The Tribune

By JEFFARAH GIBSON

Tribune Features Writer

jgibson@tribunemedia.net

As one of its major objectives is to support and help young Bahamians achieve their dreams, the New Image women's organisation recently hosted a Entrepreneur Fire Fair that helped aspiring business owners to get one step closer to fulfilling their goals.

The fair attracted entrepreneurs-to-be who have not yet completely established themselves or their businesses, and who needed an avenue to display their talents and wares. During the event, they had an opportunity to promote their budding ventures and start building a clientele, said Tanya Sweeting, president of New Image.

A total of 22 entrepreneurs enrolled and entrusted the New Image management team to effectively roll-out their business ideas, which ranged from healthy drinks, clothing and accessories to beauty supplies, event planning, pastries, dance lessons and more.

Some of those companies that exhibited included Total Health Changes, Sensation Boutique, Brother D's Hot Pattie, New Image Hats & Headpieces, Tanya Sweeting Focus Driving Systems, Rosie's Boutique & Heavenly Bubbles, Pink Lily, Sheska's Creation, Tirsty, Island Bear, Painting by Bre, Unique's Desert, Fish n' Chips, 242Sky juice, Bahama Mama Seafood & Grill, KC Travel & Redeemed Dance Company, G&T Clothing Store, Vintage View, Claudia Nails and Beauty Salon, Nell's Floral, Da Tea Lady, Eatin' Healthy Deli and Classical Designs.

"This organisation continues to host workshops and seminars for young ladies with an effort prick their minds in recognising their strengths and build their dreams. As a result, a number of the ladies indicated how they aspire to become their own boss, or that they have a talent or dream they wish to pursue but are uncertain of how to let the world know about it," Ms Sweeting told Tribune Woman.

With this in mind, New Image announced it will host another workshop in future. However, the recent entrepreneur fair served as a more practical means for women to display their business ventures.

"We could not do this without the assistance and support from our sponsors. As a non-profitable organisation, we continue to seek financial assistance and contributions from the corporate world, and for this Entrepreneur Fire Fair Event we received sponsors and aid from the Lucayan Car Rentals & Auto Sales, Caribbean Bottling Company, Bank of Bahamas and Ray of Hope. Thanks to all our sponsors and The Tribune for believing in the cause of New Image," said Ms Sweeting.

She added that participating up-and-coming entrepreneurs benefitted from the event, as it gave them opportunities to network with others.

"Now, New Image is moving forward to host a Ladies Conference in December 2017. Due to the number of responses and requests received, we have now expanded our view of only catering to young ladies, but to ladies in general. The December conference will be a two-day conference that will be extended to married ladies, single mothers, ladies in ministry and professionals, and of course our young ladies to take the role as leading ladies," she said.

"We continue on the quest to plant, water and nourish the seed of righteousness that would create an awareness of how successful and accomplished ladies can become in every area of their lives."