In the quiet countryside village of Line Path D, Corriverton, in Region Six (East Berbice-Corentyne), is a name that resonates not just for the businesses she runs but for the indomitable spirit she embodies.
Ashmanie Rohit-Husein, popularly known as ‘Jessica,’ embodies the essence of resilience and entrepreneurial prowess in the face of life’s most challenging moments.
Rohit-Husein reminisces fondly about growing up in Line Path D, Corriverton, a community that resonated with warmth, protection, and love.
I’m an only child, but I grew up in an extended family, so my cousins always treated me as their own. My childhood was a memorable one. My cousins and I, along with the other kids in our community, were always out in the streets every afternoon, playing cricket and even pulling pranks on the elders.
Her educational journey led her through Skeldon Primary and Skeldon High School, where she completed the Caribbean Secondary Education Certificate (CSEC) examination.
After completing CXC, I didn’t further my studies because I never really liked studying. At first, I was ashamed of it, but now I’m so confident about myself because I’m not the smartest academically, but my hands are blessed, and I turned all my hobbies into a business, so now I’m doing what I love while making a good profit.
EMPOWERING VENTURES
Her entrepreneurial endeavours sprouted from her passions. From Jessi’s Touch of Elegance, offering beauty services like nails, henna, makeup, and bridal bouquets, to Husein’s Enterprise, a business she inherited from her late husband, which sells packaging products to other small businesses.
She also runs Cakes N Things.Gy which offers delectable homemade treats like birthday cakes, donuts, eclairs, and cupcakes.
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- Cupcakes done by Ashmanie Rohit-Husein
LIFE CHALLENGES
Despite her entrepreneurial triumphs, Jessica’s journey hasn’t been without hurdles. A pivotal moment that shifted her trajectory was her battle with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) and the devastating loss of her beloved husband, Saif Husein, on September 23, 2022.
A bridal bouquet completed by Jessi’s Touch of Elegance
I work full-time as the store’s supervisor at Glamour Beauty, that is a part of the Gizmos and Gadgets company. The company really motivates me to be better and to work harder. Before my husband passed away, I decided to take some time off because I was struggling with POCS, and then my husband passed away, so I never went back to work.
Even though I stayed away from work for a little more than a year, the directors and staff welcomed me back with open arms. From being the store’s beauty advisor, my directors made me the store’s supervisor. It’s not just about the money, and we don’t consider ourselves ‘co-workers’; we’re a family, and we strive to be the best in Guyana.
The untimely loss of her husband left an irreplaceable void in her life. However, it is his unwavering support and encouragement that continues to fuel her drive, even in his absence.
A hairstyle done on a client by Ashmanie Rohit-Husein
Despite her full-time job, Jessica remains dedicated to her entrepreneurial passions, offering makeup services right at Glamour Beauty and using her two days off to engage in her love for baking.
My late Husband, Saif Husein, was my best friend. He used to assist me with deliveries, and on the bad days, when I felt like giving up, my Husein would be the one to encourage me. He’s the reason why I never gave up. Losing him tore me apart and destroyed all the plans we made. It was definitely a struggle, but my parents, family, and friends really helped me through this. One of the main reasons why I took a full-time job is because working helps me to heal from all that I’ve been through.
The road to success is often fraught with challenges, and for this 25-year-old, mental health hurdles are a part of this battle. Severe anxiety has been a persistent adversary, yet she champions through, mindful not to overwork and to prioritize self-care.
Her message to budding entrepreneurs resonates with the wisdom of experience: perseverance, creativity, and authenticity are the pillars of success. Her unique ideas and unwavering determination have carved her a niche in the competitive business landscape.
To the young entrepreneurs like myself, especially the ones who are going through some rough patches, I just want to tell them to never give up, no matter how hard it gets. Owning your own business is not all rainbows and butterflies; you won’t see a profit right away, and in some weeks, you might not make any sales, but that’s okay. Be consistent, be creative, and most importantly, be you. Your own ideas are exactly what makes you unique from others.
Beyond her entrepreneurial endeavours, Jessica finds solace in painting, arts and crafts, cooking, and swimming. These passions add depth and vibrancy to her life, reflecting her multifaceted nature.
Contact Information for
- Telephone #: +592 641-6274
- Facebook: Jessi’s Touch of Elegance
- Facebook: Husein’s Enterprise
- Facebook: Cakes N Things.Gy
