Managing family and business successfully

Mar 30, 2014 News

… A housewife shares her inspiring story

By Kiana Wilburg
The housewife is undoubtedly the guardian angel of the home. She is the protector, companion, resolute negotiator and the best caretaker of her husband and child/children.

Valerie Martin

She attempts in most cases to complete almost “a hundred tasks” before the day is over, and see that everyone in her household adheres to their respective schedules. The job of a housewife is a round-the-clock responsibility. There is no day off. And with little time for herself, how can she dare find time to manage a business she always dreamed of? Some have tried, but it only served to create division in their family which they regret to this day.
One local housewife has been cooking up such a recipe – one that has helped her to maintain a happy family and relatively successful business.
Mrs. Valerie Martin, a resident of Agricola expressed that before she met her husband, her first love was always fashion. But family was always paramount and the dream of owning a successful business was sidelined for some time.
She grew up in a modest home nestled in the heart of West Ruimveldt with her eight siblings. As a lively young girl, she was always obsessed with cloth and colours. Beads and threads were always a mystery to her and it wasn’t long before she started making her own designs during her teenage years. Of course it took her some time to hit perfection. But practice was always a joy.
She attended West Ruimveldt Primary and progressed to Central High School. Throughout her high school years, many of her friends believed she was destined for the fashion world. After completing several secretarial courses and others in medical transcription, and a Diploma in computer studies, she joined the Guyana Police Force to save up for her “dream business.”
She served in the Force for several years until she met her “soul mate”. After severing ties with law enforcement to be more focused on family life, her entrepreneurial aspirations were also placed on pause. Nevertheless, Mrs. Martin is the proud mother of three wonderful daughters.
But as a “hardworking” mother of three, and dedicated wife, Martin always felt that something was amiss. She respected the fact that her husband was the breadwinner of the home, but deep within her was an independent spark that never died. It was time to add that touch of completeness to her life—Fashion.
The women’s rights activist expressed, “There was always this part of me that wanted to be successful and have my dreams realized. I wanted a Fashion and Arts and Craft business of my own, and it would have served to add to the family’s financial foundation. But I was also faced with another fear and that was neglecting my family while focusing on my dreams. I couldn’t forgive myself if that were to happen.
“It was something I needed to think about for some time. After giving it careful thought I realized that I really can have the best of both worlds, and it took a heart of faith, and tons of dedication and discipline along with the main ingredient and that was —including my family in the development of my dreams. Sometimes as women we want to do it all by ourselves, and forget that partnership is sometimes the key to a successful business.”

A picture is indeed worth a thousand words

She continued, “Well I am always for academics. So I knew I had the talent, but I ensured that I got certified in my fields. In fact, I was 30 years old when I decided to return to fashion, but that didn’t stop me. I did courses in ceramics, leatherwork, arts and craft, and surface decoration. After certifying myself, it was time to get to work. My husband and three children have been extremely instrumental in helping my business to be where it is today.”
But what started out as a modest business and the birth of a family legacy has turned out to be an open door of opportunities to regional and international markets for this talented housewife.
It wasn’t long before her work reached the eyes of many art fanatics and soon Martin was displaying her creations in Barbados, Suriname and just recently, the United States.
“I had no idea that my work would be as recognized as it is. It started out very small but today my market now stretches from Suriname to the United States,” expressed the talented designer, who is also a story-writer and poet.
“After much hard work and patience, I am now a part of the Small Business Bureau, Go-Invest and the Guyana Arts and Craft Producers Association. It’s amazing that I got so far and I thank God everyday for his mercy and blessings.”
“I have showcased my work at the Inter-Guyana Festivals in Suriname and I recently came back from showcasing my work in Atlanta, Georgia, where I held my fashion show. It was an overwhelming experience. Today, I am happy to say I have my own business, thanks to my husband and daughters.”
Martin, who has participated in several local fashion competitions, said that she is not removed from reality, and understands that not every housewife would be in a position to make the same changes.
She asserts however, “Nothing in this life comes easy. It is going to be a struggle. I know what it feels like to be in that position where you are faced with following your dreams and being a good wife and mother. I was never assured that what I was doing was going to be successful, but I had faith in God and I was disciplined. I learnt so much from going on this journey and having my family to take it with me.”
The 44-year-old added, “Understand as well that you are human and it is okay to ask your partner to be a part of your dreams… and even your children as well. Getting the husband and the children involved in the decision-making process provides great opportunities for bonding and learning. Let the family be involved in the creation of the legacy. It’s a powerful skill you are passing on to your children. I assure there is more to gain by trying and failing than not trying at all.”