We had the good fortune of connecting with Natassia Wright and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Natassia, can you tell us more about your background and the role it’s played in shaping who you are today?

I was born and raised from humble beginning in a community called Allman Town in Central Kingston, Jamaica. I was raised in poverty. At the age of 10 years old my house was burnt down leaving about ten of my relatives displaced. It was devastating but we picked up the pieces and moved on. Eight months after that incident, I was told worse news by my great grandmother that my Dad, who was a police officer was killed in the line of duty. My Father was my everything and because of his sudden death I plunged into depression.

My mother later got married. At age 16 my mother died from an asthma attack that rocked me to the core. Losing both parents had further made me feel hopeless and disenchanted. I was only 16 years old and had tragically lost them. After my mother’s death I moved to live with my grandmother. One year after my mom’s death, my grand mother died from cancer. By the time I was in university, I had seen so many dark days but something in me was destined to overcome poverty, tragedy and brokenness.

I later surrendered my life to Christ, through my boyfriend taking me to church (a place I vowed to never go, because God didn’t love me). I gave my life to Christ, got married to that boyfriend, Jamar Wright and the journey began. I started sharing my story and it gave many hope. People started to call me influencer and inviting me to do inspirational talks everywhere.

I learnt that my struggles have fueled me to become who I am today. It is because of the darkness that I can be a light to many. I know what pain and brokenness feels like, so I can relate on so many levels. My whole life now is to help people to understand that their past doesn’t define them and that their circumstances can change for the better.

You can escape poverty. You can become great. You can excel and you can be successful, if you desire to be and make the necessary steps but it starts with believing in yourself. Today, the little girl from Allman Town, Kingston, Jamaica is making waves on a global scale.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?

Mind Food International is a leadership development and HR Consultancy that equips leaders through executive trainings, seminars, Human Resource services such as recruitment, succession planning and more. Founded by my husband, Jamar Wright and I, we are both international speakers and authors as well as UN Ambassadors NGO.

Our company has employed over 100 employees through our outsourcing services and we are known to work with mid-level to large organizations, assisting them to meet their strategic objectives.

The journey has been a difficult one, however it is indeed fulfilling. We overcame many obstacles regarding business produces and personal development and if I am to be completely honest, growth is never ending.

I have learnt many lessons along the way, including being patient when seeking to accomplish goals yet being persistent in making efforts to achieve. I have learnt that people will come and go and it may be painful, but I must keep going.

Another big lesson is that growth comes with burdensome responsibilities as well. It is not a walk in the park. And sometimes what should feel like a blessing can feel like a curse at times.

Mind Food International is about developing people. Our tag line “Developing Leaders .;; Transforming Nations” explains what we are about, if one individual can change their life in a more positive way, then that one person can in turn affect change on the world.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.

Jamaica is a whole vibe!!! You have to experience our beaches, food, culture, people and island.

These locations are an absolute must:

Negril Beach

Dunn’s River falls

Blue and John Crow Mountains National park

Doctor’s Cave Beach

Port Antonio

Blue Lagoon, Ocho Ríos

Winnifred Beach, Portland, Jamaica

Rio Grande River

Hellshire Beach

Treasure Beach

The foods to try:

Jamaican beef patties, curried goat, ackee and saltfish, jerk chicken and escovitched fish.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?

I want to give a warm shout out to my husband, Jamar and daughter, A’Miyah. They see me at my worse and my best and they are by my side regardless. I am grateful for their commitment and understanding as they give me the flexibility to travel and serve my gifting to the world, sometimes on their time. I love you both dearly.

Also, I want to dedicate this feature to my late Mom, Dad, Grandma and Granddad. They have all left an undeniable mark on my life and because of them I am determined to live a life of purpose and fulfillment through God’s grace.

Website: WWW.MINDFOODINTERNATIONAL.COM

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natassiawright/?hl=en

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/h-e-natassia-wright-98a32527/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/natassiawright?lang=en

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/natassia.barrett

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC1C1U9q6kAFMCf33qLivkMw

Image Credits
Bryan R. Smith Photography @brsphotography876 Gray Focus Media LLC @grayfocusmedia

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