THE idea of working for other people did not sit well with Anu Boodram and after working for some time with a private company, she became empowered and started her own small business from her home.

She is a resident of Portuguese Quarters, Port Mourant, Corentyne, Berbice and she is a self-taught beautician who does hair, nails and full-face make-up.

Boodram, 26, began working from home just before Christmas last year, a venture she was unsure about until she started getting a few customers.

The beautician was self-taught via YouTube and she began practising on family members until she became good at what she does for a living.

Boodram related that she used to work at MoneyGram and she quit after some time and wanted to start her own small business.

“One day, I just got up and did not want to go to work for people anymore and I began watching these Youtube videos of doing make-up, acrylic and gel polish nail designs, hair-cutting and the different trending hair treatments including keratin and said to myself I can do it,” Boodram said.

Boodram remains optimistic that her small business will grow and she is hoping to establish her own salon soon.

The resident of Portuguese Quarters Village reported that practice makes perfect and she did a lot of practice before taking on customers, only a few to ensure they are getting their money’s worth based on the service.

Boodram added that it was risky to embark on a career she knew nothing about and had no formal training, so that was there to consider.

But she is glad she went outside of the box and took the leap of faith to become empowered as a small business owner and working from home is so convenient.

She noted that things take time and she is willing to allow herself to grow as a beautician and over time, her name and service will become known and she will have the business she desires.

These days, she works based on calls she receives and at this time she is only doing services for family members, relatives and close friends.

Ryan Benn, the taxi driver
In this same street is the home of Ryan Benn, a like-minded taxi driver who has his own clients and works based on calls received.

The 36-year-old was at home relaxing while, his wife, Aruna was doing some household chores.

The hire car driver told the Pepperpot Magazine that the village is a quiet place to live and he is married with no kids yet and he likes the peace.

He related that the people are friendly and civil and he would go about his day normal since it is a routine, he is familiar with.

Benn works for people he knows and does not pick up people he is unsure of.

His house is located at the corner of the Cross Street and Bunion Dam, a good spot, and his place is clean and tidy even though it was a rainy day.

“This is a good place to live. In the day it is safe but at night the junkies would pass through and take whatever they find since they have no local community policing group,” he said.

Benn stated there is a great need for a park for recreation for the locals, a safe place for both adults and children to play games and sit for a bit since the community centre is near the Port Mourant Hospital.

He reported that they need a play park and they have the space for it right in their village and it is not often possible to leave the community to go elsewhere.

Benn added that life is quiet in their section of the village, a place he is accustomed to and things are readily available in the village.