By Naomi Parris
LIKE many young entrepreneurs, Kelston Murphy has had no option but to take life and its responsibilities seriously. The 19-year-old ‘grew up’ without the benefit of the proverbial ‘silver spoon’ in his mouth and is determined to take his business, when formally established, to great heights.
After writing the national grade six assessment (NGSA), Murphy was placed at the Golden Grove Secondary School He later attended the Government Technical Institute (GTI) where he developed an interest for woodwork and carpentry.
Surprised by his own skills, Murphy stated that, since learning wordwork, he has realized that he can make anything he wants and needs, out of wood.
“Since I have started learning woodwork, I realized that it a very good to know that you could make anything you need out of wood. Also I feel good to know that I can produce quality work as a young person which I never thought I could have done,” he stated.
Murphy revealed that he originally planned to study carpentry but later decided to study woodwork.
“Before finishing school I thought of going to GTI and do carpentry….but it happened that I went to do carpentry and ended up in woodworking is when I realized that woodworking would be just good for me and I developed my skills there,” he noted.
However, while he is employed at GTI, on contact basis, Murphy is looking to open his own local wordwork shop in Victoria, on the East Coast of Demerara.
“I plan on starting something small and as my business grows…I will develop,” he stated.
Murphy who lives with his mother and grandmother stated that he is hoping that his business will take off so that he can support his family.
“My mother has been working very hard to maintain and support the family the best way she can and so I believe it’s my time to work and give back,” he said.
Murphy who is very determined to own his very own woodworking shop spends, if not all, most of his time, making whatever he can, and while his business isn’t yet booming he is still hopeful since he has received overwhelming support from friends and family and persons from surrounding communities.
The young man is currently working alongside an older carpenter to expand his skills to kick-start his business.
