Sherlai Stevenson is a trainee psychologist, but in her spare time, she also loves crafting beautiful jewellery.

Sherlai has been making earrings, necklaces and bracelets since she was 12 years old and now her hobby has developed into a flourishing business called Victoriesque Designs.

Yello sat
down with Sherlai and asked her to share her story. She told us about how she
got started, where she gets her inspiration, and her hopes for the future.

Tell us
about your background.

I grew up in
St Michael and moved to St George when I was about eight. I have a younger brother
and sister and a ton of cousins.

I was quite a
shy child and probably only started to find myself in secondary school at
Harrisons College. I felt a lot more comfortable there and started to socialise
and make more friends.

I branched out even further when I went to study for my Masters in Plymouth. My personality developed, and I found the beginning of my confidence, just going out more, becoming independent, and socialising.

Were you
always into art and being creative?

Yes. I remember
going to summer camps run by the National Cultural Foundation, and we did drama,
poetry, folk singing and dance and I really enjoyed doing that.

It’s only
now, looking back, that I appreciate going to that camp and I remember how much
fun I had.

Did you
study art or design?

No, my Masters’ degree is in psychology. I think it is related though because I encourage people to practice self-care and find an outlet, and for me, making jewellery is my self-care.

So how
did you get started making jewellery?

I was walking through PriceSmart with my parents and I saw a bead set. I asked them to buy it for me, and from then I was in love with beads. I was 12, and the first piece of jewellery I made was a pair of earrings.

I used to go
to the craft store and buy a ton of beads. I still have boxes full which I
haven’t even used yet!

I started
out making gifts for friends on their birthday and Christmas and from there it
just grew.

When I went to UWI, I lost track of it and was more on and off. Then when I came back home from Plymouth, I decided to take it more seriously.

I would say the unofficial relaunch for Victoriesque was at Girlfriends Expo this year and from then until now it’s really picked up.

What is
the biggest challenge you’ve faced running the business?

Juggling Victoriesque and my full-time job. I always try to make time for it though because I need it for myself, to relieve stress.

It’s also a
challenge coming up with new designs and pieces. When I get an idea, I try to
draw it quickly so that I don’t forget it.

I try to
post new products every week on social media. That is a challenge I’ve set
myself because I want to keep in touch with my customers and keep giving them
something new.

Who are
your clients?

A variety of women from early 20s up to no age limit.

They are
full of personality, charisma and they love to be fashionable, stylish and
trendy. They are expressive and unique.

The jewellery is meant to compliment them and make them feel confident and special.

How would
you describe your jewellery?

Some of my
pieces are dramatic but the majority are dainty, subtle, elegant sophisticated and
unique.

I mainly use
gold-plated material, gemstones, beads, or glass parts. I think gold is
timeless and classy and can be worn with anything.

The colours I use are varied, shimmery and trendy. When you see one of my pieces you know that it’s come from Victoriesque and nowhere else.

When I make jewellery, I create whatever I’d like to wear. It’s fulfilling to see people wearing what I make and enjoying it. It gives me a good feeling and a sense of pride.

Where do
you get your inspiration from?

Sometimes I
might see a stone and just decide to incorporate it into a piece.

I also like
to make variations. So, if I see something that inspires me, I’ll rework it so
that it has my personal twist and a Victoriesque touch to it.

What are
your plans to grow the business?

I definitely want to branch out to other Caribbean islands. I love how Caribbean brands are being appreciated more now by our own people. And who knows, after that I may go international.

I’ve worked with Shantal Martin (also known as @hairaconda) who is a Barbadian influencer. I reached out to her because I like her personalised approach to products and the way she tells their story. Being featured on her Instagram feed really helped to grow the business.

I am so excited to see where it goes. I have some pop-up shops and a few more collaborations planned. The sky is the limit!

Are there
any Caribbean entrepreneurs you admire?

Kim Angoy who owns Suga Apple Swim. The way that brand has grown and is perceived, the social media buzz around them, and how they’ve inspired and impacted the region is inspirational.

What
advice do you have for aspiring entrepreneurs?

Just do it. Whatever you want to do just get started. Do as much research as possible. Give it your all, and if you give it 100%, you will get so much in return for your labour.

What do
you love about Barbados?

I love the passion behind the people. We’re passionate about education and self-development, and that comes from our parents and grandparents, and is handed down through generations.

I feel like everyone has a story, and we’re all in tune and proud of our roots. We’re always tapping into home and incorporating it into who we are.

Our people
are warm, expressive and welcoming. There’s also still that sense of us being
our brother’s keeper and people still look out for each other. (Klonopin)

The island itself is also beautiful and I love how you don’t have to travel far to get to places.

Where do
you go to relax?

I love the west coast.

Whenever I go there, I feel recharged and reset. I can chill out by myself or with my friends at Just Grillin’ or Limegrove and then cross the road to the beach. I love the vibe on 1st and 2nd street and the nightlife.

What is
your philosophy in life?

I would say
I try to live by The Golden Rule (the principle of treating others as you want
to be treated).

I can see
how treating someone with kindness would influence them to be kind to someone
else. If you spread kindness, then you’re creating a ripple effect, so that other
people can experience it too.

Follow Victoriesque Designs on Instagram and Facebook and visit the website.