It’s no secret that love brings people together, and as said by the famous Henry Ford, “Coming together is a beginning. Keeping together is progress. Working together is success”, a testament to this would be the success shared by 52-year-old Shelly Fraser and her husband, who, since meeting some 20 years ago, have been using their kite-making talent to bolster a successful business.
In an interview with this publication, Fraser shared that when she first met her husband, he was into kite-making, and she decided to join him. She added that given her childhood background and undying love for the Easter holiday, it ‘blended’ right in.
She shared that, growing up, her brother made kites for children within their neighbourhood, and she had a wonderful time flying the traditional ‘Caddy-Ole-Punch’ throughout the remainder of the year.
“My brother…used to make a lot of kites for the children in the neighbourhood. It was a wonderful time, I used to fly Caddy-Ole-Punch whole year…after Easter. I used to use my school book…and make my own Caddy-Ole-Punch. And [then] I reach up with my husband, and that’s what he likes (making kites) so it blend in,” she said in a cheery voice.
According to Fraser, she enjoys making kites because of the joy it brings to the faces of children, who are always amazed by the array of colours when they come out with their parents to buy.
“Why I like to make kite is because of my husband. He’s the kite-maker really, and I follow him. I enjoy it because of the children…
“For the years we’re doing it, when we go on the road to sell, it’s wonderful…because the children get excited when they see all the different colours,” Fraser declared.
The talented entrepreneur shared that their unique kite designs go deeper than the drawing board, but comes from their religious belief.
“We’re Rasta…so we go for the six-point star, because it represents David’s house,” Fraser specified.
In every business, there are challenges. Fraser shared that, due to the COVID-19 pandemic which struck Guyana in March of 2020, she had quite a lot of kites piled up that they were unable to sell that year. However, last year she successfully sold approximately 300 kites, and is currently in the process of making 200 for Easter this year.
“Due to the pandemic and so, we had a lot of kites [that] we prepared and did not get to go on the road and sell. Last year, when we go out, it was good; so this year we start a little late…and right now we have about 200,” she shared.
Persons who are interested in purchasing kites from this couple can contact them at (592) 646-6754 or (592) 638-8197; or visit them at the Soesdyke Junction this Thursday, April 6, 2023.
EASTER
Easter is a Christian season that is dedicated to observing the Death and Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It marks the completion of Lent.
This week, Christians in Guyana would join the rest of the world in observing Holy Week, the most sacred week in the liturgical year.
Holy Week begins today – which is known as Palm Sunday in observance of Christ’s entry into Jerusalem – and includes Holy Wednesday (betrayal of Jesus); Maundy Thursday (also known as Holy Thursday), which celebrates Jesus’s Last Supper with His 12 disciples; Good Friday (Passion of Jesus is observed). The week ends with Easter Vigil on Saturday in preparation for Resurrection Sunday (Easter Sunday).
The raising of kites into the skies on Easter Sunday is done in Guyana to symbolise Jesus’s Resurrection. (Tassia Dickenson)
