In a world that often thrives off the glorification of the superficial, the example of a Grove/Diamond Primary School teacher may not at all be an inappropriate one to follow. She is simplicity and grace personified and all too often these qualities are overlooked for others that are infinitely less worthwhile.
Pamela is also a business owner. ‘Doubling up’ in terms of employment is not an uncommon propensity in Guyana. She is, as well, a wife and a mother. As a teacher, she has dedicated herself to empowering her school, her charges and her community through her commitment to modesty, her passion for education, and her love for her family and community. These, unquestionably, are virtues to resoundingly applaud. Her entrepreneurial journey began with a deep admiration for women who dress modestly. “My inspiration to establish a boutique of my own was the admiration of seeing ladies dress modestly,” shared Mrs. Bacchus. It was this that motivated her to ‘follow her heart’ and eventually to establish Monique’s, her very own Boutique.
The boutique, she noted, is a reflection of her personal values. It seeks to be a place where women can embrace their unique beauty while maintaining their modesty. Through carefully selected stock, influenced by experience derived from decades of teaching, she caters for the diverse fashion and cultural needs of a clientele that includes fellow educators and their families as well as women in other professions. ‘Good taste’ is her marketing Mecca. She offers a diverse range of professional attire including business suits, pant suits, dresses, jackets, and various other sophisticated pieces. Additionally, she curates a selection of casual wear suitable for various occasions, as well as clothing tailored specifically for Church and other formal events.
Where taste in fashion is concerned she is the archetypical ‘all – rounder.’ “Balancing the boutique and being a teacher has been very easy. I loved both and I had a very supportive and cooperative village; my family and relatives, as well as my customers, are wonderful,” Mrs. Bacchus reflects, her voice filled with gratitude. Passionate about both endeavors, she declares that she has found joy in every moment of her pursuit. Unhesitatingly, she attributes her success to her village’s “unwavering support and cooperation.” Her family, relatives, and customers, she says, have formed a strong foundation of encouragement, enabling her to confidently pursue her dreams.
For more than three decades, Mrs. Bacchus has dedicated herself to what she is persuaded as “the noble profession” of teaching. Across her stay at various schools on the Essequibo Coast and in Georgetown, she has left, she believes, an indelible mark on the lives of countless students. Her impact goes well beyond the classroom. She has, over time, maintained contact with some of her charges after both she and them have moved on, her enduring concern being for both their academic welfare and well-being.
It is not as though her own life has not had its ‘down’ moments. When we met with her, she told the Stabroek Business that she had recently lost an aunt as well as a close friend. These experiences left her ‘broken’ though, she says, she found solace in the joy of welcoming her first and only grandchild into the world. The child, she says, brings a smile and a reminder that life’s beauty and hope can prevail even in the darkest of times. If she relishes the experiences of being both a teacher and boutique owner, Mrs. Bacchus considers her family to be her greatest accomplishment. The love and support she receives from her loved ones fuels her drive to make a difference in the lives of others. Monique’s is located in Diamond Grove, Housing Scheme and can be contacted on 592-648-1556.
