Amidst the bustling of the Small Business Expo in the Marriott Beach Resort ballroom, a standout segment stole the spotlight.
The ‘Futurepreneurship’ panel, an initiative of the Cayman Islands Small Business Association, was more than just a discussion – it was a revelation of the island’s budding entrepreneurial spirit.
Spearheaded by moderator Lloyd Barker, the event, held 5 Oct., spotlighted four young and bright Caymanian entrepreneurs, who took centre stage, sharing tales of tenacity, humour and unexpected turns.
Javier McKenzie, who is behind the ‘Ky’ brand of hats and videography, began his entrepreneurial journey due to a serendipitous failure.
“I didn’t make the football team… I started taking pictures at parties and realised that I had an eye”, he said. McKenzie now photographs events and local companies.
Beyond his personal brand, his vision extends to uplifting others. “I aim to help other businesses elevate in the market,” he said, emphasising the importance of discipline and balance in the entrepreneurial journey. Platforms like YouTube and TikTok, he said, have been instrumental in his growth.
Failures are lessons
Azuka Obi’s story blends humour and tenacity. The force behind the 1503 brand and ‘Cayman Wastes’ on Instagram, he noted the latter initiative “started as a joke”. Yet, the pandemic transformed this light-hearted endeavour into a platform with significant traction. Today it boasts over 12,700 followers from fewer than 3,000 posts and regularly partners with local companies to boost their marketing efforts.
Azuka’s commitment to Cayman’s identity is evident: “1503 is meant to be unapologetically Caymanian,” he said. Sharing lessons from his journey, he advised, “Failures are lessons. Doing due diligence and communicating with suppliers are crucial.”
Jenelle McLaughlin, who transformed her craft hobby into a thriving business, opened up about the inherent difficulties. “Staying motivated is a challenge,” she admitted. With the added complexity of managing a full-time job alongside her business venture, she highlighted the importance of setting clear boundaries. “I ensure I’m realistic with customers about time frames,” she said, adding, “I don’t take on more than I can manage.”
Former Miss World Cayman Islands, Rashana Hydes of Jewelry Box Ky, emphasised the community’s role in business growth. “We’ve elevated the market by partnering locally with designers and models,” she pointed out.
She maintains a long-term perspective on entrepreneurship, likening the journey to a marathon rather than a sprint. This view is evident in her daily grind, juggling a traditional 9-to-5 job before diving into her business pursuits in the evenings, or her “5-to-9” as she calls it.
Premier Wayne Panton and House Speaker Katherine Ebanks-Wilks attended the event, underscoring its significance. And as a diverse audience, ranging from young students to seasoned professionals, listened to the panel, it served as a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit’s role in Cayman’s future.
As the panellists shared their experiences and insights, a collective theme emerged: the drive to uplift the community and fortify the Caymanian entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Events like these not only spotlight the achievements of rising business stars, but can also kindle the enterprising spark in many others, as they offered invaluable insights into the entrepreneurial landscape of the Cayman Islands.
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