How one young woman, seeking to create the dream wedding, built a vibrant décor business
WHAT began as a young bride’s desire for a beautiful wedding has blossomed into a long-standing creative enterprise rooted in creativity, determination, and growth. For Marisa Jaisingh, founder of Trails and Treasures Décor, the journey to developing a business has been anything but simple, marked by multiple closures, financial challenges, and the demands of motherhood. Yet, through creativity and a passion for design, she has carved out a space in Guyana’s events industry, becoming known for her distinctive décor and balloon artistry while continuing to rebuild, evolve, and inspire.
Trails and Treasures Décor was launched almost twenty years ago, when Jaisingh, a young bride at the time, wanted unique decorations for her wedding. During the planning of her wedding, when she could not find just the right décor, she decided to make her own.
Recounting what inspired the business, she shared, “At that time, décor options were limited, and prices were very high. Weddings were usually done by family or community members, and I wanted something really nice. My husband and I decided to use the money we had to buy our own materials and create our décor.”
The couple researched décor ideas and themes, invested in flowers and décor materials, and learned what it took to put décor together. Their work was so vibrant that it garnered attention from guests and became the beginning of Trails and Treasures Décor.
Within the first few years of the business, Jaisingh noticed growing interest in and uptake of balloon art and décor. While balloons and balloon art are a prominent addition to parties and other events today, Jaisingh explained that they were not as popular ten years ago. But as she saw the gradual growth in interest, Jaisingh prepared for and invested in the new market.
As she shared, “I spent a lot of money on balloons and materials, including importing items because they were not readily available at the time. This was not something common 15 to 20 years ago, so I had to source and learn on my own. That is how I became known as the ‘balloon girl’.”
Balloon art would eventually become a defining feature of the business, with Jaisingh’s unique, bold, and skilled use of balloons gaining recognition beyond décor. As she shared, the business gained notoriety through creative expos and fashion events.
“We started showcasing our work at wedding expos, including those held at Pegasus.”
Citing one of her most unique and well-known creations, the Balloon Dress, Jaisingh added, “One of our balloon dresses was featured in a fashion show, and many people saw the creativity. That exposure helped us grow. We began working with wedding planners, event planners, and marketing professionals, and whenever they needed balloon work, they would call us. That is how we built and targeted that market.”
Throughout the almost two decades that Trails and Treasures Décor has been in operation, Jaisingh says that there have been several hurdles that remain, while others have become easier with time and experience.
In the early years, marketing was a major challenge for the business, as she explained, the use of social media and the internet in advertising was not yet widespread. Jaisingh relied on more conventional means of getting the word out about the business.
“Back then, marketing was very hard. We relied on newspapers, radio, and television because the internet was not widely available, and social media was not a major tool. It was difficult and expensive, especially for a small business.”
Throughout the years, she has developed the brand’s marketing through investment and emphasis. The first step in developing the business’s marketing strategy, however, was recognising its importance.
As Jaisingh explained, most new and upcoming businesses tend to be more focused on ensuring sales numbers and the quality of their products and services. While these aspects are important, Jaisingh stated that marketing is just as vital to a business’s growth.
“When I started, I did not budget for marketing. I had the creativity, but I did not have the business education to plan for expenses like marketing and production.”
She added, “As a young entrepreneur, you focus on the idea and forget the other aspects of running a business.”
While Jaisingh has overcome some business hurdles over the years, many of the lesser-known challenges of being a woman and mother in business remain.
As a mother of three boys, Jaisingh spends most of her days balancing business and motherhood.
“It is very challenging. At times, my children do not see me at night when they go to bed or in the morning when they wake up, but they understand that the business provides.”
Despite the challenges, Jaisingh says she does not see herself stopping business anytime soon, adding, “It is difficult, and there are moments when I cry, especially when I have to leave early to fulfil orders and cannot be there for my children. It is not easy. It requires sacrifice, and while it is difficult, the rewards are great.”
Beyond the challenges, Jaisingh says the business is important to sustaining her livelihood and fuelling her creativity. While over the last two decades, Jaisingh has proven that balancing motherhood and business is possible, she shared that it was not easy and that there is no roadmap to ensure success.
Speaking to other mothers who are thinking about venturing into entrepreneurship, she shared, “Do not doubt yourself. We all make mistakes, and we learn as we go. There will be slow times, and that can be discouraging, but you have to keep going. The business environment is always changing, and you must adapt. No business stays the same all the time.”
This ability to adapt is the reason that Trails and Treasures Décor continues to grow, as Jaisingh further added, “Keep pushing forward. It takes tenacity, commitment, and a lot of sacrifice.”
