Growth & Jobs | From dream to reality: How a single mom built her business from the ground up

STARTING YOUR own business requires courage, vision, and perseverance – qualities that Sophia Granville embodies. A single mother of four from Parade Gardens in Kingston, Granville has turned her passion for catering and event rentals into a thriving enterprise – Party Pantry.

Her entrepreneurial journey began over 20 years ago, selling beverages and snacks at stadiums and seminars. However, it was only in the last five years that she ventured into the dynamic world of catering and party rentals. Reflecting on her decision to start a business, Granville explains, “I never wanted to work for anyone. I just wanted to be my own boss.”

Her initial foray into catering stemmed from providing meals for friends and acquaintances from her kitchen after her restaurant closed. The rental arm of her business began by chance when a customer asked if she rented out her equipment. She recalls, “I just said yes,” and, from there, the idea blossomed into a full-fledged business.

Starting with one popcorn machine and a tent, Granville has steadily grown her inventory to include multiple tents, popcorn machines, cotton candy makers, and more. Each piece of equipment represents careful reinvestment of her profits. “Sometimes it’s hard to take from the business to buy new things, but I band my belly and save,” she says with determination.

Her resourcefulness and dedication have enabled her to cater to a wide range of events, from small family gatherings to larger community functions. Today, Party Pantry employs four people, including Granville’s eldest daughter, who plays a vital role in the business.

Like any business, Party Pantry has faced its share of challenges. Granville cites funding as a major hurdle. However, her resilience shines through, particularly during tough times. “My kids keep me going,” she shares. As a single mom, balancing her responsibilities at home and her growing business is no small feat, but her children serve as her motivation.

Support from Project STAR has also made a difference. The project’s Nano-Entrepreneurship support scheme provided her with business training, which she found invaluable. “They taught me how to manage my business better, negotiate with clients, and even do pricing and invoices,” she explains. Additionally, a $50,000 grant from ProjectSTAR allowed her to purchase much-needed chairs, which enabled her to further expand her offerings.

She also commended the Jamaica Social Investment Fund for contributing $100,000 to her business.

Granville has big dreams for Party Pantry. In the next three years, she envisions having a dedicated space for her operations and a vehicle to better serve her clients across the country. She also aspires to branch into the water distribution business, recognising its potential as a booming industry.

Her advice to aspiring entrepreneurs is to “go for it. It takes good business management and marketing strategies, but it’s worth it. I find it better working for myself and spending more time with my kids”.

Randy Hayle, senior economic development lead at Project STAR, said that Granville’s business is not just about personal success, it’s about giving back. By employing members of her community, she helps uplift those around her, creating opportunities and fostering local growth.

Hayle said Granville’s story exemplifies the positive impact of Project STAR’s Entrepreneurship Programme. The primary objective of the programme is to provide unattached youth who display entrepreneurial potential with an opportunity to establish microbusinesses.

He explained that while Granville’s business was an existing one, the programme provided her with invaluable guidance on how to improve its operation. Through hands-on training, participants in the programme are equipped with practical skills such as developing business plans, creating marketing materials, budgeting, forecasting, and cash flow management. Over the course of the programme, participants also work on crafting their business canvases, which cover the essential aspects of their business concept.

Hayle said that participants are provided with more than just knowledge and are offered financial support in the form of grants, to help them procure essential items such as equipment, materials, and stock.