Latest update April 25th, 2024 12:59 AM
Jan 29, 2017 News
By Kiana Wilburg
The combination of fresh, luscious fruits and gourmet decorations present an irresistible
feast suitable for any occasion. But when such edible arrangements are paired with the ingenuity of ‘Reminiscence Guyana’, the result is a sweet, blissful twist to any celebration.
Spearheaded by Indra Mekdeci nee Changa, the modest entity specializes in arrangements that are as beautiful as they are delicious. These can range from sinfully succulent strawberries coated with white or dark chocolate, to a bounty of daisy-shaped pineapples half dipped in tantalizing chocolate and/or sprinkled with rich, milky coconut shavings.
In her interview with Kaieteur News, the 37-year-old entrepreneur provided some insight into her life and the relatively unique operation that she runs on a daily basis.
CHILDHOOD, EDUCATION, MARRIAGE
Mrs. Mekdeci grew up in the humble but adventurous community of Matthew’s Ridge in Region One.
The businesswoman shared, “My mother being stuck in poverty gave me to my aunt who was a school teacher. She resided on the East Coast of Demerara. I grew up with her and my grandpa (paternal). Being the only child in a house full of adults, I was showered with attention and my aunt insisted that my grammar was no less than perfect.”
The mother of one said that her childhood was greatly influenced by the teachings of the Assemblies of God. In this regard, she noted that it was the church which provided an incredible stage to develop her singing and performance skills. Mrs. Mekdeci stated that the church also gave her the tools needed to conquer the fear of public
speaking.
But by the time she was 14 years old, the lover of tasty treats said that her mind changed very quickly as her aunt got married and moved out of their home on the East Coast. As a result, she was living alone with her grandfather and two uncles.
“Grandpa was a night security guard and my uncles were alcoholics. It was not a pleasant environment in many ways. At age 16, after CXCs at Annandale Secondary, I met a girl by the name of Cindy Khan. We were enrolling for the same course, Public Communication, at the University of Guyana. She and I became fast friends,” the entrepreneur expressed.
After learning of her situation, Khan’s father assisted Mekdeci in securing her first job at the National Milling Company. He also provided help in getting the strong-minded young woman, a room at the St. Bernadette’s Hostel.
“When I realized that my job at the flour mill clashed with university class schedules, I quit and took on a part time job at NCN, then known as GTV. The salary however was very small and it took singing with the Majestics on the weekend to augment my salary. Before long, I was promoted from news reporter to TV presenter and then later on to Editor and producer of the morning newscast on a programme called ‘Guyana today,’” the industrious Mekdeci shared.
She noted that due to the work hours being exhaustive, it led to her missing several classes
at the University of Guyana. She made the hard decision to take a year off from studying. But the next year, Mekdeci competed in the Miss Guyana 1999 Pageant. The charming belle placed First Runner up and subsequently represented Guyana at the Miss World pageant in London. That same year, she met Gerard Mekdeci; a gentleman who continues to shower her with unconditional love and support.
“After the pageant I moved in with him. Two years later, we were married and the rest is history,” added Mrs. Mekdeci. Today, she and her husband celebrate 15 years of marriage. She deems him as her biggest supporter and main source of happiness and fulfillment.
THE BUSINESSWOMAN
Mrs. Mekdeci intimated that she had a number of initial trials in the realm of business. Though they did not work out, she believes that they are a testimony that every slip or fall she endured was an opportunity for growth, learning and ultimately, success.
The industrious queen of edible arrangements also shared that even after marriage, she always wanted to be involved in the world of work. She said that it started out with assisting her husband with his business ventures before branching off to her own.
The lover of great music said, “I ran a takeaway burger business called ‘Just Burgers,’ but things did not work out the way I planned and I closed it. Then I tried my hand at a small
fitness boutique selling upscale female gymwear, which did not work out either. I then tried reselling imported gourmet food which proved to not be lucrative after paying high prices for the products. By then I suffered a major setback with a back injury which took almost a year to heal.”
Mekdeci continued, “While on bed rest I began thinking of a business I could do that was unique, upscale and most importantly, one I could do from home where I could be close to my son. My business plan was soon born and I began practicing on friends and family for free. A year or so after, I started accepting orders and with the help of some talented people, I began building a website.”
The businesswoman added, “Romona Khan and Red Spider were amazing with helping to make my dream a reality. And Ranveer Rickford of Fuzearts assisted in helping me find a way to collect monies online. You see, my dream was to create a gifting company so that people overseas could send tangible gifts to their loved ones in Guyana. I officially started in 2014, but toyed around in 2013 and 2012.”
Mekdeci also shared that she has been operating out of a special purpose kitchen downstairs at her private residence at Lot 5 B First Avenue, Subryanville, Georgetown
As for the choice in the name of the business—Reminiscence Guyana—Mekdeci said that she wanted a title that would reverberate with the overseas community and lovers of gourmet treats in general. She believes that there are always strong emotions when one reminisces while savouring customized, edible arrangements.
For her, “It’s all about making and awakening memories”.
Furthermore, the entrepreneur asserted that her entity offers an assortment of chocolate-covered fruits (foreign and local) edible arrangements with chocolate-dipped fruits or without, fresh flowers, freshl- made chocolate truffles and its most recent addition – The French Macaroon. She noted that more information about what the company offers can be found on their website at www.rem.gy .
Mekdeci says that to date her greatest accomplishment would be the fact that her company has had the pleasure of producing centrepieces for Digicel’s staff party each year so far. She said that they are by far her largest corporate client and she remains grateful for the support they provide.
With regard to future plans, the CEO shared that she wants to establish Guyana’s first dessert boutique, fresh florals and edible gifts store. Her long-term dream is to train Guyanese women and have them operate under the umbrella of a Reminiscence franchise.
FINDING BALANCE
While Mrs. Mekdeci is fully committed to the growth and transformation of her humble business, the challenges in no way take away from her time to indulge in life’s adventures and quality time with her family.
In fact, she asserted that in her spare time, she loves nothing more than to lift heavy weights and do some running at the gym. That aside, she enjoys watching movies, reading, of course cooking, and entertaining family and friends.
“I am the monster lady that bosses everyone around. Full cooperation by all is necessary for things to run smoothly,” she said with a chuckle. “My husband is extremely supportive and lends a helping hand. He loves to cook and he spends time with our son. They enjoy playing Squash together. Gerry is also the kind of guy that would put on a pair of gloves and do the fruit carvings and handle the business end on big days like Valentine’s and Mother’s Day.”
Mrs. Mekdeci continued, “Our son James has also learnt independence. He knows his chores and does them well. Recently he has been doing his homework on his own and revising by himself. Of course if he needs help he just hollers and we run to assist him.”
Significantly, the mother of one said that her staff or as she likes to call them, “teammates”, are the reason she can balance work and family, and still find time for herself. She credited them as being dedicated and hardworking.
“I am blessed to have them. Previously I had temporary help and those girls went on to achieve great things and pursue their dreams elsewhere. I have had permanent staffers for more than a year and now I have two; Shelisa Persaud who is very good with the edible creations, customer service and sales and Kavita Persaud who is a very talented and creative young woman. She bakes the best macaroons,” Mrs. Mekdeci stated.
For those whose interests might be piqued by the Reminiscence brand, the bearer of edible gifts said, “For all your gifting needs, we have you chocolate covered. Remember, life’s special occasions deserve a delicious memory”.
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