Teen brings creativity to interior design and events management with ‘Ribbons and Roses’

ANYTHING that has to do with interior design and events management gets Jael Edwards excited and hyped because it is one of the things she is passionate about.
She had the opportunity to benefit from some skills training recently, and it paved the way for her to become a student at the Carnegie School of Home Economics, where she is pursuing a diploma in interior design and events management.

Edwards’ one-year diploma programme at the Carnegie School of Home Economics is almost finished, and she will embark on pursuing an associate degree in Natural Sciences at either St. Stanislaus Secondary or St. George’s School of Sciences.

The La Parfaite Harmonie, West Bank Demerara resident told the Pepperpot Magazine that she has always loved natural sciences because of the nature aspect of it and the mere fact that it doesn’t include any medical intervention.

“Ribbons and Roses”, a small business which operates from her home, was established on January 25, 2025, after she was inspired to take steps toward becoming an entrepreneur to practise already acquired skills in interior design and events management.

The 17-year-old has always liked designing things and making a space come alive by creating from scratch—curtains and other decorations—to brighten any living area or function to its desired décor and style.
She makes unique pieces in the form of money bouquets, gift baskets, backdrops, hand-made ribbon roses, floral arrangements, and other items.

Edwards is a proud graduate of the Youth Enhancement Project (YEP), hosted by Food For The Poor (FFP) Guyana and funded by The Butterfly Project, a non-profit organisation established and managed by two brothers who came from the rough neighbourhoods in Guyana and are a shining example of what determination and skill-building can achieve.
Fuelled by her passion and the knowledge gained during her time with YEP, Edwards took a bold step in launching her very own events décor business, “Ribbons and Roses.”
Through creativity and hard work, this young lady is turning her dreams into reality, providing exceptional event design services to her clients while furthering her education.

YEP successfully empowered participants to pursue higher education, secure employment, and develop critical life skills.
The project’s holistic approach to capacity building, combined with practical support, has positioned these youths for brighter futures. This initiative demonstrates the profound impact of targeted interventions in transforming lives and building resilient communities.

“We are incredibly proud of Jael’s journey and can’t wait to see how ‘Ribbons and Roses’ blossoms into a hallmark of excellence in the events industry,” FFP representative Valini Leitch said.
At last year’s YEP graduation, Edwards had the opportunity to shine when she was delegated the task of designing the space for the event—and she did not disappoint.
Edwards is a very focused young lady who will stop at nothing to become successful and pursue her goal of becoming independent.

With the establishment of “Ribbons and Roses”, Edwards is not limited in any way; instead, she is empowered to create new things and offer variety to customers with fully customised pieces.
She told the Pepperpot Magazine that she learned of the FFP’s YEP programme through a teacher after she wrote the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) and wanted something to do to pass her time away from school.

Edwards stated that she was sent the information and went to be interviewed, and, just like that, she became a participant in the programme to boost her skills and build capacity.
“The YEP programme really gave me the direction I want to take in establishing my small business, and it also provided the insight I needed to run my business independently—and for that, I am very thankful,” she said.

Between April 11 and 13, 2025, Edwards will be participating in the Small Business Women’s Home Services Expo at the Aquatic Centre in Liliendaal, and she will have products on sale—hand-made pieces from her collection at “Ribbons and Roses”.

She reported that she will also have the opportunity to showcase her products and have a physical booth to market them.
Edwards has an older sibling, and she is very grateful for the support and all the encouragement she has received over time, which has inspired her to keep moving forward.