A Bredrin’s business

Despite his relatively recent addition to the local entertainment scene, Amrit Permanand is one such entrepreneur. The 21-year-old law student has enjoyed some modest success as an events promoter and professional caterer.

Despite this success, however, Permanand, the founder and owner of Your West Indian Bredrin events management team, says that entrepreneurship is a continued uphill battle as the entertainment industry is buckling down in the face of increasingly turbulent economic times in a highly competitive industry. In an interview with Newsday, Permanand discussed the challenges, opportunities and future for TT youth entrepreneurs.

“One of the biggest challenges I’ve faced and I think a lot of other young persons interested in business, is to get persons to take you seriously. Fortunately for me, I had family members and friends who might not have been able to invest financially [but] were able to assist me with their time and that really has me where I am today in terms of success.” This is a common challenge among many first-time business owners as the availability of resources and start-up capital have been critical limiting factors.

Like many other young entrepreneurs, Permanand does not yet have the resources to pursue his business full-time and is employed so that he can support himself.

Despite this, he says he does not see his current mobility as a setback and he remains committed to his craft.

Permanand began working in the hospitality industry as a bartender for Angostura Ltd, in order to pay his school fees.

During that period he honed his skills in customer service and beverage management and also gained a better understanding of the workings of owning a business.

“It was a difficult time for me because I had to juggle the responsibilities of my job and my education. It was a lot of work and the pay was low but I was grateful for it because I benefited from the criticisms of customers and my supervisors. Something as simple as shaving ice and being able to listen and grow from criticism has gone a long way in going into business for myself,” he said.

Utilising the power of social media, Permanand got the word out about his services and within months has already built-up an impressive clientele. Together with a team of assistants, the Your West Indian Bredrin brand catered for some of the most exclusive events for Carnival 2016 and even year-round. Despite the challenges of owning and managing a new business in an uncertain economic climate, Permanand says he is happy with his success and looks forward for what the future holds for him.

To those turning to microenterprise as a means of supplementing their income or even as a full-time project, Permanand has this advice; “It’s about striking a balance between doing what you must and doing what you love.

“Another thing is to keep pushing yourself, remain true to your work ethic –a business is something that needs to be nurtured and cared for overtime. It won’t spring up overnight.”