From roadside stand to growing business
DPI, Guyana, Wednesday, May 30, 2018
The once-humble coconut is now in growing demand on the local and international markets.
Once valued by the nation’s elders, then forgotten by a younger generation, coconuts have now been ‘re-discovered’ by the rest of the world.
Some of the products offered at Country Style Delicious Coconut Biscuits.
It’s literally being used in every product, particularly in the beauty industry and in the kitchen.
Essequibian, Simone Peters is part of this new revolution. The owner of Country Style Delicious Coconut Biscuits told the Department of Public Information (DPI) she uses coconut as one of the main ingredients in her products. Some of her delicacies include coconut biscuits and coconut cheese sticks.
“I love to make coconut products because I am from the country as well. Everything I want to keep it at the country level, so people get that taste of home…my products will take persons back to their country roots,” Peters said.
The small business owner grew up in the Pomeroon-Supenaam region, where her aunt would make pastries and other delicacies. This instilled in her a love of baking at a tender age.
Owner of Country Style Delicious Coconut Biscuits, Simone Peters speaking with DPI.
In 2015, Peters started a roadside business in selling ‘coconut biscuits’ as a way of “making ends meet.” Due to constant exposure at various exhibitions, her customer base increased. Today she operates her business from her 43 Crane Housing Scheme, West Coast Demerara home.
Peters is currently in talks with the Small Business Bureau (SBB) to acquire a loan. The agency previously assisted her with booths to showcase her products at various expos. In 2017, the SBB disbursed some 50 approved loans valued at $270M to finance low-carbon sector small businesses across the country.
Peters explained she has also garnered overseas interest from persons in England, Canada and the United States. This came from ‘word of mouth’ referrals and persons sampling her products at the exhibitions. She noted, “It makes me happy to know that people love what I am doing. I think once you have the love for what you do, you will put your best foot forward.”
She encouraged small business owners to stay focused, “The sky is the limit and failing is not an option. There is always room for improvement; nothing comes easy in life. Just keep going and keep trying.”
Country Style Delicious’ coconut biscuits can be ordered through mobile numbers 619-2278 and 674-8079.
By: Crystal Stoll
Images by Keno George.