Quinisa St Claire has turned her flair for decorating into a business that has taken off in a big way since its opening earlier this year.
Décor on a Budget was initially named 592 Events, but realizing that 592, Guyana’s country code, was being widely used by businesses, St Claire renamed her business a month ago.
According to the business’s Facebook page, its name is its motto and not only does Décor on a Budget provide a service to suit the small man’s pocket, but the provision is of high quality.
Even while she was a student at North Georgetown Secondary School almost 20 years ago, St Claire knew she wanted to own her own business. She had always gone over the top when decorating for any occasion in her home and friends and members from her church took note. For several years, St Claire decorated for various events at her church as well as for friends without charging a fee. Every time she browsed Facebook and came across similar décor businesses, she knew it was what she wanted to do, but she doubted herself as she says she is a perfectionist and her own biggest critic.
St Claire was a clothing vendor but said she did not want that to become her identity as she knew she had more to offer when it came to creativity. The entrepreneur shared that when she first began decorating some years ago and shared her idea of turning what she did into a business, some people did not believe she could do it. So, whenever thoughts of the business came to her, fearing that her naysayers were right, she brushed them away. St Claire said it was the support of her husband, who was always encouraging, that made her take the leap of faith and finally open her business in February this year.
In the ten months since then, she has secured and covered more than ten events. Already, she has four events booked for January, three of them occurring from January 1 to 3. The start of January therefore is expected to be really hectic, but St Claire does not plan on cutting back on the spectacular creations she is known for. Though she mostly does all the work herself, for grand events like weddings, she depends on her trusted assistant.
St Claire said that for her to bring her vision and that of her clients to life, she sources most of her materials from overseas as they are often not readily available on the local market.
“Most of my clients are pleased and because of them always being pleased, they would refer their friends to me. All the events that I am booked for in January are through referrals. I have three birthday parties and a wedding set for then,” she said.
Many of her ideas, she shared, are inspired from watching online tutorials. She also praised the work of local décor businesses, Excellence Catering & Unique Décor, Shantel’s Exotic Creations and Jonas Bridal House & Events Planning Services.
None of her work is done without the input of her clients. “All of the time, I would do some researching before get into decorating an event. If you have an event whether it’s sweet 16 or some other event, I do research on the appropriate colours. I also find out what is my client’s favourite colour, what style they might like, that sort of thing,” said St. Claire.
The mother of three said homeschooling and her job take a lot of effort and time, but because she is dedicated and she aims for perfection, she always finds a way. “There are times when I want to pull all of my hair out, but then I remind myself why it is that I’m doing it… it’s passion. I also do what I do because I want to be a good inspiration to my children. I want to show them that anything worth getting, doesn’t come easy,” she shared. While most of the work is done on site, whenever she is creating pieces at home, her children are involved. Not only is their labour appreciated but St Claire loves hearing their opinions on some of the styles and colours she uses.
The pandemic, she shared, has definitely impacted her business. Because of the need for social distancing, many of the occasions that were celebrated were kept relatively small.
Aside from the pandemic, St Claire said she was faced with two other challenges from the inception of the business: marketing and finding start-up capital. She and her partner, aside from having school expenses, were building their home. Though she posted photos of her work online, most of her marketing was through word of mouth. She shared too that she had always been throwing “box hand” which turned out to be the main source for her capital.
Though her business has not been open for a year yet, St Clair is looking ahead to opening her own décor store in a few years where decorations can be rented, as well as a showroom for her work. She also has plans to take up real estate soon.
“When I show up to the event, I bring a different vibe… my jovial self. And I also think what makes me standout is my passion for doing this and my level of creativity,” she said.
The happiness of doing what she loves, she said, is nothing compared to the joy she feels when her clients are satisfied. Another thrill is just the opportunity to meet people from all walks of life. Having studied social work at the University of Guyana, St Claire said she knows that people could be having bad days and so she always offers words of encouragement. She is now in a position to advise others not to second guess themselves regardless of what some say about their vision or about them. “Always work towards your dream and believe in yourself…,” she added.
Décor on a Budget can be booked via Facebook or by calling 658-9279.
Small Business Spotlight Colour1
Quinisa St. Claire (Saved as Quinisa St. Claire 2)
A Décor on a Budget design (Saved as Décor on a Budget A)
Quinisa St. Claire’s design for a recent wedding anniversary (Saved as Décor on a Budget)
Quinisa St. Claire’s work for an outdoor event (Saved as Décor on a Budget E)
