The 2nd class of this Event Planning & Coordination Workshop, which is a part of the YMCA Trinidad and Tobago’s DIY Series, featured three (3) Guest Speakers of the Event Industry, who were invited to share words of wisdom as well as practical advice with the workshop participants.
This virtual class took place on Wednesday, July 13th 2022 from 6:30 p.m to 8:00 p.m and featured guest speakers Samara Lezama, owner of Chef Sampalam, Leo Ramkissoon owner of Totally Caked and Heather Jones of Heather Jones International LTD.
The class of approximately 34 persons is facilitated by Hadassah Farrell of TriniGenie, who specialises in marketing, sales and events. This is the 2nd year that the YMCA has hosted this workshop. Participants receive a 50+ page handbook as part of the course.
Hadassah Farrell
Ms. Farrell posed several questions to the guest speakers throughout the evening, such as:
"What advice would you give to a new entrepreneur?"
Samara Lezama, owner of Chef Sampalam, “Don’t get discouraged easily. There will be many humps and bumps in the road, but don’t take it too personally. Use as many tools as possible; access resources such as Cariri, Nedco, ADB and also use social media platforms. Find what works best for your business model. Network as much as possible- you never know who you can meet, what potential customers and business partners you may meet .”
Samara Lezama
Owner of Chef Sampalam
When a participant asked him how he deals with clients bringing ideas (photos) to him off of the internet, Leo Ramkissoon, owner of Totally Caked, made a key point regarding originality and the creative field, reminding participants of the importance of being mindful of copyright and the internet. “Always try to research and combine your ideas and your clients’ to create unique designs.” He went on to say that he uses images to inspire, however his end result of his cake designs are unique. He emphasized the importance of respecting others' intellectual property.
Leo Ramkissoon
Owner, Totally Caked
Workshop facilitator Hadassah Farrell asked Heather Jones, "What challenges have you faced on your journey? How did you overcome them?"
Heather Jones of Heather Jones International Ltd. responded :
“I have faced many challenges; financial challenges, discrimination. I had to make many sacrifices to get from one stage to another. There were many setbacks in my life, but every time I fall, I get up, every time I stumble, I leap a little higher. What have I done to overcome it? I continue. As I climb one mountain, it’s just the base of another, so I just keep on rising and going and pushing. No matter what challenge comes in life, I continue to prosper and to go forward.”
Heather Jones
What wonderful and inspiring words for Jones to share with a group of persons who are attending a workshop which aims of investing in their future, a group that includes persons of all ages and walks of life including young persons between the ages of 18 and 23 (two of whom received free “youth spots” to attend this paid course free of charge) Her words encouraged participants to remain devoted to their goals, and to not give up despite challenges.
Feedback from participants was very positive, as persons asked questions and engaged with the guest speakers. Participants described the class as a great one, one that was “really informative” and enjoyable. We are very thankful to our guest speakers who shared their time, energy and knowledge with us.
This class took place during week two of the Event Planning & Coordination workshop, which is a part of the YMCA Trinidad’s DIY Series. This 9-week virtual course will have
a second cycle this year in October, which already has a pre-registration list.
For more information or to pre- register for the October cycle, please WhatsApp 494 3328 .
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