Entrepreneur prefers vending despite teaching degree

Wearing a bright smile as she observed the hustle and bustle of Kingston's downtown area, Lisa Kerr-McDonald sat at her stall on West Street, displaying the most adorable career and school uniforms for toddlers.

Like many vendors in the area, Kerr-McDonald, a mother of four, has been selling in the market for decades but unlike those who do it just to make ends meet, Kerr-McDonald's does it out of love.

The 48-year-old told THE STAR that she started selling in the market at age seven, assisting her mother, who was a nurse, to make extra income to support their family. Then at age 21, Kerr-McDonald started selling on her own, and during that time acquired her associate degree in early childhood education from The Mico University College.

However, although the Seaview Gardens native enjoyed teaching, she told THE STAR that it was not her true calling, vending was.

"Let me tell you when I think this came alive in my life. When I was in nine grade at Spanish Town High school, my teacher, I've never forgotten this, her name was Mrs Allen. When it was time to pick the vocation, she said, 'I'm going to put you in business'. So I think it was a prophecy over my life that led me into this, and I love doing this," Kerr- McDonald's said, adding that although she was an early childhood teacher for 13 years, she still sold in the market on weekends. She started vending full-time in 2010 and has not looked back since.

Kerr-McDonald also said that she enjoys selling uniforms for children ages three to 16, and outfits for their Career Days, because of the interaction that it provides.

"I love this because I get to see a lot of parents, and even encourage them day-to-day. Sometimes they have problems with the kids, and I can give them a word of advice. So I'm out of the classroom, but I'm not really out," Kerr-McDonald said as she chuckled.

Still, being a vendor has not always been a smooth journey for Kerr-McDonald. In 2017, she was one of approximately 150 vendors who lost millions in goods to a fire that destroyed Redemption Arcade.

"I lost everything that year, everything! But the Holy Spirit comforted me so much and customers were worried about me, asking me what am I going to do, and I said, 'Not me, but God'," Kerr-McDonald said, adding that after God restored all that she had lost, she was able to give back to those in need. She gives free uniforms to children who have been affected by fires, and donates uniforms to schools for children in need. She also gives parents free uniforms when they are unable to afford them.