Lemonie Mundell is the the proud founder of Pinkey's Yawd Goods, She brings the flavors of Jamaica straight to your doorstep. She provides Jamaican delicacies throughout the tri-state area. Sharing her love of Caribbean flavors with everyone. www.pinkeysyawdgoods.com We had a chance to sit down with her to ask about her experience with entrepreneurship and LAEDA's training program.
LAEDA: Entrepreneurship is a very challenging path to take with many different possible directions. What made you decide to become an entrepreneur?
Lemonie: I decided to become an entrepreneur to follow in the footsteps of my parents, to be more available for my three boys and to have that sense of independence. Most of all to have more time for God and the freedom to express myself and share what I love with others. Also, to give those individuals who struggle to gain employment a place to seek solace.
LAEDA: Why did you choose your industry?
Lemonie: I choose to sell Jamaican goodies galore and more as I had challenges in finding my favorite Jamaican delicacies and had to travel miles crossing state lines. Sometimes the goodies are not available so I travel. paying toll and gas was a waste. I choose to spread a little of the Caribbean to everyone.
LAEDA: Tell me about your experience while attending EDTP. What have the major takeaways been from the program? Have you had any “Ah-ha!” moments? How did the program help you?
Lemonie: While attending EDTP, it felt like home away from home. The educators and staff were pleasant and knowledgeable and shared a wealth of information. My peers were supportive and encouraging, they did not judge. Major takeaways include being persistent, being knowledgeable, being detailed and always following the laws and regulations and always budgeting each project. My “Ah-ha!” moment came when it was time to do taxes and remember the lesson on bookkeeping. The importance of keeping every receipt of purchases and sales. The program has helped me to be more alert and expand my thoughts and dreams into reality.
LAEDA: Tell me about your journey on the road to business start-up. What have been some of the challenges, successes, failures, etc.?
Lemonie: I started out part-time and there definitely have been challenges. Some challenges include finding distributors of the products, getting the product delivered on time, getting products at a lower cost so as to provide goods and service to everyone lower than the competition.
LAEDA: Could you tell me a little about where your business is today?
Lemonie: Today my business is now an on-line store, looking to the future for a brick and mortar as well as to provide additional services such as catering.
LAEDA: Do you have any advice for future (or existing) entrepreneurs?
Lemonie: My advice would be don’t give up on your dreams. Yes there will be moments you doubt yourself and feel discouraged but don’t give up. Don’t expect a big turn around when your business first gets started, especially if it is your only source of income. What you put in is what you will get out. Meaning the time you spend building and investing in your business is what you will get out of it. It’s good to have to have a support system. Most of all don’t do anything without God, don’t ignore family.
To contact Lemonie Mundell, you can reach out to info@pinkeysyawdgoods.com, (856) 319-6563. Go to www.pinkeysyawdgoods.com to get your Jamaican Goodies. Follow Pinkey’s Yawd Goods in Instagram and Facebook @pinkeysyawdgoods