Andrea Bryan-Garner: A woman of many talents
consider herself a seamstress, she makes outfits for her family from time to time. Recently at the Curly and Boujee Show at the Umana Yana Andrea displayed her line of jewellery (rope necklaces) and printed and hand designed t-shirts; her tshirt business is called novelTees.
Her parents, she said, played a big role in what she has become as they were always supportive of what she did.
As regards whether Guyanese are supportive of the creative arts, Andrea said that although people maybe foreign-minded, they cannot be blamed totally. She holds steadfast to notion that people in the creative arts—whether they design, or do cake designs, or paint—need to become aware of what is wanted and also find creative ways to woo the public to what they do, create or produce.
Garner is also a University of Guyana graduate with a degree in International Relations.
An advocate for youth Andrea admonishes them to, “Live your passions. Be educated but also have a skill to fall back on; that skill could eventually be your main source of income. Turn your stumbling blocks into stepping stones.”
In this light she shared that she has moved from a place of making rotis that were so hard, “you could use them as Frisbees or to knock out somebody, to now making rotis that can nicely fold.” She makes aloo roti and dal puri as well. “I’ve a list of Guyanese dishes I want to learn to master. I’m almost finished with my list; I’ve still to learn to make white pudding,” she shared.
Sharing a tip to persons making chocolate cake, she said, that a little coffee enhances the taste of the chocolate. To be more specific, a teaspoon of coffee to a quarter cup of water.
As regards ProMEDIA, Andrea explained that her company does documentaries specifically for companies overseas. Most of her documentaries feature youth. Through ProMEDIA her skill as a videographer/photographer kicks in, something she learnt while working with state television a few years ago.
With Holy Week approaching, Andrea is already booked for cross buns; in fact she has had persons ordering them since last month. However, wanting to try something new she made a cross bun/brownie version with raisin, spices and nuts that she calls a ‘Crownie’. ‘Crownies’ can be ordered for the holidays but persons need to hurry as orders are limited.
Andrea can be found on Facebook and Instagram.