Barbadian Terry Goodman is the founder of an emerging local accessories brand called ‘Vylet’.

Terry is a self-taught creative. She learned to sew during the COVID-19 pandemic, beginning with masks, before branching off into hair scrunchies, headbands, crossbody bags and totes, which led to her launching her business in December 2020.

Although ‘Vylet’ has only been operational for just over a year, Terry’s bold and edgy handmade accessories in vibrant colours and prints, are proving popular with both locals and tourists.

Yello asked Terry to tell us more about herself and her journey to becoming a small business owner.

Describe yourself in one sentence.

I am a hardworking and self-motivated individual who loves a challenge.

Tell us a bit about your background.

As a child, I’ve always been very creative and hands-on.

I was never good at anything Math related, but I was able to operate a lathe in my father’s workshop and create things from given measurements down to the millimetre. I could do anything I wanted to once I was interested in it.

In secondary school, my favourite subject was art because it was the most hands-on and free flowing.

In 2015 I went to Barbados Community College (BCC) to pursue an Associate Degree in Fine Arts. Once I was finished in 2017, I pursued a Bachelor’s in Fine Arts. Currently, I am at UWI (University of the West Indies) pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in Management with a concentration in marketing.

When did you become interested in fashion and making accessories?

I haven’t always been interested in “fashion.” My personal style was always very laid back and never really thought out. However, I’ve always been interested in backpacks and big beach totes because those were the only accessories I ever used. I was particularly interested in the different styles that backpacks come in and how they can be so stylish yet functional.

What were your initial career plans?

My career plans would always change based on what I was exposed to throughout school and life in general.

At first, I wanted to be a teacher because I felt like I didn’t like school because it wasn’t fun or interesting, so I wanted to be the teacher to change that for any students who thought the same way. Then I wanted to be an interior designer. After that, I didn’t have any plans.

When / why / how did you start making bags and accessories?

After my degree finished in early 2020, I started sewing as a hobby to keep busy. I had no idea how to use a machine, but I was determined to find out. I taught myself everything I know through trial and error, YouTube, and a deep understanding of art.

During the pandemic, I was making masks for everyone. After that, I didn’t have anything else to make, so I went on YouTube looking for easy, beginner level things to sew. Most of the options were simple tote bags, so I got some canvas that was left over from school and decided to make a bag. It turned out horrible, but I kept practicing and found new styles and methods.

Eventually, I made a bag that I liked, with a quality that I knew would last me throughout the years, then I was able to successfully design products which are both aesthetically pleasing, as well as functional. This design and practice process happened over the course of eight months.

As it relates to the other accessories I make – scrunchies, headbands and masks – I made what I needed to use. I have very long hair, and elastic bands would just rip my hair out, which was not healthy, so I made scrunchies and headbands for myself.

On 1 December 2020, I officially opened Vylet, and I have received nothing but support from friends, family, and complete strangers.

Where did your brand name come from?

When coming up with the name of my brand, I wanted it to be something unique and personally meaningful to me, so the business is named after my pet turtle, whose name is Violet. The spelling was just changed to the way Bajans pronounce ‘Vylet.’

What products does ‘Vylet’ currently offer?

I currently offer scrunchies which come in three sizes: mini, regular, and large. But I also have a fourth option, called the secret scrunchie. The secret scrunchie is the same size as the large, but it has a hidden zip in the seam, so you can put small items inside while still tying it up in your hair.

I offer five different types of bags; totes, wristlets, toiletry pouches, crossbodies and fanny packs. Each product is handmade using a wide variety of prints and colours that are customisable, ensuring everyone can find a print or colour to match their style. I also have headbands and masks.

How do you come up with your designs? Where do you draw inspiration?

When I first started my business, I only made things that I would use, for example, the scrunchie and headbands. My very first bag was actually the crossbody. I designed this bag because I wanted to be completely hands-free when I’m out and about.

After a few months into the business, I realised that what I sold was not necessarily about me and what I liked, and I needed to appeal more to other persons’ tastes and needs. So, I asked some friends, both male and female, a few questions about what they would wear and in what colours, and from there, I sketched a few designs, and researched how to construct them.

Who are your typical clients? How do they find you?

I have a wide range of clients, from tourists to locals. The tourists usually find my products in MyCollection Barbados or Mystique Boutique, which are both located on the south coast.

Locals, which are the majority of my clientele, find me through my Instagram where they can place an order for exactly what they want.

What was the main challenge you faced starting Vylet? How did you overcome it?

The main problem I had was myself. I’m not a very confident person, and I was nervous about starting a business and having to talk to people. I would overthink certain things. However, I have a strong support system around me that reminded me of all the positives that could happen.

As I broke out of my shell, I became more and more confident in what I was doing, how I was speaking, and I saw my business grow because of it.

What do you love about being a small business owner?

I love that I’m in control of my own successes and failures. Although it can be extremely overwhelming at times, I love the rewarding feeling of knowing I did everything on my own. Being a small business owner has also allowed me to make friends with others who own small businesses.

What are your plans for the next 12-18 months?

My plans are to focus more on my craft and improve it in any way I can. I’m also currently working on new products which I would like to bring out before the end of the year.

What advice would you give budding entrepreneurs?

STAY CONSISTENT. If it’s one thing that I’ve noticed about small businesses, mine included, is that if we don’t stay consistent, we might fall off and become unnoticed.

I also know how overwhelming a business can be, especially if there are other factors happening in life, but one thing that really helped me was planning. I planned everything I wanted to do. I wrote down my big goals, and I wrote down so many smaller goals, that would help me reach that big goal.

And the last thing, despite how overwhelming things might get, know when you need to take a break.

What do you love about Barbados?

I love the beaches, the sun (sometimes) and the food!

Where do you like to go to relax or unwind?

I love to go to my favourite spot on the beach.

What is your motto/philosophy in life?

‘The obstacle is the way’ – in life, if there is an obstacle, then there’s also a path for opportunity.

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You can contact Terry, and find the full range of Vylet products, via Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/vylet.x/

All images supplied by Terry Goodman.