Brimming with an almost sunshine-like personality, Lisa Binns brightens whatever company she happens to be sharing at the moment. Last Monday, it was the Jamaica Observer’s executive boardroom where she and her STUSH in the Bush co-principal hubby Christopher made the guest list of caterers, entrepreneurs and restaurateurs invited to a Victoria Mutual Wealth Management-sponsored, Brian Lumley-catered luncheon that gauged the temperature of the current culinary landscape. Post-lunch, she spoke about loving deep rural life in St Ann and the long-term plans to move the organic farm and product business to higher heights.

What are you sipping?

A glass of Golden Kaan Chenin Blanc.

You were a double winner at last year’s Observer Table Talk Food Awards, what are you most looking forward to at this year’s show?

There is a spectacular line-up of creative energies this year, and we are both humbled and excited to be a part of that. Last year was phenomenal, our best year yet. And this year… the stakes are definitely higher! Our STUSH in the Bush Passion Fruit Butter is a solid product, so we wait on the judges with bated breath!

What is new with you and your hubby Chris’s STUSH in the Bush business?

Our farm-to-table STUSH in the Bush dining experiences have had many great reviews. In addition to our organic produce and our products, our new ZionIItes farm tour and farm- to-table lunch has provided a quality moment to destress. Walking the farm and tasting as you go is pretty cool. Jelly coconuts to the head and wiping that dribble of sugar cane juice off your chin amidst the trees. Simple and good. And then there is the love affair with food that was only out of the ground moments before you arrived. Moonlight? A good place to start! First one, some things to iron out, as with all first things; next one, August 29, 2015.

As a Barbados-by-way-of-New York girl, how have you adjusted to life in the hills of St Ann?

I really pride myself on adaptability. Out of the two of us I would say I certainly transition easier than Christopher when it comes to Jamaica vs New York. Dialling down your life is a shedding of the many “things” that you think you can’t live without. My experience here has made me appreciate the connections to people, refine my connection to myself, my surroundings, and certainly develop a finer appreciation for where my food comes from. The gift of friendship from Cecile, Natalie, Jane, and Nicola, who are my sister supports. A girlfriend to chat with certainly eases settling in. My mother always said that if any of her children were to live in the Caribbean, it would be me. And honestly, I have grown here in ways that are very meaningful and rewarding. This child of the sun can move mountains!

What are the pluses and drawbacks of living a life in deep rural Jamaica?

The cool of the hills is a wonderful plus. Retreating from the city and driving out to where you see the stars clearly, beautiful. Being off the grid and living sustainably. Really, for me, there are no drawbacks. We come into Kingston, but country life is very sweet.

What perfume are you spraying?

There are times when I turn to natural scents like Tunisian jasmine and then there are moments for Unforgivable Woman by Sean John.

Who does your hair?

Beauty Statement in Ocho Rios does my hair colour and Tamara Martin does any loc repairs I might need. I am actually pretty funny about too many hands in my hair, so often I groom it myself.

What are your must-have travel items?

iPhone 6… I love it! I can read, listen to music, work if necessary. Raw cocoa butter lip balm, moisturising lotion, Origins Peace of Mind on-the-spot relief, and MAC blot powder.

Your skin positively glows. Clue us into your beauty regimen.

Johnson’s Baby shampoo is a great eye make-up remover and keeps sties and oil build-up away. An oldie but a goodie for my oily skin is St Ives Apricot Scrub. I love Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Cream and their eye de-puffer. I am a MAC and Bobbi Brown girl, always have loved their colour palettes on women of colour, with a Lancôme mascara. And of course, never discount drinking lots of water and eating organic as much as possible!

What is your current playlist on your iPod or car stereo?

My listening pleasure is all over the place! From Nina Simone and Miles Davis to Melanie Fiona, Usher, and Beyoncé. Neo Soul — Maxwell, Jill Scott, Erykah Badu. Old school — Alexander O’Neal and Jodi Watley. Incomparably, Bob Marley.

What’s the most surprising thing someone would discover about you?

I love home improvement! I love painting, knocking in some nails, hunting for antiques, making things beautiful.

What is your idea of the perfect date?

I confess that I am a romantic at heart. Give me a thoughtfully prepared meal, next to a fire and water, candles, moonlight, good conversation and it’s gone clear!

What’s the best advice you have ever received?

Pivotal for me… I was listening to the radio one morning and Ron Muschette said you can go to work today and make someone else’s dreams come true or you can work to make your dreams come true. Right moment, right time. It was the epiphany I needed to move forward with STUSH.

Where will Lisa be five years from now?

I hope to still be doing what I love, expanding on our dreams, our future. Continuing to build, grow, and share what we do with our children, family, friends, and visitors. Really taking STUSH in the Bush to the heights that we envision… quality, small batch, gourmet products; farm to table experiences filled with food from our farm, from our soul; accommodations for volunteers and guests, and targeted community development through our Young Women’s Project. The coolest thing for me, this is what has been happening step by step, bit by bit. All of it can only get better.