‘... Wi have dem under mannaz’
KHRISTINA GODFREY currently operates her business from home. Her HeavyMannaz products are available at Artstock and National Gallery’s gift shop in Kingston. The term ‘heavy manners’ was made popular during the 1970s. Older persons will remember the late former Prime Minister Michael Manley’s “heavy mannaz”, and the song made popular during his regime, “Wi have dem under mannaz ... heavy, heavy mannaz ...”, which was a musical whipping of his opponents. The witty business prodigy draws on both local and foreign sources of inspiration in her pursuit of creative conquest.
She disclosed: “As a creative entrepreneur, I draw inspiration from every and anything. However, characters from the ’70s and ’80s era are my biggest inspiration. Korean-based creators of IISE Seoul, Supreme, founders and creators of Revvee Jewellery and many creators taking a new approach to niche products. One of my biggest local business inspirations would be Gary ‘Butch’ Hendrickson. His ideologies on business and national development are certainly commendable.”
In stating the pull factors to the field, Godfrey cites the earning potential of bag manufacturing on the local and international market, along with the cloud nine feeling each end product brings.
“The marketplace is demanding more unique Jamaican-made products that have the same quality or supersede the sameness of international mass-produced products available. Aside from that, Jamaicans love bags and appreciate art that holds substance. Also, the business of creating and innovating gives me an absolute high. You are challenged to create a product that is both functional and breaking the norms. It’s a joy to create products that get consumers excited and receive great responses as young creative.
The HeavyMannaz movement is greatly supported by young professionals and older persons who can relate to the depictions from decades past.
In imparting words of wisdom to young business hopefuls, Godfrey told The Gleaner: “Young business persons who are manufacturing in apparel, art and fashion should continue investing in themselves, make a business plan, do extensive research on micro business opportunities that various establishments offer. There are various opportunities available through business and manufacturing corps, such as JBDC (Jamaica Business Development Corporation), and large companies such as National Baking Company, who support the development of Jamaicanmade products at the micro level.”