IN an effort to keep her late mother’s memory and small business alive, Rubyanna Alleyne wholeheartedly took over the venture, establishing Rubyanna’s Handicraft and Fragrances.

The 32-year-old told the Pepperpot Magazine that her late mother, Bridget Alleyne, was a very talented indigenous woman who was multi-skilled and self-taught. Bridget, who was the founder of the small business, passed away nine years ago.

She had acquired skills from generational traditions, which took her through life as an entrepreneur, earning a living as a mother of eight children.

Bridget’s small business later evolved into a mother-and-daughter entity. After her mother passed away, the daughter endeavoured to keep the business alive in remembrance of the enterprising and gifted indigenous woman.

Alleyne stated that, as a small business owner, she is learning every day, and the experience of investing in and marketing her products has taught her a great deal about strategies, competing in business, and connecting with like-minded people.

Rubyanna’s Handicrafts is located at 111 Miles Madhia, Potaro, Region Eight (Potaro-Siparuni), and at Lot 101 Barclay Street, Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara, Region Three (Essequibo Islands-West Demerara).

Most of the items sold were purchased from local craftsmen and women within Region Eight and its environs. Other raw materials were also sourced from the natural environment.

Alleyne makes and sells cotton handbags, home décor, knitted hand towels, dream catchers, macaw feather earrings, beaded chains, earrings, bands, head-dresses, and hair crowns.

One of the main reasons behind Rubyanna’s Handicraft is to showcase the unique talent and artistry of indigenous people.

Alleyne said her small business is an online venture with no physical store, but she participates in expositions and other events when requested.

She reported that this year she participated in the National Toshaos Council (NTC) Conference as an exhibitor of arts and crafts at the Arthur Chung Conference Centre, Liliendaal, East Coast Demerara.

Alleyne was part of the exhibition held for The Origins Guyana Fashion Festival, which was newly launched earlier this year — an event designed to showcase Guyanese fashion designers and establish Guyana as a player in the global fashion industry.

The inaugural festival took place from May 2 to 4, 2025, at the Railway Courtyard in Georgetown. It featured 34 designers and over 68 models, highlighting Guyana’s diverse cultural influences on the fashion industry.

The festival is a Government of Guyana initiative, spearheaded by the Ministry of Tourism, Industry and Commerce, and aims to foster collaboration, innovation, and entrepreneurship within the creative sector.

“I like what I do for a living, even if it means taking hours to make a single bracelet or chain. It is what I love doing; I am made for it. It brings me joy when I complete a piece of artwork or craft. It is my work, I am proud of it, and my achievements. As someone with Amerindian heritage and of mixed race, I found my space in business,” she said.

As a businesswoman, it is no easy task to oversee the full operation of the business and at the same time produce to meet the market’s demand.

The entrepreneur stated that she will also be an exhibitor at the Marriott Conference Centre in Georgetown at an upcoming event, where she will represent the Ministry of Amerindian Affairs through an arts and crafts display.

In addition to Rubyanna’s Handicraft business, she also operates a small fragrance business, selling authentic Brazilian hair, skincare, colognes, and perfumes products both online and in a small store located at her residence in Goed Fortuin, West Bank Demerara.

Alleyne is unmarried and has no children; her main focus is expanding her small business to achieve a wider reach.

Originally from Madhia, Region Eight, she decided to leave the village to seek opportunities for her small business and to expand it.

Rubyanna’s Handicraft is advertised on social media, and she gets support from repeat customers who are aware of the quality products she makes, as well as her fragrance business.

“It was not easy to leave my home village and family setting to embark on business elsewhere, but I did it anyway, and I am thankful for the steps I have made so far and for the support I received,” she said.