ASHMIN John especially loves a small, cozy gathering whenever it’s time to celebrate something dear to her, so it was perhaps this aspect of her personality that fuelled her desire to carve out a business idea that would help her cater for others who feel the same way.

Working in marketing for years, Ashmin has coordinated numerous campaigns and events for major companies and so knew exactly what she wanted her side business to turn into. The right time came during the pandemic when people generally started preferring smaller gatherings.

And so Glamp Camp GY, the events aspect of Ashmin’s business, came into being, with an office at Lot 48 High Street, Werk-en-Rust, Georgetown. Premised on making entertainment and other events affordable – while at the same time offering something more glamorous and luxurious – the business is thus made accessible to more people.

Speaking with Pepperpot Magazine a few days ago, Ashmin explain just what her business is all about. Currently offering luxury picnics and outings, Ashmin would most times single-handedly (or at times with the help of temporary staff) do all the planning and coordinating for the couple or small group of friends.

“These are designed for small groups who want something a bit more glamorous but don’t necessarily want to go into hosting an entire event,” she explained, adding, “The picnics are tastefully designed so that they fit into the Instagram culture; artistically designed to fit this need where people like to take and post photos.”

Ashmin makes it a point to ensure that every package she offers is affordable. There’s the Proposal/Picnic package, the Date Night package, Champagne and Charcuterie package for six, and other packages that can be customised for an anniversary or other special celebration.

According to her, more exciting and practical packages are coming in January. “I like just having a small group when I am celebrating anything, and I’m sure there are lots of persons out there like me,” she expressed.

This concept, she noted from research, has surged in other countries because of the COVID-19 pandemic and people’s need for smaller, more intimate events. So this being the new trend in many developed countries, Ashmin thought that she could bring the same thing home to Guyana.

“I wanted to carve out a new niche in the country, and I wanted to know what different I can bring,” she said. With a Bachelor’s and a Master’s Degree in hand, Ashmin has been working in marketing over the past 11 years and has learnt the art of organising visually appealing events. So her new business of creating events that are appealing to the eyes is no difficult task for her.

Ashmin has been working on her side business for a few years now, but it was only this year that she decided to concentrate all of her efforts towards it. “ It has been challenging but very fulfilling. You’re pretty much writing your own pay cheque and the energy put in is what you will get out,” she expressed.

Ashmin has researched new trends internationally and found that this one can help her in the areas in which she wants to grow. While she thoroughly enjoyed her full-time job, she now has the scope to go beyond just doing one thing over and over.

She is especially thankful for the critique received at the Accelerate Her Booth Camp by the Centre of Local Business Development. “I really needed a platform for rigorous critique, so I shared my ideas with the business professionals and their responses were what helped me fine-tune my plans. They were instrumental in my moves forward,” Ashmin said.