Sashawna shines after leaving state care

Despite spending the bulk of her teenage years in state care, Sashawna Tomlinson is today experiencing success in business.

Tomlinson, who spent five years at the Maxfield Park Children's Home in Kingston, said she is grateful for the home because it gave her the opportunity to complete high school and to put her on a path to success.

The 21-year-old said that she ended up in state care because of her mother's inability to take care of her and her four siblings. She said her father died when she was four years old.

"I moved there when I was about 12 years old and I spent most of my teenage years there," she said.

Tomlinson said that the hardship she went through helped to determine the person she has become. She has now started a business.

"I had the passion for designing T-shirts and one of my friends encouraged me to start doing it," she said.

Her business, Colour Drops brand, focuses on designing personalised shirts and swimsuits for clients.

"My business is hassle free. I do everything for my clients. I source their shirts and I have a lot of designs that they can choose from. They also have the option of bringing their designs and I print the designs for them. I do tie-dye and embroidery too," she said.

Having reached a place in her life where she is enjoying success, Tomlinson has a message for persons, particularly poor Jamaicans, who feel that the odds are stocked against them.

"I spent about 12 years in Waterhouse because that is where I was born until I went to Maxfiled Park Children's Home and it was not easy. I am doing something for myself and I just want to encourage people that despite the hardships, they can do something of their own, and be happy," she said.