At just 21 years old, Divine Ross is proving that ambition, resilience, and creativity can lead to success, no matter the challenges.
Divine Ross, the founder of Alpha Zest Empire
A native of Riverstown, Essequibo Coast, Ross, an aspiring attorney, is the visionary behind Alpha Zest Empire.
A STRONG FOUNDATION IN RESILIENCE AND AMBITION
Growing up was not a smooth ride for this avid cricket lover. Due to her mother’s illness and her father’s frequent work trips to the interior, Ross was raised primarily by her grandmother.
However, rather than letting her circumstances define her, she embraced these hardships and used them to fuel her ambitions.
Challenges mould us into being our best, if we use them to our advantage.
She recently completed her Bachelor’s Degree in International Relations at the University of Guyana (UG) and is now preparing to read for a Bachelor’s Degree in Law.
Yet, alongside her academic achievements, Ross’s entrepreneurial spirit has always been a driving force.
Her love for cricket has also been an integral part of her life, and she hopes to pursue a career in the sport while balancing her business and legal ambitions.
THE BIRTH OF ALPHA ZEST EMPIRE
This aspiring attorneys-at-law’s journey into entrepreneurship began with necessity and ambition.
Without a steady job and bills to pay, she knew she had to take matters into her own hands. Initially, she planned to start a sports-related business, but a lack of financing redirected her focus to what would eventually become Alpha Zest Empire.
Launched with just a few materials and an iron, Alpha Zest Empire specialises in custom printing, offering products such as T-shirts, logos, cups, plaques, key rings, and custom-made jewellery.
The business quickly gained traction, serving not only the Essequibo Coast but also clients from Demerara and Berbice.
With a pick-up location in Georgetown and delivery services, she has expanded her reach across Guyana.
I used to go to the internet café to get prints done for the few customers I had. But as my business grew, I realised I needed my own machines.
With the support of her father and cousin, she invested in the equipment needed to deliver high-quality prints and services.
LEARNING FROM CHALLENGES AND FINDING SUCCESS
Like any entrepreneurial journey, Ross’s path has been filled with challenges. From dealing with rising costs at printing businesses to navigating the complexities of custom jewellery design, she said that with challenge came valuable lessons.
When she first ventured into custom jewellery, she noted that she struggled with the quality of her products.
Some pieces would fade or turn black because I didn’t pay attention to the materials.
This experience pushed her to invest in higher-quality metals, such as stainless steel, titanium steel, sterling silver, and gold-plated jewellery.
Marketing was another hurdle for this businesswoman. Early on, she felt that her products weren’t resonating with her audience.
However, after adjusting her marketing strategies, she saw increased sales.
When I began to market my items differently, I saw the difference.
EXPANDING WITH CREATIVITY AND TRENDS
Staying ahead of market trends has been crucial to the growth of Alpha Zest Empire, Ross noted.
She recently printed Hawk Tuah tees, which garnered widespread attention, and used Lady Lava’s hit song ‘Ring Finger’ to promote her custom-made rings.
In addition to expanding her product line, Ross also invested time developing her graphic design skills, essential for running a printing business.
After taking courses with the Ministry of Human Resources, she now designs logos, shirts, and flyers herself, adding a personal and creative touch to everything Alpha Zest produces.
THE REWARDS OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
For this budding businesswoman, the most rewarding aspect of running Alpha Zest Empire is not just the financial independence but also the personal growth and satisfaction that comes with it.
Knowing that I can pay my fees, cater to my needs and my family’s needs, and be independent at such a young age is incredibly fulfilling.
Her business has also allowed her to develop essential traits like patience, resilience, and creativity—skills she believes are crucial for long-term success.
While she has made her fair share of mistakes, Ross sees them as opportunities to learn and improve.
I’ve faced many losses, made bad investments, and trusted the wrong people, but I’ve grown through it all.
A VISION FOR THE FUTURE
As Alpha Zest Empire grows, Ross has ambitious plans for the future. In the next five years, she envisions expanding her business to multiple locations across Guyana, offering an even broader range of products and services, mainly jewellery and printing.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR ALPHA ZEST EMPIRE
- Facebook: Alpha Zest Empire
- Telephone number: +592673-7427
- Email: [email protected]
