AFTER residing in England for many years, Rhonda Jackson returned to her homeland and is now doing her bit to enhance the lives of youths in her community of No.5 Village, West Coast Berbice.
She has established her own small business at her uncle’s place, Simplicity Touch, where a sewing shop and showroom were created and there too, she does fashion designing, makes plant pots from fabric (cloth) and cement, arts and craft.
Jackson left Guyana many years ago, first moving to Suriname before venturing to England, where she got married. She settled there for some time before deciding to return to her homeland, Guyana.
“I am back since last November for good, because I want to empower young women with a life skill, so they can become gainfully self-employed. For free of cost, I want to teach them to do stuff like sewing, making plant pots from cloth and cement, fashion designing, arts and craft and so much more,” she said.
Jackson stated that she did so many things, even working as a part-time chef back in England and today she is still at it because she likes to work with her hands to create things and beautify the place.
She disclosed too, she was also a certified social care worker in England, where she interacted with mental care patients and vulnerable adults and children.
The mother of six told the Pepperpot Magazine that with time she will transform her uncle’s place into what she wants in terms of decorating it and is hoping her sewing classes with the youths in the village kicks off soon enough.
“I like to create stuff, I don’t like to sit down; I teach myself via the Internet and when I see how it looks, I would start making my own. I started making plant pots in England and sold it there and now my husband is making and selling it in Linden. I am not promoting it as much, but it sells from right here at my home,” Jackson said.
Depending on the size and colour, the plant pots are reasonably priced and can withstand the weather conditions in Guyana.
The small plant pots can be used as a vase, since it can be sprayed in gold paint or whatever colour the customer requests and serves as décor for any home or surroundings.
Jackson added that she also covers shoes to match outfits and can sew and design clothes for all.
“My passion is to work with my hands, learn on my own to do things. I don’t watch television because I like to watch videos on how to make things and I try it afterwards. I am also an interior decorator and I try many things in an effort to spruce up the environment and as long as I am healthy, I will continue to do things with my hands,” Jackson said.
Her dream is to host a street fashion show in No.5 Village. Jackson told the Pepperpot Magazine that her dream will become a reality in the near future when the community revives the traditional ‘Village Day’.
She is one of many women in the community who are self-employed and she is making a difference in her community, a place that has a lot to offer.
