MARIE Imbault, founder of Montego Bay’s newest tourist attraction, A Mi Mek It Jamaica, was lauded at the official opening on Thursday for “turning her hand and making fashion”.

According to mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, the attraction — which allows guests to make their own souvenirs, engage in Jamaica’s cultural heritage, food, music, flora and fauna, while being immersed in an authentic Jamaica backyard setting — adds “a vibe” to the offerings of the western city.

“People come for the beaches, but what else can they do? A Mi Mek It provides the answer to that. Guests want to meet locals and get that sense of connection. This space is adding to our offerings,” added Vernon.

The mayor’s comments were echoed by Nadine Spence, vice-president of the Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association (JHTA) and the Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry, as well as Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) product quality manager for the western region Sandra Bellinfantie.

“You have set the stage to tell Jamaica that we are bringing back authentic Jamaica,” Spence said as she applauded the attraction for its focus on guests creating their own souvenirs instead of simply buying them from China for resale.

Marie Imbault (left), owner of A Mi Mek and Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association/Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry VP Nadine Spence are all smiles at the launch of the tourist attraction on Thursday.

“People want an experience. They want to leave Jamaica with a story. It’s not just about the sun, sea and sand. They will get authentic Jamaica [here],” added Spence.

As an advocate for women in business, Spence also praised Imbault for pushing through the hurdles to set up the attraction.

“It’s not easy as a woman entrepreneur…. but once you believe in your idea there is nothing to stop you,” said Spence.

For Bellinfantie, A Mi Mek It has found a niche market and tapped the essence and richness of Jamaican life.

“I am always happy when a small attraction is established and can showcase Jamaican products, life, people and cultural heritage. In doing so, A Mi Mek It has impacted communities by providing employment directly and indirectly. It’s an inspiration to small players,” said Bellinfantie.

According to Bellinfantie, with the western end of the island still reeling from the devastation of Hurricane Melissa last October, and some larger properties still closed for renovation, A Mi Mek It is a welcomed addition to the space.

Imbault has been living in Jamaica for the last 15 years. The tour guide and lover of everything Jamaican, said: “I wanted to offer visitors a different kind of experience, one that allows people to connect with the culture, language and give them that connection that brought me to Jamaica.”

Imbault pointed out that among other things, visitors learn about some of the herbs, trees and fruits of Jamaica; make authentic jerk chicken, tie-dye items; pet animals, watch birds or just lounge in the backyard.

From left: Mayor of Montego Bay Richard Vernon, Jamaica Hotel and Tourist Association/Montego Bay Chamber of Commerce and Industry Vice-President Nadine Spence, and Tourism Product Development Company (TPDCo) product quality manager for the western region Sandra Bellinfantie are enthralled by a dress from the gift shop at A Mi Mek It, during the launch of the new attraction.