In the dynamic landscape of entrepreneurship emerges a shining star – Marissa Foster – whose journey embodies the passion and the pursuit of excellence.
A shining star – Marissa Foster
A trailblazer in every sense, this 23-year-old not only navigates the complexities of running two successful businesses but also stands as a symbol of inspiration for her community and beyond.
CHILDHOOD IN ROSE HALL TOWN
In the heart of Rose Hall Town in Berbice, Marissa’s childhood unfolded. The small yet vibrant township, known for its close-knit community, faced challenges like crime.
As an only child, I grew up with both parents in Rose Hall Town. Growing up, I was introverted and shy to speak in public or to socialize. My father is a community leader, being the Head of the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, and I grew up with his influence as a community leader.
As I got older, his influence allowed me to also become a part of causes greater than myself. Hence, my desire for change blossomed into the work I currently do. Both of my parents worked long and hard to ensure that I received a level of education that they couldn’t receive due to poverty. They also stressed the importance of education and supported me in my endeavours toward becoming the multifaceted woman that I am today.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE FROM HIGH SCHOOL AND BEYOND
Marissa’s academic journey led her through Port Mourant Primary, New Amsterdam Multilateral, and eventually to the University of Guyana (UG).
Marissa Foster
She completed an Associate and a Bachelor of Social Science in Social Work at UG, graduating with a perfect 4.0 Grade Point Average (GPA).
However, her commitment to her education extended to her role as a student representative, where she executed projects to enhance the lives of fellow students.
When I graduated with my Bachelor’s Degree, I was also given the counsel of the University Prize and was the first student from the University of Guyana Berbice Campus to obtain this esteemed award.
HUMANITARIAN WORK: A LIFELONG COMMITMENT
This 23-year-old dedication to humanitarian work began at age 16. She was selected to represent Guyana in the Youth Ambassadors Program, a U.S. Embassy initiative.
In fact, raised in a family of service, she emerged as a trailblazer, focusing on gender and youth development.
Moreover, her commitment to empowering women and girls led to impactful projects, including workshops on mental health and suicide prevention.
To be born a woman in some homes can be seen as a curse, a status of a lesser being, and in violent environments—a death sentence. As a woman in a developing country, I’ve had my fair share of experiences of gender discrimination and biases from both men and women at all levels.
As a youth, I crave more opportunities to be given to young people like myself—especially those living in rural Guyana. As such, I’ve used my social platforms, skills, and abilities to work on various impactful projects to tackle said issues in my community. I work towards empowering women and girls not to be threatened if they want to aspire to be sportswomen, engineers, and other male-centered titles and positions.
For the past five years, this trailblazer has been writing a column section, Youth Perspective, in the Guyana Chronicle.
Marissa Foster
I also consider my column section, Youth Perspective, as an ongoing project because every week, I focus on improving my knowledge and understanding while also trying to improve my writing skills to convey an awareness of different topics of concern in Guyana.
As a Liaison Social Worker attached to the Rose Hall Town Youth and Sports Club, Marissa works with sportsmen and women to better their ‘off-field’ lives.
Also, a Probation and Social Security Officer attached to the Ministry of Human Services and Social Security, through education, training, and writing, she has been able to positively influence young people in her community and country at large.
I’ve formulated the “BCB’s Social Development Workshop” and myself, alongside a team of other expert social workers, conducted workshop sessions with over 500 young cricketers, ages ranging from 12 to 18, in four sub-division cricketing areas in the county of Berbice. These 500+ cricketers got a chance to complete a module that targeted overall well-being on and off the field.
It gave them useful tools to help them in their social lives. My social work colleagues and I have also executed an online project, the Women of Influence Project. It gathered approximately 8,000 collective views and relations on social media platforms through the use of video webinars.
ENTREPRENEURSHIP: MART AND MART’S GIFTERY
This change maker’s entrepreneurial spirit flourished with the establishment of MArt, a successful makeup and skincare retail business, and MArt’s Giftery, Berbice’s first collaborative commerce space for women.
MArt’s Giftery celebrates diversity, offering a safe space for embracing natural beauty and uniqueness.
I also utilize MArt’s platform by creating a safe space for women and men with insecurities that resulted from toxic, Euro-centric beauty standards in Guyana. My business celebrates different skin tones, textures, acne, scarring, and every other normal ‘imperfections’ that make us human.
BALANCING WORK AND BUSINESS: A LESSON IN TIME MANAGEMENT
This 25 Influential Women’s Awardee efficiently manages her time, emphasising the importance of self-care.
Balancing a full-time job and two businesses requires strategic scheduling and knowing her limits. Her inclusive approach and unique features, such as in-store events, have garnered positive responses from customers.
I know my limits and tend to stick to them. So yes, even though I have multiple responsibilities, I still find time to take care of myself.
FUTURE PLANS: EXPANDING HORIZONS
This businesswoman envisions expanding MArt into other regions of Guyana, introducing more people to the unique experience her businesses offer.
With aspirations for her own line of beauty products, she aims to continue breaking barriers and promoting self-acceptance.
We’ve already started with our own line of products with our unique handmade candles, but I’d like to push it further into the realm of makeup and beauty.
CHANGEMAKER’S ADVICE TO YOUTHS
Marissa encourages today’s youth not to fear seeking help when needed. The mindset of independence should coexist with acknowledging the value of guidance, mentorship, and support. Her advice resonates with the belief that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.
Inside of MArt and MArt’s Giftery
I feel like many of us have adopted an ‘I want to be independent’ mindset so much that we forget that we can’t always do it on our own. It’s possible, yes, but it’s more difficult sometimes when you don’t acknowledge that you need some form of help, whether it be an investment, a mentor to confide in, or guidance on the right path. The worst thing people can say is, ‘no,’ and even if they do, don’t give up hope.
Connect with MArt and MArt’s Giftery
- Facebook: MArt
- Instagram: MArt Guyana
- Tik Tok: MArt Guyana
- Phone number: +592 643-3529
- Email: [email protected]
