Amitabh Sharma
Features Coordinator

She is a multi-tasker; host of a show 'What's your story' on the local TV channel, a teacher, author, entrepreneur and a mother. Marsha Guiness is someone who can be an inspiration for a lot of young men and women. She talks to Jobsmart on what makes her a powerhouse.

Education and work
I am an educator and secretary by profession; have been teaching at the secondary level at KTHS for 14 years. Two years ago I launched the St Thomas Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship, the first multi-service educational institution in St Thomas.

I have written three books on entrepreneurship at the high school level and am currently in the process of preparing manuscripts for two other education-related books for which I am in need of funding.

I also serve as a workshop facilitator in small business management and a small business consultant.

What prompted you to start the business?
I was trained by the Heart Trust/NTA in the CEFE methodology and at that time I realised that I had entrepreneurial competencies that could be converted into a business.

I thought about my parish and the need for development plus the lack of a facility that provides 'the one-stop shop convenience'.

I strongly believe that with my skills and expertise, I can help others to achieve their dreams.

Business venture
The St Thomas Institute of Business and Entrepreneurship offers a range of business subjects at the CSEC level along with short professional development courses in small business management, computer applications and front desk operations.

The school has produced a TV programme that is used as a marketing tool but also serves as a community enrichment programme. The business currently has five departments operating out of two offices, namely, the Internet Café, The Business Institute, The Stationery Centre, The Docu- Centre and the Small Business Services Centre.

Challenges
The major challenge is the economy. The cost of living is high and people's disposable incomes are shrinking which makes it difficult for clients to access the services as readily as before. Some of the clients do not value quality service and would sometimes want to pay little or nothing for the range of services being offered.

Lessons learnt
I have learnt that business is a risk and a projection that sometimes doesn't go as planned and you have to have a plan B and sometimes C to bounce back on when things are falling apart.

Discipline is very important and time management and you just have to be thinking way ahead of the common man to keep your venture ahead of the game. Choose your business partners wisely as if they are not persons who are in it for the long haul but rather for the profits, you may not have them around for long.

Your business has to be your dream, your efforts and resources, and if you cannot find someone you can trust to keep the dream alive, you may want to manage the venture yourself with help from genuine, trustworthy people who have a vested interest in the business. Networking is also the key to sustaining your business' image.

Opportunities unlimited
The opportunities for youth in Jamaica are endless. We just have to think outside of the box and look at the resources we have available. You would be surprised to see what you can do with things that people consider 'garbage'. Just brainstorm and put your hands to something and see how it materialises. Our biggest shortcoming is that we are always seeking jobs as our tradition prevails rather than creating jobs from our creative abilities.

Future plans
My plan is to intensify my writing career and launch out into media at whatever level. I also own a few other business ventures. I would like to see more people being employed and contribute to the development of our country. What I would need to achieve is some capital and a good team of employees who can take the business forward. I do plan to retire at age 40 and with the foundation that I am setting, I know that I can do this.

I have one son who is seven years old and is a trainee in my business. He understands almost every aspect of the venture. He is the force behind my entrepreneurial accomplishments as I must leave behind a legacy for him and any other children I may have.

amitabh.sharma@gleanerjm.com