World Mental Health Day is observed on October 10 every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues and mobilising efforts in support of mental health.

Below is the story of Mary Wilson, Jamaican wife and mother, who has overcome bipolar disorder to achieve entrepreneurial success.

MARY Wilson is a Jamaican woman who has overcome numerous obstacles to achieve her dreams.

Of course, it’s simpler said than done, as this wife and mother found out quite early. The victim of rampant abuse as a child, Wilson was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder (formerly referred to as manic depression).

Such a diagnosis might presumably render a person unfit for many occupations. But perhaps as much because of as in spite of her tribulations, Wilson was drawn to the business world from her teens, and she doggedly pressed on, even while receiving treatment for her condition.

The result of her perseverance is Latihanna’s Variety Store, her enterprise which she runs along with her husband, and which brought her to the attention of the hit business reality series, The Innovators.

Latihanna’s Variety Store is the type of business that is a familiar sight in high-density urban areas across Jamaica, such as Greater Portmore, on the dusty plains of St Catherine. Stores like Latihanna’s are frequently ‘catch-alls,’ that is, catering to the sundry needs of the entire community — providing personal care items, clothing, footwear, in addition to myriad small household items and even non-perishable foods and snacks.

The target audience, in the words of the founder, is “everyone between the age group two to 100 years of age”.

Wilson’s investment in the business to date was used to buy furniture, fittings and goods, as well as to pay general expenses, maintenance, rent and regulatory fees and loans.

Recognising this, The Innovators team came back with a simple yet bold message, as Wilson shared.

“They told me to focus and put my energy on the items that moved the fastest and which were generating the best returns,” she said.

She also received advice on marketing and promotions, particularly streamlining her social media presence, so that her targets were more readily drawn to her store.

Summarising the process of working with Wilson, The Innovators co-presenter Yaneek Page said stories like hers are a big part of the reason for the show.

“By assisting and supporting her in overcoming business and personal challenges, we have an impact far beyond an individual or a single entity. We can help to effect positive change on a greater scale,” Page said.

Armed with the strategies and life lessons from the experienced The Innovators team, Wilson hopes to significantly boost sales. More importantly, she would like to motivate young entrepreneurs who also have disabilities, showing them that they can have success in life if they do not give up.