Growing up in North Rupununi Village of Surama, Region #9, surrounded by a mountainous landscape with the Pakaraima Range in the North, the Surama Mountain in the West and the Pond Mountain in the East, the beauty of nature has never been more real.
This landscape, coupled with the lush rainforest of the Rupununi, interspersed with creeks and the famous Burro Burro River, is an adventurer’s dream. Her love of this landscape and her pride in her culture are the roots of the inspiration and artistry of “Vanda Designs” Vanda, the 7th of 8 children born to Sydney and Veronica Allicock, considers herself fortunate, having had more opportunities than others in her village; especially in education, in the form of a secondary school scholarship.
A scholarship saw an 11-year old Vanda attending the School of the Nations in Georgetown. There, she completed her secondary education and lived with her new family, Elaine, Vanda & Danuta Radzik on the East Bank, Demerara. This is also where art became a formative force in her life under the tutorage of Danuta Radzik & Randy Bentick. However, it was later on that these artistic skills were turned into a business enterprise – a joint venture between herself and her nephew, the talented Nigel Butler, a top graduating student of the E.R.Burrowes School of Art.
“Vanda Designs” was born in 2012 out of a need to provide an income for both herself and her nephew. The first piece was a handbag she gave to her mother who fell in love and advertised it. The first order was made by Vanessa Lee.
They were not too confident in pursuing “Vanda Designs” as a business, but Ms. Anna Iles saw potential and decided to help. She bought paints in all colors and t-shirts. The first collection was a line of men’s shirts that were painted to reflect birds of the forest. This collection was shown to her father, who immediately bought all the pieces. He encouraged the team to really own the designs by sewing the pieces and showcasing the Indigenous culture with pride. He became one of “Vanda Designs” biggest supporters.
After a meeting with Minister Valerie Garrido-Lowe, within the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples Affairs, Sonia Noel and Richard Young, there was an opportunity for Indigenous Fashion to be showcased at the Guyana Fashion Week, and the challenge was accepted. Since then, Sonia Noel has consistently enabled and supported the enterprise. As a result of the great support, the business has been advancing in an interesting way since 2016.
Vanda is a mother of two beautiful children, Amelia and Valdez. She continues to pursue her passion for Indigenous-inspired fashion in addition to her other dreams. She accomplished one dream of becoming a qualified massage therapist in 2017. She has participated in numerous charitable events and expos, both local & international.
“Vanda Designs” pieces are wearable art, unique, ready-to-wear, and affordable, and caters inclusively to men, women, and children. Patrons of “Vanda’s Design’s” include Guyana’s President, HE David Granger, PM Moses Nagamotoo, Ministers Sydney Allicock, Valerie Garrido-Lowe, Vanda Radzik, Veronica Allicock, HRH Prince Harry of Britain – Duke of Sussex (upon his visit to Guyana in 2017), contestants of the Ms. Indigenous Heritage Pageant 2017; and Miss Guyana World 2017 first runner up – Manisha Wong.
Contact information facebook: “Vanda Designs”, Tel: 592-670-5038
Questions
How did you arrive at the idea for your business?
This business was born out of the need to provide support for myself and my nephew, whose mom had recently passed away but wanted to pursue his dreams of attending Art School, he is an extremely talented artist and I wanted to support his dream.
What was your key driving force to become an entrepreneur?
There wasn’t much on the market when we started that showcased Indigenous fashion, which can also be considered everyday wear, with a modern design.
What is your greatest challenge being an entrepreneur?
Trying to find the right balance in getting materials, reliable technical support, finances and the opportunity to experiment and expand in a timely manner.
What has been your most satisfying moment in business?
The positive feedback of people, having a fair understanding that Indigenous People can actually have wearable fashion.
What piece of advice would you give to other young people who want to become entrepreneurs?
Don’t ever look at failure as negative, as this is where you actually grow, rock bottom provides an opportunity for growth, seeing your strength, trying something new.
How do you define success?
When you are overflowing with orders, but still find time to help others.
Who has been your greatest inspiration?
My father, my #1 fan and walking advertisement, who has never ceased to inspire and support my venture, always wears my designs with Pride.
