THE last week in the first half of the year was phenomenal and purposeful. The Grade Six pupils from Parfait Harmony Primary School contributed to that in a significant way. I always anticipate an awesome time with our future leaders and happy it is possible again after over two years.
I admired those beautiful eyes looking at me; some were very focused and attentive to every word I uttered. It took me back to my school days at St John the Baptist Primary School. At that age, I had a business selling plantain chips, sugar cakes, fudge etc. I had a different product to sell for the five days a week at school and made them myself. This was one of the ways to assist in buying my school uniforms and sometimes even for my siblings.

One of my most embarrassing moments was during our reading session under a huge mango tree. We were always excited to go outdoor to read. One of the pupils requested to buy plantain chips, and I told her selling during school hours was against the school rules, but after consistent begging, I took a chance. The bowl with the chips fell, and it caught the attention of not only the other pupils but also my teacher. It was not only an embarrassment but also a valuable lesson of standing your ground when you know it is the right thing to do.
It is a curious age and there are more questions than answers and these children asked many at the end of my presentation. I shared some of my achievements but mainly about growing up in a single-parent household and many related to what I said. Discussing failure is a subject people avoid, but I am very comfortable with that because failing along our journey is inevitable. When I told them about the time I failed in school and how I felt, they felt comfortable sharing with me how they felt. I assured them that failing at something does not mean we are failures.
Many also shared that they are shy and lack confidence and I assured them that there is hope for them and I am a testimony because, at that age, I struggled with self-confidence. I shared how I overcame and told them the story of my presentation at Brown University. That is a moment in time I will never forget. Standing tall on that stage as the first Caribbean designer to give a presentation on Caribbean Fashion at the prestigious Ivy league school. I saw flashes of that shy girl who sold plantain chips and, in later years, walked the streets of Bartica to sell cakes and pastries.

My journey intrigued them as they did not want to stop asking questions about doubting myself, what I did when I failed at something, how I felt when people did not believe in me, my inspiration, whether males can be fashion designers, and many more.
One of the girls requested my autograph and everyone else wanted one and some for relatives. Many requested my number and a few hours later, I realised why. I read so many messages which reminded me again about purpose before going to bed. Sharing two with you:
One young lady wrote, “When you came to speak to us at Parfait Harmony Primary School, you made me feel that I can be anything I want to do in life and I just want to say thank you for encouraging me to be stronger.” Seyniya
Another young lady wrote, “I still can’t believe I met you. You are the kindest soul I have ever met and I LOVE YOU!”
When the teacher gave her remarks and thanked me at the end, I realised not only the kids were inspired but I had inspired her from a teenager.
I love interacting with our future leaders and these Grade Six kids are very smart, and, God’s willing, I will be at their graduation.

I encouraged them to write about the school they desire to attend after their exams and why. And I believe many of those schools will be manifested. Thank you to Liana for initiating this visit and all the amazing teachers who are moulding the minds of our future leaders.

One of the other highlights was Unique Selling Promotions. It was awesome and even the rain could not stop us. Thanks to Mortimer Stewart and Banks DIH for their usual support with the tent and Moscato. Thanks to Nelsion Andre Nurse for decorating the tent and Herbie Marshall for the amazing live Jazz music.
Big thank you to Natasha David, Meleesa Payne, Natasha Payne, Lizze Daniels, Debbie Argyle, Kenny Hercules, Melissa Paul, Cristol Wray and Abieke Hamilton for displaying their amazing products and services. The fashion segment featured fantastic African head wraps. I encourage you to support these small businesses. Visit the Women in Business Guyana page or contact 628-0944 for more information.
I am truly blessed to honour all the people who are contributing to humanity as we continue to celebrate this beautiful journey called life.