AN enterprising, marketable couple, Michael Sampson and Kenita Roberts will not settle for less; as such, they have established their own small businesses while holding down full-time jobs as young professionals.

They are owners of Infuzedgy, a small business birthed from their homes that caters to events and other public gatherings via their cocktail and mocktail mixes, which come in several flavours as independent packages for both alcohol and non-alcoholic purposes.

The Tropical Sting flavour option is exactly what you need and is an on-the-go in cocktail. It comes in a plastic container with a lid, cups with ice, a mini-size bottle of alcohol, a tin of juice and a container with grenadine (syrup) and the directions for mixing it up for maximum satisfaction.

According to Sampson, the idea of having their own cocktail/mocktail mixes was conceptualised following their date nights and get-togethers when they would mix juices, and alcohol among other ingredients.

They collectively curated the mixes and developed their own cocktail and mocktails, creating their own small business called Infuzedgy, and they would be at parties and other events to market their products. The cocktails have nine flavours, with names such as Sweet Vibes, Caribbean Love, and Tropical Sting, among others.

Infuzedgy was established on February 19 this year, and as a relatively new business with two pickup spots, the couple is hoping to have a fixed location to market and display their products.

Sampson related that it is a business birthed out of love, and when they had cocktail dates, they mixed everything.

The creative duo would then sit and savour the taste and flavours and wanted to share that experience with others, but for a small price.

He related that the alcohol varies from locally sourced and imported, and the price per package starts from $2,000 to $2,500, depending on the options selected for purchase.

In addition, Sampson said they would go to events and sell their cocktails/mocktails by the gallons, with also a non-alcoholic option for people who do not consume alcohol.

Sampson is 24 years old, and he is a software developer for a private company. And before the business was established, they had a sampling session where family and friends encouraged them to make it into a small venture.

Sampson explained that they made minor adjustments to make it right as it relates to the cocktails and other ingredients were also added to take it to another level.

The couple takes orders a day ahead to prepare the packages for customers with two pickup spots in the city.

“At nights, we would go beyond regular working hours to fulfil orders on cocktails and mocktails for customers and see it through to delivery or pickups,” Sampson said.

He reported that they support each other’s small businesses and it is a collective effort as a couple, but they have their own identities and brands in their businesses.

Kenthings
Meanwhile, Kenita Roberts, whose small business is Kenthings, showcases her talent in hand-made jewels.

She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she makes jewellery mostly from wires and beads, and the pieces include earrings, bracelets, anklets, arm cuffs, rings, waist beads, and nose cuffs.

Roberts added that she had always had a passion for jewel-making and after experimenting and getting the hang of it, she wanted to do more.

As a self-taught jewel-maker, the 24-year-old aspires to become well-known locally, and she is really proud of her achievements, since she started her jewel business from her home while she was still in high school.

After completing high school, Roberts enrolled for a two-month jewel-making course at the University of the West Indies (UWI) Campus in Trinidad and Tobago.

She was successful, and she returned home to practise her trade, which developed into a hobby, and she decided to earn from it.

The small business, Kenthings, is home-based for now until a store can materialise, but Roberts is very active in promoting her products through expos, events and social platforms.

Roberts teaches jewel-making at the Carnegie Compound, Craft Production and also holds a full-time job as an Environmental Consultant at Environment Solutions Inc., a privately-owned company.

“When we both started our small businesses, it was fun and interesting, and we will continue to partner even in businesses to make it work because we fully support each other as a couple and in business,” she said.

Roberts added that they advertise their small businesses via social media, and they would like to have a place to call their own to display and sell their products. They are working towards that goal.
Having their own concept and creating a place for their businesses is of great importance, and both Sampson and Roberts have vowed their commitment towards realising that dream.