2020 into 2021 were especially difficult years for working mothers. While trying to care for their children, many parents struggled to keep their jobs or were forced to leave their jobs. Many had to find new income streams that worked with their childcare arrangements. Regardless of these setbacks: Mompreneurs all around Belize have embraced these challenges to forge financial peace for their homes.
In this episode, Mervin will speak with Glenisha Guy & Shermaine Pinkard two Belizean Mompreneurs creating a legacy for their children.
Listen to the audio:
KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE
- A little about Shermaine Pinkard
- Challenges with marketing the product
- How customer testimonials helped move her products
- More about the products at Goddess Mane
- Managing the roles of being mom and entrepreneur
- Advice from moms in business
- What inspired the brand
- Glenisha Guy shares about the start of Sweet Treats
- More about the products
- She explains what inspired the name
- Prioritizing and managing tasks
- Advice from moms looking to start a business
- Her involvement in the community
TWEETABLE MOMENTS
“ I started to understand that …its more about people being comfortable with their natural hair.” (14:00 – 14:08)
“Nothing beats a try.” (17:55 – 17:57)
“If you have a passion and believe in whatever it is push through and do whatever it takes to create it because it brings a sense of freedom that everyone deserves.” (28:26 – 28:38)
“It’s a good look for your children. It’s a good example for them to see that mommy has her own business.” (28:45 – 28:58)
“I basically wanted to create a vibrant energy towards taking care of yourself.” (30:28 – 30:33)
“For me as a hairstylist, I understand the struggle.” (30:53 – 30:56)
“I was okay competing or having my products out there because I know what it does.” (32:55 – 33:01)
“Consistency is the key.” (47:02 – 47:04)
“Believe in yourself.” (50:58 – 50:59)
“Invest in yourself…you need to learn because you can’t just go into it with just what you know.” (51:49 – 51:59)
“You need to ensure you are the best and if you are not the best at the moment become the best.” (52:00 -52:06)
“I always want to be the best for my community.” (55:10 – 55:11)
About Shermaine Pinkard
Shermaine Pinkard is a 32-year-old Belizean entrepreneur and mother. Her childhood dream was always to become the best hairstylist in the world. Over the years her passion for styling and caring for hair grew and motivated her to pursue training and become certified. She later opened her own salon. Still fuelled by passion and purpose, Shermaine started to create her own hair products and in 2019 launched “GODDESS MANE CROWN”. This new venture offers a line of natural hair products made using only natural ingredients. Shermaine’s hope is to continue her work in restoring natural healthy hair.
About Glenisha Guy
Glenisha Guy is a true village girl – born, raised, and still resides in Roaring Creek Village. Glenisha excelled in every step of her educational journey being the Salutatorian at the Raymond Sheppard Nazarene School, then she graduated with honors placing first in her Business class at the Belmopan Comprehensive School, and lastly she graduated ‘Com laude’ with an Associates Degree in Tourism Studies from the University of Belize in 2009. Glenisha is a trained accountant who worked in both the private and Government sectors. Glenisha is now employed at the Baptist School of Adult Continuing Education where she works as the Administrative Assistant. Glenisha is also an entrepreneur and owner of Sweet Treats and More, a mother, and a foster mom.
