Vanessa Winston, a 44-year-old entrepreneur from Roseau, Dominica, runs a small business making fashion accessories and serves as the President of the Dominica Arts & Craft Producers Association. Hurricane Maria in 2017 destroyed her home and workshop, but she has since bounced back and become an inspiration for other entrepreneurs in Dominica. She even attended the first Commonwealth Fashion Exchange initiative at Buckingham Palace in London. Despite the setbacks she faced after the hurricane, Vanessa Winston has managed to rebuild her business and continue to thrive.
During Hurricane Maria, Vanessa and her family sought shelter in their workshop when the storm hit. Despite the destruction of their home, they were able to survive by taking cover under the staircase. After the storm passed, Vanessa found herself with four children and nowhere to stay. The community, along with aid agencies like the Red Cross and the UN, provided assistance to those affected by the hurricane. Vanessa received cash assistance, which she used for food, and sent her daughters to live with family in Barbados temporarily.
In the aftermath of the hurricane, Vanessa and the members of the Dominica Arts and Crafts Producers Association focused on rebuilding their businesses and restoring the forest that was severely damaged by the storm. The association’s products rely heavily on raw materials from the forest, such as coconuts and bamboo, so restoring the natural environment was crucial for their industry. With the support of the community and aid agencies, Vanessa and her fellow artisans were able to slowly rebuild their businesses and move forward.
Despite the challenges she faced after Hurricane Maria, Vanessa Winston remained resilient and determined to rebuild her business. She took part in various initiatives and events to promote her products and raise awareness about the impact of the hurricane on the local economy. Vanessa’s journey serves as an inspiration for other entrepreneurs in Dominica, showing that with determination and support from the community, it is possible to overcome adversity and rebuild after a natural disaster.
Vanessa’s experience highlights the importance of community support and collaboration in times of crisis. By working together with other artisans and receiving assistance from organizations like the Red Cross and the UN, Vanessa was able to overcome the challenges she faced after Hurricane Maria. Her story is a testament to the resilience and determination of the people of Dominica, who have come together to rebuild their lives and businesses in the aftermath of a devastating natural disaster.
