The annual Women in Business Expo commenced with a large turnout on Saturday at the Pegasus Hotel, as newcomers and experienced ladies in the entrepreneurship world capitalised on the opportunity to put their businesses in the spotlight.
Over 30 booths were on display featuring different business ventures in the areas of cosmetology, fashion, décor, cooking and local beauty products among others. The atmosphere was buzzing with excitement and the exhibitors also learnt techniques on influencing persons to purchase their products by offering striking deals and discounts.
Guyana Times spoke with several of the entrepreneurs, who lauded efforts to put their businesses on the map, and showcasing their capabilities as women.
Crafted by Chey’s creator, Shonta Noel, stated that while her expertise is in the paper craft department, changes were made this year to introduce a jewellery collection.
“We do paper craft, greeting cards, invitations, centrepieces, party supplies, party bags and so on. But this year for the expo, we’re focusing on our jewellery line. We do necklaces, chokers, earrings, bangles and you can get them in a whole set if you want them to match.”
According to her, this is a platform for wom
Locally made products on display at the Women in Business Expo
en to boost their confidence. Judging from the response, it spreads the realisation that their talent is sustainable and worthwhile.
“Every year it’s really good, not just for me but for all the different exhibitors because there are returning ones. That means there has to have a good response for them to be coming back and the fact that we’ve had a maximum capacity of exhibitors. It helps to boost their confidence in that what they have in a business is actually sustainable. They also get to make themselves known,” the young entrepreneur related.
Marissa Jaisingh of Trails and Treasures Décor gave some specifics about her services as a party planner, noting that while they specialise in balloon artistry, the entire party package can be ordered.
Standing against an Alice in Wonderland themed backdrop, Jaisingh said, “We’re a decorating business. We specialise in balloon artistry and a lot of theme parties, birthdays, weddings and we basically plan your event for you. If you have an idea, we can execute that idea and bring it to life”.
On the other hand, Debbie Houston of Glitzy Glamour Cakes is a veteran in delivering professional cakes, pastries and other baked goods at her catering establishment which was created over 12 years ago. Now, she also offers classes for persons who are interested in mastering the art.
She told this publication, “We’re a catering service that does cakes, cupcakes and other items. We also do evening and day classes and right now, we have discounts on them,” Houston noted.
Meanwhile, Angela Solomon featured her exclusive beauty products and scented candles under the Sunshine Creations brand.
“We’re a skincare company but we also make scented candles. I have a lot of scents but now we have pomegranate, mango, Brazilian jackfruit,” she said.
This year saw the introduction of Immaculate Cleaning Services, owned by Leslie Ann Balgobin. For her company, services are offered for events and homeowners who are occupied with other activities.
“We offer event cleaning, home cleaning, washing, ironing. We find that most people respond to the home cleaning because they are working all week and do not have the time to clean. That’s where we come in and get the work done,” she said.
International Women’s Day 2019 will be celebrated on March 8 under the theme “Think equal, build smart, innovate for change”. It is referred to as the United Nations (UN) Day for Women’s Rights and International Peace. (Rupa Seenaraine)
