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Jude Patrick isn’t your run of the mill professional. He brings together a unique combination of work and life experiences to his ventures. This trained nurse, once worked in hospitality sector, agriculture, sales and marketing and was even a special education teacher. Today, he is the founder and Creative Director of Rootsyaard Dub and Night Market. He told us “Where I am now, seems inevitable to me,” but see where he came from:

Many people may not be familiar with Jordan Hill, a little village in Princes Town, where I lived with my parents, grandmother and three siblings. It was a close-knit community and other family members lived nearby. Country life at its best, some would say. As the eldest child, I had many responsibilities, but my parents also allowed me to have fun and do things that children did. Growing up, life wasn’t easy; in fact, it was challenging at best because there were certain amenities that were not afforded to my family. Those challenges are what inspired me to do what I am doing today. To me, all challenges are conquerable, as I would later learn.

Doing a bit of everything: from nursing to special education to sales

In those days, having an office job was considered to be “a great accomplishment” because once you had an office job, you were deemed as a “success”. I, however, dreamed of working in the medical field. After completing secondary school, I spent some years as a nurse but soon realized that my passion existed elsewhere. In fact, I did a bit of everything. As they say, “a rolling stone gathers no moss.”

Honor your authentic self

There may have been challenges throughout my journey but I never viewed them as such. I knew what I felt and I knew what felt right.  The average person reading this may not understand, but when you honour your authentic self, everything flows. Also, when you realise there is nothing conspiring against you, you will pursue your goals.

Fulfilling that dream

I always wanted to have people meet in a setting such as Rootsyardd because I love hosting and entertaining. I never needed a reason to invite friends and family over; almost anyone, who I shared a vibe with, came to my home to socialize. This is something I am sure of: the purpose, the mission, the experience and how I want people to feel. It is a natural and authentic space where people do not have to worry too much about where they are. Rootsyardd provides a truly positive feeling and reinforces my view about life. This was ultimate!

Supportive friends and family are key

Even with all my career changes, I always had the support of my parents. They gave me the freedom to express myself. My father is a big influence on who I am today, hence I know of this livity. My mother, she has always given me her blessings. Although my father is now deceased, his spirit and vibes live with me every waking day.

When I started to conceptualise Rootsyardd, there was a natural mystic that made it clear to all. We spoke the same language with no words. All my friends who I shared my passion with, trusted it and I was lucky to put together a driven and passionate team to help make this dream a reality. I am forever thankful for these great people.

No shortage of mentors and guides

There are so many black men that are doing great stuff. At Rootsyarrd, we have partnered with so many photographers, selectors, vendors, graphics, lights technicians. For instance,  Black Chariot – our resident selector – has been and continues to be a great example of a black man doing amazing things. Therefore, there isn’t a shortage of mentors or guides at all: seek and you shall find the perfect one.

My advice to a young man:

When it comes to finding your passion, there isn’t an age limit, nor time limit, nor expiration date. If you have chosen a career and you’re not happy or are dissatisfied, forget that career and find your passion.

Find what’s in your heart, find what you REALLY want to do for the improvement of humanity and see where that takes you. In other words, just find your passion!

Built on its core mission to promote peace and love, Rootsyardd Dub & Night Market is a space dedicated to the uplifting vibration of foundation roots rockers music, and to showcasing the work of local artisans and creatives across genres.