Grant: I rather do what I am comfortable with

Imilya Grant is taking matters into her own hands.

Literally, the Sion Hill resident, who turns 22 today, decided to engage herself in a career that she feels comfortable with, by following in the footsteps of her parents in the creation of local crafts.{{more}}

Imilya is now one of the upcoming local jewelry makers in capital city Kingstown, with hopes of being one of the most successful while doing what she likes best.

The Intermediate High School graduate explained that she had been around the craft all her life, but finally chose to make a profession of it about three years ago.

“Since I know myself I grow up in beads, and when I was small I try making a little beads, bracelet and chain.

“After school I used to work somewhere else but I wasn’t comfortable so I say I rather do something I am comfortable and happy with, so I decided to work with the beads,” said Imilya.

Imilya, who plies her trade at the corner of Halifax and Egmont Streets, under the gallery of the Income Tax building, not only includes beads in her necklaces, bracelets, earrings and bags but also adds natural elements in her works.

“I have made chains from tamarind seeds, Job seed bags and bracelets, earrings, and necklaces from cinnamon sticks, cloves and garlic,” said Imilya.

“The average Vincentian won’t wear the clove and garlic accessories, but a tourist may say ‘wow, look at that.’ They go crazy for the tamarind seed products.”

Making items mainly for women, Grant says that there seems to be a rush for the long earrings, which she noted are the ‘in thing’ at the moment.

She admitted that business is good at times, given the reasonable prices of her products and the cost of the beads and other items she has to purchase to invent her creations.

Apart from her love for the artwork, Imilya indicated that the freedom to do what she loves best also gives her the opportunity to spend more time with her two year old daughter Faith, her number one obsession.

Imilya gives credit to her parents James ‘Jah Lou’ Grant and Maria Hall for taking the lead in the field that she has brached out into. (JJ)