The Eleutheran - Eleuthera News, Sport and much more from Eleuthera: Entrepreneurial Profile: Ocilia Williams

Entrepreneurial Profile: Ocilia Williams
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admin on 14 May, 2008 
 
Just under one and a half years ago, Ocilia began Shop Smart, a wholesale, home
goods and snack food service. Her Mission statement for the business is:
Providing family oriented products to the local Eleuthera market and giving
value for money.
The idea grew from a practice of shopping in Florida for family and self for
some time and seeing that the service was needed throughout the island. The
general principle is "Buy in bulk, everyday food and household items." To Nassau
& Almost Back Ocilia like many young Eleutheran's traveled to Nassau almost 12
years ago to pursue post secondary studies.
She has been with Radio House as a sales executive for six years and is now
breaking ground for the construction of her home and business which she hopes
will be fully going by the end of summer and ready for occupation by this time
next year. With the influx of investment in North Eleuthera, Ocilia is preparing
to offer varying services through the construction of a multipurpose building
with rental, living and business spaces. Personal Life She has been married for
almost 8 years to an Androsian who has already fallen love with Eleuthera.
Inspired by the entrepreneurial family history, it has been her lifelong dream
to have her own business and to be able to do so in Eleuthera is just perfect.
She is very much looking forward to returning home. Having worked in her
family's business for a while, she is well aware that working on your own can
demand long hours, especially in the beginning; however, she acknowledges that
the rewards are well worth it. She is hoping that the business will provide her
with flexibility and is looking forward to the family oriented environment of
Eleuthera - less crime and being able to have peace of mind. Also, regarding
products and services - she cherishes the community atmosphere where you are
able to see and know the people you're working with around your communities, and
the opportunity to contribute to making it better for the next generation.
Eleutheran Inspiration "Eleutherans are free spirited and being in a family that
was entrepreneurial at heart paved the way for me.
Dad was involved in Mailboat service, which sparked awareness of the need with
all the items being brought in by retailers, hotels, other tourist oriented
businesses, restaurants and their employees every week", says Ocilia. Her
expanded services will aim at assisting these businesses and persons - allowing
them to be self sufficient, not having to wait on needed bulk items to be
ordered and shipped from abroad. She feels the current local economy and
business community have contributed positively to the demand for her services.
Take Advantage of SHOP SMART Shop Smart is currently open on Saturdays from 7:30
am to 6:30 pm at the North Eleuthera Service Station. Every weekend clients can
come and purchase or place orders. Shop Smart provides the option for larger
households to purchase items in family friendly bulk sizes. Many customers shop
monthly to replenish their supplies. Currently clients are being serviced from
as far south as Governor's Harbour, and Ocilia looks forward to continued
expansion of her market. Shopping with Shop Smart has some definite advantages.
Number one is the competitive prices and the convenience of not having to
travel. Inventory is currently kept on island and replenished every 2-3 weeks.
Custom orders are also available for a premium. Customers can call 335-1128 for
further information.
Profile printed in the April 2008 Issue of The Eleutheran Newspaper