A bold entrepreneur with a passion for fashion, 31-year-old Tunika G.N. Aymer in living her childhood dream by owning fashion retailer. Photo: Provided

Tunika G.N. Aymer also retails jewellery that can be customized into different designs and styles. Photo: Provided

A flashy look mixed and created under the ‘Uniquwandcreativefashion,’ retail brand. Photo: Provided

Costumer jewellery from the ‘Uniquwandcreativefashion' retail store line. Photo: Privided

Business Inspiration

Tunika said her mother played a large part in her getting in to the fashion business. "She is a big fan of fashion herself. Even if we had to go to the supermarket on Saturdays she would dress me like I was attending a function. I kept it up even after migrating here with my dad.”

Owning a fashion retailer came easy for Tunika, who said her father would take her to stores in town,which allowed her to match her own outfits and develop a sense of style and fashion.

“My friends and random people would always compliment my way of dressing and would always ask where I shop and encourage me to bring in stuff like what I wore to sell. I decided why not, since I love fashion.”

Tunika revealed that in 2014, the initial planning began for the business. “I started doing my researches, I applied for my trade license, got approved, and a week after I brought in my first set of clothes and jewellery. I was amazed by the support.”

She said after giving birth in 2015, she went on a business hiatus until early 2019; however, customer support was still present.

“They keep me going and I am humbled and grateful for every one of them. It gives me joy when a see a customer wearing an outfit that I put together for them or even an earring they bought to wear with something they put together on their own,“ Tunika said.

Diverse educational experience 

Currently residing in the Fahie Hill area, our Young Professional is the mother of 4-year-old Kaiif O’Neal. She is a Belonger who has lived a childhood moving between Monserrat and the Virgin Islands (VI).

Tunika shared that after the volcanic crisis in Montserrat in 1997 she migrated to the VI where she attended the Althea Scatliffe Primary School for 2 years (Class 2 and 3).

Shen then went back to Montserrat to complete her primary level education at St Augustine Primary School, and one year of high school, before returning to the Territory in 2002 where she attended the BVI High School, now the Elmore Stoutt High School and graduated in 2006.

Tunika is currently a student at the H. Lavity Stoutt Community College (HLSCC), hoping to graduate from studies in Small Business Management come 2020.

“I enjoy travelling, cooking (my most favourite), listening to music and spending time with the ones I love,“ she further told this news website.

Life Lessons

“My biggest life lesson is to stop trying to make everyone around you happy and lose yourself making them happy,” our Young Professional revealed.

She also noted that one should never be afraid to lose people, rather, be afraid to lose yourself. “I overcome it by putting myself first. Making sure I am happy and taken care of and then help others after, it is totally fine,” commented Tunika.

The biggest challenge Tunika revealed is making sure her customers are happy. I want to make sure they receive quality products at an affordable price. Once they are happy I am happy and if they are not happy I will try my best to make sure they are.”

With the future always on the horizon, our Young Professional plans to pursue programmes in Education and Human Resources Management after 2020. Outside of the personal business, she said she owns a cleaning service with a business partner called ‘3T’s’ Cleaning Services.

Staying Focused

Noting that her son keeps her focused, Tunika said even at times when her focus is adrift, she remembers the reason for getting into business.

“I want to be my own boss. Also, I want to expand and open a physical store in the BVI. We currently promote our products via all Social Media Outlets and because of limited space, I cannot import as much as I would like too. I also want to expand my business internationally.”

"I am a driven person. Once I set my mind to do something, no matter how long it takes, I will make sure it is done," she further underscored.

When asked about who inspires her the most, Tunika said unequivocally that it was her mother, "she is a strong woman. One of the strongest persons alive today. My mother got us when she was young, she sacrificed a lot to make sure we had the things that we needed and she never let that stop her from becoming the successful person she is today."

Parting Advice 

Never give up on your dreams, she said in advice to persons looking to pursue a passion. "A goal without a plan is just a wish. Stay focus and you will reap bountifully," Tunika added.

She said in the Virgin Islands, she wants to see more innovative ideas as the Territory is full of intelligent people and there are a lot of things that are lacking. "I want young people to think differently and think on the things the BVI needs and work towards incorporating them in our environment."

To get in contact with Uniqueandcreativefashion, the telephone number is 496-0175, or they can be reached via email at uandcfashion@yahoo.com and via social media facebook: uniqueandcreativefashion with Instagram- Uniqueandcreativefashion.

“Dream big, work hard and stay focussed. Remember you control your happiness and your destiny,” is the final piece of advice Tunika left for those having difficulties putting their dreams into action.