony Xperia Z1, the latest device to hit the market with a 20.7 mega pixel camera, and as it’s completely waterproof I’m ready for any adventure Jamaica has in store for me.

What is your philosophy?

As I said before, I’m a huge believer in karma. Some of the greatest personalities in New York nightlife took their time to help me get where I am today, and though I’m not done growing myself I’m determined to do the same for anyone willing to put the work in.