Meet Arie’s Precious Beginnings. An online store that offers the cutest baby and maternity items for both baby and Mum. Owner Arielle Webb always had the dream to become an entrepreneur one day. “I never thought in my wildest dreams that 2020 would’ve been my year to accomplish this goal, despite all of the chaos caused by the pandemic. I was hesitant at first to start this business until my friend told me that she’s giving me until a particular date to get my business up and running and I am super grateful that she gave me that extra push to get things going.”

For Arielle, starting her own business was both exciting and scary at the same time. The first thing she did was think of a name that would capture all the aspects and dreams she had for this business. “Me and my mum sat down and kept trying to come up with the perfect name, we eventually came up with “Before Baby and Beyond” the name was short and sweet, unfortunately the name was rejected when we sent it in for approval and we were back to the drawing board. After heavy consideration we settled with Arie’s Precious Beginnings and Beyond, this name meant everything, it captured that the journey of pregnancy and parenthood is ought to be a precious beginning of a beautiful journey and we will cater to you from pregnancy to toddler, from pre to post.”

Now that the brand is up and running, like many entrepreneurs, Arielle admits that sometimes it is difficult to manager her time. “I am currently working a regular 8-4 job and completing my degree in Computing. I must say, it has been difficult thus far to juggle my time between work, school and my business, however, my passion and the support from my family pushes me to work harder to accomplish my degree and build my brand. I do however hope that one day I can continue full time with my business.”

So where did the idea for this brand come from? “A baby store was not my initial idea for my business, I’ve always wanted to become a Makeup Artist to showcase my skills in makeup artistry, however, my perspective changed when I found out that I was going to become an aunt, I was filled with so much excitement that I began doing extensive research into baby and maternity items from materials to what works best, then it hit me, I really enjoyed this, shopping for baby items and ensuring that the quality was up to standard. I felt like a little kid on Christmas morning when the items arrived for my nephew, opening up each box and feeling a sense of satisfaction when I saw the quality of the items I picked. I just wanted to bring that same feeling and quality at affordable prices to all parents and babies throughout Trinidad and Tobago. That was when I decided to venture out into the baby market.”

And Arielle has learned some lessons on her journey as an entrepreneur.  “One lesson I’ve learnt is that its not going to be an easy road. You just have to take things one step at a time and focus on the positives rather than the negatives. Don’t let the hurdles along the way discourage you from pursuing your passion.” Great advice, Arielle? And she doesn’t stop there.

For upcoming entrepreneurs she says, “If you are hesitant in opening your business, don’t be. Yes it will be super scary at first. I was scared too, I remembered holding on to my Dad’s hand, panicking when I was about to make my first purchase of products to sell and my Mum had to keep reassuring me that it’s going to be ok. I never slept for that entire night because I was so nervous and shocked that it was actually happening, I was about to become an entrepreneur. Fast forward to two months later, I’m happy that I didn’t hesitate any longer. My dreams finally came through, I was now the owner of my own business at a young age of 22! So do not let anyone stop your shine, a lot of people may try to shine a negative light on your idea by saying “that market is too saturated” or “you too young or old to start your own business”. Do not listen to their words of discouragement. Find your niche and make your passion a reality. Be Your Own Boss”

Arielle’s story is certainly inspiring and her passion for her brand truly shows through the way it is presented and the overall customer experience.  Arie’s Precious Beginnings and Beyond offers a variety of baby and maternity products from various brands. The brand features items such as baby bottles, diaper bags, baby clothing, maternity essentials, postpartum belts and much more. Like their Facebook Page, Arie’s Precious Beginnings and Beyond or follow them on Instagram @preciousbeginningsandbeyond.