Jude Bernard

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

Jude Bernard (JB): I don’t really like talking about myself, but I think my close friends and family would describe me as loyal, driven, outgoing, and I think my mum would say I’m singular!

SO: You are from a family of entrepreneurs. How, if any, has that influenced your own entrepreneurial journey?

JB: I’ve grown up in a family where I’ve seen my grandparents and parents working in their own businesses. My grandfather was a great entrepreneur and I very much feel his influence in my life. In fact, I’m told I’m a lot like him. My parents run their own businesses and have also influenced me and encouraged me to follow my own path. Since I have always seen how rewarding it can be to build something yourself and give back to my country, working for someone else was never an option for me.

SO: What steps have you taken or plan to take to make a success of your business?

JB: Since returning home one of the biggest lessons I’ve learnt is that business is built on good relationships! I have, as such, spent a good amount of time meeting people, introducing my product, and strengthening relationships. My main focus for Viking is to explore new products, expand product range and grow customer base.

SO: Were you able to sit with five industry titans dead or alive who would they be and why?

JB: If there was one person I would speak to today about my business it would be my grandfather, Peter Rousseau. He died a few years ago. I would love him to see me today and ask his advice. Other than him I think it would be great to get advice from the late business titan, Gordon “Butch” Stewart, and I really admire Diane Hendricks who built ABC Supply in the USA. I find her story really inspiring.

SO: You have lived and studied abroad and indeed travelled extensively; why have you chosen to live and work in Jamaica?

JB: I’m a yaad man! I love the Caribbean and I love my home. I’m a Jamaican at heart and I thrive best in my home country. I feel there is a lot of opportunity here. It’s just to find and capture it.

SO: What’s your message to young people like yourself who are hesitant about returning to Jamaica?

JB: Everyone has their own journey…You have to trust your instincts about what’s right for you and be ready when opportunity comes knocking. Coming home to Jamaica was the right path for me.

SO: What do you like about Kingston?

JB: I love the balance of social and work life. Kingston is a bustling hub of energy and vibes. It’s both the cultural and business capital of Jamaica, so, it’s an exciting and vibrant city in which to live and work.

SO: What needs fixing in Kingston?

JB: Developers need to be more thoughtful and deliberate in how they develop and the impact it has on city life for everyone. I think traffic in Kingston is becoming a major issue so I’d love to see more reliable public transportation, and more public green shared spaces.

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

JB: Maiden Cay for a beach day, Di Lot for a night out, Lorna’s for great Jamaican cook lunch, and Clubhouse Brewery at Constant Spring Golf Club for a craft beer.

SO: On another note, share with us a few of your home comforts

JB: Any of my mum’s or aunt’s cooking, my bed and my room.

SO: Driving from Kingston to Montego Bay what are you listening to?

JB: Strictly dancehall.

SO: Which cologne are you currently splashing?

JB: Chanel Bleu de Chanel, or Cartier Pasha

SO: Football or pickle ball?

JB: Football.

SO: What’s your 2026 wish for Jamaica?

JB: A swift recovery for the families and areas that have been severely impacted by Hurricane Melissa.

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

JB: Opportunities don’t just happen, you have to create them. Work hard in silence, let success be your noise.

Maiden Cay .

Stormy Valley made with Appleton Estate SignatureJoseph Wellington

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Pasha de Cartier Parfum by Cartier is a part of Bernard’s scent rotation..