At 24 years old, Daniella Hyde, the first of seven is the creator and owner of her own business- Hyde Enterprise, which won the Churches Cooperative Credit Union competition in July. A recent graduate of the University of Technology (UTech) with a Bachelors degree in Business and Computer Studies in Education, Hyde is also a recipient of the Prime Minister’s Youth Award in Entrepreneurship.

The young entrepreneur can be summed up in two words: multi-talented and driven. TEENage had the pleasure of getting to know more about the cheerful young woman.

TEENage: Let’s start off on a light note before we get into the business aspect. Describe yourself with only five adjectives.

Daniella Hyde (DH): Bright, caring, loving, (always) busy and talkative. Quiet is definitely not one.

TEENage: So tell us about your business, Hyde Enterprise.

DH: I started in July 2009. I used the grant from winning the Churches Co-operative Credit Union competition to start. It’s a garment company, I provide uniforms mainly (schools, hotels, nurses, pilots, security companies), graduation gowns, overalls, aprons, flags, shorts, dresses, skirts, shirts and business suits, etc. Come with your own designs, we do that too. Maybe I’ll go into mass production, but I still operate from home with only four machines.

TEENage: What was getting nominated for the Prime Minister’s Youth Award (PYA) like?

DH: If someone had told me in July that I’d be nominated I wouldn’t have believed them. I was nominated right on the deadline by Dwayne Jones from my church. He called and said he thought I’d do well in this PYA. The surprise was not the nomination but the fact that I was shortlisted. I found out on the Sunday that I was the only person in the category so I wasn’t surprised that I win. (Laughs)

TEENage: Why a garment company?

DH: I started sewing at nine and got my first sewing machine at 10 from my mom. I’ve been sewing forever. When I sat down and did the business plan for the CCCU competition, I realised ‘I love this.’ I never expected this to take off like this. In the next 20 years, I’ll still be doing this.

TEENage: It’s been six months since the start of your business. What have been the ups and downs?

DH: July to September was good, everyone was getting uniforms. October and November sales were the worst, but I used the time to sit back and brainstorm. It’s not easy! A lot of sleepless nights, needle ‘jook,’ customers waiting — especially during August, everyone came last minute, it was a rush; it was just me and my aunt really.

TEENage: How is the family support?

DH: It’s what has gotten me so far. They have helped me out a whole lot. My son is my motivation. My father is like my visionary; he envisioned that I would be big. He wanted to make sure his first child made it. He set the foundation, had me go to St Andrew Technical High School and learn a skill. He jokes saying, “I can die now because I see you make it”. My aunt has been like my mother (my mom is abroad), sister and best friend. She taught me to sew. I wouldn’t have a garment company without her.

TEENage: 2010 is just around the corner. Any plans for the New Year and beyond?

DH: Contracts with as many schools as possible, kindergarten to high school. Anything really, flags (Jamaican), gowns and caps, etc. I want a niche in all parishes. In the next two years I want to be a household name, in five years I would like to take it to two Caribbean countries. In 10 years probably 10 Caribbean countries, one European country and the US. I want to start my Masters in Business Administration, hopefully at UWI. At 30 years old, I want to do my doctorate in Sports Psychology. I’m a person of vision and I have a passion for sports (used to do track), so when I retire, sports or maybe child psychology. Once it will benefit the youths of Jamaica and eventually the world. And hopefully get married!

TEENage: That’s a lot! Finish this sentence: “When I’m not sewing, I’m…”

DH: Watching TV. I like detective shows, Disney, chick flicks and I watch sports, track mainly. I also do photography, designing and graphics. Or I’m at church, Pretoria United Church; involved with the Girls’ Brigade and any youth activity. And I love to cook, so that too; I figured out how to make sweet & sour sauce on my own recently!

TEENage: Again… Wow! To sum it up now, what’s your advice for TEENs looking to start their own business?

DH: Don’t give up if you start your first business and it doesn’t work out. This is my fourth business. Always do something that you’re passionate about, not what makes the money. Don’t be discouraged by the ups and downs. Keep family close. Have a mentor you can always talk to. My philosophy: “Failure is only a temporary change in the direction to set you straight for your next success. Success comes from learning from failure, determination and hard work.”