By Utamu Belle
At 26 years old, Lindener Taneila Croal has her eyes set on living out her dream as an enterprising Guyanese woman. And nothing is stopping this vibrant young woman from achieving her goals and her shot at success. Though she’s a teacher by profession, Croal is also pursuing her passion of establishing herself as a successful businesswoman and outstanding entrepreneur in the Linden community. Her love for styling hair and nails has led her down the path of launching her own salon, “Neila’s Hair and Nails Empire” and more recently her own line of female lingerie, titled, ‘ADOREmeBAE’.
Speaking with the Sunday Times Magazine, Croal recently gave a glimpse into her successful journey and shared some useful advice for others desirous of venturing into the challenging world of entrepreneurship in Guyana.
“I’m a high school teacher by profession. However, at a very young age, I’ve always had a passion for hairstyling and now I own my salon”, she mused.
The talented hairdresser went on to talk about some of the services offered at her salon, which include braiding, crocheting, sew-in and interlocking, amongst numerous others. Her passion for styling hair, Croal explained, grew from an early age as she would skilfully create her own hairstyles and plait her own hair.
“At age 12 I was already braiding my own hair in the ‘pinch and plait’ method back then.
So, when I was about 14 years old I got my first paid job when I did some braids for someone”, she recalled.
This opportunity would ultimately lead to the development of a full-blown business establishment. Following the route of her passion, she was motivated to open her own hair salon. Ultimately, Croal would take advantage of social media marketing, supplementing her shot at success.
“Over the years, as a teen, I would’ve had customers who knew my ability as it relates to braiding and they would support me as I perfect my skill. I would usually work in my home at that time. I later built my salon. However, three years ago I decided to use my Facebook platform to showcase my talent. I started my business page, ’Neila’s Hair and Nails Empire’ and my support audience increased”, she noted.
Though enthused by the response she received from her social media marketing and networking, the young entrepreneur soon learned of the challenges.
“When I decided to advertise my business more, there were challenges of not being able to be at the service of all my customers because of work. That caused me to become really sad when I had to tell clients I’m unable to render service”, she admitted.
Regardless of the challenges, Croal was determined and persevered. She soon learnt the art of managing her time and remaining focused on her journey through entrepreneurship. Asked where she sees her business platform in the next few years, the entrepreneur was very optimistic about expanding in the future.
“The most ecstatic thing is to see my growth in the work that I do and to have satisfied customers. I have seen progression and perfection in all areas of the services I offer.
I recently established my lingerie line, called ADOREmeBAE which features exotic, comfy Sleepwear. My plan is to develop my business by providing variety, diversity to my prospective and current customers. I want to be able to have my lingerie marketed across Guyana. A few years from now I see myself having a branch of Neila’s Beautie Empire in Georgetown. In both my locations I’d be renting stations in my buildings and expand my services”, she related.
Reflecting on how she managed to get her business up and running, Croal shared one of her favourite motivational quotes which have propelled her to go after her dreams.
“A keynote to remember is, ‘Nobody owes you anything’. Simply saying that nobody is obliged to do anything for you. You have to get up and chase your dreams. If you have something you’re good at, a skill, perfect it. Go ahead and take advantage of the small business loans and grants. Start your own business if that’s what you want. Overcome the fears of how successful it might turn out. Do it for the love of it and you’ll multiply your blessings”, she advised.
Croal believes that despite challenges, there are opportunities available for young people in Guyana to become entrepreneurs. She advised that they should not be afraid to take advantage of loans and build from there.
“There is scope and opportunities for young entrepreneurs to benefit from in Guyana. The Department of Youth under the Ministry of the Presidency has provided entrepreneurs like myself chances of developing our businesses through grants and loans. This helps to build and develop businesses. And provides the necessary training and skills one needs to become a business-oriented person”, she stated.
Speaking on the business atmosphere in Linden, she noted that while there are others involved in her line of business there is room for everyone to grow and develop.
“ In Linden where I’m from, I see a lot of persons doing what I do as a business. I have my customers and others have theirs. I have my full support and clientele in peak seasons such as weekend, holidays and Linden Town Week season. These moments stimulate that drive for me as a hairdresser to do the best I can”, Croal related.
She is presently in the process of planning an upcoming social and entertainment event to promote her business as well as shed light on other entrepreneurs. Croal gave us an insight into this event which will take place on March 15, as she urged full support.
“So, my upcoming event is one with a major difference. It’s called ‘Sip, Puff and Paint’. This event promises to be one of first-class and elegant. If you ever consider attending, you will experience a breathtaking ambience of young professionals and entrepreneurs. Everyone will be doing their individual paintings which they’ll take home, and at the same time sipping wine. There will be finger foods provided at a cool, serene atmosphere at the Pegasus Garden Arena… Supporting this event will be beneficial to all attendees who will be interacting with each other, getting to know each other, sharing ideas and exploring opportunities for developing themselves. It would be a fantastic opportunity for young people. It aims to be mind-blowing and relaxing”, she said.
Croal has some advice for anyone thinking about delving into entrepreneurship. She urges that they work on developing and promoting their skills and making it work for them. A leap of faith is also required, according to Croal.
“I wish to say this to youths, it doesn’t matter what your skill is, or what your dreams are, once you make that start or make that first step, you’ll definitely reach the top. That first step along with a leap of faith and confidence in what you do is all it takes. It doesn’t matter your business ideas or how you’ll get there. Pray, work, trust God… that’s how I did it”, she quipped.
