A University of Guyana graduate, Lushon Wilburg, has launched her creative business, “The Little Wonders GY.” This business is currently online-based and sells self-care packages, scripture-based bookmarks, and menstrual pouches.
Launching her business wasn’t without challenges, as she had to navigate the intricacies of marketing and establish a brand in an ever competitive market. Drawing on her engineering problem-solving skills, Lushon iteratively improved her products, leveraging customer feedback and continuous innovation.
“This field has been nothing short of exhilarating, as it allows me to combine my technical prowess with my love for creativity and innovation. I am always vigorously seeking opportunities to join organisations where I can apply my love for creativity, as well as my willingness to give back; hence, I volunteer with the Youth Development Guyana Team yearly.
“It is always good to be a part of uplifting, educating, and nurturing youth. I also function as a dance instructor at the WIST Ministries International,” Wilburg said.
She believes passion plays a crucial role in starting a business, as it often begins with a personal interest or a desire to solve a problem.
For Wilburg, she saw how menstrual health and self-care are usually overlooked in conversations about wellness.
However, after experiencing her struggles with menstrual discomfort and the lack of accessible resources, she felt compelled to create a space where products to assist during these times are easily accessible and affordable. In addition to menstrual health, she believed in the importance of nurturing the mind and spirit. That’s why she includes spiritual bookmarks and tumblers in her offerings. These items serve as daily reminders to practice self-care, mindfulness, and hydration, creating a comprehensive self-care experience.
“Ultimately, my passion for this business stems from a desire to break the stigma surrounding menstrual health, promote self-care, and foster a sense of community. I am excited to provide products that not only meet practical needs but also inspire individuals to embrace their wellness journey with confidence and joy,” Lushon told this publication.
During her entrepreneurial journey, she faced several challenges, from sourcing quality products to navigating the complexities of starting a business.
One significant hurdle in her journey was educating herself about menstrual health and ensuring that the products she offered were not only effective but also sustainable and ethical.
Wilburg has grown not only as a business owner but also as an advocate for menstrual health and self-care.
Further, she added, “I’ve learned the importance of listening to my customers, adapting to their needs, and continuously improving my product offerings. I’m proud to say that my business has grown steadily since its inception. From launching my first self-care baskets to introducing spiritual bookmarks that encourage mindfulness, each step has been a celebration of progress. Receiving positive feedback from customers who feel empowered by my products has been one of the most gratifying aspects of this journey.”
One of Wilburg’s first challenges that she encountered was determining the right pricing strategy for her products, as she wanted to ensure that her products were affordable for her target audience while also covering costs and maintaining quality.
To address this, she conducted thorough market research to understand the pricing for similar products. She also analysed competitors’ prices and gathered feedback from potential customers about their willingness to pay. This aided in her finding a balance between affordability and profitability.
Another challenge was sourcing quality products, especially menstrual health components and self-care items, which was another significant hurdle to overcome, as she wanted to ensure that all products were ethically sourced and met high standards.
For her, building strong relationships with reliable suppliers has been crucial, as well establishing a network of partners who share her commitment to quality and sustainability.
“Build your brand around things that you are passionate about. This will keep you motivated and engaged, making it easier to overcome obstacles along the way.
“Find mentors or persons who have had experience starting businesses and ask them about things they encountered and how they dealt with them. Stay curious and open to learning.
“The business landscape is always evolving, and keeping up with trends and skills will enhance your entrepreneurial capabilities. Write down both short-term and long-term goals. This practice keeps you focused and accountable, helping you measure your progress over time,” is Wilburg’s advice for young entrepreneurs.
Lushon’s business can be contacted on social media platforms:
https://www.instagram.com/the_little_wonders_gy/
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100094220200115&mibextid=LQQJ4d
and
https://www.tiktok.com/@the.little.wonder?_t=8ig2xoRCH81&_r=1.
