By Naomi Marshall
Coconut water is thought to be a delicious source of hydration, packed with electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorous, and sodium.
The clear liquid which is taken from immature green coconuts has also been viewed and used as nature’s saline by persons who might be ill or are having an operation, and cannot eat or drink as they would normally do.
Lesa Mentore is a 20-year-old from Linden who is taking the market by storm with her 100 percent natural bottled coconut water. The Lindner’s new business venture, ‘Mentore’s Nature Water’ can be found in the refrigerators of three of Linden’s top supermarkets namely, McRae’s Supermarket, KD&J Supermarket and James and Sons Supermarket.
Mentore went from using 18 coconuts from her backyard trees to start her business, to purchasing 300 coconuts every week in just a matter of months. But how did this all come about? Well prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, the young woman sold clothing and sweet-scented oils in the interior.
However, due to the pandemic, sales declined, leaving her to look for alternative business ideas. In September of 2020, Mentore was informed during a casual conversation that persons would often ask for coconut water in the interior. In seeing that a market existed for coconut water, the young woman grabbed the opportunity and began supplying her bottled nature water to the interior one week later.
After receiving encouragement from friends and family to expand her business and also receiving positive reviews, Mentore ventured out introducing her brand of coconut water to her home town. Mentore who is also a third year geography major at the University of Guyana, grew up in Watooka Linden with her mother, father and two older sisters, and was always passionate about entrepreneurship from a tender age.
While growing up, Mentore said she was always inspired by her mother and father who are both entrepreneurs to become a business owner, and has always liked the idea of being an independent young woman.
“Since I was a little girl I always liked the idea of getting my own my money under my own conditions so I started selling tamarind balls in primary school at age 11 because I always wanted to be an independent young lady,” she told this newspaper.
The former Mackenzie High School student is passionate about self-development, and wishes to be in a position where she can help others. She is also passionate about her environment, hence, she is a geography major, and loves travelling.
The Lindener who describes herself as ambitious, witty, kind and versatile now has her eyes on becoming a supplier for the national coconut water market driven by the growing preference for beverages, which are natural and healthy.
Hence, she is currently on a search for other markets which she can supply her 500mL bottle of nature water to.
Persons interested in purchasing Mentore’s Nature Water which does not contain additive nor preservatives, can contact Mentore on 6301185.
