– First Guyanese to receive Chevening Scholarship to further studies in creative arts

In the heart of Guyana, where tradition and modernity converge in a vibrant tapestry of culture and creativity, trailblazing fashion designer and founder of Shasha Designs, Keisha Edwards, has become a symbol of inspiration and hope for aspiring Guyanese creatives with her most recent achievement.

Keisha is the first Guyanese creative professional to be awarded the coveted Chevening Scholarship to further her studies in her field. This new semester, Keisha will pursue a Master’s Degree in Fashion Business Management from the University of Westminster in the United Kingdom.

In an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Keisha shared that the driving force behind applying for a Chevening Scholarship was crystal clear – growth and legacy. She recognised the inherent challenges in the Caribbean’s creative landscape, where the work of fashion designers often fades into obscurity with time. Keisha elaborated on her motivation: “Legacy is extremely important to me. How do I position Shasha Designs as a brand that stands even after I am gone? How can I create change that is impactful and beneficial to the growth and development of the Guyanese fashion industry?” As such, her vision extends beyond her own success, encompassing the broader goal of revitalising the fashion scene in Guyana.

Keisha identifies a significant gap in her industry that she is determined to bridge: “The investment, support, innovation- the business of fashion is what is sorely lacking in our industry,” she said. To achieve this ambitious mission, she recognised the need for a deeper understanding of business management and the ability to scale her enterprise. With the United Kingdom being home to some of the world’s finest fashion schools and a thriving fashion capital, it was the ideal destination for her pursuit of knowledge and skills.

“Chevening for me was that scholarship that was fully funded, allowed the amazing UK experience, focused on developing the skills of emerging leaders who were doing impactful work in their society, had a large network of alumni that fosters networking, collaborations, mentorship, and would allow me the opportunity to grow and develop both personally and professionally,” Keisha summarised, clearly having done her research on the full benefits of this pursuit.

Preparing for the rigorous Chevening application process was no small feat. Keisha explained that she embarked on a meticulous journey of self-discovery and research. “I did my research, which is extremely important, ensuring that I confirmed the eligibility criteria before starting the application.” She dedicated herself to crafting four 500-word essays that showcased her passion, dedication, and impact in her industry. She sought feedback from mentors and alumni and remained open to constructive criticism, demonstrating her commitment to excellence.

Keisha’s advice to fellow creatives who aspire to follow in her footsteps is profound: “Work on your social impact; what are you doing to further develop your industry? What projects have you created or worked on that were impactful and made change?” She reminded creatives that the Chevening Scholarship is about personal achievement and one’s contribution to the greater good.

In a world where artistic talent alone may not suffice, Keisha passionately emphasises the importance of advanced education in the arts. “As fashion designers, we are not only creators and innovators but also business owners,” she said. The modern fashion landscape demands versatility and acumen beyond the design studio – understanding one’s target audience, effective marketing, scaling a business, generating consistent profit, and adapting to evolving industry trends.

Keisha’s journey from a budding fashion designer years ago to one of Guyana’s most highly sought-after creatives to a Chevening Scholar exemplifies the power of determination, vision, and the pursuit of excellence. Moreover, Keisha sees this achievement as one that will send a bigger message to ensure greater visibility and representation for the Caribbean creative industry in communities like Chevening. “This scholarship is not only for me, it is for all the creatives in Guyana who have been invisible for a very long time… we are the ones who tell the story of the time; we are the ones who keep the culture and traditions through our art forms. So this scholarship helps other creatives to know that this opportunity is for them.”