Shelly Sterling, co-founder of PeppaThyme, is no stranger to challenges. From the early days of establishing her restaurant to navigating a pandemic, her journey reflects resilience, collaboration, and a profound commitment to supporting others. Beyond the successes of her restaurant, Sterling’s story is about women supporting women and the power of community to uplift individuals and businesses alike.

“Nothing I’ve achieved has been in isolation,” Sterling said. “I’ve been blessed with an incredible community of family, friends, and industry peers who supported me at every step. That’s something I’m passionate about passing on to others.”

When Sterling and her partners launched PeppaThyme, their lack of a food and beverage background could have been a stumbling block. Instead, they leaned on the generosity and guidance of key partners in the industry. Companies such as Wray & Nephew played a pivotal role in their early success.

“When we decided to have a bar, I took a course at Wray & Nephew’s academy to learn how a bar operates,” Sterling recalled. “The person who ran the academy, a woman, was incredibly helpful. She didn’t just teach me the technicalities; she shared valuable insights about the business.”

Support didn’t stop there. Suppliers across the board were instrumental in helping PeppaThyme find its footing. “We reached out to a lot of people in the industry to understand how to navigate certain challenges. Everyone was willing to share their knowledge,” Sterling explained. “That kind of collaboration made all the difference in those early days.”

The willingness of others to help inspired Sterling to adopt a similar philosophy. Today, she actively mentors young women and entrepreneurs, paying forward the generosity she experienced.

Resilience through challenges

PeppaThyme’s journey has been far from smooth. From dealing with disruptions caused by the Constant Spring Road improvement project to navigating the COVID-19 pandemic, the restaurant faced several hurdles. “We were baptised by fire,” Sterling said, reflecting on the tough lessons of those early years.

During the pandemic, Sterling again leaned on her community, particularly her suppliers, to adapt quickly. Open communication became a cornerstone of survival. “I reached out to all our suppliers and said, ‘This is what’s happening — we’re going to honour our bills, but we might need more time.’ They understood and worked with us,” she recalled.

These relationships allowed PeppaThyme to pivot swiftly, introducing kerbside service and expanding delivery options to stay accessible to customers while minimising risks. The lessons learned during this time of crisis strengthened the business and its team.

Sterling ’s experience has underscored the importance of collaboration, especially among women. “So many women helped us along the way,” she said. “Whether they were in the same industry or supplying us with products, their encouragement and support were invaluable.”

Now, Sterling wants to formalise her commitment to women’s empowerment. She envisions PeppaThyme as more than a restaurant — it can be a platform to uplift women entrepreneurs and professionals in Jamaica.

“One of my goals is to create spaces for women to connect and share resources. Whether it’s hosting workshops, partnering with women-led businesses, or mentoring young professionals, I want to build a culture that uplifts women,” she explained.

Sterling is also exploring opportunities to use PeppaThyme’s catering business to create jobs and partnerships for women. By prioritising women-led suppliers and offering training for young women interested in food service, she aims to create a more inclusive industry.

As a mother of two daughters, Sterling is particularly invested in shaping the next generation of leaders. She encourages young women to take charge of their careers, urging them to embrace curiosity and initiative. “Don’t wait for someone to hand you an opportunity—create your own,” she advised.

Sterling also believes that empowerment begins with access to education and mentorship. “I want to make sure young women have the tools and support they need to succeed, whether it’s in business, the food industry, or elsewhere,” she said.

Looking ahead, Sterling remains focused on creating opportunities for others. Whether through expanding PeppaThyme or fostering mentorship programmes, she is determined to continue the tradition of women supporting women.

“My journey has been shaped by the people who helped me along the way,” she reflected. “I want to ensure that the next generation has even greater opportunities to succeed.”