Mahaica’s ‘Magnificent Candles’ transforming lives – Women’s Group eyes overseas market for locally made candles
DPI, Wednesday, April 25, 2018
They exude the scent of the succulent fruits of Guyana. They are brightly formed in national colours. “Magnificent Candles” is what they are called. This indigenous Guyanese wax product is made by the Mahaica Women’s Group, a collections of single mothers and early school leavers from Region Five.
The group recently ventured into small business, making candles and craft and recycling.
Minister of Business, Dominic Gaskin checks out the scented candles made by the Mahaica Women’s Group.
Magnificent Candles are sold at the Guyana Shop on Robb Street in Georgetown and the product has quickly picked up a steady stream of eager customers.
Such has been the interest in this Mahaica made novelty product that it was recently exhibited at the Essequibo Agro and Trade Fair on the Essequibo Coast. The Small Business Bureau (SBB) of the Ministry of Business facilitated the group by providing a booth for them to display their eye-catching products.
Chairwoman of the group, Debbie Argyle explained that they “utilise several expos and shows as a means of advertising our products. We just want to market our stuff, because I think it is presentable and it is good,” she added.
Argyle highlighted that the candles serve a dual purpose – they are fragrant and also serve as a mosquito repellant. She noted that while the product is well supported locally, the group is looking to expand to overseas markets since with “the right marketing, the sales can grow.”
The group receives monthly donations of wax, a key ingredient in their product from the Food for the Poor Agency. Argyle explained that they create the labels and package the candles into recycled glass bottles or cans to reduce production costs.
“The business has transformed our lives in more ways than one, especially the early school leaver who is also a teenage mother,” she said.
She added, “my aim is to not let a woman fall by the wayside, no matter what happens, she has a potential in her.”
She also encourages women across Guyana to, “strive for greatness, and get into small businesses to sustain their livelihood.”
The group also engages in making craft, recycling materials, sewing and tie-dye, poultry rearing and kitchen garden farming.
Chairman of the Mahaica Women’s Group, Debbie Argyle.
Some of Magnificent scented candles on display at the Agro and Trade Fair.
By: Crystal Stoll