– with establishment of home furnishing store
“As I open this second location, it’s a bittersweet moment for me; the fact that my father is not alive to see what I have achieved and on the other hand, I am proud to have carried on his legacy. All praise and thanks to the Almighty for keeping me.”
These were the words of young Linden businesswoman Lauren Joseph- Simon, who on Sunday will be commissioning a mega home furnishing store in the Amelia’s Ward Community.
The popular Bolo’s Variety and Furniture World, which is a household name to the Bauxite town, will be opening its second branch, which brings a wider variety of home furnishings.
Joseph-Simon, is the daughter of the late Albert Joseph- the founder of Bolo’s Variety Store, who was robbed and shot in the Sun Flower Street store, broad- day light, in January 2011.
His daughter, though her dream was to study journalism, had to pick up the mantle and keep the business going. Filled with enthusiasm Lauren overcame many hurdles, and one decade later, Bolo’s Variety has not only survived, but has thrived to the point of her being able to open her very own store; a bigger and better one than her father started many years ago.
Nestled in the Empire Drive of Amelia’s Ward, the modern two-storey edifice is truly a tangible picture of a dream come true. Lauren said that for the many years she has been managing her father’s business, many took her for granted, because she is a woman, more so an African woman and today she is showing the world that both her gender and race, can beat stereotypes and show themselves equal in every aspect of the world. She describes herself as a risk taker and an optimist who only looks at what can be gained, rather than what she can lose. “Opening a second branch on the Mackenzie shore was always a dream of mine, coupled with the desire to meet the needs of our growing customer base, about a year ago, I decided to start looking for a land to buy on the Mackenzie shore, after failed attempts, I managed to secure one that was aptly located in the heart of a developing housing scheme. Finances at the time seemed out of reach but I forged ahead and began construction in January. Today, the building stands a beautiful two-storey edifice.”
While it is a plus for her and her family, looking at the bigger picture, Lauren said that she is able to provide employment for young Lindeners and to inspire many business owners to come out of their comfort zone. Already, there are 11 persons on the pay roll and this she said, will increase at the end of the COID -19 pandemic. “This business has already inspired other businesses to bring their services to Amelia’s Ward too. My advice to any entrepreneur is to not get comfortable in your comfort zone, business is a lot of work but if it is your passion, you will make it work, develop attitudes of diligence, persistence and commitment,” she advised.
With Amelia’s Ward becoming its own economic hub, Lauren is encouraging other entrepreneurs to join the bandwagon of setting up shop in the community, which is one of the largest in Guyana. No doubt the community is pregnant with opportunities for economic and social development. The thousands of residents no longer have to journey to Mackenzie or Wismar for the wide array of products and services Bolo’s will have in store. The new products she said, will be introduced to the Wismar store in a few weeks. To meet their pockets are hire purchase and layaway plans for customers. She is confident that the risk she took will produce countless dividends in the future.
