Herboo, Liqy Liqy and Start-Up Robot are the ones to watch
FOUNDERS of Herboo Corporation Javin Williams and Kamla Williams have been chosen as the 2015 Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making top awardees by a panel of seven experienced judges from both entrepreneurial and corporate backgrounds.
The brother-and-sister company on Monday walked away with the Mogul in the Making trophy, along with a copy of QuickBooks accounting software, a roadside assistance kit, and an entry into the Scotiabank Vision Achiever Programme, where they will benefit from 17 weeks of business coaching.
Other prizes included a complimentary advertising package, on Flow valued at $200,000, a custom Johnnie Walker platinum package, and a cheque valued at $100,000.
A student at Northern Caribbean University, Javin Williams started the production of the organic shampoo Herboo from a scalp condition he suffered a few years ago. Last year, the duo along with fellow team members, Kemesha Maxwell and Alshadane Wright, entered the National Business Model Competition and were awarded $2 million and a space in the International Business Model Competition in Salt Lake City, Utah.
Herboo placed eighth against 42 international teams and won US$6,000 for Best International Team award.
“We are excited about winning this award and for the exposure that the Jamaica Observer has given us through this Mogul in the Making competition,” Kamla Williams told the audience at the third staging of the Mogul in the Making event, held at the Jamaica Pegasus hotel on Monday.
The Jamaica Observer Mogul in the Making is aimed at promoting and revealing to the world the ideas of young Jamaicans who successfully embody the spirit of entrepreneurism, while making a positive impact on the economy.
“It’s always exciting to see young entrepreneurs trying to create growth in Jamaica and the Jamaica Observer is always willing to showcase that positive energy and to assist in whatever way possible,” managing director of the Jamaica Observer Danville Walker stated.
Sasha Palmer, founder of popsicle company Liqy Liqy, won the Business Journalists’ award; while Winston Wilkins, founder of business compliance company Start-Up Robot, copped the People’s Choice award.
All 12 nominees received complimentary advertising packages in the Jamaica Observer, specially discounted Mogul in the Making advertising packages for 2016, 50 per cent discount on six-month subscriptions, and complimentary access to the Jamaica Observer e-paper for six months.
Other nominees included the entrepreneurs behind Heal in Motion, Pandosoft, Ollunid, Sweetie Confectionery, Umium, CraziiSocks, Trendy Treat, Asherlee Naturals, and Glam Pieces by Cedella. All nine have received complimentary registration for two Branson Centre capacity-building workshops.
