Teen follows her dreams

A young, vibrant and visionary entrepreneur, Jenell Pierre hopes that her story of resilience and hard work would inspire youths like herself to pursue their dreams despite challenges

A former science student of St. Stanislaus College, Jenell Pierre started her business ‘Bow-Jay’ in August 2011, as a mere 17-year-old. She sees her business venture as “ironic” because she always thought she would pursue studies in science.
“It’s bit of an irony because everyone expected me to go into a science related field. It all started during the period after I wrote CSEC. I found myself being creative with different things. I did a lot of online research on craft. I remember seeing fashion bows becoming popular so I bought one and observed how it was put together and thought to myself  – ‘I can make this!’,” she recalled.
The creative thinker went right to work. With her concept in mind, she took a simple piece of ribbon and started moulding it into a bow.  Pierre was ecstatic with her creation and showed her mother, who was very impressed. Pierre wore her bow design to church, and people inquired in amazement where she bought it from. When Pierre told them she had made it, they flocked her with requests for bows. Her cousin, who was visiting from overseas, indicated she would pay any amount for the bows. Pierre was impressed with the offer and this sparked her business idea.
As a science student, the CEO said it was difficult for her to start the business as she had no clue how to do so. However, her determination to start a bow business led to her being a part of an organisation called the Women’s Entrepreneurship Network (WENET) through Youth Challenge Guyana. This gave her the necessary tools to develop her business. Being with other entrepreneurs and listening to their experiences empowered this young business owner. Additionally, she did her own marketing research, sending out questionnaires and visiting businesses to find out pricing details. This, she pointed out, significantly helped with budgeting her designs.
“It can be overwhelming at times having to juggle my business, now pursuing Business Management at UG, church and personal matters, but I’m learning everyday to cope. Seeking advice from knowledgeable people has proven to be really helpful. Socializing with other entrepreneurs has been very encouraging. I also participate in various workshops which have helped me to be more business oriented. Also, research is pertinent in order to be very knowledgeable in your area of skill. Through my research I saw how some started off small just like me and now their brands are popular worldwide. This is my inspiration,” she disclosed.

The versatile entrepreneur also does her own packaging. Her Bow Jay label on bags are printed on paper, cut out and pasted by hand. Pierre said many think the labels are stickers, but they do not know that she does it all by herself.
Pierre credits her mother, a day care teacher, for her sewing skills and confidence. “I observed my mother who would make our school uniforms. I started sewing and with much practice I became better. Practice makes perfect. My confidence was instilled since childhood. My parents never shunned me from an idea. My mother is always encouraging me to express myself and not to be afraid to do so.”
Jenell’s Bow Jay line has grown since its recent inception. Working from her bedroom, Pierre started off making ribbon-bows but now designs and makes from scratch, fabric-bows with local and imported fabric. Her line also includes head bands, bow clips, bow chains, even bows for shoes. Pierre feels that at 19, she is now scratching the surface of what she wants to create.
“I see a lot of opportunities for myself. I’m a visionary in progress and I want to someday help youths like myself to be successful. I had an exhibition with my bows on sale at the Roraima Duke Lodge, which was very successful. I was recently invited by the Commonwealth to an exclusive event at the Umana Yana to display my bows. I feel very privileged to have been asked to participate,” Pierre explained.
Concerning her plans, Pierre hopes to establish a store in a good location to market her designs. Also, she is conceptualizing new ways to get her label out to the public, and envisions it to one day be an international brand.
She advises youths to, “Do a lot of research and budget your money. Follow your dreams. The only person who is holding you back from doing so is you. I always receive advice to never give up and work hard, and this has motivated me to continue.”
For more information on Pierre’s bows, visit Bow-Jay on Facebook. (Guyana Times Sunday Magazine)