15-y-o carpenter plans to sharpen his skills

At just 15 years old, Chris-Jay Gayle is already building a future for himself with his hands.

The Holmwood Technical High School student has transformed his backyard space into a fully functioning wood workshop, where he now spends most of his days crafting furniture and sharpening his skills in upholstery. Chris-Jay told THE STAR that while he still enjoys activities like children his age do, his workshop is where is heart is.

"I still play football and even my friends come up here sometimes, but most times mi just at the shop, sometimes even just cleaning up," he said.

His skill came as no surprise since his father, Christopher, is a construction worker, and when Chris-Jay was much younger, he used to tag along. But his path took a slight turn to carpentry.

"Listen, a nuh say mi nuh love it (construction), but the sun hot. When you in the sun doing construction, it worse. So mi choose this because mi can in the cool shade and work," he said, laughing uncontrollably.

But according to his mother, Simone Johnson, her son's passion was evident long before he realised it.

"From Chris J was a child, he doesn't play with toys or watch TV, he is always outside. From he was a baby, he would be outside using mud and mix it up and pack blocks like it's cement, so you could always see his intention," she said.

Johnson said he followed his father everywhere, observing carefully and absorbing every detail. Today, both parents actively support his dream, purchasing tools and materials when needed and even lending a hand.

"Like he will say come help hold the canvas or help when it was the concrete work to cast the workshop."

Her pitch gets higher when she speaks of her son's discipline and dedication, from rising early in the morning to clean up and prepare, to working late at night. Still Johnson ensures that school remains a priority, and so far, she said there has been a balance.

"I'm not seeing where it's affecting his schoolwork. The last school report that I had, he came third out of 41 and he's top boy in maths, construction and technical drawing," she said.

Chris-Jay agrees that it is important for him to maintain a balance, so his routine is simple.

"I come from school, study and then come do some work in the shop."

Though he officially started his business just six months ago, the teen has already completed several projects. His first job he remembers vividly.

"A lady ask if I can make bar stool. She gave me the money and then I did it. From then people keep asking me to make things for them - bar stool, wine racks, dresser and cabinets," he said. Chris-Jay admitted that he received no formal training but instead learnt through trial and error, as well as through frequent question and answer visits to elders at a carpentry shop a few feet from his house. He also talks with friends he met on TikTok - not about the latest trends, but about how to improve his craft.

"They followed me on TikTok and then they started to talk to me and guide me. From that day on, they started to talk more regularly, and I started to watch them and do my work," he said.

Looking ahead, Chris-Jay said he is focused on excelling in his CSEC exams next year. After that, he hopes to enrol at HEART College of Construction Services to become certified and further refine his craft.

"I do want a furniture store and I do upholstery too. I make Ottomans, so I want to make some and put them on the market," the teen said excitedly.

As for the often joked about reputation of Jamaican tradesmen missing deadlines, Chris-Jay quickly dismissed the stereotype with a laugh.

"No, no, no! If I tell them a month, I will deliver before that. I am not like that," he said.