– Leah Bachan says anyone can do it
Leah Bachan, the owner of two businesses, is of the belief that anybody can develop and run a successful business. She says would-be business persons should be innovative and not go after businesses that have cornered the market.
The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Leah’s Online Shopping, the first online shopping store in Region Five (Mahaica-Berbice), got into the business because of her need to earn as well as satisfy a craving for better products.
“During the time when I became pregnant I decided that I must do something to
generate an income in order to support myself and my upcoming child, so I started to work with my uncle at the Rosignol Market helping to sell his imported vegetables such as apples, grapes and carrots. Every Saturday I used to be at the market selling.”
After she gave birth, Bachan was desperate for money, so she commenced working at the Hopetown Service Station pumping petrol. After a few months, she started her entrepreneurial rise, which would eventually see her opening the first online shopping business in Region Five.
Firstly, she took over her parents’ Internet café. The novice entrepreneur then secured a second job as an administrator with the West Berbice Chamber of Commerce. Then, she opened her second business, Leah’s Online Shopping, with the slogan “Your Regional therapist”.
The aim of Leah’s Online Shopping is to quickly bring products from the United States into Guyana at cheaper rates, giving persons the opportunity to source products in the virtual world. Apart from that, the business imports quality electronics as well as brand name clothing, footwear and cosmetics for resale. Shopping online allows one to be unique in one’s clothing and other choices, as there is a wide array of choices and different combinations possible.
“We are bringing online shopping to Region Five, because on many occasions we find people going out of the Region to do online shopping – Expand the virtual world.”
She noted that when persons go out of Region Five to do business, that takes money out of the Region. “I want to help the Region to develop and when it does it will be more business for me.”
Bachan refers to herself as a shopaholic and says her personal experience gave her the idea to open the business since most of her shopping was done online. She said she developed a way to get items to herself hassle-free. That process is now the bedrock of her company.
On the strength of the confidence generated by her successes, Bachan is now venturing into the real estate business and is offering real estate management services, as well as an office max department where banners and flyers can be produced.
“It’s not only about making good use of all of your opportunities, one needs to exploit those opportunities that come your way.”
She says coming soon will be a bridal fashion site, along with a party and special occasions department. She is into the business of catering for persons who have special preferences, Bachan noted.
In offering encouraging words for budding entrepreneurs, she declared: “Hope is not lost for anybody who feels that they are at the end of the road. Once you have life and you have hope, let the future motivate you and you can become somebody successful.”
Contact: 611-0055, Leah’s Enterprise @leahsonlineshopping
