Californian-by-way-of-Clarendon, entrepreneur Lorna Johnson is unabashedly proud of her Jamaican roots. It’s why she’s back home, having inveigled PublicVine founder and CEO Nam Mokwunye to add The Rock to the 200 countries where his online social video marketplace has been launched. Conversational and cooly confident, the Jamerican is ready to talk as we place our orders for drinks from the bar.

Welcome home, Lorna. Is this strictly a working visit?

Yes, it is. However, I always take time to visit my brother, Daniel Ford, and family in Clarendon when I am here. That is personal. And I also spend time with my friends and the people of Jamaica. But, I think that is part of my work; bringing the real culture of Jamaica, the real spirit of Jamaica, to the world.

Were you previously involved in the social media or tech industries?

Not at all. I am trained as a nurse, nurse-midwife and a serial entrepreneur. I built clinics in the inner cities of Los Angeles. I invested in real estate. I invested in our youth in the United States and Jamaica. I am involved in supporting political candidates whom I believe make sense and care about human beings, and particularly those who believe in fairness for communities that I care about as well as the plight of our youths. As a top supporter of President Obama and as a recent appointee by him to the Advisory Committee of the Performing Arts at the Kennedy Center, I, too was excited about his visit to Jamaica and his love for our culture which was displayed by his desire to visit the Bob Marley Museum. This, I think, has only added to our Jamaican profile and we must seize this momentum. It is interesting to me that social media and technology are making some of the goals I have worked for, from a social and global economic perspective, possible to the people I care about. It has always been my dream to carry on my mother’s legacy and to do all I can to change the economic conditions of Jamaica. I sometimes question myself and ask: Who am I to think that I can change or impact the economic conditions of Jamaica? Today, I have no doubt in my mind that I can and I will. With the help and support of my friends around the globe who all love Jamaica… Yes, I will.

Who is your business idol and why?

My mother. She was a pioneer community leader and businesswoman and all that I am today I owe it all to her. She passed away last year but her spirit will always live on in me.

What is your preferred cocktail?

I don’t drink much, but socially I will have a red wine; a cabernet is always good.

What are your must-pack travel essentials?

I always over-pack. I pack all of my essentials and most of my non-essentials! I should learn to travel light. But, as they say, “Better to have it and not need it, than to need it and not have it!”

What perfume are you spraying?

I don’t know that I have a favourite brand since there are so many new fragrances that come out each year. I like soft and light fragrances like White Diamonds and Chloé.

The business-savvy woman never…

…lets them see her sweat. Always keep it positive!

What is your idea of the perfect date?

A perfect date for me is going to the beach with a fun person who loves to work out on the sand, then go to steam room and sauna, followed by a good massage and fine dining.

What is your idea of the perfect man?

Smart, good-looking, athletic, spiritual and fun-loving.

What’s the current playlist on your iPod or car stereo?

Reggae, African, Cuban and gospel music.

Where is your definitive chill spot when you want to escape it all?

It’s hard to say, since I very seldom have a chance to get away and chill. I enjoy travelling and I can appreciate different cultures and lifestyles. I do plan that in the next year I will slow down and smell the roses some… but for now I am on a mission. I must say though, I do enjoy working toward changing the lives of the underserved.

Which is a better asset in management: emotional intelligence or calculated risk-taking?

No doubt… calculated risk.

What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?

The sky is no limit…whatever you conceive you can achieve.

Where will Lorna be five years from now?

I will be living the life I’ve always dreamed of. I will be back in Jamaica on my beachfront property in Montego Bay (where I plan to build). I will enjoy a transformed Jamaica with my friends and will be very proud that I had a hand in its change.