Kellisa Muir, a 25-year-old entrepreneur from Supply, Mahaica, East Coast Demerara (ECD), has turned her childhood dreams into a thriving business venture.
Her formative years were spent in Mahaica, where she attended Supply Nursery and Primary School before moving on to Bygeval Secondary School.
Reflecting on her upbringing, Kellisa shared that while her mother raised her, her grandmother played a crucial role in her.
My grandma played a huge part in my life, raising me to the young woman I am today.
Her love for outdoor games and a particular fondness for cricket defined her childhood.
Oh boy, I had and still have a real love for cricket. That was the sport I had the patience for.
THE SPARK OF ENTREPRENEURSHIP
After high school, Kellisa helped her aunt in a clothing store, where she discovered her passion for entrepreneurship.
This newfound interest led her to explore ways to start her own business. During this period, she met Chris Kissoon, who became her partner and biggest supporter.
Chris pushed me to pursue my dreams of being an entrepreneur.
While pregnant with her first son, Kellisa started a pre-order business called Next Level Luxury Boutique. However, the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of experience stalled its progress.
Despite these challenges, she gained valuable insights from working with companies like Teleperformance.
In October 2023, I decided to restart my preorder business because I had a lot of experience ordering for myself. When it started, I was loaded with customers.
Moreover, the idea for Kissoons Logistics Inc. came to Kellisa during a routine task.
I was walking to pick up orders for one of my customers and thought, what if I could own my own shipping company one day? It would help reduce the shipping rates I pay.
Although she lacked the capital to start, her husband Chris’s unwavering support kept her motivated.
He said, ‘Yes, you can do anything because you have the head for it.’
OVERCOMING FINANCIAL HURDLES
This businesswoman explained that her journey was not without its financial struggles.
The first shipment I had, I used my husband’s salary to clear it. My profit was being used for taxis to pick up packages.
Despite these challenges, Kellisa remained determined. She created a Facebook page, designed a business logo, and found a business name, all without initial capital.
BUILDING KISSOONS LOGISTICS INC
Through sheer determination and strategic networking, Kellisa managed to secure favourable shipping rates and began promoting her services on Facebook.
Her business model, which includes creating a mailbox for customers and providing transparent shipping fees, quickly gained traction.
To use my shipping service, all you need to do is contact me to create a mailbox for you.
Despite an increase in agent fees, Kellisa maintains a competitive rate of $1250 per pound with no hidden costs.
ADVICE FOR ASPIRING ENTREPRENEURS
Kellisa’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is simple:
Never give up on your dreams. Always keep pushing for what you want in life because it will come to reality one day.
Her biggest challenge remains balancing her business with motherhood.
My biggest challenge is when I have to pick up packages with my 8-month-old baby.
However, the constant influx of new customers keeps her motivated.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR KISSOONS LOGISTICS
- Telephone Number: +592 700-8479
- Facebook: Kissoon’s Logistics
- Email: [email protected]