Every year, thousands of persons from every parish flock to May Pen, Clarendon for one big event – the Denbigh Agricultural, Industrial and Food Show. An official Jamaican Independence activity, Denbigh has been held every August for three days to celebrate Jamaica’s wealth of domestic and agricultural product for more than 70 years. Clarendon forms the perfect base of GKK Farm and Essentials, a health and wellness business that merges agro-processing with natural living. Founder Shellivie Smith says her mission is to help people “eat real food and live well.”
“We’re in the business of health and wellness,” she said. “We want to provide products that are produced from natural resources for healthy eating as well as overall wellness.”
The business was born out of personal experience. Smith developed a severe blood allergy years ago and was advised to stay on steroids indefinitely. Instead, she turned to nature for answers.
“I learned about the neem plant while doing a community organic farming project,” she recalled. “Researching neem, I learned it also has very good benefits for the skin. I tried it, and it worked. I didn’t have to be on the medication anymore.”
That discovery became the foundation for her line of natural oils and wellness products. “We do like oils, skin oils, especially from the neem, using the neem as one of our main ingredients,” she explained. “We also use moringa for our hair oils, and I recently developed a capsule made from the moringa plant, which I’m now processing through the Ministry to have in pharmacies.”
But GKK Farm and Essentials goes beyond oils and supplements. Smith has built multiple product lines, all geared toward what she calls “the whole person.”
“We do packaged foods, because we want people to eat real food,” she said. “We cater to corporate people who are very busy, and they want home-cooked meals to build that family culture. Our aim is to provide packaged, ready-to-cook food that persons can just cook, time-saving, healthy, and convenient.”
That idea gave birth to Nature’s Carbs, GKK’s frozen produce line featuring peeled cassava, green bananas, breadfruit, dasheen, and soon yam, all packaged locally.
“We package it so you can take it straight from your freezer to your pot,” she explained. “Our products are guaranteed to be fresher because we’re packing and selling right here. It’s a solution to the problem of ultra-processed food that causes so many lifestyle diseases.”
Smith has also created a line of condiments, spices, and sauces. Among her most popular products is the Chia Fruity Jam, a fibre-rich, low-sugar spread made with chia seeds and local fruit pulp.
“We want to add healthier choices even in sweet treats,” she said. “Our jams are pulp-rich, with chia seed added for fibre and omega-3. One of our favourites is sorrel, but we also do mango, pineapple, and now cherry.”
Other products include a turmeric and mango sauce, sorrel sauce, and freshly ground spices such as nutmeg and pimento.
“People don’t have to rub off their fingers again to get nutmeg powder,” she laughed. “We make it easier and healthier, all about convenience and promoting healthy eating.”
The entrepreneur said her brand’s philosophy is about solving real problems for real people, from providing healthy meal prep options to helping customers find balance through natural products.
“We’re promoting a healthier choice, eating convenience, and using up our Jamaica things,” she said. “You can create a life once you put in the work and stay consistent.”
Smith credits much of her business development to the Jamaica Business Development Corporation (JBDC).
“I first learned about JBDC while working on another project involving honey,” she said. “When I decided to do my own product line, I reached out to them, and they helped me with formulation, training, and even digital skills. I learned to make my own labels, track my inventory, and manage my finances.”
Through JBDC’s guidance, she developed her prototypes for jams and sauces and was introduced to the agency’s Virtual Business Centre, which supports entrepreneurs in Clarendon and St. Catherine.
“Even though it’s virtual, it still feels personal,” Smith said. “You can ask questions, attend training, and get real support. I’ve been on Zoom sessions while travelling and still learned how to file my taxes. It really works.”
Smith believes Clarendon’s entrepreneurial landscape is full of potential.
“I see a lot of people using natural resources to create products, from castor oil and coconut oil to soaps and crafts,” she said. “But we need more visibility and support within the parish. That’s what I’m hoping JBDC can help change.”
According to Pauline Lewis, Business Development Officer at JBDC, the Virtual Business Centre was created precisely to meet that need.
“Clarendon has a lot of innovative people,” Lewis said. “We’re seeing more entrepreneurs moving into agro-processing, cosmetics, and natural products. They’re taking what’s around them and turning it into business.”
She noted that the virtual model ensures that entrepreneurs in Clarendon can access the same services offered at a physical JBDC location.
“Our Virtual Business Centre provides the same level of support that clients would receive in person,” Lewis explained. “We meet with clients online, guide them through registration, connect them to marketing and finance experts, it’s about breaking down barriers and making help accessible wherever entrepreneurs are.”
Through partnerships with agencies like RADA and the Social Development Commission, JBDC also conducts on-the-ground sessions in Clarendon.
“We know not everyone can travel to Kingston,” she said. “So, we go to them. We hold sensitisation sessions and workshops to meet entrepreneurs where they are.”
For small business owners ready to take the next step, Lewis encourages them to reach out. “Whether you’re just starting or ready to scale, we’re here to help you move your business from concept to market,” she said.
Entrepreneurs in Clarendon and St. Catherine can access support through the JBDC Virtual Business Centre by visiting www.jbdc.net, calling (876) 928-5161-5.
