'It's All Good' - Porus brothers share artstic bond
Published:Saturday | July 30, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Dave Lindo, Gleaner Writer
PORUS, Manchester:
PRINCE MARK and Prince Matthew are brothers bonded not only by blood, but also by their love for nature, humanity and their artistic creations. They are eccentric human beings who are like gems to the town of Porus, a place where they have lived for most of their lives.
"We grew like twins. We are one year and couple months apart," Mark Powell, known as Prince Mark said.
"We live as one and work as a team," Raymond Powell, also called Prince Matthew, the younger of the siblings, explained.
"That's why we just name ourselves Prince Mark and Prince Matthew - names from the Bible."
Together, they have established the organisation 'It's All Good Holistic Movement'.
"We take care of the human structure. Instead of just giving a man a slipper, we give him everything - from his leather jacket, hat, handbag or wallet," Prince Matthew said. "We are also food processors certified by the Scientific Research Council. We process food and fruits."
New beginning
The brothers started their craft shop years ago in Clarks Town, Porus, but had to close it because of problems with the location. Prince Matthew migrated to the United Kingdom in 2005. On his return in 2009, the brothers reunited and became even more determined to carry their handiwork to the world. The team set up a shop in the town of Porus, at a location called The Vineyards.
They make a variety of items including shoes, handbags, hats, necklaces, anklets, and wristbands. Commenting on the response they have been getting for their goods, Prince Matthew said: "It's all good, we are coming with quality. We don't capture quantity market, we capture quality market. Instead of buying a $500 belt, which last for a month, you can buy from us a $1,000 belt, which can last for over 10 years.
He added: "We market our things locally and internationally, and are members of the Jamaica Creative Cooperation, which promotes and markets its members."
Variety of food products
As to their food-processing business, Prince Matthew disclosed, "We use in-season fruits and make juice, jam or jelly. We also make natural bag juice from june plum and guava, and use breadfruit, dasheen and cassava to make flour. We make biscuits from jackfruit, which is dried by solar energy."
"People are waking up now," Prince Matthew added, explaining that bad eating habits may cause lifestyle diseases or even death.
"We have to be careful as to what we eat."
Prince Mark is the driving force of the marketing campaign, and works mainly in the craft shop. If Prince Mark does not grab your attention with his colourful attire, he is bound to have you in stitches with his Shaggy (dancehall artiste) impersonation, especially when he sings Bombastic.
"I have to look deh way yah (dressing). Mi attract dem (people) fast. They want to know where they can get the goods that I have on," Prince Mark said. "I also have to go to special events to market our products. I interact well with both locals and foreigners."
The brothers will be showcasing their creations at the Denbigh Agricultural Show, which begins today.
PHOTOS BY DAVE LINDO