MI granny always used to say, “train up a child in the way he should go; even when he is old he will not depart from it”. The vital teachings generations of women before me bestowed upon our generation, made me realise the important role a woman plays in society and how she has the power to single handedly build or break a nation. The impact our grandmothers, mothers, aunts and all the women in our lives has on us, whether good or bad, shaped our character and is responsible for who we are now. I am living testament to this.

I was raised by virtuous women who were conscious, strong, independent, caring vessels of love that poured out grace both in and outside of the home. My mother didn’t have an easy childhood and wasn’t really shown much love, but she tried her best to give it to her children the way she knew. She worked late shifts and sometimes did odd jobs to give us the life she didn’t have as a child. My aunt, Lola Williams, took care of her children, nieces, nephews and grandchildren, while running her own business and doing a full-time job. Academically, my cousin, Clavia Williams dominated the educational realm of success. She graduated from university and became a teacher, lecturer, author, businesswoman, wife, and mother.

Even though I credit these wonderful women for the foundation they set in my life, it is my own struggles that really transformed me into a phoenix. After taking a different path from the one I was taught and going down that of an un-virtuous woman, it led to me being a teenage mother, being raped, physically abused, homeless, suicidal, and a long list of other unfortunate events. Those experiences made me give up on my dreams and lose hope on life.

One day I sat with myself and decided to change the way I allowed these unfortunate experiences to impact my life. After all, I had developed the tools to rise above adversities from watching the phenomenal women in my life do the same. From that day, the teachings of the women who grew me returned, never to depart again. I did some soul searching and discovered myself and what I truly wanted out of life. It was during that self-search that I discovered many hidden talents which led to my businesses Essentials by Renae Myrie — my cosmetics brand where I make organic perfumes, hair and skin care products; Aura Koutura, my haute couture fashion brand where I design high-fashion clothes; and PUKISH by Aura Koutura, a custom luxury lingerie line.

I feel blessed to know that I can share my story and inspire other women to keep chasing their dreams. Push pass the obstacles, believe in one’s self and change your life into what you want it to be. I am also grateful I am able to partner with Mr & Miss Central Jamaica to start a charity event for Miss Teen Universe Jamaica to inspire young girls. It’s a two-day charity event, beginning with a fashion show on March 23 from 6:00 pm-10:00 pm at Clarendon Paradise Gardens in Four Paths, Clarendon. There will be live music all night with guest artistes and poets.

The second event is on March 24, which will be a Hike & Chill at Farmbwoy Estate, Rosehill, Summerfield, Clarendon. I urge everyone in Clarendon and surrounding parishes to come out in their best Met Gala looks and support these girls as they chase their dreams. The young girls of this generation are our future women who will determine the future of this country, and of this world, so let’s all play our part, be better examples, and shape them into virtuous women!