Patricia Chin, co-founder of VP Records, the largest independent reggae label in the world.Photo courtesy of Patricia Chin
“From the artists to the executives, no one can argue that it has been a long and arduous journey for women in the music industry,” says Patricia Chin, cofounder of VP Records. But for the last four-plus decades, Miss Pat — as she’s best known — has steered the path of the largest independent reggae label in the world, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary in 2019.
“When starting VP Records, I had to act as both an entrepreneur and a leader during a time when women were still trying to carve a place in the corporate world,” says Chin.
Chin is a Jamaican entrepreneur who was raised in Kingston, the island’s cultural capital, by a Chinese mother and an Indian father. In 1958, she and her husband, Randy, opened a used record store called Randy’s that developed a cult following. Within a few years and with their fingers on the pulse of where reggae music was headed, the couple founded Studio 17, a production facility frequented by legendary artists such as Bob Marley and Peter Tosh. In the mid-70s, they moved to the U.S. to chase the American dream, bringing their business along with them to service the growing Caribbean market.
A vintage photo of Chin and her husband, Randy.Photo courtesy of Patricia Chin
Often encountering adversity in this male-driven landscape, Chin prevailed, nevertheless. “I needed to ensure that the mission of VP Records would not falter just because others were not ready to welcome a female into the boardroom,” she says. “I focused on the label and the best ways to evolve and expand it, not on the naysayers.”
Her entrepreneurial, forward-thinking leadership positioned VP Records as a trailblazer and helped the label evolve and expand, which it continues to do. These days, the label is a multinational brand that has worked with some of the biggest artists in the genre including female musicians like Estelle and Jah9, as well as Sean Paul and Shaba Ranks. “My journey very much mirrored that of reggae music, at first dismissed and overlooked, but eventually taken seriously and conquering the music industry,” says Chin.
Chin at a 40th anniversary party for VP Records in Montego Bay, Jamaica.Photo courtesy of Patricia Chin
Chin recalls being on the phone with a male customer when they first opened the record store. “He said, ‘Put me on to a man to take my order!’ He thought as a woman I did not know the music well,” says the exec, who quickly proved him wrong. “After that conversation, he would only ask for me to take his orders whenever he called.”
Building a business is easy, according to Chin, “when you love what you do. It’s easy to find yourself working nonstop.” She says that she carefully balanced nurturing both her employees and her own family, who worked in the business. “After we moved to the states, my children and especially my son Chris took the lead in finding and signing new talent,” she says.
Chin gives a sneak peek at her forthcoming book on the history of VP Records.Photo courtesy of Patricia Chin
Chin says she never realized her role as a woman and how impactful it was until she was recognized as the first female recipient of the A2IM (American Association of Independent Music) lifetime achievement award. “I was elated,” says Chin. “It made me take note of the strides I made over the years in a male-dominated arena.”
In honor of 2019’s Women’s History Month, Chin shared some inspiration for women entrepreneurs, no matter what field they’re in. “Now more than ever women must empower each other, as it was hard enough to get a seat at the table,” she says. “Find a mentor, whether that is someone you can personally connect with or just dissect their career through your own research.”
Chin, who is also known as “Miss Pat.”Photo courtesy of Patricia Chin
For women who want to be in the music industry, she shares this advice: “This industry is not always glamorous, but if the love of music runs through your veins you will appreciate the highs and lows. You can’t force acceptance, but you can continue to show through hard work and dedication why you deserve to be a part of the industry.”
And some parting advice: “Prove that what you have to offer will better a company and make it impossible for them to turn you away. Most importantly, work hard and be passionate.”
Dunns River Falls, one of Patricia Chin’s favorite spots in Jamaica.Getty
Miss Pat’s Favorite Spots in Jamaica
Here, this self-made music legend shares her favorite spots in Jamaica.
Dunn’s River Falls, St. Ann – This brings back fond childhood memories; because my parents took me there when I was a child. I now take my grandchildren and amazingly, I still get that thrill climbing the falls and walking bare feet on the white sandy beach.
Hope Gardens, Kingston – As a child, I enjoyed visiting the Hope Botanical Gardens and Zoo to see the exotic plants and beautiful flowers, which we topped off with some great tasting ice cream from the ice cream truck. Recently, I visited and I was so happy and amazed to see a lovely Chinese Garden, donated by the Chinese government. The garden was constructed to commemorate 50 years of Chinese industry in Jamaica, and it adds to the ambiance.
National Museum of Jamaica, Kingston – I recall visiting the National Museum of Jamaica while growing up and I always had great fun. Recently, I went back to see a Chinese play and I was happy to see that the museum is still active after so many years.
The main pool at the S Hotel in Jamaica.Photo courtesy of S Hotel
“S” Hotel, Kingston and Montego Bay – I like the musical artifacts throughout the hotels and how they weave it into the décor. Their appreciation for our Jamaican culture is truly admirable.
Gloria’s Seafood Restaurant, Port Royal – I am a lover of seafood and Gloria’s has great tasting fried fish, bammies and fish soup. Looking over the Kingston Harbor and feeling the sea breeze brings back sweet memories.
17 North Parade, Kingston – This is the old location of Randy’s Records, where it all started. When I visited three years ago, there were many changes but I was happy to see vendors along the street side selling fruits and vegetables, just as I left there 40 years ago. Connecting with old acquaintances, artists, musicians and meeting children of the many vendors of the past was quite an overwhelming feeling of happiness.
Great Pond, St. Ann – This is my parents’ hometown and it brings back beautiful memories of my mother’s home cooking, friends and neighbors, their church and aftercare school. St. Ann was also best known for the latest reggae music hot spots back then.