WHAT began with a crochet hook during maternity leave has grown into a thriving handmade business for 30-year-old teacher and entrepreneur, Akesha Fordyce, whose 4D’s Fusion and Fashion now serves customers across Guyana from her base in Belladrum, West Coast Berbice.
Fordyce started the business in 2018 after taking maternity leave following the birth of her first daughter. With additional time at home, she returned to a craft she had always enjoyed, crocheting, and began creating pieces for family and friends.

“I’ve always enjoyed crocheting, so while I was at home, I decided to pick up my crochet hook again and started making pieces for family and friends,” Fordyce told the Guyana Chronicle.
“What began as a creative pastime soon grew into something much bigger, and that was the beginning of 4D’s Fusion and Fashion,” she added.
Today, the business produces a range of customised crochet items, including hair accessories, hats, chair backs, keyrings, purses, baby items and personalised gifts. Fordyce also offers delivery services across Guyana, allowing customers outside of Region Five to access her products.
She said each item is handmade with care, adding that every order serves as a reminder of the purpose behind the business.
Fordyce’s work as a teacher has also influenced the growth and direction of the enterprise.
Recognising the need for engaging educational resources for young children, she expanded beyond crochet to design learning materials for nursery and primary school learners.
“It has been incredibly rewarding to know that these resources are helping children learn while making education more enjoyable,” she said.
Behind the growth of 4D’s Fusion and Fashion is a strong family support system, particularly the support of her husband. Together, the couple are raising two children while balancing their careers and managing the business.
“His support has been one of the biggest reasons I’ve been able to continue growing 4D’s Fusion and Fashion,” Fordyce said.
However, she acknowledged that balancing family life, a career in education and the demands of entrepreneurship has not always been easy.
Like many small-business owners, Fordyce said she has learnt that success does not happen overnight. Patience, consistency, hard work and a willingness to continue learning and improving have been essential to her progress.
She said satisfied customers continue to motivate her, while the development of each new product reinforces her belief that growth is possible through commitment and perseverance.
Looking ahead, Fordyce plans to further expand both her customised crochet collection and her range of educational materials, while maintaining the quality and personal touch that have become central to her business.
What started as a creative pastime during maternity leave has therefore developed into an enterprise of which Fordyce is proud.
Her journey, she said, has taught her that opportunities can emerge from unexpected moments and that, with faith, determination and family support, a simple hobby can grow into something meaningful and sustainable.