REFLECT, Relax,Rejuvenate and Rejoice are some words that describe last weekend’s retreat with some of the exhibitors and their families at Isika. This place is extra special to me. I intentionally arrived early before the others because I needed my dose of meditation under the palm trees. This space is so calming. It detoxes my mind and gives clarity on ideas. I decided I would camp out in this space alone to write my first fiction book soon.
Stanley Ming continues to be a guiding light for many small businesses through mentorship and leadership. My mentor John Maxwell says, “leadership is influence nothing more, nothing less,” but I like the definition better from my other mentor Myles Munroe, “Leadership is the capacity to influence others through inspiration, motivated by passion generated by vision produced by conviction, ignited by purpose.”

We often discuss purpose in the EXPO Family circle. It is important to discover why we’re created because that assists us to live a fulfilled life. I felt the excitement as the exhibitors and their families came out of the vehicles. Only a few of them had this experience with me last year. I’m happy we decided to invite family and staff because it is a great atmosphere to create stronger bonds. Kitta Cave shared that this expo made her relationship with her sister even stronger. I love the article Mr Adams from Stabroek did on the EXPO because he captured the true essence of the part people often miss. I am sharing his first paragraph with you:
“It was a landmark moment in the leadership role which local fashion icon and business mentor Sonia Noel plays in the lives of emerging entrepreneurially-bent[sic] women over several years. The curtain had finally fallen on this year’s Women in Business event, one of Ms. Noel’s brainchildren, designed to provide opportunities for emerging women-led businesses to parade their creations on what, for most of them, are bigger than the accustomed stage; to expand their horizons with regard to the creation and incremental growth of self-sustaining entrepreneurial pursuits. There is, unquestionably, evidence that the relationships are working.”
Forging great relationships in business is vital to building strong relationship capital, and that is the culture we are cultivating. I believe because Mr Adams was there when we dismantled, he saw the hugs, tears and the body language of the exhibitors. He also overheard many expressing the emotions they were feeling after developing that sisterhood. The retreat was for further bonding in a relaxing atmosphere after working hard for EXPO.

People shared at the retreat, things that transpired and after the EXPO and the stories were so inspiring. Qualitest Training Institute was one of the exhibitors and Ms Irvin shared that Unicomer is now her partner as a result of her telling them about her service at the EXPO. The word Isika means “Giving” and Stanley encouraged the ladies to always find a way to give back. We had a brief session where any could have asked Stanley about his entrepreneurial journey and they all learnt something to make theirs better.

Attorney at Law Maya Robertson also gave advice on the legal aspect of doing business. I imagine relaxing in a hammock on a beautiful windy and Sunny Saturday with great food,company and receiving these valuable nuggets you can implement immediately to better you and your business. The ladies are already asking about the date for the next trip and the ones that did not make it are saying they are not missing the next one. I encourage all of us to carve out that time for self-care because you can only serve from your overflow. These are the businesses that participated and they need your support. I encourage you to check out the Women in Business Guyana page for details of these businesses:

1. Blue Lake Sorrel Wine
2. The Beauty Boutique
3. My Pen & Me
4. Nickjose Pinata World
5. Avi’s Little Things
6. Everything Makes Craft
7. Qualities Training Institute
8. FootprintHomes Guyana
9. Ojay’s Natural Skincare
10. HAND MADE WITH LOVE
11. Only you Variety
12. SC Beauty Room
13. Air Tastic Designs
14. Designs by Tracey
15. Dash Boutique
16. Vanda Designs
17. Simply Stunning Collection
18. David’s Creative Design
19. Green Dreams
20. Jada’s Consultancy
21. Eccentric Creations
22. A & J Creatives Designs Plus
23. Caius Creation
24. Unique Creation
25. Purpleheart Organic
26. Marinda’s Indigenous Craft
27. Enchanted Gardens-Floral Arts
28. Camille’s Academy
29. Cupcakes & Things
30. Mel-Leisa’s Organic Products and Beauty Supplies.
31. Trails & Treasures
32. Lizzy’s Diverse Anguli
33. Magnificent Flavors Scented Candles and Organic Soaps
34. Shelli’s Handmade
35. TLC Extraordinary Products
36. Hotel Supplies
37. Sonia Noel Inc
38. Beckey’s Blessings
39. Beauty Essentials
40. Crafted by Chey
41. The Book Hub
42. Rejuvenate Health Spa
43. Unique Décor
44. CJ Papers & Pickles
45. I AM Collection
46. Designs by Tracey
47. Vanna & Me
48. Ardyslife Guyana
49. Homemade Icecream
50. CJ Green Seasonings
51. Glamour Connection
52. Deborah Butters Designs.
53. Angel Foods

Etiquette Training International also had a presence there but did not have an exhibition space. Mrs Phillipa Morrish presented certificates to two young ladies who received a course after complimenting my Confidence Becomes You programme which recommences at the end of the month. We are in the second quarter of the year, and it is great for a reflection on our vision for life as we continue this beautiful journey called Life BEYOND THE RUNWAY.