“I wanted to start a business because I saw a need for specific products that were not available in the Lewiston/Auburn area, or anywhere in Maine. During the Venturing Forth class, I gained more business knowledge and a better idea on how to manage my business. When the class concluded, my goal was to open a store within six months and to have a sustainable, solid, operating business within four years.”

Sophia is well on her way to reaching the goals she set for herself when she completed Venturing Forth. Caribbean Life Grocery & Gift Shop has been in operation in Lewiston for four years. In 2018, Sophia and her husband Jeff started a second business, Jeff’s Jamaican Cuisine. It started as a food kiosk in Freeport; in August 2020, they relocated and opened a food truck business next to their store. They are meeting an increased demand for quality take-out food options in the Lewiston-Auburn area during the pandemic.

As a recent graduate of the 2020 Top Gun hosted by Lewiston-Auburn Chamber of Commerce, Sophia has continued to strengthen her business management and marketing skills. She successfully participated in this program and presented her business pitch while simultaneously pivoting the food business during the pandemic. Her new goals include establishing an online store for her products that will expand beyond Maine.

Recently Sophia reflected about her goals and said, “Dreams can become reality, but without action it remains just a dream.”

Congratulations Sophia on your continuing growth and success!!