Looking at what Christmas means for families and businesses

EVERY Guyanese is familiar with the hustle and bustle of Main Street. This year, the celebrations have started a bit earlier, with businesses already set and prepared for the season. Among the many eye-catching and unique businesses, the arts always seem to be a bestseller in the festive season. Wooden Words by Stephen McKenzie is one of Main Street’s oldest craft businesses. The man behind the venture says that although Christmas means a lot to him as a businessman, it means more as a family man.

For 15 years, Stephen has been carving words, symbols, and ideas into wood, giving them form and meaning. His craft goes beyond art—it’s a calling, one that sustains both his family and his passion. “Art is my passion; I totally love what I do,” he told the Pepperpot Magazine while talking at Main Street’s new Christmas Village.

Stephen, a full-time artist, began his journey at the Burrowes School of Art, where he studied art before advancing his education at the University of Guyana. Although he taught art at institutions like the Burrowes School and the School of the Nations, he eventually decided to forge his own path. Starting his own business was a leap of faith, but it was one he has not regretted. “This, my art and carvings, pays the bills and feeds my family,” Stephen explained. “Some artists in Guyana end up teaching or leaving the profession altogether. But for me, this is my bread and butter,” he shared.

Wooden Words started as a labour of love when he began making small carvings out of wood. Today, it’s a family effort that’s still growing, with more unique, specialised, and captivating pieces in a variety of designs and languages. Speaking about the growth of the business, Stephen shared, “Soon, we might have to change it to Wooden Words Plus because my wife does crocheting.” Her crochet creations, such as beautiful hats, complement his woodworking business, offering customers even more authentic and handcrafted charm.

Operating from their home in Sophia, Stephen and his wife sell their creations at Georgetown’s Main Street Avenue from Tuesdays to Saturdays. Their offerings include cutting boards, posters, and unique words or signs tailored for various themes and occasions. Each piece is custom-designed to reflect a client’s personal style, religious beliefs, or values. “I create things for everyone, from different religious backgrounds to non-religious themes,” Stephen explained. “I do work for Christians, Muslims, Hindus, Rastafarians, Hebrews, and Jews. I believe in everybody—we’re all one human race.”

Some of his most popular creations include the word “Namaste,” a Hindi greeting; “Bismillah,” cherished in Islamic faith; and “Shalom,” a Hebrew word for peace. Other notable designs are the Egyptian ankh, the phrase “Amazing Grace,” and the ever-relevant message of “One Love.” According to Stephen, customers are drawn to Wooden Words not just for the art but for the meaning he instils in every creation. Words like “relentless” make for thoughtful gifts, celebrating the qualities people admire in one another.

The process of creating each piece is meticulous and requires extraordinary patience. As Stephen shared, “The time to complete a piece depends on its complexity. For example, a word like Shalom takes about a week from the day of order. Customers pay in advance, get a receipt, and return for collection.” Prices vary based on the size and type of word, ensuring that each order is as unique as the person who commissions it.

Stephen’s commitment to his craft is unwavering. When asked about what it has been like being a full-time artist in Guyana, he shared that consistency is key in the field of art: “You have to stay in it—you can’t just show up one day and expect success,” he emphasised. His dedication has earned him a loyal customer base, many of whom return year after year for his work, each time with new and interesting ideas and themes.

As the Christmas season approaches, Wooden Words, like so many other small businesses, enters its busiest time of the year. “Christmas is our busiest time because many people like to decorate their homes or buy gifts,” Stephen shared. A family man at heart, Stephen noted that the holidays are important to the McKenzie household. “My wife loves Christmas; she’s very festive and enjoys decorating and preparing food,” he said.

This time of year is special for Stephen, not just as a businessman but as a family man. He sees the holidays as an opportunity to connect with others, offering handmade gifts that carry deeper meaning. He hopes that more people will discover and support local artisans like himself. “I encourage everyone to come and support local craft vendors at Main Street’s Christmas Village,” he urged.

Despite the challenges of sustaining a creative career in Guyana, Stephen remains optimistic and inspired. His work reflects his belief that art has the power to unite people across cultures and backgrounds. In a country as diverse as Guyana and at a time as festive as Christmas, unity is as essential as ever.