By: Gavincia Clarke
Nevispages.com
(CHARLESTOWN, NEVIS)- Business woman, Ms. Cavel Mills was in tears as the ribbon was cut to launch her new business, Ziki’s Designs on Thursday, July 17, 2014.
Ziki’s Designs, is another business on Nevis which has successfully opened with the help of SIDF, SEED programme. The store is located on the Charlestown Waterfront in the vicinity of the Port’s Authority buildings. It offers locally designed and made creative clothing, and clutches done by Cavel Mills, the proprietor.
Speaking on behalf of the Sugar Industry Diversification Foundation (SIDF), Mrs. Delcia Bradley-King, the Corporate Affairs Manager, noted that each time a Small Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Program (SEED) business opens, it is evident that the program that is being funded by the SIDF, can and does create new businesses. Mrs. Bradley-King also stated that it is evident that lives are being impacted through the program, since persons are seeing their dreams become a reality. She continued, ‘I always feel a sense of pride to represent SIDF on these occasions. The SIDF is very pleased to work along with persons who are very determined to become entrepreneurs’. The Corporate Affairs Manager, announced that the program provide loans up to $100 000.00 to persons who wants to start a business and those loans are provided at zero (0) % interest.
In closing, Mrs. Bradley-King commended her business manager, Mr. Spencer Hanley and the account manager, Mrs. Alexa Pemberton. She also used the opportunity to congratulate Ms. Mills for her creativity, resilience and determination. “You had a goal and you worked hard to achieve that goal”, stated Mrs. Bradley-King. She told those in attendance that this was only a start, the SIDF had done its part and Cavel has done her part. She encouraged the Nevisian community to support the local businesses.
Owner and Managing Director of Ziki’s Designs, Ms. Cavel Mills also gave remarks. In her remarks she thanked all those who had helped and continue to assist her along the way. She told the audience that the idea for the business came about when she had difficulty finding fashionable clothes at reasonable prices, being a plus size individual. Mills said she then decided to make life for herself and others less stressful by showcasing her creative skills and fashionable sense and getting the business up and running. She thanked the SIDF for making this possible.
Pastor Wayne Heyliger blessed the business. This was followed by the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon which was done by her mother, Mrs. Ilena Mills.
A ‘fashion’ parade’ also formed part of the ceremony where plus size models showcased some of the designs.
