ARE YOU WHERE you’ve always wanted to be?
Yes, in this aspect: I have never imagined working for anyone. So, I am grateful for my creative skills which allows me to live life as an entrepreneur.
What is your biggest professional challenge?
Wearing all the hats in my business and staying creatively productive. It’s a huge challenge, but it inspires my growth.
What is your biggest life challenge?
Building my publishing company Happy Island Books, marketing and developing areas of the business where I have little experience.
When you look to the future, what do you see?
I see a world filled with creative thinkers using technology to bring exposure to their talents, products and businesses. I see myself in a position to encourage and inspire many on that path by being a living example.
What is your favourite pastime?
I enjoy creative arts, developing my skills; drawing, painting, going to art galleries, networking with like-minded people and bike riding.
What is your favourite meal?
Stewed chicken with rice and peas and flying fish.
On Saturday nights, where are you likely to be?
If I’m not working on a project, I’m doing something fun with friends.
What upsets you the most?
Nothing really upsets me. If anything grabs my attention in a negative way I usually look at it for what it is with the understanding that something good will come from it anyway.
What is your guiding philosophy?
Every day take a step in the direction of where I want to be. Trust and have faith that the love and positive energy that I put out into the world will always come back to me.
If you had the chance to manage Barbados for a day, what would you do?
I would invest funding into small business development, encourage arts and culture and create a mentorship structure to support our youth.
John Martin is an author at Happy Island Books and creative director at JMartin Designs.
