Discover Delicious Delights at Dessert Lab: Meet Sherland Gillis, the Youth Entrepreneur Driving Economic Growth in Rural Guyana!

Dessert Lab is a culinary business offering fruit bowls, frozen desserts, pastries, cakes and
homemade ice cream, located at Palm Ally, Hopetown Public Road, West Coast Berbice
(next to the Co-op Supermarket).  The business was launched by Hopetown youth, Sherland Gillis as he aims to make his mark in the entrepreneurial arena and his community.

When asked why he chose the name, he noted that he wanted to create a name that is
catchy yet embraces uniqueness..The young entrepreneur noted that Dessert indicates the class of food being served while ‘Lab’ subtly says we’re always experimenting new approaches to diversify our products.

When asked why he launched such a business, he highlighted that unemployment is a
problem in Region 5 and Guyana by extension and as such he wanted to provide for himself
and make an impact on his community.  “I saw the working situation in Guyana, especially in the rural areas. As such, I chose the path of entrepreneurship after conducting research and understanding the market.
It was also deemed necessary since businesses of this nature are nonexistent in these
provinces,” said Sherlon.

Further he noted that, “Most people go to Georgetown seasonally, for certain items and/or
services, so it was more than necessary for me to bring something of this nature to my
community.”

While Desert Lab is providing top-tier pastries, ice cream and fruit bowls, it is also creating
employment for youths within Hopetown and its vicinity, which leaves a positive impact
within the community and aids in solving the unemployment issue in Region 5.  He mentioned that he is passionate about baking and his skills were developed from being among relatives and friends who constantly baked. The young entrepreneur noted that he was oftentimes involved, and that stirred up his passion.

His business was launched in October and is in its growth stage. When asked for advice for young and future entrepreneurs, he said, “ They should conduct feasibility studies for whatever endeavours you seek to approach. Be disciplined as motivation fades from time to time and Liaise with others involved in entrepreneurship, it doesn’t necessarily have to be your field.”

In the future, he plans on expanding his services in such a way that the business would be
able to supply a high traffic comfortably. As well as having their products on shelves in local
shops and supermarkets within Region 5 and across Guyana.
Persons interested in his services, can connect with him via Instagram @5gillie.dessertlab or
+5926855632. His business hours are Sunday-Thursday 11:30 AM – 21:00 hrs, while Friday
is 11:30 AM – 16:30 hrs and Saturday 19:00 Hrs – 22:30 hrs.

 

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