HEATHER Thompson is an agro-processor who launched her products via ‘Heather Thompson’s Creation’ and as a multi-talented entrepreneur, her business includes the making of her own version of sauces, spice blends, fruit blends and cookie mixes.

Relatively new on the market, Thompson’s small business is a post-COVID-19 pandemic multi-faceted business that includes agro-processed items, fabrics, and unique health-conscious and eco-friendly designs.

Some of the outstanding products emerging from this brand include: ‘Heather’s Cooking Sauces,’ ‘Heather’s Exotic Spice Blends,’ and ‘Heather’s Coconut and Oat Meal Cookies.’

For Thompson, a soft-spoken, talented entrepreneur, the opportune time for the growth and expansion of business enterprise ‘Heather Thompson’s Creation’ is now.

A native of Mahdia, Region Eight, Thompson explained that the genesis of her business is premised on her love for craft, culinary art, and hospitality. From an early age she learned the fine art of preparing traditional Guyanese and Caribbean delicacies for tourists who visited the area.

Her sharp business acumen developed during her earlier years whilst managing her father’s business.

She noted that despite her traditional knowledge of business and her craft, her decision to migrate to the coastland to allow her daughter to pursue her secondary education changed the trajectory of her life positively.

As her family adapted quickly to life in Region Three to achieve their dreams of a better education and life, Heather enrolled and successfully completed culinary, art, and craft courses at the Carnegie School of Home Economics and the E.R. Burrowes School of Art, a decision that would later pave the way for her to further empower herself.

After completing her training at the Carnegie School of Home Economics, Thompson worked ardently at several reputable restaurants in Georgetown, while at the same time continuing her quest for more knowledge in the field of food sciences to create unique tropical flavours, using ingredients available locally.

In 2019, the creation of ‘Heather’s Cooking Sauces,’ a unique blend of local spices, herbals, and tropical fruits was revealed in a dream. She quickly jotted down the details when she woke and without hesitation, went to mix her collection of spices, herbs, and local ingredients.

At that time, the idea of commercial production was not on the horizon, but one of the contentments that she found was having just the right blend to add that extra umami to the food she prepared for her guests.

But after sharing multiple bottles of her secret cooking sauces with family and friends who attended her church, they cajoled her to label and package her products for both local and regional markets.

Thompson said the transition to commercial production is still ongoing, but was quick to point out the ease with which her products were accepted on the market.

“One of my first stops to market my products was at the Guyana Marketing Corporation’s Guyana Shop and today I have no regrets. Through their marketing initiatives, for example, the Guyana Shop Corners and international exposures, my products continue to reach different audiences, and the reviews are quite pleasant and encouraging.”

Further, with the bold, positive reviews received about ‘Heather’s Cooking Sauces’, the product line has now expanded to include ‘Heather’s Exotic Spice Blend’ and ‘Heather’s Coconut and Oatmeal Cookies.’

INVALUABLE SUPPORT

Reflecting on her brand development, Thompson was quick to acknowledge the invaluable support of her family, friends, and extended community, including the customers in nurturing her business even as it continues to expand rapidly.

For her, “The brand ‘Heather’s’ is not only defined as one of excellent quality, but is people-oriented, since it captures the freshness and purity of Guyanese flavour whether it is the freshness of the pineapples, banana harvested straight from the field to processing or the gratitude of female farmers from the East Coast of Demerara who supply tamarind to supplement their family income.”

According to Thompson, the decision to diversify her product line is hinged on the demand for excellent quality foods here in Guyana and one of her business goals is to ensure consumers are provided with affordable options, especially for children.

“Our introductory product was the line of ‘Heather’s Cooking Sauces’ made from the high-quality fresh local fruits including pineapples, banana and tamarind coupled with natural preservatives, blended and processed to perfection. It was created as an excellent marinade, meat tenderiser, and sauce for vegetable stir fry and dips. It is excellent also for grilling, roasting, or baking. While the ‘Exotic Spice Blends’ is perfect for ‘dry rubs, stews, or any flavouring you wish to create. Both products are MSG-free while the cookies are made from gluten-free ingredients such as coconut and oatmeal combined with minimally processed sugar.”

Thompson takes pride in ensuring that her products are made from the best local ingredients and processed in an eco-friendly environment of the highest standards.