LIFESPAN SPRING WATER – THE STORY
“So what are you going to do with your life?” This question was asked of Nayana Williams just over 18 years ago upon her return from the USA. Truth is, for a St. Mary born young woman recently married and living in Portland, the options were limited. “I am going into the spring water business”. Her response surprised her husband, Devon as unbeknown to him, she had spent months researching the topic and he listened enthusiastically as she shared her research. If there is one thing that Portland has in abundance, is water. They then moved into action, to find not only a source, but the very best source available. The mission was not just to start a business, but the underlying vision was one of health, improving their customer’s health one bottle at a time.
Their quest led them to a property in Spring Garden, just outside of Buff Bay. Their hands trembled as they opened the report from the Bureau of Standards, as something told them that this source in Spring Gardens was the place – and they were right! The analysis showed a water source with high alkalinity – 7.9 to 8.4ph, ideal concentration of calcium, potassium and magnesium, minerals vitally needed by the human body. This is no ordinary water – it’s a tonic!
As the rains fall on the Blue Mountains, it takes years to percolate through the mountains, dissolving the calcium, magnesium and potassium on its journey to the aquifer, the underground collection point. This is the source of Lifespan Spring Water, no chemicals added. In fact, testing by local and international labs puts it a much higher quality than even the Jamaican standard for purified water – without most of the chemicals allowed in minute quantities. So began the journey of entrepreneurship and the rest as they say, is history. The challenges have been real, particularly during the Covid pandemic, the resulting supply chain disruption and the attendant cash flow issues had slowed the growth but the company has persevered with a resolute focus to be listed on the Jamaica Stock Exchange in the near term.
Over the years the vision nurtured a company that provides a living for over 120 families living in Portland. As the company grows, so does its philanthropic efforts with a focus on education. In February of this year, the company provided six electronic whiteboards to the Buff Bay Primary School. Lifespan is proud to be one of the few companies that has aligned itself to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals of #1 Ending Poverty, #6 Clean Water and Sanitation For All and # 8 Decent Work and Economic Growth.
There is much for the company to be proud. Lifespan is the only Jamaican company to have the NSF International’s certification, which means the company must undergo very stringent annual audits to maintain its certification. Manufacturers, regulators and consumers look to NSF International for the development of public health standards and certification programs that help protect the world’s food, water, consumer products and environment since 1944. Similarly, we are the only Jamaican company to be members of the International Bottled Water Association, which also has stringent annual audits to maintain membership. Nayana is also an active member of its Environmental Sustainability Committee.
Lifespan’s stellar accomplishment however, has been its four time Grand Gold award for the Monde Selection International Quality Institute. Lifespan, on a whim, first entered in 2020 and was successful. This feat was repeated in 2021, 2022 and now 2023! For over sixty years, Monde Selection has certified food, spirits and beverages among other categories by bringing together more than 80 internationally recognized experts with first class professional experience. They have the support of prestigious associations such as the Culinary Academy of France, Euro-toques, the Master Chefs of Belgium, the International Vine and Wine Organisation (O.I.V), the Jurés-experts Piqueurs Brokers and many others. Lifespan was assessed from among 3000 products from 87 countries this year.
According to Nayana Williams, Founder and CEO of Lifespan, “This is not only a win for Lifespan, it is a win for Jamaica. Once again, we have shown the world that excellence resides right here in Jamaica”. She continues, “winning an international prestigious award for the fourth consecutive time is no accident and speaks to the quality, resilience and fortitude of that which the world knows is Jamaica. Lifespan spring water continues to make its presence felt internationally through these awards.”
She will be attending the World Quality Awards to be held in June in Brussels to personally receive the Grand Gold Award. Stay tuned…