University of Guyana Law student launches self-care business

January 28, 2021

Bradley Downer
3 years ago
0

Twenty-one-year-old Candacie Holder from Ann’s Grove, Region Four, has launched her self-care business called ‘Grooming Essentials,’ where she sells self-care products for men.

Candacie Holder

Holder was born on the 3rd December 1999 at the Georgetown Public Hospital Corporation (GPHC) to Frank and Stacy Holder. Candacie described her childhood as a “wonderful” one. She said, “growing up in the countryside was and is still fantastic.”

It provided an environment for me to flourish. I enjoyed playing games (like sal out and cricket) with my parents, brother, cousins, and friends. On the weekends, my sibling and I would visit my grandmother and aunt.

Holder attended the Clonbrook Primary School and was awarded a spot at the Bishops’ High School after writing the National Grade Six Exam (NGSA) in 2011.

Currently, Holder lives on the East Coast of Demerara (ECD) with her brother and parents. She holds an Associate Degree in Law and is currently pursuing a Bachelor’s Degree in Law at the University of Guyana. ‘Grooming Essentials’ was launched in August 2020 and is aimed at providing budget-friendly self-care products for men.

“After doing research, I realized that self-care for men isn’t given much priority as it should. And as such, I decided to start my business (in my community), so that self-care products can be made easily accessed at affordable prices”, she told this publication during an interview.

“After volunteering with many organisations, I realized that I wanted to do something meaningful which would bless the lives of others, and make a positive impact.” As such, Holder was motivated to launch EduSpire.

In December 2018, Holder launched her nonprofit organisation called ‘EduSpire,’ which aims to provide less fortunate school-aged children with materials needed for educational purposes. Its motto is ‘Educate, Inspire and Empower.’

This organisation pushes the Sustainable Development Goal Four (4) – Quality Education, and as such, it recognises the importance of education and is willing to assist in the simplest way possible. Recently, EduSpire executed two outreaches, with the last being a collaboration with Realizing Our Purpose Everyday (ROPE).

Her favorite quotes are, “small acts make big impacts” and “respect to men practicing self-care, honoring their body as a temple, journeying light and purpose-driven daily.”

“Becoming an entrepreneur isn’t a walk in the park. It requires you to be consistent, dedicated, and willing to rise above the challenges that will come. There are days, you’d feel like quitting because things may not go as planned but don’t quit; just take a break or a step back (if you feel the need to). Know your goals and believe in them, ask for help (if you need to) and challenge yourself and you will succeed” is Holder’s advice to aspiring entrepreneurs.