As Newsday turns 30, the company took the opportunity to follow up with a few of the businesses highlighted over the past two years.
One of those businesses was The Fresh Press Factory, San Fernando, owned by Kinesha Sylvester.
After leaving her full-time job in 2020, she immersed herself in her dream of becoming self-employed and has been thriving non-stop since – despite hiccups caused by the covid19 lockdowns.
[caption id="attachment_1036241" align="alignnone" width="683"] Dareem Jeffrey, founder of EcoWash -[/caption]
Her beverage business was first highlighted in May 2021, in a story which focused on the inception of her company. She created a line of fruit juices and nut-milk drinks.
Sylvester later started offering a space for local small artists to showcase their work free of charge.
Recalling her two interviews with Newsday's Business Day, she said she was allowed to freely express herself as she was comfortable speaking to the reporters.
“I definitely enjoyed the interview process, it was very easy-going and it wasn't rigorous at all, that didn't cause me to be nervous. It allowed the conversation to flow and I was able to be my authentic self, which I think people were able to get...through the article. Even though they were reading black and white, they were able to get the colour of personality.”
As for later coverage, Sylvester said there had been an increase in her business since the article published on March 4, in which her business was highlighted for giving artists a mini exhibition.
“As a result of that, people came in particularly for the launch of that event, as well as to see and support the artists. As a by-product of that, people gained interest in our products and the different aspects in which we tackle health and wellness. It was a nice all-round experience post-article.”
Sylvester was the 2023 winner of the female entrepreneurship award from the National Entrepreneurship Development Co Ltd (NEDCO) – an award sponsored by Newsday.
[caption id="attachment_1036239" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Fresh Press Factory CEO and founder Kinesha Sylvester, right, is presented with her female entrepreneur award by Newsday editorial consultant Judy Raymond at the NEDCO national entrepreneurship awards on August 27.- Angelo Marcelle[/caption]
Newsday also contacted Eco-Wash's founder Dareem Jeffery who was grateful for the exposure as it helped him grow his business and put it on the local businesses' radar.
The 27-year-old created Eco-Wash after his St Helena home was destroyed by a flood and his need to have a constant stream of income.
"We have gotten way more notoriety with people becoming more aware of the business and not just from a customer perspective, but from a corporate perspective as well in terms of giving motivational speeches to the youths."
Jeffrey said Eco-Wash recently completed a motivational talk with a foundation's youth programme and with NEDCO on sustainability and corporate social responsibilities.
"A lot of people have contacted me after s
