– businesswoman Melana Hudson making her mark in craft industry

EMANCIPATION is in the air and proud Essequibian Melana Hudson, who is a born and bred Charity village lady, now has her hands full of work because of her artistic abilities.

“At first it was just a little fun and part-time craft, which others took seriously and obviously wanted more from me,” Hudson told the Guyana Chronicle.

She went on to explain that ever since she has started to develop and continue to venture out, by getting many more ideas, her business has been expanding.

The managing director of M.H. Designs, Hudson said she started her business just about five years ago, while residing temporarily in Trinidad and Tobago.

She was doing a course at the time. “I made my first bag, which was used for cosmetics and everyone liked it. Eventually, the others started to order bags from me and so I making many more different bags,” she said. Eventually, she returned to her homeland and continued to work on all sorts of pieces of craft.

HAIRCARE LINE
“I started with some female dress accessories as well, such as earrings, hand bands, headbands, necklaces and so on, then I ventured out with even more hand bags and more and more I got creative with these and now I am getting into my haircare line,” she stated.

Hudson explained that included in the haircare line are satin bonnets, soon to be launched, sloppy bennies, more exquisite headbands and many more items. She also said that the public will continue to see even more bracelets, tassel earrings, macramé earrings, and necklaces – in a wide range of designs and colours, ensuring that there will always be something unique for everyone.

MARKETING PRODUCTS
“At first, it was a bit tough but as I came out and started mingling among people and they started realising what I was doing and liking my products as well, they began buy my stuff and even started ordering specific things that they wanted from me.

“I am so happy to see that many people are appreciative of my craft and my unique designs and so they order all sorts of things in the line of what I do. In fact, I have both local and international markets at this time,” Hudson offered.

She told the Guyana Chronicle that her business is getting better and this is because of her desire to be successful and her determination to work hard, developing on her skills dad by day.

VALUE FOR MONEY
Hudson said, like with any other type of business, there are some things that put a limit on what she is doing. She indicated that there are times when she is forced to import ‘quality materials’ for the production of some of her products, particularly for the making of her line of bags.

“I try to make sure that I put out the best – to give people quality for their money, in other words value for their money, so in doing so sometimes I have to go and get stuff and bring them. So that is one of my major issues,” she explained.

She further stated as a result of her having to import quality materials at times, it does affect the price some of her customers are asked to pay for her products.

However, even in this situation, she said her customers are always still willing to buy the products since she always strive to be reasonable with her prices, while ensuring that they get value for their money.

“For example, she said, I have customers who have my bags for years and they are still holding on to these bags. Sometimes when I see them I would say to them that they need a new bag and they would laugh. But in all seriousness, my bags are strong and it is for that same reason that I always seek out the best materials and ensure that they are properly stitched and arranged,” she offered.

She explained that most of her customers tote a lot of load and so while her materials are mostly fabrics she always ensures that the quality is always there.

“I don’t want to know that I send a bag out there and it falls apart – that is so not right for my business so I ensure that even the way I design and stitch them, I make sure that they are strong enough,” she said.

FUTURE PLANS
Hudson said the future plans she has for her business are very big.

“While in some ways the economy is tight and some businesses are slow, people still need bags and they still want to look good. At the same time, I try to ensure that the cost of my items are not too high to break people’s pockets; my main focus in starting this business was to always have affordable items. I am therefore positive that things are going to get better, not only for me and my business; that I am going to grow and expand, but I am also positive that things are going to bet better for my country, Guyana. If you keep telling yourself that you can’t do it then you won’t do it. So as for me, I usually say I can, I will and I must and I have to,” Hudson stated. (mercilinburke2017@gmail.com)