Taking a leap to leave in search of a brighter future

ROMONA Persaud’s journey into entrepreneurship is a story of faith, family, resilience, loss, opportunity and purpose.

She is a country girl from Essequibo and the second of three siblings.

She attended Anna Regina Multilateral Secondary School and, at CXC, was proud to be the best graduating student in Food and Nutrition, an achievement that, years later, became especially meaningful as she ventured into the food business.

However, in 2010, Persaud left Essequibo and came to Georgetown in search of greater opportunities.

Although she spent many years in the city, Essequibo remains very close to her heart.

Persaud is proud of where she came from, and it brings her great joy to see the development taking place there, particularly within the food and service industry.

“It is encouraging to see people from home creating businesses, opportunities and experiences of their own. My journey, however, has not always been easy,” she said.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that, in 2012, she experienced one of the most difficult losses of her life—the passing of her father.

She added that, at the time, she was still young, still searching and trying to figure out who she was and what she wanted her life to become.

“Losing one of the most important people in my life while I was still finding my way was incredibly difficult,” she said.

Persaud said she will always remember how hard her father worked to achieve what he wanted and, more importantly, what he wanted to provide for his children.

Even though he never completed secondary school himself, he made sure that they did.

She said he did his best for them in the best way he knew how. His life taught her that your circumstances do not have to determine what you give to the people you love.

Persaud noted that her father’s sacrifices and determination became part of the values she carries with her today.

As life continued, she pursued further education and eventually began working, gaining experience in accounting, management, customer service, and administration.

But she was still trying to figure out what she wanted for her future. Then she started Weekend Bites, a small business she ran from home to earn income and showcase her culinary skills.

Persaud told the Pepperpot Magazine that, while pursuing her tertiary education, she needed a way to generate additional income to help with her tuition.

So, she decided to start a small food venture.

Her plan was simple: earn extra income, help pay her university expenses, and keep moving forward.

However, Weekend Bites began as a very small side hustle, operating only on the second and last Saturday of each month.

But what happened next was something she could not have planned.

Although she had made a plan to generate the money she needed for university, God provided opportunities for people to bless her financially.

Persaud said people came into her life who supported her and helped in ways she hadn’t anticipated, and something beautiful happened. Weekend Bites continued.

She added that the need that initially pushed her into entrepreneurship had been met, but the business had become something more.

“It became a place where I could be creative, serve people and discover a different side of myself. Looking back, I believe God used what I thought was simply a temporary solution to introduce me to something that could become part of my purpose,” she said.

Over time, her vision for Weekend Bites grew, and what started as a business that operated only on weekends is evolving into something much broader.

Persaud said that, in June of this year, she made the necessary but difficult decision to leave her job and pursue her business full-time.

Today, Weekend Bites operates from her home at 70 Hadfield Street, Lodge, and she is working to build a brand centred on food, creativity, service and experiences.

The business offers weekly lunches on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, as well as doing small catering jobs.

She said her phrase, “Global Flavours, Guyanese Soul,” reflects the direction she would like to take the business.

Persaud stated that Guyanese food will always be part of her identity, but she also wants Weekend Bites to explore flavours and cuisines from around the world.

She explained that “Service Beyond Business”, her desire to serve others, is also reflected in her involvement with the Rotaract Club of Georgetown Central, where she currently serves as Assistant Director of the Professional Development Committee.

Persaud added that joining Rotaract was a natural fit for her because of Rotary’s seven Areas of Focus: peacebuilding and conflict prevention; disease prevention and treatment; water, sanitation and hygiene; maternal and child health; basic education and literacy; community economic development; and the environment.

She noted that, of those areas, community development and involvement resonate most strongly with her, and she believes that growth is most meaningful when it extends beyond ourselves and creates opportunities for other people.

“My involvement with Rotaract has given me another avenue through which I can contribute, develop professionally and work alongside others who are passionate about making a difference,” she said.

Persaud said it also aligns with the kind of entrepreneur she wants to become. She doesn’t want Weekend Bites to be successful only because it sells good food.

She said she would like the business to eventually have a positive impact on the community as well.

Persaud wants to create opportunities, support community initiatives, and use what she has built to give back, and she is grateful she didn’t have to walk the journey alone.

She credits her success to supportive family and wonderful friends who have encouraged her through different seasons of her life.

Persaud said their support, prayers, encouragement and belief in her have meant more than they may realise.

She pointed out that earlier this year, one particular Bible verse came to her when she needed it: “Now unto him that is able to do exceedingly abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the power that worketh in us” (Ephesians 3:20, KJV).

She added that verse has become deeply personal to her because, looking back on her life, she sees that exceeding abundance in so many places. She sees it in her personal life and her education.

“I have seen it through the people God has placed around me. And I have seen it through Weekend Bites,” she said.

Persaud noted that she is still learning, still growing, and still figuring out exactly what Weekend Bites will become, but that may be part of the journey, and she believes the best is still ahead.

Most importantly, she hopes her journey encourages someone else who may be sitting on an idea, waiting for the “perfect” time, or wondering if they have what it takes.

Persaud encouraged people to start anyway, even if they don’t have all the resources, don’t have all the answers, and may even be afraid.

She said sometimes the small thing you begin today can become the foundation for something much bigger tomorrow.