KINGSTON, Jamaica—A St. Elizabeth resident has discovered unexpected entrepreneurial success through a refreshing beverage business after several previous ventures failed to thrive. Junior Nelson, who previously worked in construction and operated an unprofitable hotdog stand, has now found his niche selling ‘sky juice’—a popular Jamaican treat consisting of crushed shaved ice flavored with syrup or fruit juice.
Nelson’s business transformation came as a response to both economic necessity and environmental conditions. His hotdog stand in Santa Cruz struggled to generate sufficient income, prompting him to explore alternative opportunities. The recent Hurricane Melissa, which brought intense heat to the region, created ideal market conditions for chilled beverages as residents sought relief from the sweltering temperatures.
Now operating for three to four months, Nelson’s sky juice enterprise has become a sustainable livelihood. He offers two flavors—fruit punch and pineapple—priced at 250 Jamaican dollars per cup. The entrepreneur attributes his success not only to market demand but to his customer service approach, emphasizing the importance of treating people with respect while conducting business in public spaces.
Nelson expressed satisfaction with his current occupation, noting that his product provides refreshment to community members navigating sun-scorched Santa Cruz. His story represents a case study in adaptive entrepreneurship and resilience, demonstrating how local business owners can pivot to meet evolving community needs amid challenging economic and environmental circumstances.