GUYANA’S creative arts scene is still new and developing, but among the many budding artists, a few are paving the way with their exceptional accomplishments. Keisha Edwards and her brand, Shasha Designs, have become synonymous with fashion excellence. As the first Guyanese fashion designer to have ever received the prestigious Chevening Scholarship, Keisha’s journey has been one of growth, learning, and inspiration. With her new perspectives, skills, and talents, she returns to Guyana with one goal: to transform the fashion industry as we know it.

The Chevening experience
Keisha’s time as a Chevening Scholar offered more than just academic opportunities. The experience was a cultural and personal awakening, teaching her a number of skills she hopes to bring back to Guyana. Speaking in an exclusive with Pepperpot Magazine, Keisha shared, “The Chevening Scholarship allowed me the amazing opportunity of studying and working in a global city. I was able to focus on my studies while enjoying the UK experience—the ballet, opera, musicals, fashion shows, museums, art galleries—everything about culture, which is one of my passions. There were so many different options of entertainment that inspired and provoked my thoughts for future plans.”

The experience was not without its challenges, however. The differences between Guyana and the United Kingdom are countless, but the most notable to Keisha was the time difference, with the two nations having a four-hour gap between them. “When everyone in the UK is up, everyone in Guyana is sleeping, so maintaining relationships and connections with family and friends took a lot of planning. The other was seasonal depression due to lack of sunlight and the depressing weather. I found myself battling waves of sadness, and then a friend recommended taking vitamin D, and all was well again,” she said.

Studying abroad: new perspectives
Keisha’s work has always reflected the cultural diversity of Guyana, with some of her biggest events drawing inspiration from Guyana’s rich culture and folklore. However, Keisha’s exposure to different cultures deepened her understanding of international creative industries and societal structures. “When I pursued my bachelor’s degree in Fashion and Design in Trinidad and Tobago, one of the most striking cultural shocks was the immense pride the people had in their country, culture, and creative industry. There was a deep appreciation for the arts, and the emphasis placed on their value was incredibly motivating. It highlighted how much can be achieved when a society truly values and invests in its creative sector,” she said.

Sharing the countless impactful experiences she has had, Keisha noted that a number of small cultural differences were drastically different to those of Guyana. As she stated, the general perspective on the older generation was a small difference but an immense culture shock for her. “My experience in the Global North brought different, equally impactful realisations. One of the most surprising and heartwarming cultural shocks was the independence afforded to elderly and disabled persons. In Guyana, these groups often feel invisible, but in London, I saw a system designed to empower them. The city’s infrastructure—including elevators, ramps, and accessible public transportation—ensures that they can manage their daily lives independently, without relying heavily on family,” said Keisha.

Social and academic life
While Keisha found inspiration in the UK, surrounded by a diverse team of people from all across the world, she gained what she called an eye-opening experience. As she stated, “Social interactions in the UK were quite different from what I was accustomed to in Guyana. At university, my class was incredibly diverse, with students from all over the world. This exposure to different cultures and perspectives was eye-opening and allowed me to gain a broader understanding of global issues, particularly within the fashion industry. It was enriching to engage with such a wide variety of ideas and experiences, which pushed me to think more critically and creatively.”

Despite the cultural differences and highlights, Keisha found herself valuing Guyanese warmth and connection even more, realising how special her homeland’s sense of community is. “But outside of school, things were less welcoming. In Guyana, there’s such a strong sense of community—people are naturally friendly, and it’s normal to say ‘good morning,’ ‘excuse me,’ or ‘sorry.’ In London, I found people to be a lot more reserved. No one really greets you or makes those little polite gestures, which felt a bit cold at times. But when you get past all of that ice, it is not so bad,” she further added.

Representing Guyana’s creative arts
Having made history as the first Guyanese fashion designer to receive the Chevening Scholarship, Keisha recognises the weight of her achievement. Recounting her emotions on the achievement, she stated that although surprised, she was happy to have brought Guyana’s name to the international stage. “I was elated, proud, and deeply overwhelmed with emotion. Being the first is an incredible honour, but it can also feel isolating, as it comes with significant expectations on a broader scale. To be honest, I never thought Chevening was an option for someone like me, especially since I’ve often seen individuals from more traditional career paths selected,” she said.

Now with new perspectives, Keisha shared that she sees the many opportunities for improvement that exist in Guyana’s creative scene. “This experience through the scholarship reinforced the importance of visibility in highlighting the many opportunities that exist. In Guyana, when people hear ‘fashion designer,’ they immediately think of garment construction—and while that’s important, it’s just one small part of a much larger industry. Globally, the concept of fashion or fashion technology is transforming the way the industry operates,” she said.

Advice for Guyanese creatives
Keisha’s advice to other Guyanese creatives is as visionary as it is practical: be committed to your craft. “My advice to other Guyanese creatives is simple: the sky is the limit. Open your minds to the endless possibilities that exist, and never give up on yourself or your dreams.” She further added, “Success in any creative field requires consistency, relentless effort, and a commitment to practising your craft. Talent alone is not enough—you must dedicate yourself to continuous improvement.”

As a champion of education and self-development, Keisha urges other creatives to be open to learning new things in the ever-changing landscape of creative arts. “Be open to learning. The creative world is constantly evolving, and staying adaptable is the only way to grow. Whether it’s new techniques, emerging trends, or innovative technologies, knowledge will always be your greatest tool.” She further added that self-confidence is also pivotal, sharing, “Most importantly, believe in yourself and the value of your work. The journey won’t always be easy, but your persistence will pave the way for others to follow and help build a thriving creative community in Guyana.”

Building the industry
Slated to be back in Guyana soon, Keisha is determined to make an impact on the arts and fashion industry despite its infancy. When asked about her plans and future role in Guyana’s fashion industry, Keisha shared that developing the sector is the first step, but it must be a collective one. “This is a difficult question because, technically, Guyana does not yet have a fully developed fashion or arts industry. It exists more as a sector within the broader creative industry, an area that itself struggles to be recognised as an industry. The burden of building such a foundation often falls on individuals, but no single person can carry that weight alone,” she said.

Keisha shared that for a true industry to emerge, there must be systemic change. The population needs to recognise and support creative fields as viable contributors to the economy. She further added, “Through mentorship, fashion events, workshops, and platforms for creatives, Keisha is working to create visibility and opportunities. Her ultimate goal is to foster an ecosystem where creativity thrives and contributes meaningfully to Guyana’s growth.”

Keisha Edwards is not just shaping fashion; she’s redefining how Guyana views its creative potential.