Heather Elliott-Whitehead living like a Phoenix

Every woman loves to feel beautiful, and Jar of Joy is ensuring that every woman gets this privilege with every container of body soufflÈ.

Heather Elliott-Whitehead conceptualiser of Jar of Joy, launched her body soufflÈ line a few months ago on May 25.

Its whipped texture is delicate on the skin and will keep you hydrated all day. There are currently eight varieties which are lush almond vanilla, pomegranate purÈe, cucumber melon, oatmeal, milk and honey, blackberry plum, nectar nirvana, mango madness, and goji berry orange. Lotions, scrubs, oils, shower gels are to be launched by the first quarter of 2016.

"I loved every bit of the three years it took me and my consultants to work on this formulation, We tested hundreds of samples and consistencies," she told Flair. She also admits that one has to have a passion for what they love.

"I think I finally had an epiphany while I was recovering from an unfortunate bout of illness that nearly cost me my life," she shared with Flair. "During this period, I was alone on many days in an intensive care unit deep in my own thoughts and it was really my own strength and the physical support of my mother that kept me going. Everyone close to the situation thought that this was it for me but I never did. Not for a second. I dug deep for inner strength and, at times, I felt that it was my positive thoughts that made my limbs move. I willed myself to continue to dream and I made a vow that when and if I ever came out of this period alive, I will do something remarkable. I couldn't be the president or a doctor, so I became the best me," Elliott-Whitehead revealed.

In her weakest moment, she admitted that she felt that she had the most strength. During this period she began to put her aspirations of owning a beauty-care brand into being.

"I have come to terms (with the fact that) after all these years of working in different careers that I was born to be an innovator - to lead and innovate, not to follow. I have always said I have nine lives because as soon as I get knocked down, I get up, dust off and reinvent myself," she noted.

Elliott-Whitehead's background has honed her hard-working persona and made her the woman she is today. Born and raised predominantly in Jamaica, she has very fond memories of her childhood and got teary-eyed recalling her early days as a child growing up in Spring Garden, Trelawny. She also never forgets where she comes from and notes that she is grateful for her humble beginnings.

"At no time did I feel inadequate. I lived a satisfying and fulfilled life as a child growing up in the country. I am glad I grew up that way because I don't know how not to work hard or be resourceful, and I live a life of compassion. I have only ever wanted to be successful and give back. These traits came from my childhood experiences."

Elliott-Whitehead attended Excelsior and Westwood high schools before leaving Jamaica. She had her first taste of a foreign country at the age of 16 as a participant on a youth exchange programme ran by the Social Development Commission. She travelled to Manitoba, Canada, which piqued her interest in becoming an immigrant. She later migrated to the United States.

Before Jar of Joy, Elliott-Whitehead worked in public relations and marketing. "My big break came in 2001 when I worked on the Michael Jackson concert at MSG (Madison Square Gardens) and shortly after as one of the coordinators for the Michael Douglas-Catherine Zeta Jones wedding at The Plaza Hotel," she revealed.

She still consults today with small- to medium-sized beauty and fashion brands through her Elliott PR (Public Relations) and Marketing Services company in New York City.

Elliott-Whitehead has come a far way and shared: " I want them (youth) to know that the dream for a better life begins in their head and it is quite OK to live within that dream if, at this time, that is the only place their aspirations will be realised. It is important for those with the odds against them to be mentally positive. While those aspirations are alive, they should do their utmost to survive day by day thinking and knowing that it can get better. Use the things around you to inspire you, even if they are not always positive. We all learn from our bad experiences and take it from me, I am where I am now because of all the-not-so-good experiences. It is critical that they don't give up on themselves. People will always try to put you down. They did that to me sometimes and I am sure that even when this story comes out, there is someone who is going to be negative. You have to do what I do - focus on what's true and right to you. It works every time."