In this age of rapidly evolving global business landscapes, Jamaican women entrepreneurs are making remarkable strides in their chosen fields. They are continually proving that irrespective of geographical barriers, passion, and dedication can turn dreams into business realities. This blog post sheds light on the entrepreneurial journey of two such powerful women – Allison Dunn, founder of the Hibiscus Brew Cafe in New York, and Shericka Lewinson, founder of Danzi Kitchen in Jamaica.
Women in Entrepreneurship
The entrepreneurial world is a complex amalgamation of creativity, passion, commitment, and strategic planning. Entrepreneurs, irrespective of their gender, face a multitude of challenges, including financial constraints, personnel management, and operational hiccups. For women, these challenges are often amplified, given the pre-existing societal biases and norms. However, women entrepreneurs globally are breaking the shackles and successfully navigating through the turbulent waters of entrepreneurship.
Entrepreneurial Journey of Allison Dunn and Shericka Lewinson
Allison Dunn's venture, Hibiscus Brew Cafe, started amid the pandemic. A business setback during this period saw her realizing the potential of a cafe for sale around her, and within two weeks, the Hibiscus Brew Cafe was born. Drawing inspiration from her Jamaican roots, Allison wanted to introduce sorrel, a drink she loved from home to her customers. The cafe today stands as a testament to her passion and relentless efforts.
Conversely, Shericka Lewinson, founder of Danzi Kitchen, started her business from her home kitchen post leaving her 9-to-5 job. She further built her brand by cooking outdoors and at events. The 'from the veranda to the kitchen' journey of Danzi Kitchen has seen it evolve from home-cooked meals to a fully functioning restaurant, making it a go-to stop for soul food lovers in May Pen, Clarendon.
Business Challenges and Success
Both Allison and Shericka acknowledge that the road to entrepreneurship is riddled with obstacles. Agreeing on the top two challenges of funding and employee retention, the ladies are a testament to resilience and unwavering effort in overcoming those.
Despite challenges, they have reveled in their successes too. Allison’s cafe has been featured in notable media outlets like Forbes, the New York Times, and The Gleaner, while Shericka's Danzi Kitchen has flourished, even earning a coveted spot on TVJ's Smile Jamaica, showcasing its journey from a humble home-run kitchen to a thriving restaurant cherished by soul food enthusiasts.
Empowering Potential Women Entrepreneurs
In reflecting on their collective entrepreneurial journey, Allison and Shericka articulate a single, powerful message for potential women entrepreneurs - Venture out with confidence, no venture is risk-free, but those risks may pave the way for growth and unforeseen opportunities.
Conclusion
The journey of Allison Dunn and Shericka Lewinson captures the essence of women's empowerment and entrepreneurship. Jamaican women are redefining success on their terms while inspiring other women to follow suit. Given the hurdles they continue to face, their journey is proof that success is possible with perseverance, creativity, and an unwavering commitment to your dreams.
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Sponsor Acknowledgement:
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Juici Patties for their support in bringing you this empowering discussion. Learn more about our sponsor Juici Patties here.
By highlighting the resilient journeys of Allison and Shericka, this blog post aims to inspire readers, especially women, to pursue their entrepreneurial dreams with confidence and determination, knowing that they too can overcome challenges and make a significant impact in the business world.
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