Keyon Duke’s entrepreneurial journey a testament to resilience and determination
(STEMGuyana photo)
What do a coconut water brand and a laundry service have in common? Usually nothing. Unless, of course, they are Level Up bottled coconut water and Pro Wash Laundry, both owned by intrepid entrepreneur Keyon Duke.
A product of Region Two (PomeroonSupenaam), Duke grew up amidst an abundance of coconut trees in his hometown. But it was his 2019 stint at the University of Guyana’s School of Entrepreneurship and Business Innovation (SEBI), that saw him conceive the idea of introducing coconut water to the market in Georgetown.
His early exposure to the agricultural landscape of his region, witnessing the journey of coconuts from his own farm to other suppliers and a eep-seated passion for entrepreneurship were the other catalysts that propelled him to establish his brand of bottled coconut water, Level Up.
Drawing from his firsthand experiences and insights gained from his agricultural background, Duke embarked on his entrepreneurial journey. By sourcing coconuts directly from his farm in the Pomeroon River, he ensures the highest quality and freshness of his product. Duke’s hands-on approach extends to every aspect of his business, from procuring and packaging the coconuts to personally bottling the water himself during weekend visits to Pomeroon.
Although his initial attempt was met with disappointment when the coconut water spoiled due to improper storage,
Duke persevered in the face of adversity, refusing to abandon his dream. This is a testament to his resilience and determination. “I would go home some weekends to Pomeroon and cut [the coconuts] and bottle the water myself and bring it down. It is not easy but I enjoy doing it,” he said.
A desire to minimise waste and maximise the potential of every coconut harvested further fuelled Duke’s passion for his venture. He revealed that he utilises smaller or leftover coconuts that would otherwise go unused. “Sometimes persons buy 500 coconuts and 300 left back; these would be smaller in size but [it’s not] that [they don’t] have water or [are] too young. Sometimes they just take the bigger nuts and I am left with these and this is when I had the idea…,” he revealed.
Despite the challenges inherent in the coconut water business, Duke remains dedicated to providing his customers with a refreshing and high-quality product. To ensure the availability of Level Up coconut water, Duke also employs Pomeroon residents, fostering economic growth in his community while maintaining the authenticity and integrity of his brand.
Driven by his unwavering commitment to his product and his customers, Duke continues to expand the reach of his Level Up coconut water. Consumers can currently find his product at the Pro Wash laundromat and the Big Sip bar in the Courtyard Mall, Duke aims to make Level Up readily available at supermarkets across Georgetown, further solidifying his presence in the market.
Pro Wash
A new venture, Duke’s Pro Wash Laundry came into being just last month. It is situated conveniently on the ground level of the bustling Courtyard Mall, exemplifying his commitment to meeting the evolving needs of businesspeople and others. The laundromat offers ease to that section of the populace juggling active social lives and high pressure jobs.
Duke’s vision for Pro Wash stemmed from a deep understanding of the challenges faced by modernday individuals to find time for essential tasks like laundry amidst their busy schedules. Recognizing this, he seized the opportunity to alleviate the burden by providing a solution that is both practical and efficient.
While the laundromat currently operates with a walk-in service and drop-off option, Duke harbours aspirations to expand the facility into a self-serve model in the future, thereby offering patrons even greater flexibility and autonomy in managing their laundry needs. This forward-thinking approach underscores Duke’s commitment to continually evolve his business to better serve the needs of his clientele.
With operating hours extending from 9 am to 10 pm on weekdays, the
Pro Wash Laundry ensures accessibility to its services for individuals across various schedules, accommodating early risers, night owls, and everyone in between. This flexibility further cements the laundromat’s status as a cornerstone of convenience within the community.
Duke attributes much of his success to the invaluable guidance and insights gleaned from the lecturers at the University of Guyana and SEBI. Their mentorship and academic rigour have equipped him with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate the intricate landscape of entrepreneurship, enabling him to transform his visions into tangible realities.
As Duke’s Pro Wash Laundry adapts to the ever-changing needs of its clientele, it stands not only as a testament to his entrepreneurial acumen but to his unwavering commitment to providing an exemplary level of service.
We can solve this: This lad from the STEMGuyana Georgetown learning pod is seen demonstrating to his colleagues how it is done as they pay keen attention.