TT bra boutique Peri's Plus Ltd owner Peridot Webster, who placed third in the inaugural Entrepreneurship World Cup (EWC) regional finals pitch competition, said she is proud to have put this country on the map.
The EWC is a non-profit organisation that supports 175,000 entrepreneurs in 200 countries. The first-ever regional finals of the annual EWC pitch competition was held virtually on July 25 and Peri's Plus emerged third out of 17 finalists. Webster was the last finalist to make a three-minute presentation and began with a description of her company.
"From the young lady going through the early stages of puberty to the mature woman looking for style and comfort Peri's Plus: The Bra Boutique has responded to the needs of women by offering quality bras and undergarments at an affordable price, paying particular attention to the fuller busted woman."
She founded the company in 2007 while working in the telecommunications industry.
"It was out of my own (problem) of not getting proper-fitted bras as a fuller busted woman. One could be very slim but also have a big bust."
She recalled when she was going through puberty she was very busty and her mother could not afford the type of bras necessary for her support.
"It has been an issue for me from then up to now."
She took her savings of $1,500 and started off with six bras. She went door-to-door selling and also visited workplaces.
"People really appreciated the personalised touch."
[caption id="attachment_905917" align="alignnone" width="648"] Peri's Plus owner Peridot Webster models royal blue sleepwear. Photo courtesy Peridot Webster -[/caption]
She eventually opened her business at Isaac Junction, Couva. Webster said the Peri's Plus approach is to cater from the developmental stage up to a mature woman and for years operated as an importation and retail company. The company offers bra sizes from B to P cups, along with free bra sizing, ladies underwear from medium to 6XL and underwear for the entire family.
During the initial covid lockdown in 2020 the boutique was closed. The company, however, was able to see a boost in sales by launching their Virtual Bra Room which provided deliveries as well as breast care, health education, and bra tips. At this time Peri's Plus expanded into manufacturing their own cotton bralettes, panties and sleepwear with Bureau of Standards certification.
The Peri's Plus team is made up of six women including two seamstresses.
"During covid, all of them were employed with the exception of one of them for whom sewing is their bread and butter. We were given an opportunity to help her and she was very happy for the opportunity."
They have started with cotton bras but have sourced a company locally to do the underwires for bras.
"It is creating more employment and it is now so expensive to bring in goods. So it is good to know these can be sourced in Trinidad."
[caption id="attachment_905918" align="alignnone" width="819"] A woman models Peri's Plus Sleep in Luxury wear. Photo courtesy Peridot Webster -[
