THE bubbly Jodeen Ricketts can be seen daily going through the town of Ocho Rios on her bicycle selling fragrances.
Many are often drawn to the young woman who, with a smile always on her face, moves from point to point seeking to get new customers.
However, few really know who Ricketts is. She is more than a young woman who shows great skill in riding a bicycle. The budding businesswoman by day is also an aspiring artiste who can be found performing at several events.
Ricketts, 22, from Kellits, Clarendon, said that she came to St Ann to pursue her love for music. However, while she waits for the big break in the music industry, Ricketts is not sitting around. The young mother of a five-year-old son is doing her own business.
"Due to the fact that I don't have a nine-to-five (job) and I am a recording artiste, I started selling," she said.
She stated that she has been selling for just about a year and although it has been a challenge she does not intend to give up on business.
"It's called survival," she said.
She said that she has to start out small before growing. But while she continues to do business, Ricketts admits that music is her true love.
"Music is my goal. It is my passion. Music is my life," she said.
Ricketts has a single pre-released called Jah Protect My Soul produced on the Foundation rhythm. She said that the song is now getting some airplay.
Another song done in collaboration with artiste Unexpected, called In Love, is also being played in Holland, she said.
Ricketts said that she has received some amount of attention for these songs. However, her goal is to be among the best artistes in reggae music and so she is working hard to make that happen.
"I see myself as a positive female artiste coming out of Jamaica, doing music both locally and internationally, good reggae music,"
she stated.
While she works to achieve that, Ricketts said that she does not have a problem riding her European electric bike and selling perfumes.
She said that her son is a big motivation for her as she carries out business daily.
"Kids are the future. That is why I have to go for my future," she said.
Not only does she want her child's future to be bright, but as the only child for her mother Caurlena Brown, Ricketts is working to make her mother proud.
Ricketts said that she has always loved music and knows she will one day reach the top in the industry.
"From I was going to primary school, I was always the deejay in my class," she said.
During her time at Claude McKay High she was also known for her love for music. After school, she often showcased her talent in her community. When the opportunity arose for her to record in Ocho Rios, she grabbed it.
She has so far performed at events such as the Ocho Rios Seafood Festival and at the launch of Wonder Music in Rio Nuevo, St Mary, last February.
Ricketts, as a young
mother, musician and businesswoman, said that she hopes to make a difference with her music.
"It's time to think positive, reach for the future,"she stated.
"If you like sports do sports. If you like music, do music," Ricketts said, adding that young people should do what they like and should be positive in trying to achieve their best.
"Mi no like how we as a nation a gwaan. People just a live for sex, party and alcohol. Those are temporary,"
she said.
The young mother also said that young people need to be focused on more things which will build their future.
BY RENAE DIXON Sunday Observer staff reporter
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