Shopping for a new piece of lingerie can leave you feeling battered, especially if you do not like your body. Many women these days are not so comfortable with their bodies.
Owner of Little Erotic Shop, Deondra Wishart
From sagging breasts to a little extra fat around the tummy- these features do not quite conform to society’s standards of the “ideal body.” However, one young woman is helping to promote body positivity with the establishment of her lingerie store- Little Erotic Shop.
Her name is Deondra Wishart, a former student of Saint Joseph High School. She explained that Little Erotic Shop is an expression of how she feels when she wears undergarments. But who is Wishart? This young lady grew up in various neighbourhoods. And though she had a humble upbringing, she confessed that it was not always easy being raised by a single parent mother.
“Growing up, it was not always easy. I grew up with my mom, who was a single parent at the time with four of us. I am the eldest, so I saw first-hand how hard it was for mom to provide for us. That is the main reason why I pushed myself in my academic life so that I can be able to help my mom,” Wishart said as she reflected on her humble upbringing.
She shared, “I know about fetching water to bathe and do other household chores, walking down mud dams to get to school, walking to school, lining up in Food for the Poor line to get food and other items, and having limited money to spend. I literally just had passage money to go to school, but I was contented always.”
While attending Sacred Heart Primary School, Wishart was living in Sophia, and at that time, there was no electricity.
“I would use the kerosene lamp to study for my exams. I remember studying for Common Entrance with a kero lamp.” Her efforts certainly paid off; she was awarded a spot at St Joseph High School, “the best high school in the country,” according to her.
Her mother and community celebrated her success. But there was more to come; she graduated from St Joseph High with nine passes at the Caribbean Secondary Certificate Examination (CSEC). Wishard would then move on to the University of Guyana, from where she graduated with a Degree in Sociology in 2017.
Deondra Wishart
She is also the holder of certificates in Business Management and Administration, Business Communication and Human Resources Development from the Institute of Commercial Management based in London, and a certificate in Psychology from Yale University.
Little Erotic Shop was launched in September 2020. Explaining the concept behind her business venture, Wishart related;
“Little Erotic Shop was birthed because of how I feel about myself when I wear my undergarments. Little Erotic Shop was started in my bedroom”
She recalled that one day she was lying on her bed thinking of ways to earn a second income, it dawned upon her that she could start a lingerie business and put her all into making it a success.
“You see, I am no model or have a model body. I have a tummy and have had one for as long as I can remember. Because of this, I suffer from low self-esteem so I am using my business to help women like me. Women who are silently suffering from negative body image.”
With this in mind, Little Erotic Shop caters to women of all body types. According to Wishart, her business will help women not only be confident but be comfortable with their sexuality.
“I want them to feel confident in the skin that they’re in and love themselves always,” she said, adding that in today’s society, women are not encouraged to explore their sexuality.
“If a woman does decide to do that, she’s deemed a whore or called obnoxious names. For this reason, many women are sexually repressed and just accept whatever sex is thrown their way. I believe women should be able to always know how they want to be pleased.”
Apart from selling lingerie, Little Erotic Shops also helps couples to “spice up” their sex life by selling couples games, lubricant, and massage oils. Wishart confessed that she was very nervous when she started in the world of business. But some very encouraging words from her aunt, who is also a business owner, have kept her steadfast.
“If you’re passionate about this business, you will succeed,” she recalled her aunt telling her. That statement is very true, Wishart noted. With her friends supporting her business venture, Wishart confessed that she is always thinking of ways to better her brand.
“I am so grateful for all the support thus far. I have women who message me and tell me thanks for doing this because they are really struggling, and they’re looking for products to help them. I am so happy that I can help others as I am helping myself in the process.”
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- One of the items sold by Little Erotic Shop
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- One of the items sold by Little Erotic Shop
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- One of the items sold by Little Erotic Shop
Her biggest challenge right now is finding an affordable location to have a storefront, so for now, she is operating online and is providing delivery to her customers.
Contact Information for Little Erotic Shop
- Facebook: Little Erotic Shop
- Instagram: Little Erotic Shop
- Telephone #: +592- 612-5453
- Email: [email protected]
