More than 50 J Wray & Nephew (JWN) Foundation scholarship recipients benefited from a recent workshop on effective communication, wardrobe essentials, and business etiquette designed to prepare them for the transition from high school to university and from university to the workplace.

The one-day workshop delved into the requirements they would need not just for the world of work, but also for adequate self-care on their life’s journey. They benefited, too, from a presentation by corporate and image consultant Althea Laing who stressed the value of first impressions.

“Image is everything… a first impression always lasts. You must present yourself as a professional, punctual and confident. Every day that you get up, look in the mirror and remind yourself how great you are. Respect yourself, speak clearly, and use courteous language. As best as possible treat your co-workers with respect and courtesy. Be aware of who you are and remind yourself that you are all that and more,” Laing shared during her hour-long presentation.

Laing, with her undeniably strong ethnic features, first caught the eye of the Jamaican public in 1985 when she challenged stereotypes by winning the Miss Jamaica Fashion Model title organised by Pulse. At the time she was considered by many as being too old and having a slim chance of making it in the then-limited local modelling landscape, with an even slimmer opportunity in the fashion capitals of the world.

Laing, however, proved the doubters wrong and enjoyed a career in the fashion industry that landed her on the cover of Essence magazine and transformed her into the Caribbean’s first supermodel.

After the high of her Essence covers, Laing returned to the classroom, spending well over a decade teaching English language and literature.

At the JWN Foundation workshop she encouraged the recipients to believe in themselves.

“Start celebrating yourself. No one on this Earth is like you. Learn to network, once you are in the corporate space,” she told them. “You must endeavour to take away something that is important. Everything that you do in this life sends a message. Take away a good impression of you. Remember, respect is not bought, respect is earned.”

JWN Foundation General Manager Garfene Grandison said, through the workshop, the company “wanted to leave a lasting impact” on the scholarship recipients, “even more so than usual this year, and we thought a workshop of this nature with Althea Laing and her credentials would go a long way in resonating with these young students”.

Grandison said the participants also had the opportunity to get professional head shots taken by LH Multimedia which they can use for future interviews and to develop their online professional presence.

“We decided to have a fulsome day for the recipients that culminated with an awards presentation. This is the first time we are undertaking a workshop with these themes. We recently hosted interviews as part of the scholarship selection process, and based on those panels we realised that our students needed some development sessions that would prepare them for the world. Students that are a part of the programme are mainly from underserved and rural communities, and we wanted to show them how to do more and be more, highlighting communications skills, business etiquette, and wardrobe essentials,” Grandison said.

Shanique Ellington, owner of Le Champ Cosmetics, ably assisted by several make-up artists, transformed many of the recipients for their glam shots. Ellington also encouraged the participants to be versatile in their business and entrepreneurship pursuits.

“It is important to have versatility in business. Even if you want to become an entrepreneur, try and expose yourself in the corporate world; network, and when you are ready, take that step into entrepreneurship,” Ellington said.

Ruth-Ann Alexander of Maggoty in St Elizabeth had her make-up done for the first time. The Bishop Gibson High School and St Elizabeth Technical High School alumna said it was a great experience.

“My favourite part was the primer. I always wanted to understand the role that it plays in the make-up process. I feel really good and I am happy with the look,” Alexander said.

Tisayra Jones, a second-year nursing student at Northern Caribbean University, said she really appreciated the investment by JWN Foundation in their development.

“The sessions were very informative, and I learnt a lot in terms of effective communication and proper decorum. I am very satisfied, and I appreciate all of it,” Jones said.

Master blender scholar Lauren Walfall gets her makeup done in preparation for her professional head shot.

JWN Foundation scholarship recipients during a workshop hosted at the JWN Corporate Office on Dominica Drive.