“Good evening passengers, any snacks or drinks today?” These are some of the words that can be heard from 31-year-old Ricardo Brown as he goes to and from in the vicinity of Nashville Bus Park in Mandeville, Manchester. Popularly known as “Express” with his entire stock of goodies carried in his hands and ready on demand, Brown has a very charismatic and welcoming spirit – because of this, his customers hold him in high regards.
During his earlier years, he struggled financially and was unable to matriculate to tertiary education at the desired time. To fend for himself, he started to rely on his God-given ability to cook well, however Brown said he was exploited most times because he was uncertified.
“Being inna the streets people a go use yuh cause yuh nuh really have no papers fih show seh yow, me is an outstanding chef,” he said.
He persisted despite these challenges, but after many unfruitful encounters with employers, Brown grew a little weary.
“The chef thing was always like a gift given to me by the Almighty, me a work ina one restaurant, me a wash plate and a duh them something deh – even cleaning floors. Them use you a lot,” he added.
It was not long after, that he decided he would start cooking from home. He did this for a while but ended up searching for yet another job in a restaurant. Brown saw this as an opportunity to learn and so he developed his skills there. The challenges did not cease and soon he was on to the next.
After going through so much, Brown took a huge step to begin his quest for better and decided to attend Distinction College in Spanish Town, St. Catherine. This decision however was only the beginning of a very high hurdle in his life. His transition into the school system came with its own fair share of challenges, as attending school in St. Catherine was not the easiest whilst residing in New Green, Manchester.
For many days Brown would be in the predicament of not having lunch or bus fare. Coming from a home with a single mother who could hardly manage, he was left to bear his own cross. Brown would beg fares for transportation so he could go to school.
After a while he did not like the stigma attached to this habit and so from the funds he begged, Brown decided one day to buy a few snacks for resale and this is how his express journey to self-sufficiency began. After school, Brown would travel back to Mandeville to sell snacks and juices in the streets, bars, business places and just about anywhere he could.
“After school me sell until about 10:00 or 11:00 pm a night,” he said.
This became a lucrative business for him and so he kept on expanding his stock each time. It was also now the source for financing his schooling, and on days when he did not have school he would sell for the entire day.
With things becoming a lot easier, Brown successfully completed his studies and for the first time in a while, he felt motivated and hopeful. Recalling this, the joy on his face was unmatched.
After overcoming this hurdle he started to send out many resumes for gainful employment. Sadly this was to no avail.
Brown had to make the tough decision of returning to his hustle. It’s been 7 years since he’s been an entrepreneur and this is how he proudly makes his honest bread.
According to the hard worker, he is not discouraged and would be willing to take up his pots and pans if the opportunity arises, to fulfill his dreams of working as a chef overseas.
He emphasized that he admires the legal and honest way of earning money as it keeps him out of trouble- this he says should also be the mindset of other youths looking towards a successful future.
Contributor: Marlene Freeman
