Zoe Chin Loy

Entrepreneur, Author & Global Jamaican Diaspora Youth Council for the Southern USA.

Style Observer (SO): How would you describe yourself, in a few words?

Zoe Chin Loy (ZCL): A proud Jamaican, mother, entrepreneur, creative and connector, ambitious, driven, funny, and loving.

Zoe Chin Loy Entrepreneur, Author & Global Jamaican Diaspora Youth Council for the Southern USA. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

SO: It might be argued that members of the diaspora are more eager to celebrate their Jamaican heritage than Jamaicans on The Rock. What are your thoughts?

ZCL: I think there’s some truth to that, but I also think it’s about proximity. When you live in Jamaica, your culture is simply your everyday life; you don’t necessarily have to consciously celebrate it because you’re immersed in it. In the diaspora, you can feel that distance more, so you become intentional about holding onto the food, music, language, traditions and everything that remind you of home. Sometimes, being away makes you realise just how much Jamaica means to you.

SO: As a Jamaican based in Miami, how do you straddle both cultures?

ZCL: Honestly, Miami makes it easy because there’s such a strong Caribbean presence here. I’ve built a life in Miami, but Jamaica is still at the core of who I am, and too, a lot of other Miami residents. Although I wish I had been raised in Jamaica, I am extremely blessed to live here as I get to embrace the opportunities and diversity of Miami while still carrying Jamaica with me everywhere I go. Broward, the county on top of Miami, has the most Jamaicans in the United States. We call it the 15th parish! Although we’re not home it still feels very “homey” here.

J Is for Jamaica, authored by Zoe, celebrates Jamaican culture and heritage while instilling young readers with a strong sense of identity and cultural awareness.

SO: What steps have you taken as the diaspora representative in Miami to improve ties with Jamaica?

ZCL: One of my biggest focuses has been creating connections not just between Jamaicans in Miami, but between the diaspora and Jamaica itself.

The global Jamaican youth diaspora team and I are currently in the planning phase for our youth conference, scheduled for the second half of 2027.

Participants can look forward to dynamic sessions, meaningful discussions, and opportunities to connect, collaborate, and contribute to Jamaica’s development.

I also wrote a children’s book, J Is for Jamaica, which celebrates Jamaica’s rich culture and heritage. The book is designed to educate children about their roots, instil a sense of pride, and help them grow up with a strong sense of identity and cultural awareness.

SO: What would you say are a few pressing issues for those in the diaspora?

ZCL: I think one of the biggest issues is connection: How do we keep younger generations connected to Jamaica when they may not have been born there or spent much time there?

Another is representation, making sure the diaspora has a meaningful voice in conversations that affect Jamaica. And then there’s the issue of moving beyond a transactional relationship. The diaspora has so much to offer in terms of skills, investment, mentorship and global networks, and I think we need stronger systems that make it easier for people to contribute in meaningful ways.

SO: You wear and indeed have worn many hats and can be described as a serial entrepreneur. Which business or businesses consume the most of your time?

ZCL: At any given time, it depends on what I’m building, but my events and marketing ventures definitely consume a lot of my time because they’re very hands-on. I’m also heavily involved in connecting brands, people and culture. On top of that, being a content creator is a business in itself. People sometimes see the finished post, but there’s a lot happening behind the scenes — strategy, partnerships, negotiations and execution.

SO: What’s the one thing you miss about Jamaica when you’re away?

ZCL: The feeling of home. There’s an energy in Jamaica that I can’t fully explain — the people, the humour, the food, the music, even the way we communicate. Jamaica has a spirit that just feels different. No matter how long I’m away, there’s a part of me that always misses that. When I’m in Jamaica, I feel whole and when I’m in Miami my soul aches to be back home.

SO: Where would you take a first-time visitor to Jamaica?

ZCL: Kingston! There’s so much culture and history there, so much to do, so much to see! I don’t feel like a trip is complete without going through Kingston! I was actually in Jamaica for three weeks and I didn’t get a chance to go to Kingston and I’m going back next week just to go to Kingston because I feel like my trip was incomplete!

SO: If you were able to fix one thing about Jamaica, what would it be?

ZCL: I would create more opportunities and stronger systems that allow talented young Jamaicans to thrive at home. Jamaica has no shortage of talent, creativity or ambition. I’d love to see more opportunities for entrepreneurship, mentorship and economic mobility so that success doesn’t always feel like something you have to leave the island to achieve.

SO: Which song is currently playing in your head?

ZCL: Projexx & Tosh Alexander Hol di Faith. It’s a song I play daily. It keeps me calm and grounded. A close second will always be Valiant Passenger Princess.

Tosh Alexander & Projexx’s Hold Di Faith is in heavy rotation on Zoe Chin Loy’s playlist

Another favourite of Zoe Chin Loy is Passenger Princess by Valiant

SO: How would you describe your fashion style?

ZCL: I’d say feminine with a little edge. I love looking polished and put together, but I also like personality in my fashion. Some days I’m very soft and glam, other days I want to make a statement. I don’t think I fit into just one box but my preference will always be Miami chíc!

SO: If you were able to invite five Jamaicans to a town hall meeting in Miami, who would they be and which topics would you have them speak on?

ZCL: I’d want a mix of voices and industries:

• Craig Phang Sang — owner of Di Lot in Kingston. Moving back home from Miami to Jamaica and starting a business in Jamaica and thriving.

• Busy Signal — staying relevant and dominating the music industry for over 20 years.

• Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce — empowering young people, women and the importance of giving back.

• Olivia “Babsy” Grange — what was her reason for starting in politics and how she got to where she is.

• Herman Chin Loy — because not only is he my father, but he is and will always be a legend in the music industry of Jamaica. How he started working at 16 and never worked for anyone again and built such an empire. I’d also love if my mum was sitting next to him in the interview as she was his backbone.

The overall conversation would be: How do we preserve our identity while creating real opportunities and stronger connections between Jamaica and its diaspora?

Zoe Chin Loy’s desierd five guests to a Miami town hall meeting include (from left) Di Lot principal Craig Phang Sang, dancehall artiste Busy Signal, Olympian Shelly-Ann Fraser-Pryce, Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport Olivia Grange, and her father, music producer Herman Chin Loy.

SO: What’s your preferred Appleton cocktail?

ZCL: I’m a simple girl — Appleton and coconut water! Stay hydrated and feel nice! Today, however, I’m enjoying an Appleton Estate Jamaican Daiquiri.

Appleton Estate Jamaican Daiquiri Ingredients: 20z Appleton Estate Signature Rum 1oz simple syrup 1oz lime juice Ice cubes Method: Chill coupe. Add rum, fresh lime juice and simple syrup to a cocktail shaker filled with ice. Shake vigorously. Double strain the liquid into chilled coupe glass. (Photo: Naphtali Junior)

SO: Finally, what’s your personal philosophy?

ZCL: My personal philosophy is: Be the bridge, not the barrier. I believe that the things I’ve experienced, the relationships I’ve built and the platforms I have access to should create opportunities for more than just me. I’m big on connection, community and opening doors. Life is about building something meaningful, enjoying it along the way and making sure you leave room for other people to rise with you.