Jaye Applewaite

When someone says "civil engineer," one generally thinks of a highly educated professional whose role is to design, construct, and maintain the infrastructure essential to modern society, whether roads, bridges, buildings, airports or, water supply or treatment facilities.

What does not immediately come to mind is achingly romantic, exquisitely crafted, bespoke, ethereal wedding gowns.

Most of us gently morph into somewhat mildly predictable reincarnations of our career, but not so Jaye Applewaite, who, with no formal training in fashion or even sewing, decided she wanted to create a wedding and lifestyle empire with a focus on beautifully detailed one-of-a-kind couture wedding dresses. Managing two young boys single-handedly, together with a full-time job in engineering, she displayed the tenacity and determination that most of us can only dream of.

With a newborn not yet sleeping through, she could only find limited time to sew at night, yet she still created a capsule collection, took some photographs herself, and then posted them on social media. Within a month, she had her first commission.

This was a pivotal moment that changed her life. This ballsy Kolij lady, who graduated with distinction and honours in civil engineering from Waterloo University in Canada and worked with some top Canadian companies, immediately knew what she wanted to do going forward. With the inner courage to risk the safety of a steady income and an innate trust and belief in herself, she became Jaye Applewhite, the real Jaye Applewaite, the lady who may no longer build or mend bridges but who now makes dreams come true, not just for herself but for many others throughout the Caribbean and now, that the word is out - internationally too. Her breathtaking designs have graced the pages of many international glossy magazines, and if you know, you know - and if you don't - you should find out.