Say the name Jacqui Tyson and it conjures up images of gourmet dishes and stylish events. The charming Tyson has been a trailblazer in the hospitality industry, revolutionising event planning, preparing [color:34dc=blue !important][color:34dc=blue !important]meals to perfection, and promoting downtown Kingston, particularly Victoria Pier, for special events.However, Tyson is no dilettante or nine-day wonder. In the '80s, the name Jacqui Tyson was synonymous with high fashion and the runway, as she was then one of Jamaica's - and the region's - hottest models.
Since the heady days of the runway and glossy photo spreads, Tyson, has donned her apron and white toque, as she has transformed the way Jamaican food is prepared and presented, stirring greater interest in the culinary arts and renewed interest in Kingston as a culinary destination.
Today, Outlook Magazine shares 10 things we did not previously know about the celebrated chef and events planner extraordinaire, Jacqui Tyson.
1 Owned one of the earliest modelling and etiquette companies in Jamaica called Crême de la Crême. She saw it as her way of giving back to the community while empowering young women and creating employment for herself and others.
2 Trained pattern maker - had a clothing line called Simply Caribbean, and dressed several Misses Jamaica World and Festival Queens.
3 Having once moved to Tortola in the British Virgin Islands, decided to return to Jamaica as 'nowhere nuh better than yard'.
4 She is an animal lover, particularly dogs, and once owned a black Rottweiler named Adolf. From that experience, she learnt that dogs are really pack animals, so it is not fair to a dog to deprive him/her of canine company by owning only one.
5 A Wolmerian who lives by the motto 'age quod agis', meaning 'Do What You Do Well' - pay attention to what you are doing. She has found that this motto has served her well.
6 Was a very active athlete in high school and was the leading high jumper up to sixth form.
7 Her sense of style and fashion makes flats shoes a no-no. Doesn't wear flat shoes - even her sneakers are elevated!
8 Prefers to be dropped off at entrances and picked up at exits, as it saves time, although she can drive!
9 Believes that clothes have "no time or date on the tags". One can just get up in the morning and put on sequins! Anal about colour coordination and coordinates from inner to outer wear! She is obsessed with animal print, has every possible item of clothing in it, and has never worn coloured polish on her nails.
10 Snacks on sardines straight from the tin, as a reminder of how difficult some in the society have it. To help, she feeds the homeless and less fortunate on King Street.