Youths urged not to let outside forces stop them from pursuing dreams

In the Caribbean, we are not able to pull out of people their deepest professional desires and as a result we are creating a dangerously out of balance Caribbean society by failing to direct our youth to their chosen paths.

“I am not trying to sell you a fairy tale, but I know a number of people who are forced either by outside forces or the voice in their head to not pursue their dreams,” said local fashion {{more}}designer and entrepreneur Kimya Glasgow on Tuesday, January 19.

Glasgow made these points during a live simulcast at the Eastern Caribbean Central Bank (ECCB) office in Frenches. She was speaking to students from eight ECCB states during a Youth Leadership Experience and Development (LEAD) conference, aimed at strengthening youth entrepreneurship and leadership initiatives in the region.

Glasgow, encouraging students to pursue their dreams, said that she has faced a number of setbacks, but has strived by maintaining focus and being creative, although persons in the Caribbean are usually encouraged to pursue traditional jobs.

Glasgow used creative professionals to show how remaining steadfast and creating your own brand can pay off. Names mentioned were Trinidadian Peter Minshall, author Derek Walcott, Gordon Espinet (Caribbean make-up artist for MAC Cosmetics), Caribbean publisher Neysha Sooden (MACO Magazine), Machel Montano, Skinny Fabulous, Alison Hinds, Shaggy and Rihanna.

She stressed that these entrepreneurs provide employment not just for themselves, but for a number of persons in fashion, modelling and many other areas by being themselves.

“Be your brand; people sniff out phoniness. Don’t create something around you that makes no sense or is just a trend. It is the surest way to lose your shirt. Find a solution, even ones that people don’t know they need yet,” encouraged Glasgow.

She, however, added, “Be warned; you will make mistakes and face setbacks. I have made many. We won’t all be Rihanna, but we can aspire to live with dignity. People should be encouraged to pursue their passions, while being able to pay their bills and meet their financial obligations,” said Glasgow.

The New Montrose resident, who runs KG Designs, told students that they must refuse to be a part of “Get Rich Quick” ideas, as this is dangerous and will oftentimes create setbacks.

“Educate yourself. It doesn’t have to be university; get a mentor, get a few mentors, learn about yourself, learn about everything else. If you didn’t grow up in it, become it. Read, read, read and know your history, especially business history and a little psychology and sociology never killed anyone,” said Glasgow.

She stressed that although natural talent is great, it is important to educate yourself about your chosen field and business, while honing skills and learning the terms and practices of the field.

“Don’t be the person in the room who feels out of place or not up to snuff when talking to industry professionals. Read trade papers and know the history makers of your field. This will give you genuine confidence that you cannot buy radiating from within,” Glasgow told over 100 of the region’s students.

Other tips included having a good business plan, networking, being ethical and partnering with other business owners.

“I challenge all of you to find your niche and get there and never let anyone, no matter how well-meaning, tell you it can’t be done. I challenge you to pursue your entrepreneurial drive,” said Glasgow.

She said that in the Caribbean and many other places, people will say in subtle ways, “that your family history or your education or your business idea will hold you back; that you’re a girl and you should be looking for a good husband; that your family is too poor for you to dream big. These are mere semantics. Only you can truly define yourself…even if you take the safe job to begin with, never give up on your dream.”

Glasgow said that she is of the opinion that the next generation of entrepreneurs will shape the Caribbean and its economy, but persons need to jump out of their safety zone.

“I am female, I am black, I am Caribbean, I am an artist, I am an entrepreneur. In some places that combination is a recipe for failure. For me, it is my recipe for success and a test of personal optimism, tenacity and leadership,” said Glasgow, encouraging students to ignore the thinking that the Caribbean is a matrifocal society where women run their families.

“It is my firm belief that people with creative abilities have the ability to lead as entrepreneurs. Entrepreneurs are people who know how to harness opportunities for economic gain for themselves and for others. I often ask myself, why, especially in the Caribbean, we have such a hard time accepting that someone with a gift for painting, music, design and such can turn it into a successful business,” said Glasgow.

The LEAD conference was held by the ECCB, in collaboration with its Financial Information Month (FIM) partners. The conference was expected to provide young people with an opportunity to share experiences and network with peers, with the thrust towards closer OECS integration as a key component of regional development.

Presentations were also made by among others: Shawn Richards, Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, St Kitts and Nevis; Senator Winston Garraway, Minister of State within the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Religious Affairs, Grenada; Genieve Hanley, CEO, LEAP and ACE Consulting, St Kitts and Nevis; and Nigel Matlin, creative director, aqua.gd, Grenada.