Style Observer (SO): How would you describe yourself?

KAQC: I am a woman defined by my faith and fuelled by my family. I walk through life with transparency and authenticity, believing that my greatest strength lies in being exactly who God created me to be. While my heart is rooted in love and kindness, my spirit is forged in resilience and determination. I don’t just weather the storms, I grow through them coming out refined and stronger.

SO: How did you get into your chosen field?

KAQC: It was the result of a summer job advertisement. This summer job became a lifelong love affair where I have fallen in love with the tourism & hospitality sector.

SO: How challenging or easy was it?

KAQC: It was challenging but it was a well-needed move from Kingston. As an orphan I had to fend for myself and this was financially difficult. I was also an introvert with absolutely no experience in entertainment so imagine my first job as an entertainment coordinator. This was more than a job. It was a platform that shaped me. I was thrown into a sink-or-swim, a do-or-die life-changing experience. And today, I am still swimming!

SO: Why did you choose this field?

KAQC: The truth is I needed employment and the fact that accommodations, meals, etc were all included made it that more important for me as a 19-year-old. However, I have realised that while the destinations are great, it is the human connection that truly sustains me. Tourism is a craft I have spent a lifetime perfecting.

SO: How can Jamaica play a more dominant role in the travel and tourism market?

KAQC: Market diversification. While the US and Canada remain the primary segments. Jamaica must continue to aggressively pursue new source markets to reduce vulnerability to regional economic shifts. Investments in our infrastructure so that we position ourselves for exponential growth. Airport expansions to bolster airlifts. Highways to create seamless connections and commute for our residents and visitors.

SO: What transformations in the tourism industry are you most proud of and how have they impacted Jamaica?

KAQC: Perhaps the proudest transformation is Jamaica’s resilience framework as it relates to the Hurricane Melissa response. While it’s worthy to mention that many are in great need, the sector itself was swift in responsiveness and restoration. Secondly, immersive cultural experiences and digital transformation.

SO: What project are you currently working on?

KAQC: I am in preparation mode for reopening hotels but on a personal note I’ve started shadowing podcasts and reading more. Definitely humbling to realise how much I don’t know, but I love that feeling of a mental stretch at the end of my busy day.

SO: Now on a lighter note, what’s your beauty routine?

KAQC: Each day I use my cleanser and serum while gently massaging my face, followed by SPF 15. A girl must protect and glow!

SO: Lipstick or mascara?

KAQC: Definitely
lipstick! I love MAC- variation in shades and the matte finish.

Fenty – bold colours… When you want to make that statement!

SO: What’s your summer scent?

KAQC: Gucci Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense

SO: An evening in or out?

KAQC: An evening in…
Netflix and chill with family and some good food is my perfect pastime. However, I enjoy a little date night with hubby or special moments with friends. Laughter is soothing to my soul.

SO: What are you drinking?

KAQC: Appleton 8 Year Old Spicy Daiquiri

SO: Sushi or risotto?

KAQC: Sushi with a whole lot of wasabi paired with sake!

SO: Train or plane?

KAQC: Definitely plane

SO: Europe or Asia?

KAQC: Asia

SO: Your top five hotel brands are?

KAQC: Ritz Carlton, … The ladies and gentlemen culture.

Royalton…The epitome of luxury: All-Inclusive all in luxury, modern and best family friendly brand

The Venetian … Love Vegas and their massive suites

St Regis… Completely pampered… Queen bee vibe

Geejam… This my escape. I love Portland! Geejam does not feel like a hotel and it takes my mind away from the life as a tourism executive. And the food!!!

SO: What if anything is firmly in the rear-view mirror?

KAQC: Offence! I apply grace. At 51, I have matured and released that which I cannot control!

SO: What’s on your current playlist?

KAQC: Chronixx’s
Smile Jamaica

SO: Share with us the name of the last book you read.

KAQC:
Overcoming When You Feel Overwhelmed by Jentezen Franklyn

SO: What was your last retail splurge?

KAQC: Obsessed with Gucci/Chanel/Tom Ford fragrances and eye-wear.

SO: What would Kerry-Ann say to her younger self?

KAQC: Your doubt is just your ambition disguised as fear. I would tell her to stop asking — What if I fail? — and start asking What if I am exactly who they need?

SO: Finally, what’s your personal credo?

KAQC: Guided by grace, anchored in strength. I believe true strength is not just about being tough, it is more about being firm. It is having the confidence to stand by your values and not being easily moved by the opinions of others, or the chaos. So, finding that beautiful balance while being kind to myself… loving that little girl that exists inside of me.

Half Moon bartender Darren Allen presents Appleton 8-Year-Old Spicy Daiquiri.Aceion Cunningham

Quallo Casserly, like many lipstick lovers, knows you can count on M.A.C. for a great matte in bold shades..

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Overcoming When You Feel Overwhelmed by Jentezen Franklyn is Quallo Casserly’s last book read. .

During the summer, Quallo Casserly prefers the more powerful, bolder concentration of the Gucci Flora Eau de Parfum — Flora Gorgeous Gardenia Intense.

Appleton 8-Year-Old Spicy Daiquiri 1.5 oz Appleton 8 1 oz pineapple shrub 20 ml lime juice 1 drop of Scotch bonnet pepper sauce Garnish with dehydrated lime sliceAceion Cunningham