By L.A. Nicholson
“I thank God for the opportunity of a lifetime He gave me during the COVID-19 pandemic, one I never imagined would come my way but just evolved through a chain of events. Things fell into place so neatly that it was only upon reflection much later that I came to realise how God was at work in advance, orchestrating every move,” says Jordana Spencer, who was a 23-year-old final year student at UWI, Mona, when COVID struck.
Spencer manufactures candles made with all natural products, including soy wax.
She was able to recognise an opportunity in the midst of adversity and used it as a stepping stone to her venture into the world of business.
JORDANA’S DREAM
Jordana explained that during COVID, she had an excessive amount of thinking and alone time, which sparked and developed her experimental side. She became engrossed with mixing and blending, failing and starting all over again, until one day it all came together. She finally gave birth to a candle business called J’s Calming Sensations, which, in the initial stage, only produced mosquito repellant.
“Hearing the many positive reviews about how well the repellant worked, especially around babies, made me even more motivated to continue developing my business,” Jordana stated. “I was even more motivated when I realised that the business was a part of God’s plan for my life, as shortly after starting, He began to open doors that were simply miraculous.
“A few months before the business was launched, I had formed connections with a printery, not knowing that they would be designing a logo and labels for my own business soon. I had also recently discovered a shipping company that ended up bringing in some of my raw materials. If I still had any further doubts, the LORD allowed my church to embark on an entrepreneur programme which played a very integral role in teaching me the business of business. I often dreamed about running my own business, but I could not see how it would become a reality. Using the many opportunities that God blessed me with, my dream was now a reality, and at age twenty-three, I officially became the owner of a fully-registered Jamaican business.”
WHAT DO YOU HAVE IN YOUR HANDS?
The young entrepreneur now began to identify additional ways she could expand what God had given her by developing other skill sets she had. She is urging new entrepreneurs to look at what they have in their hands and ask the Holy Spirit to help them turn their giftings, talents, skills, interests, into business ideas.
What did Jordana have in her hands?
She laughed, “My literal hands! I always had an interest in doing nails, so when I stumbled on an opportunity to become certified in nail technology, I grabbed it with both hands. Once I had completed the course, it became part of J’s Calming Sensations.
“Then I started to look at other businesses with which I was affiliated in one way or another. Forming linkages is of paramount importance in business,” she advises. “The more I learned about the printery with which I was connected, the more I kept thinking about the verse in Ecclesiastes 11 that speaks to seven streams of income. Realising that I could go into branding, I did my research, and pretty soon, I was buying supplies for re-sale under J’s Calming Sensations. The business was expanding, and God was making it happen so seamlessly.”
BALANCING PART-TIME AND FULL-TIME WORK
In her first three years of operation, the new proprietor not only learned to make over ten fragrances of hand-made candles, but she also offered nail technician services and personalised items to customers.
She acknowledged that although being a sole entrepreneur is the easiest and cheapest way to start a business, especially since it affords the owner greater control over the operations, it is not an easy task, especially when one also has a regular 9-to-5 job.
“I have to be disciplined to make the sacrifices required to keep the business going,” Jordana explained. “Being an assistant for a vice president at a large insurance company has helped me refine my planning skills and be very organised. When the day job is done, I go home to work late at night on my own business. Stepping out of the box, persistence, and most of all, prayer are the key ingredients that get me through each day.”
GIVING BACK
The sole proprietor has to be practical though for because the business is heavily dependent on the owner, one always has to be careful of burnout. Balancing the work vs leisure ratio is critical.
Once COVID-19 regulations were completely lifted, Jordana, who sings with the University Chorale of Jamaica (UCJ) found herself in a spot. The Chorale was her de-stressor, plus it afforded her the opportunity to give back, as the group’s main purpose is to do benefit concerts for the Jamaica Autism Support Association (JASA). She was at a crossroads, and with God being at the center of all she does, she sought Him on the matter. The answer was clear: pausing the nail technician aspect of the business would give her more time to be with the Chorale and to also personally give back to JASA, for which she also raises funds.
When this interview was conducted, Jordana was on a retreat with the Chorale. Freedom Come Rain thanks her for accommodating us and we pray continued “enlarging of her coast.” She summarised the calming escape with the UCJ thusly: “It was a time to just unwind, catch up on some well-needed rest, and offer thanks to God for all He’s done.”
And Jabez called on the God of Israel, saying, Oh that thou wouldest bless me indeed, and enlarge my coast, and that thine hand might be with me, and that thou wouldest keep me from evil, that it may not grieve me! And God granted him that which he requested. 1 Chronicles 4:10
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Contact Jordana at 876-323-4684, on Instagram at calmingsensationsbyj, or email at [email protected].
