Navigating life as a young professional is no easy task, but 29-year-old Radika De Freitas has been doing so effortlessly. Radika, a young, motivated and energetic entrepreneur started her small business – the Coco Sugar Company – in 2020 amidst an ongoing pandemic, but according to her it was a dream she did not want to give up on despite the circumstances.
In an interview with The Scene, the young woman, a bank cashier in New Amsterdam, recalled that it was a time when “everything was uncertain” in the world. But she was certain that she had a dream to start her business and she pushed through. “Who would’ve thought that during such a time the courage and ability to just go for it would’ve been my blessing?” she asked rhetorically.
She said that although she has never been someone to put herself “out there”, she received a boost of motivation to take a chance on herself, which ultimately was a sign that it was the right time for her. “I’ve always been shy and reserved with my ideas and visions but I can’t tell you how thankful I am that I took that leap and created a dream that I believe in and am so passionate about,” she added.
Radika, a native of East Canje Berbice, explained that her company started as an online-based shopping business providing that service to Guyanese. “We facilitate shopping from many well-known brands namely Forever 21, Old Navy, Fashion Nova, Shein, Amazon, and Children’s Place, among others,” she said.
According to her, the engagement process is usually done via Facebook, WhatsApp, and Instagram. The Coco Sugar Company, “… would post pictures, prices, and sizes of various items of clothing for women, men, and children, [along with] household pieces, cosmetics, electronics, makeup, jewelry, etc,” she said. Interested persons can also send the company links to items on these platforms or call directly on telephone number 650-9229.
She said that after being contacted the process of a “hassle-free shopping experience” then starts – something which she believes sets her apart from the other online shopping businesses in the Berbice area.
“We answer all your questions relating to the item, we verify sizes, descriptions, and materials, determine a payment plan and create a timeline for your order,” she said, explaining the process.
The duration to process an order is usually two to three weeks, “and we accept payments using MMG, Republic Bank or cash on delivery,” she added,
Another thing she believes sets her apart from the others is that her company “offers delivery options for areas such as New Amsterdam, Georgetown, Rose Hall, Corriverton, and Rosignol.”
Radika stressed, “From the moment we make contact with you to the moment we deliver your package, we pride ourselves in providing a service that is timely, hassle-free, professional and of great quality leaving you feeling confident and happy with your purchase.”
Noting that one of the constant challenges that she encounters is finding a sustainable market, she said, “It keeps fluctuating a lot… and I think it’s because this type of business is explored by more people now,” hence her various strategies to set her business apart.” Some days are hard to stay motivated but I keep telling myself to stay in my lane and take one day at a time and it helps me to align my focus,” she stressed.
Meanwhile, the young woman also has shelf space in New Amsterdam at Keisha’s Beauty Salon in Trinity Street, where several items are readily available.
“The Coco Sugar Company started as a concept, a dream, an uncertain one at that, and today I cannot tell you how proud and grateful I am of our journey. The support we have received has been tremendous and we are beyond thankful to each and every person,” she stated.
In five years, the young woman said, she hopes to have a physical store entirely for her business, and also expand to other areas such as Georgetown, Demerara, and Essequibo. “I want to have a business that’s thriving and bringing a level of quality fashion and a variety of products at affordable prices to many people throughout Guyana,” she said.
Radika is also working to improve herself on a professional level in addition to owning her business. The mother of a six-year-old son, she is currently doing a CAT/ACCA course which she hopes to complete next year.
Touching on how she balances her time, she said, “I am a mom first and foremost.”
However, whenever she does have some time to herself she enjoys music and poetry. “Music is my comfort zone. I love being outside and doing simple things. I love poetry,” she said.
Radika also spoke about the support she has received from her husband who always has a positive outlook on her endeavours even if they do not work out. She said he never shoots her ideas down but always tries to see how best they can work on making them successful.
She then noted the importance of having motivation and support from other family members as well, as according to her, the support from her mother, in-laws, brother, and his family has pushed her to keep going. “They all truly keep me motivated,” she stressed.
Radika advised young mothers and others, to “take a leap of faith in yourself. You might think support isn’t there and that it’s going to be hard but you’re going to be surprised how many people, oftentimes total strangers, will root for you.”
