‘Wild Rupununi’ looks to promote a better lifestyle...

the Guyanese people have been welcoming of her products. They have been so welcoming, in fact, that a large percentage of her products go beyond Guyana.

“I do get a good reception. Most of my customers are Guyanese but most of my products go overseas. About 90 per cent of my work goes overseas,” she said.

The international market is something Profeiro believes that more Guyanese businesses should get involved in, since she believes: “If you are doing person - alised items, the international market is good. People would more appreciate hand-made things.”

Every small business has its strengths and their weaknesses, and international appeal is one of Craft-AHoilc’s strengths.

Offering a word of advice to other entrepreneurs and potential ones, she said: “Do a lot of research before you begin and ensure you are well rounded with your products and market.”

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“space in the market” is another hurdle to the growth of small businesses in Guyana.

He explained: “We need more presence in order for local products to compete with international ones. We need to be valued and represented the same way foreign companies are.”

Fyffe said that although more could be done, the entrepreneurial field is still an excellent one to be a part of right now.

“In the last couple of years, local small businesses have gained a lot of traction. And I think that has to do with the help of outsiders realising that local products are of really high quality. We may just not have the fancy packaging or branding but the quality is off the charts,” the entrepreneur boasted.

In terms of his business, he said that another one of the challenges he is facing exists is marketing.

“I’m not too good at the marketing side of things, but with some finance, I believe I could raise more awareness,” Fyffe shared.

“Advertising plays an important role in having your product reach its consumers. This difficulty is intensified when the consumers call for small business to compete on an international level. Small businesses don’t have the finance to compete on an international level…they need the time and chance to do so. And that has been the case in recent times.”

“From the last decade to now, small businesses have grown a lot. And I believe they will continue to. But I know Wild Rupununi will be around for a long time,” he added.