By Sueann Wickham
In a world where dreams often take a backseat to responsibilities, Shari Singh, a 25-year-old “mompreneur”, has proven herself the exception. Her story of gracefully balancing the demands of motherhood with the exhilarating challenges of running her own business has positioned her as a true inspiration this Mother’s Day.
During her interview with Guyana Standard, Singh shared that alongside being a devoted mother to her child, she is also the owner of Florals by Shari, also known as “FBS”, which is a floral arrangement business. She also actively participates in two other areas of entrepreneurship: Events coordinator and Hospitality provider. Her main focus however is on FBS.
Born in Georgetown and raised in Linden, Singh’s path led her back to the city after completing her CXC exams with an impressive pass in nine subjects. Singh said she returned to Georgetown to explore the realm of customer service, but, little did she know that her true calling would unfold most unexpectedly – through the beauty of flowers. Driven by her love for floral arrangements and a burning desire for independence, Singh launched Florals by Shari (FBS) on Valentine’s Day in 2021.
After having her daughter in 2019 and being a first-time mom, Singh faced a daunting decision regarding childcare. Understanding the limitations of the childcare system in Guyana and desiring effective communication with her daughter, she was reluctant to send her off to daycare at such a young age. Though she had the support of her family, Singh yearned for independence.
Determined to provide for her daughter while caring for her until she was ready for school, Singh explored various options. Drawing on her love for flowers, she decided to launch her business which enabled her to work from home and keep a watchful eye on her child.
During her interview, Singh reflected on the striking parallels between her roles as an entrepreneur and a mother, recognizing the immense energy and financial investment required in both endeavours. She said, “It takes a lot of energy and financial investment, but in the end, it’s all worth it”. Singh said she often finds herself multitasking, which entails responding to customers while cooking in the kitchen, ensuring her child’s safety, and managing her workload. It’s a challenging yet fulfilling role that she has been handling since 2021 and continues to embrace with determination.
Singh attributed her success with FBS to her background in Home Economics Management, which included valuable lessons in time management, that proved instrumental in her ability to navigate the dual responsibilities of motherhood and entrepreneurship.
“Luckily for me, I wrote Home Economics Management for CXC and despite persons thinking that’s only for teaching students how to cook, there are other subtopics like time management”. With a weekly schedule meticulously planned, her lessons on time management have enabled her to keep a watchful eye on bookings, delivery dates, and even play dates and birthday parties.
Family always comes first for Singh, and she never hesitates to take a day off from work to attend to her daughter’s needs. The flexibility of being an entrepreneur also allows her to prioritize her family while pursuing her business goals. This is why she refers to the unique blend of motherhood and entrepreneurship as being a “mompreneur.”
Undoubtedly, the path of a mompreneur is not without its challenges. Singh candidly admitted that balancing self-care with the demands of her flourishing business can be an arduous task. The limitations of time and the absence of a reliable babysitter often hindered her ability to indulge in personal pampering.
However, with the support of her family, particularly her daughter’s loving aunt, she now manages to carve out time for herself on occasion for some much-needed rejuvenation.
Another challenge she grapples with is finding a balance between work and her personal life. She said by the end of the week, when others are starting their weekends, she finds herself exhausted, seeking solace in a simple routine of changing her bedsheets, indulging in a long bath, and getting some much-needed rest. It’s a balance she continues to strive for, while recognizing that self-care supports mental health.
Financial constraints can also pose a challenge for mompreneurs, as she knows all too well. The costs of doctor appointments, baby formula, household bills, and transportation can significantly impact her cash flow. However, rather than succumbing to the difficulties, Singh has chosen to deepen her understanding of financial literacy. Through various business classes, she is equipping herself with the necessary skills to optimize her business’s financial stability, and with her newfound knowledge, she is projecting a substantial increase in cash flow by early 2024.
She also reminisced on one of the most defining moments in her journey as a mompreneur, which was the celebration of her business’s first anniversary in 2022, hosted at the Roraima Inn. Determined to mark the occasion in style, she invited the public, esteemed guests such as Mr. John Edghill from the Small Business Bureau, philanthropist Sonia Noel, and loyal customers who had supported her throughout the year.
As she delivered her speech, she was unexpectedly interrupted by her daughter, Shae, bursting through the door and yelling “mama” as she ran towards her for a warm embrace. She said the joy and love that filled the room encapsulated the essence of her journey as a mompreneur and the challenges faced in both motherhood and entrepreneurship while celebrating the milestones along the way.
The young mother has emphasised that every business decision she makes is guided by the desire to secure a prosperous future for her daughter and create a safety net for unexpected circumstances.
She said balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship requires careful planning, making sacrifices, learning from mistakes, pursuing one’s passions, networking, and above all, putting family and faith at the forefront.
Looking to the future, Singh envisions a flourishing enterprise that extends beyond the confines of her home. Her ambitions include establishing multiple branches of Florals by Shari both in and outside of Guyana, expanding her reach to international shipping, and becoming a global presence in the floral industry.
Furthermore, she dreams of hosting floristry workshops and establishing her own floral school, offering others the opportunity to learn and excel in the craft. Singh also aspires to have a flower farm, harnessing the beauty of Guyana’s landscape to cultivate breathtaking blooms.
As we celebrate Mother’s Day, Guyana Standard believes that Shari Singh stands as a shining example of the resilience and strength embodied by Mompreneurs around the world. Her story serves as an inspiration to all mothers who strive to carve their own paths, chase their aspirations, and create a legacy of love and success for their children.
As we honour mothers everywhere, let us celebrate the Mompreneurs who exemplify the extraordinary power of balancing motherhood and entrepreneurship.
For those interested in utilizing Singh’s exquisite floral services, connecting with her is just a phone call or a few clicks away. Feel free to reach out to her directly at +592 636-4829, or visit her Facebook page, Florals by Shari, for a visual feast of her stunning creations.
You can also find her on Instagram @floralsbyshari, where she shares her floral artistry and updates on the latest offerings.
For inquiries and further communication, persons can also email her at [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected] “”).
