From a familiar face on Jamaica’s dancehall scene to an emerging entrepreneur in Queens, New York, Hershey Swagg, whose given name is Dowayne Edwards, is expanding his business into event planning, décor and beverage production. His latest venture features a Jamaican-inspired rum punch in two flavours, fruit punch and mango pineapple. Launched in the summer of 2025, the business has partnered with events including Sunch, Daybreak, Rise & Toast and Umbrella Brunch, with its next outing scheduled for October 4 at Sunch in Queens.
Swagg’s entrepreneurial journey began more than a decade ago in Jamaica, where he became a familiar presence at high-profile entertainment events in Eastern Kingston. In 2019, he established Hot Topic Entertainment, offering event promotion, planning, graphic design and custom printing services. Although the COVID-19 pandemic dealt the business a significant financial setback, he persevered, continuing to build relationships across the entertainment industry.
His move into the United States market followed an introduction from a Jamaican friend, who invited him to work at an event called Day Break. The experience inspired Swagg to establish his own venture, combining event services with a beverage brand designed to bring the taste of Jamaica to New York’s social scene. He plans to expand the rum punch line with additional flavours in the future.
Swagg says the brand’s appeal lies in its authentic Jamaican taste, which he believes sets it apart. Encouraged by positive feedback from clients and customers, he is pleased with the business’s progress and welcomes new bookings for events, as well as customers interested in the beverage. Beyond its partnerships with brunch events, the company has also catered to private functions, including weddings.
With the October 4 Sunch event approaching, Swagg is continuing to build his presence in New York’s event and beverage market, drawing on his Jamaican entertainment roots as he pursues new opportunities in the United States.
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