Roleza Samuel: redefining the car accessories market with RoMax

When Roleza Samuel purchased a vehicle in 2012, she was less than enthused by the condition of the seat-belt covers. So, being skilled at using the sewing machine, she decided to make herself a pair.

Five years and much encouragement from her friends later, she is now the owner of RoMax – an increasingly popular business that makes covers for seat-belts and steering wheels.

The Buccament resident, in a recent interview with SEARCHLIGHT, said that she is surprised by how quickly her business is expanding and also shared how she intends to expand her reach even more.

“Of course, it is a niche area because we don’t have this in St Vincent and the Grenadines. I haven’t done a lot of advertising; just primarily through Facebook… It has been catching on!” she explained.

Officially launched in 2015, the RoMax brand offers approximately 50 different designs, which are stocked at AutoMax in Campden Park. RoMax also offers seat-belt and steering wheel covers with a replica of the St Vincent and the Grenadines flag, which is available at the T-Shirt Store, Voyager and Vetty’s (ET Joshua Airport).

Although her business is enjoying increased popularity at the moment, Roleza pointed out that the journey to maintain a successful business is by no means easy, as she also has to balance RoMax business with a full-time job.

In addition to that, it is sometimes a challenge sourcing her materials locally because of issues with variety and availability.

Roleza also said that she plans to expand her line of products, starting with headrest covers.

“A lot of persons have been asking but it’s the time that I haven’t had… I keep pushing it back because I need to ensure that I’m making a quality product first before I put it out to persons…”

One of the aspects of her business that she would like to expand is making the covers with flag replicas – focusing on making more replicas for countries within the region.

“I’ve done a good bit already for the region… I’ve also done a British one as well… I’d also like to have a workshop just making the flag replicas of the different countries. But, one of the challenges I know I would have is having a secure market [regionally].”

She explained that the workshop would mass produce the covers, but not on the large scale that a factory would.

“I would be able to employ more persons to be able to do more.”

Additionally, Roleza has sage advice for those trying to start their own businesses.

“Whether you’re young or you’re old, don’t be afraid. The thing about having a small business… is that it takes up a lot of your time… When you’re just starting a business, you have to be focused, you have to know what is pushing you and what is motivating you to go towards it. You have to be dedicated.”

Roleza also urged young persons to explore their skills and not to “sit on their hands”.

“If you have a talent, if you have a skill, if you have a particular idea, go out and try to do something with it… I have found that within recent years we have been so focused on academics and persons fail to realize that the academics is good, yes… but also having a side skill comes in extremely handy.”

She added: “Having a side skill helps supplement your income!”

Further inquiries can be made by contacting Roleza via RoMax’s Facebook page (www.facebook.com/RoMaxSVG) or by phone (784) 531-1231. (JSV)