Check out our demo to see what’s in store with Jamoji VR!

On another note, we want to provide a quick update on the Bridgeport Primary School playground project. While we initially raised the necessary funds, unforeseen costs have caused a delay. We’re working diligently to address these challenges and remain committed to breaking ground in May 2025. We appreciate your patience and continued support.

Thank you for being part of our journey. Stay tuned for more updates!

Warmly,  
Colleen

The post Exciting Updates from Jamoji: VR Series Progress & Playground Plans appeared first on Jamoji.

Two ways to Donate: Here via GoFundME.

Also, a tax-free option is available via our generous fiscal sponsor Beacon Gallery Consulting.
Make payment payable to Beacon Gallery Consulting with “JamojiPLAY” in memo. 

ALL Donations are welcome! Should you require any additional information or assistance, please do not hesitate to contact us.

The post PLAY FOR PLAY appeared first on Jamoji.

1. Reads: For your holiday getaway, if you’re not already a friend of Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica, now is the time to share in the love of island life ahead of one of the most sought out Spring break destinations. Also, in the new year, Jamoji will be visiting classrooms and two of my favorites along for the ride are Facing the Sun & “Daddy, Tell Me A Story.” I’m so happy to be surrounded by female authors doing extraordinary things. The tales of the Caribbean diaspora will not be possible without the fight of the Black American story. This Jamaican, Bahamian and Southern special curated trio setting captures the journey of childhood, family bonds, home and the coming of age tales in the face of adversity. 

2. Sleep: Slip Silk Turban is perfect for any hair type. If you have an early morning and are not in the mood for full glam at the crack of dawn, the silk turban will allow for a good night’s rest and keep your blowout/do intact. What I especially love about it is that it is not overly tight, fits any hair length and doesn’t leave elastic dents on your forehead in the morning. The Sleep Mask is equally terrific and comfortable. I stumbled upon the secret of a good night’s rest is a silk mask after my turban slipped over my eyes one night. I woke up that morning with the most peaceful deep rest that I hadn’t known existed. I ordered my first pair the next day and never looked back. 

3. DIY: This year I convinced myself that running is fun, but what is not so fun is soreness. I welcomed baths again with 365 Epsom Salt Muscle Soak and it has been a game changer. A 20-30 mins soak is all you need to feel restored and ready for the week. A perfect gift to layer on for some personal time and individual experience. 

4. LUX: I love the very impractical mini petite bag trend and if I cannot find the excuse to buy another one, someone should and please let it be the Gucci GG Marmont mini quilted leather shoulder bag.

5. Wear: I get excited when the L.L. Bean catalog arrives in the mail, I am the first to order yet another sweatshirt in its new release color. This Sherpa Fleece Jacket is one of my favorites for so many reasons; colors, style, price and seasonal versatility. It’s the perfect gift at any age. 

6. Home: I don’t usually wear cologne in the house, but I like my home to be all encompassing of a familiar scent. Jo Malone English Pear & Freesia Room Spray is the go to for a personal fragrant, especially when I don’t want to be preoccupied with whether I left a candle burning. 

7. Beach: I purchased my first FOUTA back in 2008 and I still use it on almost every beach and park outing today. The compliments never get old, it’s the throw of all throws. It’s durable, playful, lite, absorbent and washes well. And No, “one just isn’t enough!” One for each family member is just about right. You can even personalize them.

8. Skin: I’m very much a (no scent) white bar person, but this AFOKOSKIN Black Soap Body Wash is so soft, tender and natural to the skin that it is my mini lux for the day. It’s also mild enough for the entire family to enjoy. 

9. Lounge: A jumpsuit?! Yes, please! Sometimes thinking of what to wear on top and bottom is just too much. Vuori Lux Jumpsuit makes it very comfortable and easy. Not to mention versatile: home, latte run, light yoga, errands, brunch… you name it! With a blazer, motor leather jacket, cardigan or fleece jacket, your options are limitless. 
   
   
10. GIVE: After you’ve enjoyed your holiday island getaway and want to relinquish its memories, consider giving to #JamojiPLAY! Visitors and admirers of the Caribbean Islands looking to give back in a visually and impactful way, can donate to the building of the first playground at Bridgeport Primary School in Portmore, St. Catherine—Jamaica.

The post Jamoji 2022 Gift Guide appeared first on Jamoji.

It brings me great joy to not only share this experience with you all, but it is a true honor to give back and celebrate with the Jamaican community. 

I know I’ve always wanted to give back to Jamaica, but I wasn’t always sure how. In writing Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica, reliving my childhood memories and exploring working partnerships opened the opportunity that I would give back to the very core of Jamoji, preserving childhood and innocence. After one playground is successfully built, we can build another and another, but we have to get the first one right, first. (The Jamaican Ministry of Education is onboard to facilitate the needs of the playground installation.)

