12-year-old Sheniah Sinclair, a 2nd Form student of the New Amsterdam Secondary School (NAMS) launched her coconut water business, making her mark in the entrepreneurial community.
She was born on the 28th March, 2010 and is the eldest child for her parents. Sinclair hails from the Sandvoort Village, West Canje Berbice, where she resides with her parents and younger siblings.
The young entrepreneur was described as being a humble child.
“My mother, Sheon Chisholm, is generally into beekeeping and selling of grocery products and I saw how she managed those businesses well. So being the inquisitive person that I am, I told her I’d like to start a business too,” she said when asked what inspired her to start the business.
She continued by saying, “I wanted to do something that was cost-effective. I am big on savings, so most of the monies I receive are placed into my account. On the weekends, I’m free, so I wanted a hobby. My yard has a lot of coconut trees and upon seeing other people selling, I said, “I too can do that and even make it more innovative.”
Her business expanded from just selling to family and friends alone to other businesses and clients. Her biggest supporters/clients, at the moment, are the staff from Payless Variety Store, and Bouchie Variety Clothing Store, located in New Amsterdam, East Berbice.
She began bottling her water because some of her customers preferred to take it away and or kept it cool for a period of time, especially the nurses and diabetic patients.
Sinclair’s business has grown over the years, as she now caters for 80 customers per day and it keeps expanding.
When asked how she is able to juggle business and school, the young entrepreneur said, “I find it quite easy. I complete all my assignments on Fridays or two days before it’s due and then prepare to sell on the Saturday. I have help from my brother, he usually picks and cuts the coconuts, while my mother helps me to bottle off.”
She noted that her father is away for work most times but when he’s here he assists with bursting the coconuts and bottling. As such, with the help of her family, the job gets easier.
Sinclair noted that she hasn’t faced any challenges. However, she’s more energised and enthusiastic about selling because, some days she makes larger profits.
Recognition from her teachers and friends are major accomplishments she is proud of.
She highlighted several of her teachers and colleagues viz, Miss Orletta, Miss Kezie, Miss Monique, Sir Daniel, Tyla, Joshua, Mickelle Tizanna and others, as they act as her extrinsic motivation and provide feedback, which helps her to continue to enhance the business and be motivated.
In the future, she hopes to improve her labelling and packaging. Sinclair would also like to involve her other siblings in the business and expand her business.
When asked for advice, the 2nd former stressed, “to follow their passion and dreams and continue to not be limited by the negative comments and remarks of others. If you put your mind to your goals and dreams, you can achieve them.”
