WOMEN have continually been shattering the glass ceiling over the years from becoming CEOs, business owners, leaders of prominent Non-Governmental Organisations (NGOs) and Guyanese women are not exempt from this, making their presence known, through the use of their various talents and skills.
A safe space

Owner of Sister’s Secret, Daniella Da’Silva, said that her journey with being a girl boss has allowed her access to “be her sisters’ keepers.” Sister’s Secrets was launched in 2019 with the idea of becoming a safe haven for young girls and women to share their issues and challenges with her feminine hygiene/ self-care store. She added that ‘Sister’s Secrets’ is here to let women know that natural remedies are best for their bodies, because the more organic a feminine hygiene product is the better it works along with your body.

The entrepreneur stated that launching her business and interacting with fellow women and providing a space for them to share stories and experiences and normalise the female experience has been one of her greatest achievements so far.

“Being in this position helped me to fulfil a goal I had of providing products and services to women and being a great help and assistance to women. I actually got to achieve that. And that was one of the biggest things for me, especially given my experiences and reasons for actually starting the business,” said Da’Silva.
Additionally, she stated that she’d like to use her platform to encourage other women to follow their passions and to remember the importance and power of a woman. She further encouraged them to surround themselves with positive role models, noting that without the unwavering support of her mother and sister she would not have been able to achieve the success she has with her business.

Set your priorities

Tristell Manifold, owner of Trisee Luxury Cosmetics, stated that she believes that women through their contributions, drive and innovativeness have continued to shatter the glass ceiling and have encouraged other women to do the same.
She stated that a girl boss is someone who takes control and accepts responsibility and keeps working towards achieving her goal, noting that any woman can be a girl boss, explaining that it is not exclusive to just entrepreneurs and CEOs.

“A girl boss is someone who defines success on her own terms and doesn’t stop until she gets it. She’s a leader. A goal-getter. Someone who understands that you can have anything, but not everything. Who gives it everything she’s got, and then some. She’s constantly inspiring and empowering others because of the example that she leads,” said Manifold.
She further said that being a girl boss is about being able to find a balance that enables a woman to climb the ladders of society, while also knowing when to take a break and take care of herself. She added that one of the most important things a girl boss has to remember is to ensure that she is recharged, so that she can positively share and shape the world.

“Prioritise and balance your life, that time you take for yourself to rejuvenate is so important for your mental health. And, learning to prioritise the main aspects of your life is critical for your success. A girl boss knows this and is a master at balancing the two, so she gets an equal amount of dedication to both,” said Manifold.
She further stated that becoming her own boss as a woman came with its own hurdles, adding that without a good support system she would not have been able to follow her dream. She stated that at the beginning of her journey, she did not dive headfirst into her business and did not realise the importance of making time, sharing ideas and how it would help her expand her business.

“My focus on my early businesses led to just me, me, me. This was a lonely experience and it negatively affected me and my businesses. I’ve since changed and now continually make time for others. I look for opportunities to assist people and serve. This not only makes me feel better about myself but it helps my business,” Manifold said.
She reminded women to ensure to stay consistent and dedicated even through adversity, noting that they can make a significant level of impactful contributions that would have dedication and consistency will bring success. Stay the course and keep striving, even during the midst of adversity.

Use your voice
President and Co-founder of VOICE-Guyana, Deanna Walcott, stated that since founding the Non-Governmental Organisation, she has been able to use her voice to amplify her advocacy for literacy, oracy, human rights and sexual and reproductive health among children and young people in the society.

She further stated that women have always been pivotal parts of decision making that have often been overlooked and their contributions negated. This she said was one of the factors pushing her to continue working toward achieving her goal of not just launching an NGO, but being a representative of what women can achieve.

Walcott stated that if she could encourage other females she would tell them to “never stop reading or speaking because reading exposes us to new perspectives, thoughts and words. Then, speak whenever you have something to say because your thoughts are important and your voice matters.”

Owner of Kayawen Jewellery, Sheena Scipio, added that men being at the helm of businesses and organisations is what is considered the norm, but that she believes that there is a significant feeling of pride that women get from seeing that other women can break that mould.
She stated that while the journey is never easy she would advise other young women to remain strong, stay focused on their goals and continue being innovative.

Make dreams come true
Wanda Campbell, owner of ‘Wonderfully Made’ and ‘Wonderful Creations’ echoed similar sentiments. She stated that she believes that since becoming an entrepreneur she has been able to make a difference to people’s lives, which has always been important to her and makes her life more exciting.

“Being a girl boss is important to me. It tells me that I can dream and make my dreams come true. That I have a purpose and it gives me confidence. My life has changed in many aspects. My appreciation for time and the fact that I wake up daily and I am able to make a difference in persons’ lives that use my product. It is a feeling of satisfaction,” said Campbell.

She advised other young women that in finding their place in society they should always strive to stand out and let their voice and impact be seen and heard, she reminded that hurdles are all a part of the journey but should never be a stop, adding that persistence and consistency are what every woman should ensure that they exercise in their daily lives.