From humble beginnings to building a legacy: The Calleecia Myers story
Originally published by Jamaica Observer Read the original
Growing up in the rural community of Ashton District, Westmoreland, Calleecia Myers never imagined that her journey would one day lead from the quiet hills of Jamaica to corporate leadership in the United States and, ultimately, back home as a hospitality entrepreneur and investor.
Raised in a close-knit community grounded in faith, family, hard work and perseverance, Calleecia credits those early values with shaping both her personal and professional success.
At age 18, she migrated to the United States to pursue higher education. Over the years, she built a successful career in financial services, rising to the position of vice president and senior manager.
Alongside her corporate achievements, she pursued her entrepreneurial aspirations, Calleecia and her husband are co-founders of Irie Jerk Grill, a Jamaican food truck and catering company based in New Jersey.
What began as a dream has evolved into a respected Jamaican brand throughout the tri-state area, serving corporate organisations, universities, hospitals, municipalities and private events across the Northeast. The company has catered for major organizations including Toyota North America, Pepsi Beverages North America, the New York Giants and Arm & Hammer, among many others.
Despite her accomplishments abroad, Calleecia says her connection to Jamaica has never diminished.
That connection inspired her latest venture, Luxe Loft Penthouse, a luxury hospitality property located in Ironshore, Montego Bay.
For Calleecia, the property represents more than a vacation rental. It is an investment in Jamaica, a celebration of Jamaican hospitality and the realisation of a dream that has brought her journey full circle.
A Luxury Experience Rooted in Jamaican Hospitality
Designed for travelers seeking more than traditional accommodations, Luxe Loft Penthouse offers an elevated Caribbean experience where luxury, comfort and entertainment seamlessly come together.
The property features approximately 4,500 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space, including two spacious bedrooms, 2.5 luxury bathrooms, private elevator access and expansive covered balconies with breathtaking 360-degree panoramic ocean views.
Inside, contemporary design is paired with thoughtful amenities such as remote-controlled zebra blinds, LED bathroom mirrors, oversized closets, a safe deposit box and private laundry facilities.
Yet according to Calleecia, the property's defining feature is its private rooftop experience.
Rooftop Resort Living
Perched high above Montego Bay, the rooftop was envisioned as a private oasis where guests can relax, entertain and immerse themselves in the beauty of Jamaica's north coast.
The space features a sports bar, an Irie Jerk Grill rooftop kitchen, a fire pit lounge, a yoga and wellness area and a relaxation space with spectacular ocean and sunset views.
Guests can begin their day overlooking the Caribbean Sea, spend the afternoon enjoying the rooftop amenities and gather around the fire pit in the evening as the sun sets over Montego Bay.
"It was designed to feel less like a vacation rental and more like a private luxury resort," Calleecia said.
An Elevated Guest Experience
The luxury experience extends beyond the accommodations themselves.
Guests enjoy breakfast service, private chef experiences, private cabana access and complimentary airport transportation in a Chevy Suburban SUV. Spacious balconies provide additional lounge and entertainment areas where visitors can dine, unwind or simply absorb the stunning Caribbean scenery.
The property's culinary offerings also reflect Calleecia's entrepreneurial roots, bringing authentic Jamaican flavors into the guest experience through the Irie Jerk Grill brand.
Investing Back Home
For Calleecia, Luxe Loft is part of a larger vision that extends beyond hospitality.
She believes members of the Jamaican diaspora have a unique opportunity to support national development through meaningful investments at home.
Whether through purchasing property, starting businesses, creating jobs, supporting local suppliers or mentoring the next generation, she believes every contribution matters.
"Jamaica has tremendous potential," Calleecia said. "Our culture, hospitality, music, food and natural beauty continue to create opportunities for investment and entrepreneurship."
She hopes Luxe Loft serves as a tangible example of what is possible when Jamaicans living abroad channel their experience, resources and expertise back into the country they call home.
My Motivation
"My husband and business partner, Keron, is a major source of my motivation. Like me, he is originally from Jamaica, and today he serves as a vice president in finance while also pursuing our entrepreneurial dreams. Together, we share a vision of building something meaningful for our family and creating opportunities that extend beyond ourselves," Calleecia said. "Our children, Kylan and Olivia, are also at the heart of everything we do. They motivate us to work harder, dream bigger, and build a life that provides them with a certain quality of life while giving them a strong foundation for their own future."
A Message to the Next Generation
Perhaps the most meaningful aspect of the journey is the message Calleecia hopes it will send to young Jamaicans, especially young girls growing up in rural communities.
She wants them to understand that their beginnings do not define their future.
The little girl from Ashton District could never have imagined building a successful corporate career in America, helping to create a thriving Jamaican food brand and investing in a luxury penthouse overlooking the Caribbean Sea.
But she dared to dream. More importantly, she committed herself to the work required to turn those dreams into reality.
For Calleecia, success is not solely about personal achievement. It is about creating opportunities for others and contributing to something greater than oneself.
Her hope is that Luxe Loft inspires more Jamaicans in the diaspora to see Jamaica not only as a place to visit, but as a place to invest, build, innovate and contribute.
For Calleecia, Luxe Loft Penthouse is more than a luxury destination. It is the culmination of a remarkable journey from rural Westmoreland to international success and a powerful reminder that when Jamaicans invest in home, they help shape the future of the nation they love.
For more info please visit:
www.Iriejerkgrill.com
www.Luxeloftpenthouse.com