“Be fearless in the pursuit of what sets your soul on fire”. This is the mantra of the very ambitious young entrepreneur, Waynette Strachan (WS).

20-year-old Waynette Strachan is the owner of a popular “shoetique” (shoe-boutique) called Shoe Tease. She has been an entrepreneur for three years, however this endeavor has been in operation for almost one year. Recently,

teenBOSS (TB) conversed with Strachan in order to gain some insight into her pursuits.

She is also a student at the University of the West Indies, Mona. Strachan is currently reading for a bachelor of arts degree in integrated marketing communications.

TB: What inspired your interest in starting “Shoe Tease”?

WS: After embarking on a number of business ventures I had decided that I wanted to start a new business that would pull in higher returns, and the demand for the proposed product/service ought to have been in continuous demand. I thought it important that this venture coincide with my personal preferences, as well as have the pre requisites listed earlier. At the end of researching, a “Shoetique” was the best option as I am a shoe lover and as women we always need shoes.

TB: What are your short, medium and/or long term goals? Do you have any plans for: the next few months, next year and/or next 10 years?

WS: In the coming months we`ll continue to execute phase two of our marketing plan implemented to increase brand awareness, and double the audiences on our relevant social media platforms.  My five year goal is to possess a chain of stores across Jamaica, recognizing the internet as a viable and solid platform for business, we will engage customers regionally and internationally via our website to be launched in the latter part of this year.

TB: Who or what motivates you to achieve great things?

WS: The motivation to accomplish arises from within as setting goals and achieving them for me is intrinsically rewarding.  In addition my driven and ambitious persona I owe to my mother and grandfather who have definitely played a vital role in all of my accomplishments.

TB: What piece of advice do you wish that someone had given to you five years ago?

WS: It is never too early to start pursuing a goal. A journey of a thousand miles begins with one step. Be mindful, respect the opportunity, and don’t forget to have fun.

TB: Do you have a support system? Who does this include and how much impact does each person have on your mindset?

WS: Support system undermines the incredible network of people who are continuously in my corner rooting for me, guiding me and supporting me in every possible way. They are much more than a support system they are my gladiators.

This includes my parents, grandparents, aunts, mentors and my friends.  My mother is definitely the powerhouse of my support system offering endless prayers and guidance in every possible way. Her impact on my mindset is extensive witnessing the selfless sacrifices she has made, influenced my perception of humility, life and success. I believe great success requires greater sacrifice and you have to sacrifice who you are for what you want to become. My grandfather influences my work attitudes as he is definitely a hard worker and emphasizes on mastering talents you possess. My aggressive business persona I owe to my business mentor Mr Keith who has definitely aided my mental growth as an entrepreneur influencing the way I approach new ventures, how to perceive failure, business attitudes and my outlook on risk-taking. The unrelenting support of my friends in every venture I pursue has impacted the way I value friendship and I’m extremely grateful for them all.

TB: D

escribe your decision-making process.

WS: My decision making process is a very simple one:

Identify the problem/decision to be made. Establish the decision criteria. What are the desired goals/results from this decision? Generate alternatives. Evaluate the pros and cons of each alternative. Select the best solution and implement the decision. Evaluate my decision. Did I decide carefully? Was it a good decision? Did it solve the problem or produce the desired result?