The Leading Ladies of Zarabelle Jamaica talks Preparing for that Big Step in becoming an Entrepreneur
Shawneil Bailey and Toni-Ann Lindo of Zarabelle Jamaica (left to right) 20-something-year old Shawneil Bailey and Toni-Ann Lindoare the leading ladies behind the talent management brand, Zarabelle Jamaica, with a vision to leave a legacy that will inspire other aspiring female entrepreneurs. The company was created with the concept of modelling agency that would rival companies like Pulse and Saint International, over time, the concept was revamped to provide services that would fulfill a demand for talents for different productions.
During our chat for the She's a CEO feature, we learned about what prepared the ladies behind Zarabelle Jamaica to prepare for that big step in becoming an entrepreneur plus some of the important lessons they have learnt from rejections, disappointments and failure.
What inspired you to take that leap into becoming a full-time entrepreneur?
SB: Since taking the leap to become an entrepreneur, I have learnt that I am fearless, driven and apparently can function well on 3 hours sleep. It has not been easy especially when everything is happening all at once but striking the balance and staying motivated is key.
TL: I have learnt that I am superb at organizing my time as well as managing my workload. I have also learnt to have patience and fearless enough to think as if the box does not exist because most times the best ideas come from radical and irrational thoughts. Learning about teamwork dynamics and working with different personalities to ensure goals are accomplished is also a valuable lesson I have learnt as an entrepreneur.
What would you say is the most challenging yet rewarding things for you as a 20-something-year-old female entrepreneur?
SB: I would say the most challenging part of this is balancing everything I have on my plate currently. Being a university student, university club President and a full-time entrepreneur with a social life can be a real balancing act. The rewards of it all, however, has kept me going, I mean being able to lead my own future and motivate others to do the same simultaneously, really strikes a chord with me. As I continue to grow, I look forward to what my future holds.
TL: The most challenging yet rewarding thing for me at this age as an entrepreneur is being in the spotlight. I have to be extra careful with what I post on social media or the things I say to certain persons because you never know who may be listening and how it can impact the business.
What gave you the strength to pursue your dreams?
SB: Friends and family are important to me, so to have good people around, that motivates and encourage me definitely gave me the boost and strength needed to pursue my dreams.
My strength I have now I believe was absorbed mainly from my mother. She has always been a role model to me, and I admire how selfless she is for her family. In my support corner, I also have a very supportive boyfriend who has encouraged me from Zarabelle’s inception. I believe it is important to have someone who is just as ambitious and driven as you are around you to feed off that energy and encourage each other.
TL: The support from my friends and my mother. As much as the traditional 9-5 is expected of those who excel in school that group of persons I mentioned have always encouraged me to stick to my goals and live out my dreams.
What is the most important lesson you have learnt about rejections, failures and disappointments, as an entrepreneur?
SB: As an entrepreneur, rejection, failures and disappointments are all needed for growth.When you’ve heard your first “NO” I admit, it is devastating but after a while you realize that it only led to you trying harder and being more prepared. So the lesson here is that no matter how many no’s you’ve heard, keep going, you’ll get that yes that’ll open the door just be ready for the opportunity.
“When you’ve heard your first “NO” I admit, it is devastating but after a while you realize that it only led to you trying harder and being more prepared.”
TL: The most important lesson I have learnt about rejections, failures and disappointments as an entrepreneur is that these things are inevitable. There will be several doors that shut in your face, but you just have to learn from it and come better next time so that when you get a door that stays open you come with a bang.
What does being your own boss mean to you?
SB: That I am a leader that motivates young ladies, disabled individuals and all others who think it is not possible. Of course, there is the fact that I make my own hours and dress for meetings how I feel comfy (i.e. jeans and a t-shirt ).
TL: I have the power to impact other individuals who may be intimately involved with my company or who are fans of what we are doing.
Your advice to other women, who are unsure how to venture into entrepreneurship.
SB: Give it a try! Due to life and its many hits, we are afraid to take risks, but I say don’t be, as life needs leaders who by the way are the risk takers.
TL: Don’t be afraid to develop and carry out your ideas.Plan, strategise and more importantly don’t be afraid to educate yourself. The internet is a place that has enabled us to become so equip with the knowledge that can arm us with the necessary tools to be more than just beautiful faces.