The Tribune

By ALESHA CADET

Tribune Features Reporter

acadet@tribunemedia.net

The bond between sisters can be one of the strongest there is. It can also produce some quite fabulous results, as evidenced by the Tucker sisters – Ramonda and Ramona.

The relationship between the two is not only familial, it is also a business partnership. Together, they own and operate ForgetMeNot, an online boutique for accessories and women’s clothing.

While Ramona is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the store, Ramonda works there part-time due to her being a student at the University of the Bahamas and also working at the Bay Street Medical Clinic.

Ramona describes herself as more of the marketing guru of the duo, who handles most of the social media aspect of the business, while Ramonda takes care of the business aspect of ForgetMeNot.

“We both know our strengths and weaknesses and pull together and get the job done that is necessary to keep ForgetMeNot up and running,” said Ramonda.

“Being a business owner is truly a ride. You never know what to expect. Some days are good and some days are bad, but the good always outweigh the bad. There are always challenges, but we adapt to the challenges and get through them by prayer and the help of God. We have learned that with every challenge there is always a lesson and growth.”

Ramonda said ForgetMeNot came about through her determination to be independent and to not go back to being unemployed. At the time, she said, the job she was working at was not a secure one.

“My son was also a big part of what gave me the drive to birth ForgetMeNot. The business was started with $300, faith and God, but look at where we are now. Ramona was still in school at the time, but she came on board as soon as she graduated. It definitely worked out. I became employed by the company (I was working for) and also a business owner. God is truly awesome,” said Ramonda.

What she and her sister enjoy most about being boutique owners is being able to be creative with the brand; waking up in the morning knowing they are going to do exactly what they love and are in control of their destiny and vision.

Ramonda said being an entrepreneur takes an incredible amount of work, but it is a great feeling to be able to step back and say, “Look at what we have accomplished.”

In 2017, the sisters expanded from clothing and accessories to bath products. They introduced Body Bliss by ForgetMeNot – their brand of handmade bath products crafted with love by Ramona.

The line consists of body sprays, shower gels, bubble baths, bath bombs and body butters. In 2018, they introduced a room spray, hand soap, bath teas and hand sanitisers. They now have over 12 different fragrances and are looking to expand to even more.

“Every business starts as an idea, but you have the great task of building it from ground up. We started in 2012. There are no boundaries when you are an entrepreneur; you create and invent your masterpieces. We also love to meet new people and love our customers who have been with us from the start. Our clients have become our family. We have grown with them, learned from them, interacted with them and loved meeting their expectations. Without them, there would definitely be no ForgetMeNot,” said Ramonda.

The sisters consider their mother – an entrepreneur in her own right known as “The Duff Queen” – as their rock, role model and pillar of strength.

“We can honestly say we would not have been where we are now without her support. We can’t ever remember a time our mom told us ‘no’ or we can’t do something positive pertaining to our dreams. She has stood by us, pushed us and held our hand through everything,” said Ramonda.

“She is very (craft-oriented) and loves working with her hands as well. As young girls my mom made all of our clothing. We danced and twirled as she pinned and sewed those pieces together. My mom is the owner of Zan’s Creation. She makes straw bags and handcraft jewellery. She also makes some of the best guava duff you will ever taste. That’s what gave her business the name ‘The Duff Queen’. She is definitely where we got our entrepreneurial gene.”

As their brand grows, the sisters dream of one day occupying their own storefront. They are also looking to sell their products to the Family Islands and elsewhere overseas.

For more information on ForgetMeNot, follow the brand’s Facebook page at Forgetmenot.Co.