The right switch - Entrepreneurship pays dividends for Nicole Burke
Published:Saturday | July 30, 2011 | 12:00 AM
Gareth Davis, Gleaner Writer
STONY HILL, Portland:
HER DETERMINATION to become independent at all costs is the motivating factor behind the success of Nicole Burke, who now operates a grocery store in the rural community of Stony Hill, Portland.
Just under two years ago, Burke, a mother of six children was working as a bartender at Breastworks in the parish, under long strenuous hours.
"I wanted to quit so much. The hours were difficult to work with, and, as a single parent, my children needed to be cared for. I relocated to Stony Hill round about November last year, and I rented a nearby shop. I was determined to fend for myself, so I decided to become self employed," Burke told The Gleaner recently.
With six children, ages ranging from six to 20 years, Burke describes her first day of business on January 17, as arguably one of the most memorable, as sales exceeded $15,000.
"I opened shortly after 8 a.m. that Monday, and the first item that I sold was a Bigga soft drink. Thereafter, it was smooth sailing as students, motorists, and other residents kept popping in and out throughout the entire day. When I decided to close shop for the day, shortly after 7 p.m., I had sold close to $16,000 worth of goods."
The shop, which is neatly perched under the shade of an overgrown pear tree, is painted in light green with lush vegetation floating in the background in the direction of Ranch Hill, a nearby community.
According to Burke, the job of being a single parent is challenging, as she has to get the children ready for school, prepare breakfast and dinner, do the laundry and operate the grocery shop.
Economic challenges
But, despite running a tight schedule, Burke is still able to smile amid the economic challenges, and her frequent visits to the wholesale has resulted in an increase in the purchasing of goods, brought about by the huge demand for certain basic food items from consumers.
"Tin mackerel, sardines, and other non-perishable goods including candles, mosquito destroyer, and electric bulbs, sell like hot bread. Other goods including sodas, cup noodles, chicken noodles, biscuit, and round bread, are also in high demand. Yes, times are hard, but business is booming, and I am convinced that I made the right switch from bartending to being a shopkeeper."
Burke is entertaining thoughts of expanding her business, by putting in a kitchen and a dining area, to prepare breakfast and lunch for persons who have to get an early start.