Next in our lineup of exceptionally talented women we are fortunate to acknowledge through our Honouring, Empowering, Revolutionizing… HER campaign is Mrs. Lerelynne Andrews-Toussaint, the Co-Owner of One Love Arts Atelier & Emporium – an international art and craft business. The bearer of many talents, Lerelynne is a Jewelry and Clothing Designer and photographer. With her husband, a Master Carver & Artisan, the One Love Arts Atelier & Emporium brand also hosts an indoor-outdoor garden oasis and Art and Craft Gallery & Cafe in Lowlands, Tobago.
Part of a dynamic, creative duo, Lerelynne offers sustainable, original and unique handcrafted pieces featuring wood and calabash carvings, driftwood art, handcrafted jewelry and much more! A strong supporter for collaborative efforts, One Love Arts Atelier & Emporium provides a platform for other small businesses and creatives to showcase their products.
Let’s read more about HER talents and inspiration:
What motivated you to pursue a career in tourism, and how have you navigated the challenges or opportunities unique to women in the industry?
“It was not intentional, but was rather an act of adapting to the environment I was in. After much observation of the customers, their flow and their requests, I realized that there were definitive seasons & layers to the tourism industry here in Tobago. We had to identify and then figure out how to adapt our business products to suit the needs and requests of our customers. I am thankful for the opportunities such as this International Woman’s Day Forum to highlight and showcase women in the tourism industry. This forum has been a stepping-stone for businesswomen such as me, to showcase our business and to interact with others. It also provides networking opportunities within the tourism industry.”
Can you share a story where you felt empowered as a woman in tourism and how that experience shaped your career or perspective?
“Previously, I worked in film & television as a Stylist & Costume Designer, and I was able to transfer the love of fabric & design to beads and jewelry making. My husband taught me how to string my first pieces and guided me initially. Then, I started to test, design, and create all kinds of unique jewelry pieces. I also started working with other materials to incorporate in the designs. After making some pieces, I started to see how our customers were enjoying the styles and color combinations of our designs. We also offer additional services like customization and jewelry repairs.”
How do you believe women in the tourism industry are helping to reshape the way we view travel, cultural exchange, and tourism development?
“The reshaping is happening due to greater access to travel. We are actually seeing things physically that were previously only seen in magazines or online. We have greater desires, ideas and motivation for something better for ourselves, our families, our businesses and for our little island of Tobago.”
In your opinion, what steps can be taken to create more inclusive spaces and opportunities for women in leadership roles within tourism and hospitality?
“We need to collaborate, network more and not be fearful of the opportunities presented. It is time for us to be bold and take the necessary steps, invest in ourselves and look for initiatives to participate in positive business building strategies. When one of us grows….we can all grow!”
In your opinion, what are some of the untapped opportunities for women in tourism, and how can we encourage more women to explore these avenues?
“There are tons of opportunities in Tobago to run a diverse tourism-based business. I am looking for innovative initiatives….. we need to do more research and think outside of the box/realm we are living in!”
What advice would you give to young women and girls aspiring to enter the tourism industry, and how can they use their unique perspectives to drive positive change?
“Get to know and understand your value and worth, and the value and worth of whatever product you are making or selling. Do market research about your small business or creative business…focus on building specialized/niche-based business where a diversity in product offerings will boost your business and brand.
Ask yourself: Is there a need for what I am producing/selling/creating? Am I making/selling/producing from a place of passion?
Invest in your tools & materials. Don’t sacrifice quality for quantity. Make sure you test, test, test and test your products/creations before selling them on the open market. Keep pressing forward in all that you do, and don’t give up!
Also, learn from others; everyone has something to teach us, whether they are young or old.”
We are grateful for the advice of such a well-rounded, talented businesswoman! Lerelynne, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us, as you continue building a platform to showcase you and your husband’s talents at One Love Arts Atelier & Emporium, while supporting other budding entrepreneurs and creatives.