Sep 08, 2024 News “These ideas [from entrepreneurs] propose new ways of catering to customers’ needs, and in several cases, these ideas are well received, and small businesses experience exponential growth...
” By Allyiah Allicock Kaieteur News – As we at this publication continue to uncover the multifaceted talent of our young men and women from various communities of our country, today we shed light on yet another individual who expressed her creative skills through jewellery making. Owner of ‘Kenthings’, Kenita Roberts. This young entrepreneur is 24-year-old Kenita Roberts, the proud owner of ‘Kenthings’, a popular jewellery business.
Before we get into the business side of Roberts, you should know this young woman is not only an entrepreneur but she is also an Environmental Consultant with EES INC., she holds a BSC in Environmental Sciences from the University of Guyana and is currently pursuing her Master’s in Project Management through the GOAL scholarship programme. Roberts also completed Jewellery Making 1 and Wedding and Décor 1 courses at the University of the West Indies Open Campus in 2021.
In a recent interview with The Waterfalls, Roberts said Kenthings is co-owned by Simone Roberts, her mother, who is also a creative person. Her mother specializes in paintings, wood burning, floral arrangements, and has a general creative perspective. According to Roberts, Kenthings officially started in March 2017 while she was in 6th Form at Queen’s College.
She noted however, that mid-2016, she made cloth chokers and loc jewellery with copper wire and rings. “I posted it on Facebook and received a few sales. From there, I decided to continue making pieces and selling them,” she recalled.
Questioned what inspired her to start this venture, Roberts said she has always been a creative person and loved arts and crafts. “I did Art for CXC, which required much dedication. My business was inspired by my desire to be innovative and creative; it just happened that I expressed this creativity through jewellery, and people liked it and supported me throughout the years,” she explained.
For those who have never heard about Kenthings, the business is a handmade jewellery business mainly using wire and beaded products. It provides jewellery such as earrings, bracelets, arm cuffs, waist beads, nose cuffs, anklets, rings, and necklaces, just to name a few. “I started with loc jewellery and rings and progressed as the years passed,” she added.
Not limiting herself to only jewellery making, the young woman said she is open to other creative projects, such as floral arrangements, flower crowns, and other customizations. Having been operating for quite a while now, Roberts revealed that it was always easy, as there have been some challenges faced over the years. Elaborating further, she explained that one of the challenges was the availability of attractive beads and consistent jewellery supplies in Guyana that deteriorated over the years.
“Therefore, jewellery supplies would need to be procured internationally, increasing the product’s waiting time and cost,’ she shared. Another challenge she disclosed has to do with time. “This is a personal challenge that I am working on.
If I could, I would put all of my time into making jewellery because I enjoy it. My favourite product to make is the Kenthings signature earrings,” she pointed out. Notwithstanding these challenges, Roberts related that she understands that there would be good and bad times when operating a business but it would not stop her from taking her business to higher heights.
She stated that while there have been challenges, there have been tremendous support for her craft. “My support base has been good. People always reach out to me and look for me at events I advertise to be present at.
It is always a heartwarming experience to know that friends and total strangers are rooting for you and looking out for you,” she expressed. When asked what she hopes to achieve for Kenthings moving forward, she noted that she sees the growth of her business as a slow and steady process. “I am not giving up on it.
I’d love to have my pieces on shelves for people to pick up at any time and offer a luxurious aspect to Kenthings, to name a few,” she revealed. She also is hoping to open up a store front, to showcase her products. As Roberts continue to contribute to society in a meaningful way through her business, she is of the view that young entrepreneurs in Guyana bring innovative and new ideas to the Guyanese market.
“These ideas propose new ways of catering to customers’ needs, and in several cases, these ideas are well received, and small businesses experience exponential growth. New ideas are not easy to bring into a new market, but with consistency and the right audience, things can change for the better,” she explained. Some of the creative pieces produced by Kenthings.
When asked what she thinks can be done locally to boost small businesses, she explained exposure through events, newspapers, features, grants and public recognition can help a good way. “However, what I believe goes a long way is the friends and families of small business owners publicly supporting their businesses through social media shares, likes, comments, and word of mouth. This costs zero dollars and helps a small business reach the right audience.
I appreciate everyone who has done this for me,” she related. In addition to Kenthings, Roberts also co-owns ‘Infuzed’, a cocktail business, and ‘Ignium’, an event decorating business. For persons interested in connecting with Kenthings, they can be contacted on Instagram as kenthings592, Facebook as Kenthings, WhatsApp at (592) 662-6341, and TikTok as Ms.
Kenthings. Their pick-up location is currently in Alberttown..
