“If God has given you a gift and you are certain about what you are doing, there is nothing that can stop you.”- Sister Sharlene Roberts
Nysha’s Homemade Ice Cream was launched on July 4th, 2016, and focuses on providing locally made ice cream containing both local and international ingredients. It also caters to the needs of persons who are health conscious while giving both a luscious and creamy experience that is light on the sweet side of things. Sis. Sharlene Roberts’ story can be described as one of endurance. Though she faced many challenges getting to where she is today, she never allowed these to demotivate and distract from her passion. Instead, whenever she missed a goal, she always found a way to get right back on track.
About Sis. Sharlene
Sis. Sharlene commenced her studies in the arts stream at high school; however, she always had an interest in science. Following the advice of a relative, who encouraged her to pursue her passion, she ventured out to study for a Diploma in Science at the Government Technical Institute. It was here that her interest in science deepened.
Going a step further, Sis. Sharlene pursued a degree in Chemistry at the University of Guyana. As she continued down this path, she developed a love for Food Science. Though she developed a passion for this area, this was a very difficult season in her life. A degree that should have taken her four years took her seven years since she had to repeat some courses; this did not stop her.
She later got a job at a food manufacturing company, through which she gained experience that allowed her to pursue a Master’s in Food Science and Technology, after which she studied for a Master’s Degree in Business. According to her, all of her academic pursuits resulted from recommendations made by persons who saw her potential.
Her Motivation for Becoming an Entrepreneur
Her journey to entrepreneurship was motivated by the sudden loss of her job. During this time, she had nothing to do nor did she have finances to support herself and, as such, was forced to depend on her family, which made her very uncomfortable. Despite this minor setback, she always dreamed of owning a business but could not fulfil this dream due to her busy work schedule. Pondering on the way forward and what business venture to embark on, she could not shake the desire to make ice cream. Her experience working at a food manufacturing company, coupled with the joy ice cream brings to young and old alike and her family’s continued encouragement and support, she decided this will be her path. After much consideration, she decided to pursue her passion and turn it into a business venture. Thus, Nysha’s Ice Cream was birthed.
Challenges Faced
Sis. Sharlene expressed that an ice cream business is not simple to run; it requires a lot of hours and physical labour to be successful. At the start of the business, one of her biggest challenges was finding quality raw materials on a consistent basis. She expressed her frustration in this process with the unreliability of quality raw materials and the scarcity of some items. In her words, “one day you may go into the store and find ingredients, but when you return, it will not be there.” At times, this was frustrating for her because it meant that she had to go searching for just one item, which according to her, caused her to consider importing simple raw materials. Nevertheless, she is thankful for her food science background, which helped her find substitutes.
Another challenge she experienced was that the equipment required to scale up the business was expensive. She shared that after about a month of consistently working the machine, it could easily damage, which would result in an additional cost. This may even result in the consistent purchasing of a machine. Additionally, she related that finding reliable staff could also be challenging. Thus, she emphasised that if starting a business is something you are interested in, it takes the mindset of you thinking this is what I am in, and this is what I want to do, so I need to pursue it.
Reflecting on her experience, Sis. Roberts also expressed facing internal challenges. She admitted to feeling like she was not getting the support she needed at times. She even at one point considered finding another business that was easier to run but according to her, “it was her passion that kept her going.”
Lessons Learnt
In both triumphs and failures, Sis. Roberts learnt that ‘the fear of doing something is greater than actually doing it.’ She expressed fear of starting and venturing into the business because of the foreseeable challenges of having an ice cream business. She even recalled someone telling her that she would not make money because everyone in Guyana knows how to make ice cream. Nevertheless, she encouraged herself and learnt that “fear slows you down and doing (whatever you are passionate about) pushes you forward.” It is until you actually do what you are fearful of doing that you will realise how easy it is because fear prevents you from going forward. As such, she loves to use the quote, “If you can dream it, you can achieve it!” Further, she learnt that being deliberate and consistent with your actions is the recipe for success and it will help to push you forward.
Lastly, Sis. Roberts stressed the importance of maintaining the high quality of one’s product. This, she expressed, has been an important lesson for her in her years of being an entrepreneur. She related that her business is deeper than just a business for her. It incorporates her studies, skills and putting into it Science.
Advice to Aspiring Entrepreneurs
Sis Sharlene, now a seasoned entrepreneur and a lecturer at the University of Guyana, leaves these last inspiring words for budding entrepreneurs.
- Make a Business Plan
- Research the type of inputs (equipment and raw materials) and do not consume all your capital at the beginning.
- Develop your business. Start small and gradually expand. There is no need to have a storefront from the beginning.
- Explore online sales and advertising.
- Focus on building your brand and product.
- Network with other business persons.
- Do not be afraid to ask for help.
- Continuously seek ways to sharpen your skills and improve your business.
- Never give up on your dreams, no matter how challenging the journey may be.
- Never stop learning.
Throughout Sis Roberts’ journey, she relied not only on her knowledge but also on God’s guidance since He is at the center of her business. She is also a firm believer that, “If God has given you a gift and you are certain about what you are doing, there is nothing that can stop you.”
Looking back on Sis. Roberts’ experiences, there were two emerging themes, the importance of being fully dependent on God and not allowing challenges to deter you from fulfilling purpose. As you go through the changing seasons of life, be encouraged that though we may experience difficult times, God is using them to mould and prepare you for His perfect plan. Though we may not see or understand what He may be doing, have faith and believe that He is working everything out for your good. We bless Sis. Sharlene as she continues to faithfully serve one of her gifts.
