EVEN before Janis Moore migrated to the United States of America, having lived in Antigua for some time, her intention was always to return to her homeland and set up a business, preferably in the mining town of Linden where she has roots.
The what, however, would prove difficult as the former soldier and one-time Guyana Telecoms Corporation (GTC) international operator, who, while in the US, had specialized in foster care, realized that she had to focus her attention on a second career to tide her through her twilight years.
So, heeding the prodding of a friend, she reluctantly undertook a course in events planning, which she had to juggle with her full-time schedule in foster-caring. Pretty soon, armed with a new-found talent, Janis found herself not only wanting to learn more about events planning, but in great demand also by friends and family and other associates seeking advice on planning one event or the other, be it a lime, or signature occasions such as birthdays and weddings.
Now no longer single, having since tied the knot with former soldier, Carson McCalman, Janis’s urge to return home became even more acute, since it was also one of her husband’s greatest desires.

Proprietress of the recently-launched `The Perfect Wedding’ bridal shop in Linden, Mrs. Janis McCalman, her husband, Carson, with some of the bridal accessories being offered for sale or rental (Photos by Wendella Davidson)

As such, any trip the couple made to Guyana thereafter was more of a recce mission than a leisure break, a secret shared only by Janis and Carson. And, having long decided they needed an ideal place to call home, and from whence the business of events planning can take off and expand, the Mc Calman’s eventually settled for a property in Richmond Hill, replete with spacious lawns, and after undertaking some renovations to the house, moved to Guyana permanently.
Ironically, a few months before making the move, Janis featured prominently at her niece’s wedding as it is she who was responsible for all of the planning, from the choice of  apparel for  bride, groom and attendants, to the decorating of the reception hall. Needless to say, it was the ideal occasion for Janis to let all and sundry know of her hidden talent, and garner the much-needed attention.
As word spread, Janis soon found herself, as had obtained in the US, being in great demand, and it was this that fostered the idea of establishing a bridal shop in the mining town, that will offer clients for either sale or rental, wedding gowns and to-die-for paraphernalia associated with weddings.
The idea, which got the full backing of her husband, came to fruition on July 10 with a simple but significant ceremony to launch  the bridal shop which she has named `The Perfect Wedding’  and is located on  Republic Avenue, Linden,  right opposite the proposed  new offices of Citizen’s Bank.
`The Perfect Wedding’ ,this newspaper  has been given to understand, is the very first such establishment in the Upper Demerara mining town, and according to Janis, her long-term goal is to make the business  ‘The ultimate one-stop wedding shop’, complete with photography/videography,  salon, catering and decorating services all available under one roof.
At the launch, attended by family, close friends  and other associates, an emotional Janis, who gave a sneak  preview  of what is in store for Lindeners, remarked that a wedding day for a woman or man is quite a memorable occasion, in that they should not be bogged down on that day with having to take care of such details as fixing the hall, only to arrive at the church looking evidently stressed out , and still worrying whether everything is going as planned.
“Leave it to me,” she urged. “I will do all that work for you; my shop will work with your colour  scheme.” 
Presently, the shop has in stock eye-catching wedding gowns, suits for the groom,  tiaras, jewellery, veils, universal chair covers, varying colours of chair sashes, wedding  invitations, albums, bridal decorations cake,  champagne buckets, assorted napkins/tissues, money bags, garters, flower girls baskets, unity candles, aisle and table runners, ring pillows, seating /place cards, floral centre, several of which are Janis’s own handiwork.
According to Janis, the shop will soon have in stock dresses, shoes, and other accessories intended for the entire wedding entourage, including the mother of the bride and groom,  and honeymoon novelties.
Prospective clients will have the opportunity of browsing through catalogues from which they will place their orders.
Already on her agenda is the hosting of a bridal show in the mining town to further boost her business, since she is aware that its success will heavily rely on the number of customers she attracts as well as retains.
To this end, Janis says she will be leaving no stone unturned in her quest to ensure that customers, upon visiting the establishment, leave completely satisfied.