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Nov 23, 2025 Features / Columnists, News, Waterfalls Magazine, Young entrepreneurs
“They bring fresh new ideas that in turn help to inspire others to explore and discover their own potential.”
Kaieteur News – Skillful, creative, innovative are just some of the adjectives one can use to describe our featured young entrepreneur this week. Today readers, we turn the spotlight on the talented Maria DaCosta, the proud owner of a small handcrafted jewellery business called ‘Prttybymaria’
‘Prttybymaria’ which officially started online in October 2021, was one of those small businesses that sparked during the COVID pandemic.
In a recent exclusive interview with The Waterfalls, 23-year-old Da Costa shared that ever since she was young, she loved creating things with her hands. From crocheting, painting and now jewellery making, she just knew where her passion lies.
Asked how ‘Prttybymaria’ came about, DaCosta said at first, she simply wanted to make pretty things for herself. But after showing some friends and family, it caught the attention of others and persons started to want more of her creative pieces. “And then one thing led to another. That’s how my small business grew into something I’m really proud of,” she shared.
For those who are not familiar, this local handcrafted jewellery business offers a wide range of things from beaded jewellery to wired wrapped jewellery to even pieces made with clay and shrink plastic. “Everything I offer is handcrafted and reflects a little bit of my creativity,” DaCosta pointed out.
With four years down since she started this business, the young woman related that the immense support and confidence booster really and truly came from her mother and a few of her closest friends. When in doubts, she noted that they have been the ones to encourage and motivate her to keep going.
“Even though I love my pieces, I sometimes second guess myself before pressing post, wondering if it’s good enough or if the price is right but with a little feedback from those around me, the second-guessing stops,” she stated.
Recalling her entrepreneurship journey at such a young age, DaCosta noted that there were those ups and downs moments.
She related that her biggest challenge so far has been putting her work out there confidently and building a stronger online presence. Working to overcome this, the entrepreneur disclosed that at the moment she is trying her best to make TikTok videos and post more consistently. “Every time I post, I get some engagement and it helps push my business out there,” she noted.
As she continues to improve on her online presence, DaCosta revealed that long term, she is hoping to have her uniquely crafted pieces be available in more physical locations. She stated that currently she rents a shelf at Collage on Sheriff Street and is looking to rent a few more in the new year.
Looking to further expand and bring about new opportunities, our featured entrepreneur is of the view that small business owners are vital for the growth of our communities.
“They bring fresh new ideas that in turn help to inspire others to explore and discover their own potential,” she expressed.
When questioned what she thinks can be done in our society to boost local small businesses, DaCosta recommended that more accessible vending spaces can be of great help. Additionally, she mentioned that regular flea markets and pop-up events would give small businesses more opportunities to showcase their products.
For persons desirous of placing orders for handcrafted jewellery by Prttybymaria can connect with them through Instagram and TikTok using the business name.
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