I’ve always enjoyed making things and being creative. I was always the one to paint the house or fence for Labour Day, or design dresses and swimwear for myself and a few friends in high school. ...
identify that it’s a black woman. And, especially the stance of the woman, it’s symbolic of one who is proud; a proud, black woman who holds her head up high.”
The former Miss Jamaica World contestant, who described her childhood as “pretty amazing”, is the ‘wash belly’ of six children. She revealed that they were all engaged in sporting activities as children, but her parents ensured that these hobbies functioned as a balancing act to their academics.
At Hydel Preparatory School, Beckford graduated as the head girl, valedictorian, track team captain and netball captain. This,, she said, played a major part in her drive to not only become actively involved, but to be a top performer in all her endeavours as well. While there, she was also introduced to volunteerism.
NOT ALL TRACKS
During her tenure in high school, she continued competing in track events and netball, but took track more seriously because of her parents’ persistence. It proved to be the best option for a worthwhile scholarship at university. With the assistance of her track coach, Mr Prince, she transitioned seamlessly to University of Maryland, with a full track scholarship and assistance into their honours programme.
“I pursued a degree in dietetics and nutritional sciences while competing as a division one athlete.”
Her department – human ecology – also included fashion merchandising as a field of focus. It was there that she began her entrepreneurial pursuits. She started a short-lived business called Reggae Snappers, using gems and feathers to make festive hair accessories that she sold at school.
So, how did she soar to new heights and land smoothly into becoming a paper florist? She watched as a bride attempted to make floral arrangements for her wedding, and it was taking her months to complete. Since she had spare paper and some time, she tried her hand at it. Her friends would come over, fall in love with the pieces, and ask her to make a few for them. She posted photos of her work online and thought nothing of it. A few months later, an event planner reached out to her, asking her how much it would cost to make a particular arrangement. Clueless about costing, she still got the job done. People asked her client who the creator was and that is how her brand began to grow.
Kingston Bridal Week 2015 gave her an even bigger push. “Without them even knowing who I was, the reception from the work was great.” Then, when she did Wedding Spectacular, many brides wanted to take pictures of the backdrop she crafted. Persons loved the concept and had never seen anything like it before. For Beckford, it was all overwhelming.
Word of her talent spread and page: @papflor or email any queries to papflorists@gmail.com.