Leighton Henry, a young Jamaican businessman, has put his faith into action and added spice to dining tables nationwide with an exciting gourmet seasoning brand, Jamaican Yaad Style.

Henry, a University of West Indies graduate, told Saturday Life that, despite doubts about the viability of the business venture, he decided to gamble on his vision.

"I dreamt about it. It weighed on me. I was having serious doubts as to whether it would work," said the 34-year-old, who majored in international relations and minored in management.

But Henry, who grew up under rough circumstances with his parents, Lorna and the Rev Roy Henry, said he had always known this faith would activate the unseen if he could starve his doubts to death.

self-motivated

The entrepreneur, who tells of a long-time passion for Jamaican seasoning, wanted to build on that knowledge while cooking with friends in his community.

In 2006, the self-motivated biz whiz began his search for information at the Scientific Research Council of Jamaica.

"I got the formula and just looked. It was a lot of information. I wanted to start a factory but I was looking at getting a loan of $300,000. It was nowhere to be found," Henry told Saturday Life.

Henry faced down the daunting business prospects and registered his food company, Yaad Style, in January 2007. The father of one then embarked on the venture with sparse finances.

"I had no money. But, most importantly, an idea," he said.

Henry, who moved from Kingston to Montego Bay on work duties that same year, said his epiphany occurred at his lowest moment, feeling forlorn and out of luck.

"I can say that God pushed me and said, 'Go, blend the seasoning. You need to start this thing.' The nudge was so spiritual, it started everything," he said.

"I called my dad and borrowed $1,500 from him. I used the money to put gas in my car and went to town to buy a few seasoning," said the Wolmer's Boys and Glenmuir High graduate.

Faith does not demand details, and Henry said he had to learn that very quickly. Like a man on a mission, he joined the Jamaica Business Development Corporation Wellness Cluster last year and received technical assistance on how to market products, pricing and maintain its quality.

Though sales have not been robust since he fully launched operations in February, he's not fazed by the global economic crisis.

Marketing

"Recession, as far as I am concerned, is an opportunity to harness whatever business plan you have.

"Based on that, I have realised that as Jamaicans we are making the mistake not to produce, because, after a period of time, when the economy changes, you will see the prosperity in what you have produced," he said.

Henry said he will be using social-networking websites such as Facebook, Twitter and MySpace to market his company, which currently has a net worth of $1.5 million-$2 million.

Not only has Henry turned a dream into reality, but he has been able to provide employment for students at the Ebony Park HEART Academy in Clarendon, where his factory is located.

"I want to build an empire that can be passed down to my son and other children. I am very proud right now.

"... To God be the glory because it was His influence," he added.

roxroy.mclean@gleanerjm.com