I am a believer in destiny. To me, nothing happens by chance. Every decision, opportunity, and challenge lead to exactly where you are supposed to be in life. I was never one of those persons with a mapped out life plan. I always believed that if I did my best eventually my life’s purpose would become clear to me. However, I always followed my heart with every decision I made that pertained to my future.

Even in secondary school when my parents tried to shape my future, I always chose what was best for me at the time. I went to a school where excellence was the standard and we were always motivated to do our best and to shy away from mediocrity. Of course, there were students who had every stop in their academic and professional journeys planned. Then there was me- a free spirit who just did what I liked. When the time for university came, I looked at a list of programme offerings and chose fields that piqued my interest. I was 18 years old and still wasn’t certain of my professional aspirations. I simply knew that I wanted to do something that would help people.

So, I studied International Tourism Management at the University of the West Indies (UWI)-a program I liked a lot. However, at times I struggled with the prevailing notion that one merely had to regurgitate the course material to be an ace student. This concept was not in alignment with my learning style. I just wanted to graduate and embark on a new challenge.

I enrolled in a master’s programme where I quickly realised that it was necessary to read and analyse articles and critique theories and models. Critical thinking was the name of the game. It was at this point I found my niche. I can proudly say that I loved doing my master’s degree. It was an extremely pivotal experience in my discovery of my passion for research. Other students would come to me for help with their theses. I was also asked to take up the position of Research Assistant. Here, I got my first taste of managing a flexible work schedule while doing something I was passionate about. I got opportunities to teach, to help students with career development, and to have my research published.

Looking back, I believe that my days as a literature student in Form 6 revealed hints of my passion for research and analysis. I treasured the ability to think critically, to look for themes within the literature, to analyse motives, and to assess each issue in the context of the whole work. These skills became ever so evident during my postgraduate studies and in my job as a Research Assistant.

When my time at the UWI came to an end I was somewhat at a crossroad. I flirted with the idea of starting a PhD programme but I knew that I wanted to experience a world away from academia. So, I did what every graduate was trained to do. I sent in job applications to numerous companies, only to be told on several occasions that I was overqualified. In my mind, I found it rather interesting that recruiters desired quality staff but did not want to take a chance on a qualified candidate. This was paradoxical to me.

At that point, I received somewhat of an awakening. I knew that I needed to start my own business. I would be employing all my knowledge, skills, and experience but on my own terms. I still felt the desire to conduct research, analyse problems, and help people. However, instead of giving these services to a company where my talents may or may not be appreciated, I realised that I can build something of which I can truly be proud.

If anyone asked me as a free-spirited convent girl if I would ever become an entrepreneur, I would honestly look back into my childhood and say yes. I was a very resourceful child. I loaned my parents my allowance to be repaid with 100% interest. I ironed shirts for prices that would surprise any reputable laundry service. I bought cosmetics and stationery and sold them to my family members with a 100% mark up. I always knew how to make money and, more importantly, how to grow it.

Of course, I started this business with the goal of financial success. However, this company is so much more. The Information Inn represents me. It is a manifestation of my passion, dedication, skills, and talents. My vision for this company is one where I can give other young professionals a platform to demonstrate their talents. For far too long young professionals have been overlooked, exploited, and unappreciated. I am dedicated to making The Information Inn a success.

In my journey towards entrepreneurship, I always followed my intuition but I also learned the importance of being strategic and pragmatic. I look forward to giving my clients the very best service I can offer. The business landscape needs much more success stories, especially from people to whom we can relate.