How Cheryl Sawh took craft making from hobby to business
When The Scene stopped by her shop, Sherry was making a belt from anaconda skin. The skin had holes punched along the sides through which she weaved leather. It was a piece that had been ordered.
According to the artisan, when she first opened her shop, all of her bags were made by other local artists, but she thought if she could learn to make a picture frame and florals, she could certainly make her own handbags, which is what she specializes in today. She further explained that the majority of the bags she sold were of similar designs and she wanted to have available more one-of-a-kind pieces. Today Sherry’s bags are certainly distinct in design. Despite being the most challenging thing to learn, it turned out to be her favourite to create. “No more fancy nails,” she joked, adding that it was a small sacrifice for where she is in life today.
Making bags, though it began solely for business, became a hobby for the artist, a thrill of a job, she explained, which takes care of her livelihood. “I always advise to do what you love because you never get tired of doing it, even in the difficult times,” enthused Sherry.
Many of her pieces are souvenir items which attract foreigners hoping to take a piece of Guyana back with them. Her pieces can be found all around Guyana and beyond in different countries of the world. The peak time for business is during the Christmas season and in the summer when locals are travelling abroad.
With foreigners contributing to a large part of the market, the pandemic has resulted in a bad year for the craft industry. Nonetheless, with the Christmas season approaching, Sherry is caught up with orders.
Without any distractions, Sherry can make one of her bags in a day. However, being a grandmother who babysits her granddaughter at the shop among her other duties, she makes three to four bags a week, depending on the design. Once she made five clutch purses in a day.
Although the work of artisans is not as valued in Guyana as it should be, the passion for what she does cannot be deterred by the way the average Guyanese perceives its value.
Sherry guarantees that work produced by her is not only one-of-a-kind but also work of quality that is durable for many years to come.
Crafty Expressions can be found in the Hibiscus Craft Plaza outside of GPO or reached at 675-2551.