To kick things off, we’ll be taking over the gardens of Pegasus hotel on Dec. 17th with fun activities and a silent auction. (Great prizes to come!) The event tickets for the Jamoji launch party and fundraiser are available via eventbrite. I would love to have you join us on Saturday, Dec. 17th at Pegasus Hotel, in Kingston Jamaica.

If you have any questions or would be interested in supporting #JamojiPLAY, I am all ears!

The post Let’s go to JAMAICA 12.17.22 appeared first on Jamoji.

Date: Saturday, December 17, 2022
Place: Pegasus Hotel (Kingston, Jamaica)
Time: 4PM -9PM
Dress: Garden Cocktail
Serving: Island style hors d’euvres & open bar

I shared in the book cover dedication that a part of Jamoji book proceeds will go to the school my sisters and I attended while living in Jamaica, Bridgeport Primary in St. Catherine. Specifically, building a playground for the school. In addition, I will be hosting a fundraiser for this book launch (incld. book signing) on Dec 17, 2022 at Pegasus Hotel Jamaica to further meet this effort. 

And if you can’t make it to Jamaica, you won’t miss out on the fun because we have an online silent auction filled with great prizes that includes Apple iPad, Spa for 2 at Halfmoon Resort and more! 

The option to donate directly to building the playground is open here. 

You won’t want to miss out when tickets go on sale in the coming weeks. A LIMITED number of early-bird discount tickets will be available…Get them before they go!

Lastly, if you haven’t already, please remember to pick up, share, invite, and leave a review for Jamoji. (For signed copies go here.) It is your continued support that helps us grow.

See you there!

The post SAVE THE DATE appeared first on Jamoji.

Thanks to your support, Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica is a #1 new release on Amazon! 
I trust that you’re enjoying the essays. Please remember to share with family and friends. Don’t forget to add a review on Amazon or Barnes and Noble. 

Have a lovely day!

XOXO

The post We are #1! appeared first on Jamoji.

A big big thank you!

Thank you all for your support and coming onboard this journey with me. Jamoji—Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica is now available for purchase! I really hope you enjoy it and that you’re able to experience the beat of Jamaica until you long for more. 

Please let me know your thoughts, questions, shares and/or if you wish to discuss something I’ve shared in the book. I’m all ears!

For signed copies and hardcover preorders, please fill out this form!

Cheers,

The post Signed, Sealed and Delivered… appeared first on Jamoji.

The background on the Jamoji official book cover: 
The mural resembles the playful, creative community found in Jamaica’s capital, Kingston. The dusty sand at the foot of the playing children (clothed black, green and gold, the colors of the Jamaican flag) provides the backdrop for Jamaica’s tourism and its reach to the city—near, yet far.

The subtitle text presents as a phone keyboard, keeping in-line with the Jamoji App. It’s as if you’re texting, both hands on the screen. 

The image itself derives from a Jamoji emoticon, depicting a game of Chinese skip. It’s a game I grew up playing and the holder of many fond, childhood memories. Much of the essays in Jamoji are that of my childhood growing up in Jamaica and it was only fitting that the focus of my cover reflected this nostalgia. A reminder of what we continue to fight for; the future. 

This collection of nonfiction essays explores my childhood and adulthood as a Jamaican, growing up on the island and migrating to the US. And also how the culture, teachings, habits, rituals, and media culminated in a better understanding and appreciation for our multifaceted identity.

Special thanks to the Jamoji author community for their continued kindness and support throughout this journey. My deepest gratitude to author Janice Lynn Mather and the offices at Jamaica’s Minister of Culture, Gender, Entertainment and Sport, for your time, energy and sharing your presence in this pertinent debut—thank you!

ebook goes live Tuesday, December 21th 2021!

The post Jamoji — Essays of Life and Play in Jamaica Book Cover! appeared first on Jamoji.

I wanted to share some exciting news: for the past 18 months, I’ve been working on a book. It has been such an amazing process and one of the hardest yet most rewarding things I’ve ever done.  

After this long journey, I’m excited to announce that my publisher New Degree Press has approved my manuscript for publication. I’ll be launching my book in January 2021. I couldn’t be more excited and grateful for this opportunity!

My book Jamoji-Jamaica Essays of Life and Play, is a creative nonfiction/memoir of life in Jamaica beyond the Resort gates. I wrote it because I wanted to share my love of Jamaica from a native’s perspective.

Thank you for being such a positive part of my life and helping me achieve my goals.

The post Jamoji Book is Coming! appeared first on Jamoji.