Abigail Fraser is a God-fearing, open-minded, dedicated, and hardworking young woman who loves people and has a passion for motivating and inspiring others to do better. She believes that we are all destined for greatness, but we just need to tap into the potential that the Lord has placed deep within. It is this passion and love for helping people that ignited a desire to pursue Social Work.
Following her dreams, Abigail attended the University of Guyana where she obtained her associate and bachelor’s degrees in Social Science (Social Work) with Distinction.
This degree has aided her with the knowledge and skillset, which she now uses as she helps to transform the lives of others in her community and spheres of influence.
Abigail is a woman who wears many caps; entrepreneur, freelance writer, community and mental health advocate, and volunteer to name a few. She has volunteered and worked along with several social service agencies facilitating various sessions, conducting different activities, and providing psycho-social support as required. These experiences gave her the opportunity to work closely with adults, children, the elderly, and persons from vulnerable populations.
Aside from her passion for elevating others, she is passionate about the issue of Mental Health since this is an issue she struggled with as an adolescent. For this reason, she considers herself a mental health advocate and enjoys raising awareness on this issue since she firmly believes that through sensitization and sharing our stories many lives can be saved. This passion has led her to become involved in two mental health organizations- the Health and Wellness Unit of her church (First Assembly of God Wortmanville) and Desert Flower Guyana.
Besides volunteering, Abigail enjoys adventure and travelling to new places. She is unique for her ability to motivate others even in the worst situations, and also for her openness to constructive criticism since she believes it pushes her to work towards becoming the best version of herself. Her ultimate hope is for there to be peace and for everyone to live in unity.
Her Journey to Entrepreneurship
“If someone told me I would be making and designing cakes 10 years ago I would not believe them. Growing up I was very prideful. I remember often telling my mom that I would never sell anything in school for fear of being bullied. As a child I also hated Christmas baking because I was required to be in the kitchen as the eldest child and oldest female. Not only was the process of making the cake long but tiring and so I often complained. Eventually, my mother utilised her skills to obtain additional income by starting a seasonal business every Christmas during which I was also required to help,” Abigail said.
After completing her bachelor’s degree in Social Work, she had much more free time. During this time, she found a poster with vocational training being offered by the Herstelling Assembly of God Skills School. Having no other major responsibilities, she decided to learn a new skill. There were many options to choose from, however after some encouragement and persuasion from her friend, they both registered for the Cake Decorating course.
She said, “I recall being asked on the first day about my reason for pursuing the cake decorating course and I responded by saying that I was just doing the course for fun. I had the time so why not? Looking back at the series of events leading up to my cake making journey, I see God’s hand paving the way for me to walk this path.”
A Turn of Events
“A month before my course concluded, the period of my contract had ended and as a result I was unemployed. I spent months looking for available jobs in my career path but all to no avail. Many times, I even considered a career change. I remembered expressing my fears for my future due to the lack of prospect for a Social Work graduate to my friend. She continuously reminded me of my cake decorating skills and because of fear of stepping out on my own I often ignored her. These thoughts and fears caused me to feel stuck, confused, hopeless and pushed me into a state of mild depression, “Abigail mentioned.
Her sources of motivation
In her state of despair, it was her faith in God, her personal dreams and desire to achieve great things and the prayers and encouragement of her family, friends and loved ones that kept her going, as she slowly tried to put the pieces of her life back together. During that period, she prayed often and sought extrinsic motivation, whether a sermon, motivational video, podcast or music to keep herself motivated. During this season, a song by Alvin Slaughter titled “That’s When He Steps In” encouraged her. Specifically, the line that says, “What’s that you have in your hands, I can use it, if you are willing to lose it.”
Though she wanted to move forward, she was a slave to her thoughts.
She added, “Was I ready to step out of my comfort zone and face my fears? The answer was yes, but in doing so I had to reframe the negative self-defeating thoughts I once had and affirm myself. But this was no easy task. It was during this time that I asked myself that question; What do I have in my hands, what skills or talents do I possess that will propel me to my God-given purpose? One of the answers to that question was the same skill I acquired whilst having “fun.”
Her Entrepreneurship Experience
She started, “The idea of entrepreneurship was also new to me and my family especially as a degree holder. Traditionally, we are socialised to graduate from high school, possibly go to university and find a job in the private and public sector but here I was, going against the norm (one of the scariest and most risky decisions I have ever made). However, with time they slowly warmed up to the idea. I recalled having my first client. It felt so strange to collect money from someone.”
Even though Abigail decided to start the business the whole idea of her being called a business owner was so foreign. She also felt a lot of shame, especially since she graduated from university with honours. “Whenever someone approached me, I hated to say that I started a small business and instead I just said I was unemployed,” she highlighted.
After starting her business, she faced various issues. As such, she constantly felt like she was not good enough as she doubted her abilities. In reflection, she remembered throwing away a large batch of cupcakes because of the wrong measurements, however with continuous improvement this was perfected.
She noted, “At that point, I cried. I wanted to give up because I just could not get it right. But I am sincerely thankful for my family, loved ones, and friends who not only tasted and critiqued my food but also served as my cheerleaders, encouraging me never to give up.”
Cupcakes made by Abigail
Despite these challenges she persevered, using any occasion to try new cupcake recipes she saw on YouTube or even seeking additional guidance from her mother and cake teachers.
Cupcakes made by Abigail
Though her business is still small, she highlighted that being an entrepreneur requires a lot of careful thought and strategic planning.
Abigail stated, “Not only are you required to have some knowledge of business but as a business owner you are a marketing and a communication specialist, a problem solver, a miracle worker along with so many other roles. However, I believe my volunteer and work experience along with the guidance of my mother and loved ones has really helped me in this transition. Overall, I am most proud of myself for stepping out of my comfort zone and my tenacity. I am especially grateful for my low season because it has propelled me beyond the limits, I once placed upon myself.”
Abigail’s Plan for the Future
Currently, she does cupcakes and at times cakes, part-time. However, in the future she plans to introduce other baked goods. Though she now enjoys making cakes, cupcakes and her entrepreneurship journey, she still has a passion for Social Work. Being a changemaker, within her community, spheres of influence, and by extension, her country, gives her great joy. It is Abigail’s hope to one day establish a Non-Governmental-Organisation.
Cupcakes and cake made by Abigail
When asked for advice, the young entrepreneur stressed, “It is ok to not know what’s next. I think at least once in our lives we all reach that stage but my encouragement to you is to not remain stagnant. My advice to any young person is to not allow your present circumstance to determine your future. No matter how dim your present season looks or feels, embrace the season that you are in. Try to understand the purpose your season is serving and utilise the gifts and talents God has placed within you because His plan for your life is perfect. Seek Him first and He will direct your path.”
She continued by adding, “Do not let ANYONE talk you out of your passion. Be cautious of those with whom you share your dreams. Find what drives you or what you are good at; have a plan of how you intend on using it; seek mentorship particularly someone who has already walked in your shoes and ask questions. My mother would often say, “all honest work is honorable and sometimes you have to start off small before you move on to greater things.” Most importantly, I would say do not let fear overtake you because your greatness is on the other side of your fear. So step out of your comfort zone and be authentically you, for you, and no one else. Lastly, I would also say to be intentional about the circle that you keep and tap into your support system.”
