Jasmin Deane conquers local market, hopes to expand overseas

Deane’s line of organic products were recently showcased in Martinique at a trade show called ‘Foire Expo’ and according to the self-made entrepreneur, “The trade show, it blew my mind and I sold all my products and I am really glad”.

Deane’s trip to Martinique was facilitated by Invest SVG (ISVG) and according to executive director (ED) Bernadette Ambrose-Black,{{more}} the OECS Competitive Business Unit (OECSCBU) was so impressed with her product line, the distributors assigned by the OECS CDU want to assist with facilitating the entry of Jazzy Organics into the European Market.

“We nominated her to showcase her products, promote her label and meet with potential distributors and investors. Invest SVG will continue to assist this local entrepreneur with enhancement of her label and sourcing and securing of viable local and export markets. This is a huge opportunity for her,” said Ambrose-Black.

The ED said that the recent trade promotion event to Martinique and Guadeloupe brought together private sector representatives from OECS Member States in the creative industries, manufacturing/agro-processing, community-based tourism, agri-business and professional services, with a view to advancing the OECS economic integration and trade agendas.

“This activity sought to expose the private sector to new modalities for doing business and for expanding trade, as well as deepening cooperation between the OECS and the French Caribbean Outermost Regions (FCORs) in key economic sectors,” explained Ambrose-Black.

Going back, the executive director said that in March/April 2014 the OECS/CBU led a business mission of 25 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), to the FCORs of Martinique and Guadeloupe, which played a key role in identifying opportunities for trade and investment facilitation.

“This mission, which was facilitated by a number of national and regional trade and business entities, helped addressed serious gaps in the relations between businesses from both regions. The role played by the OECS Competitive Business Unit, Caribbean Export, the Regional Councils of Martinique and Guadeloupe and the Martinique Chamber of Commerce helped to create a new mechanism to foster further efforts in regional trade, and business development,” noted Ambrose-Black, who stated that Invest SVG, along with the Ministry of Trade, were able to take four companies on that business mission in 2014 to explore the opportunities available for trade.

Deane’s recent visit to Martinique was part of the follow up actions recommended following the 2014 mission.

“The CBU developed a Draft Market Penetration Strategy which detailed the process of facilitating and expanding trade ties between the OECS and FCORs. The Foire Expo gave exhibitors the opportunity to identify new markets for their products, showcase products and create a direct link with producers and distributors in Martinique through direct business to business networking opportunities.

“Having developed a relationship with the OECS CBU, Invest SVG was contacted to nominate a possible candidate to attend the Expo. SMEs in the Health and Wellness Sector, more specifically producers of natural soaps, lotions, spa products, herbal products, coconut and other essential oils were of main interest. Invest SVG nominated Jasmine Dean, CEO of Jazzy Organics, to be part of this opportunity and she has done so well in making a name for herself in Martinique that she has been invited to a follow-up.”

Deane said that she is hoping that in the near future she is able to export her products overseas, not just regionally, but internationally.

“I got the opportunity to represent St Vincent and the Grenadines in Martinique and it went really well. It was a good experience for me. It was my first trade show out of SVG and I would get there at 8 a.m. and leave at 10 p.m. and the people were so responsive,” said Deane, who added that a number of persons have shown interest in her products.

Jazzy Organics is located in the DeNobriga’s Building upstairs Payless Store, next to CK Greaves Supermarket on Upper Bay Street. Her products include a wide range of organic soaps, made from all natural ingredients.