Crafting Excellence with Meera
Becoming Guyana’s #1 Sash Designer
In 2021, amidst a sea of aspirations and creative visions, a young, ambitious woman named Meera reached out to us via Facebook with a proposition that would transform the very fabric of our national competition legacy—literally. Anyone familiar with Miss World Guyana knows that our sashes are the epitome of quality and elegance. So, when Meera bravely inquired about making our sashes, it was a proposal that immediately sparked both interest and a bit of anxiety.
From the outset, it was clear that Meera was not just interested in being a craft creator. She embodied the majesty traits I hold most dear: ambition, resilience, and innovation. A quick review of her work confirmed that it was not quite where it needed to be, yet despite her initial work not meeting international standards, her drive and passion were undeniable. Recognizing the potential in her youthful enthusiasm, I decided to take a leap of faith. Our conversations quickly moved from casual messages to more serious discussions on WhatsApp, where we delved into the nitty-gritty of sash design, even coming up with a name for her new venture as I imparted free business advice for her new start-up.
Building trust is a delicate art, one that requires both parties to take bold steps. For Meera and me, this meant entrusting her with one of our cherished internationally-made sashes to use as a template and her doing her best to match the quality and look I was going for. This act of faith was not just about giving her a chance; it was about nurturing her potential to become Guyana’s foremost sash designer. In 2022, with meticulous attention to detail and after a few iterations, Meera created a sash that mirrored the look, feel, and quality of those used on international stages.
Success seldom comes without support. Recognizing Meera’s burgeoning talent, I referred her to many pageant houses that I knew were looking to fill the same need as I. It wasn’t long before Meera’s creations adorned contestants across some of the most sought-after pageant brands. Her journey from a hopeful sash maker to Guyana’s #1 pageant sash designer is a testament to the power of opportunity, trust, and relentless drive.
The story of Meera and our partnership is more than a tale of professional success; it’s a narrative rich with lessons on trust, opportunity, and ambition. Trust, once established, can break down barriers and build bridges to uncharted territories. Creating opportunities for young people, especially those who show promise and determination, often leads to unexpected and beautiful outcomes. And being driven—never settling for mediocrity—ensures that each endeavor undertaken is a step closer to excellence.
Meera’s journey is a shining example of how bold ideas, when nurtured with trust and opportunity, can blossom into legacies of excellence. Her sashes now symbolize not just the triumphs of beauty queens, but the spirit of a young woman who dared to dream and succeed. I am hopeful that Meera will continue to uphold the standards and excellence that sprouted her journey in 2022 and beyond.
Stay tuned for more inspiring stories in Majesty Scoop, where we celebrate the remarkable talents and majestic traits of Guyanese women.
Lakshmee Singh
Wonderfully written and well deserved article! Proud to say we hired Meera to create all of our sashes for The Lotus Beauty Pageant in Queens, New York. We absolutely loved her work! Wishing her much success in her craft and business!