iDid - Interviews with Stars
Published:Monday | October 21, 2013 | 12:00 AM
iDid are interviews with stars who are not necessarily from music. The interviews focus on how these stars achieved what they have and their advice to upcoming aspirants in their fields.
- Tarrus Riley
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
It's not only who, I am influenced by a lot of things, it's what, where and when, meaning I am influenced by time, by my surroundings, by my experiences, by my environment etc.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
I don't waste time on measuring obstacles, as they come, I overcome them.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Practice, practice, practice and be ready for that golden opportunity when it comes, so you can deliver your best, when you are called upon.
- Krishmar Santokie
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
My biggest influence is my father. He has supported me since the start. He pushed me to move from football to cricket, and pushed me to be the best at it. He also pushed me to make the Jamaica team. He is the reason I am where I am and deserves my respect and admiration
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
It is sometimes disheartening when I do my best but do not always see the rewards. It has been something I have had to overcome as an individual and as a cricketer and has made me try harder to excel. Now my passion for cricket is not just about making teams and making money, but also about doing something I am good at and being the best I can be.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Work hard, it is a long road, it takes a lot of commitment, dedication and hard work, and don't let every setback keep you down or discouraged.
- Busy Signal
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
Life itself has influenced me. Secondly, people around me and the Most High God.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Prison. I think that speaks for itself. But, by the help of The Almighty I have overcome and now I'm more focused on my career and spending time with my family. I try to never let any obstacle deter me from my goals.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
If you have a positive goal then you need to work hard and stay focused in order to achieve it. It is disheartening at time but you have to be persistent. Never get complacent and never allow anyone to deter you from achieving your goals.
- Brian Lumley
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
My biggest influence is my mother. I admire her work ethic, the manner in which she pays attention to detail, her passion for consistently delivering excellent service and her joie de vivre. She is my first teacher in the kitchen and my biggest supporter.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle I've had to overcome was the process of opening my restaurant: the delays, time management and expectations. My team has been a source of enormous support and I will be forever grateful to them for their collective effort.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Research and read up on the latest in the culinary arena as there are countless websites, books, blogs and other channels to gain knowledge. Volunteer your time and skills, and craft meaningful connections during the process because you're as valuable as your network. Take risks and never stop digging for 'goals'.
- Patrice Wilson-McHugh
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
My biggest influence is my daughter who constantly tells everyone that I am her role model. She pushes me to be the best I can be.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
The biggest obstacle is breaking the stigma related to the bartending industry and empowering bartenders to rise above being rated as 'low-level' individuals.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Rise above the naysayers and be the best that you can be. Be creative and keep up with the trends.
- Gordon Swaby
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
I wouldn't say that I've been influenced by just one person, but my parents have always had a great impact on me. In addition, there are a few business leaders who I admire and seek to emulate in many ways. Don Wehby, Brian George, Jacqueline Sharp, to name a few.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Moving from concept to reality was very challenging, but has helped me to mature as an entrepreneur.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Be confident in what you are doing. A strong support system is also very crucial.
- Storm Saulter
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
My biggest influences have undoubtedly been my parents Bertram and Greer-Ann Saulter. They were pioneers and artists in their own right, and they raised my seven siblings and I in a way that encouraged creative expression from early childhood. They made me feel I could achieve anything I wanted in life, and now I'm doing just that.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
Film-making is problem-solving, and your ability to overcome obstacles is often directly related to your rate of success. There are so many obstacles on the film-makers' journey that I try not to focus on them but instead, to remain fluid enough to adapt and move forward regardless of what stands in my way.
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
To be successful in film-making you have to be passionate, driven, and prepared to work very hard to get there. In film, as in life, if you take one step toward something it will take two steps towards you.
- Tara Playfair-Scott
Who would you say has been the biggest influence on you?
My mother. She stepped out and took some major risks when everyone told her she shouldn't or couldnt, all to ensure I had a better future. I respect, admire and appreciate her so much for that.
What has been the biggest obstacle you have had to overcome?
I think the biggest obstacles are the ones I myself create mainly self doubt. Once you realise anything is achievable with faith, hard work and dedication, the sky's the limit!
What advice do you have for aspirants in your field?
Approach your current job, role or project as if you have everything to prove, always be professional, never lower your standards nor produce or give sub par work. Remember you don't know everything and always be open to learn and grow.