Shevion Alexis Sears is a dynamic public relations and communication consultant. Nine years ago she opened a small consultancy which is now a full-fledged communications portfolio. The company currently serves the public relations and marketing needs of a growing clientele, providing a wide range of services in market research, strategic marketing, advertising, general strategic communication, crisis management, press communications, and internal and external communications.
The Beginning
In 2012, while working as a PR Officer at a power company, Sis Shevion, decided to explore her untapped potential. Her dream of becoming a writer was not necessarily encouraged by her family but that never stopped her from dreaming and documenting her plans. She took the bold step in 2013 in launching Sears Publicity, undertaking small-scaled projects. By July of 2021, she had expanded her portfolio and clientele large enough to take the business full-time. And that was exactly what she did – Sears Publicity was rebranded, Sears Consultancy Services.
Sis Shevion’s childhood dream of becoming a nurse never took flight – mostly because of economic reasons. However, she eventually enrolled in the University of Guyana’s (UG) Public Communications Diploma programme followed by a Bachelor of Science in Communication Studies. It was here that she fell in love with the intricacies of the art.
As an entrepreneur, she lives by the mantra, “Whatever your life’s work is, do it well; a man should do his job so well that the living, the dead, and the unborn could do it no better.” – Dr Martin Luther King, Jr. Sis Shevion sees her company as more than just for profit, but also an opportunity to give back to corporate Guyana and the country as a whole.
Factors for being Successful
Building a business is never an easy task, and it is arguably twice as difficult for a woman. To be successful Sis Shevion relies on three key factors: determination, persistence and belief. She notes that while there will likely be many that do not support your vision, it is imperative that you remain resolute in your belief. You must persist and work hard, consistently, to make your dream a reality. Sis Shevion affirmed, “I believe in working diligently and ardently to achieve what I want.” She further noted that diligent work is honourable and it is important to acknowledge the hand of God in making a way.
Overcoming Challenges
Being an entrepreneur has benefits and challenges, and it’s definitely not for the faint of heart. There are those who question your business plan and are not shy to suggest that you return to a ‘safe’ 9 to 5. However, with prayerful wisdom, one has to hold fast to one’s vision and not be afraid of challenges. When starting up, she advises that the entrepreneur must be prudent with finances.
Sis Shevion is emphatic that she is “motivated by challenge.” Challenges benefit Sears’ Consultancy because they create opportunities for analyses which can lead to innovative enhancements for the ultimate benefit of the clients and the business.
Christianity and Entrepreneurship
Sis Shevion never compromises her faith for revenue and her decisions are grounded in Christian principles. She understands that this may mean giving up some options but she is confident that God will not withhold any good thing from her. “Do not be fooled into believing that honourable choices are counter to profitability”, she said. “Others are watching and scrutinising us and we must be good examples in business. Treat people fairly; let God guide you.” This is the stance taken by Sis Shevion. She has proven that “honesty, high operating standards, wisdom and prayers are vital to the success of her business.
“Do not be fooled into believing that honourable choices are counter to profitability” – Sis Shevion Sears
Breaking the barrier
Sis Shevion has found gender biases and misogyny to be pesky roadblocks for women in business. While she embraces the belief that the man is the head of a household, she is adamant that it does not preclude women from being successful in business. As a businesswoman, she believes that her strength lies in her boldness, confidence and thoroughness when presenting information, a skill perfected through research and preparation.
Balancing business, family and mental wellness
Sis Shevion keeps a diary in order to maintain a balance between work, family, and mental wellness. Everything she has to accomplish is written down in her journal. Every day, she makes a checklist of things for her work, home, and personal life. She assesses her to-do list to determine whether her day was productive. Sis Shevion shared that she is intentional about managing her time well, as keeping track of what she does, benefits her and those around her.
Encouragement to aspiring young businesswomen
Sis Shevion advised the following for young aspiring female entrepreneurs: do research and find a core reference text that can serve as a guide; write down all of your business ideas, your vision, and your mission; list all of your operational goals and strategies; plan well for financing the firm whether by an investor or a bank and seek out advice from experts.
Sears Consultancy Services Incorporated owned by Sis Shevion Sears is located at Lot 121/3 Cookrit Street East La Penitence and can be contacted at +592 626 3155.
