Growing Up with Entrepreneurial Roots
Growing up in the Bahamas, I always dreamed of running my own business. With the stunning ocean as a backdrop, I found peace and inspiration, shaping my entrepreneurial spirit inherited from both sides of my family. My parents, both entrepreneurs, instilled in me the values of dedication, hard work, and the importance of education.
My family managed Kenneth’s Food Store, a convenience store that my grandfather had started over 50 years ago. This store is much more than just a neighborhood market; it is a cornerstone of our family and the community. My siblings and I spent countless hours there growing up, learning the ropes of business from a very young age. Given responsibilities that most children wouldn’t have, such as operating the cash register, we developed our business skills early on. My parents taught us how to show care for every person who came into our store, to ask how they were doing, and to show an interest in their lives. These conversations have allowed us to invite many people to our church.
Victory Baptist Church, where my father serves as pastor, has played a significant role in my life. The church is a hub for family and community activities, and I actively participate in its ministry. I particularly love teaching the Bible to children in the Kingdom Kids Club, bringing stories to life to help these kids understand what Jesus has done for them.
Navigating Through Unexpected Loss
My grandfather was very influential in my life. When we were called to come immediately to his home because of an unexpected health event, we were shocked by the news. Unfortunately, there was nothing we could do to save him, and he passed away that day.
The sudden passing of my grandfather was a profound loss for all of us, but especially for me. He always gave me words of wisdom and was very instrumental in my life. Without my grandfather’s presence, I felt lost. Working through our grief, our family continued to invest in the store that he started.
Searching for That Right Path
While I enjoyed the familial ties and the sense of community the store fostered, I initially pursued a different path. I started by completing an associate's degree in business administration at Bob Jones University. When I came back home, I enrolled in nursing school, driven by a desire to care for others.
However, the emotional toll of nursing proved too heavy. Seeing patients pass away, some of whom were familiar faces from our community store, was heartbreaking. I realized that my true calling lay elsewhere. But how would I find my path?
Finding Unexpected Joy Through Hospitality
I found a new avenue to care for others through hospitality. My family owned two vacation rental properties, and I took over their management. This role combined my love for business and my passion for serving people. I meticulously prepared the properties, ensuring every detail was perfect for the guests. This commitment to excellence and personal touch significantly enhanced their vacation experiences.
I wanted something more, though, something to give me the tools and expertise to follow my dreams of owning my own business. I decided that I needed to complete my bachelor's degree but didn’t know where to go. After extensive research, I found the perfect fit with SCOPE’s online degree completion program in Business. The flexibility allowed me to balance my work during the day with my studies in the evening. The courses were engaging for me because they applied real-life learning to my current situation.
SCOPE's and My Future Aspirations
The education I received had an immediate impact on my family’s business. I applied my newfound knowledge to better market our rental properties, resulting in a noticeable increase in bookings. My goal one day is to own my own rental property business as well as expand into water sports and rental car services. My bachelor’s degree through SCOPE is now helping to make that possible.
Throughout this journey, my father has been so encouraging to my success. We share many father-daughter moments, often discussing business plans and personal aspirations while enjoying the beauty of the beach and ocean. His advice and experience are invaluable as I navigate the complexities of now launching out on my own, just like he did.
This blend of family, faith, and business has profoundly influenced me. I have learned the importance of community, the power of perseverance, and the value of continuous learning. SCOPE’s degree completion program has helped to unlock my next impossible and has given me the tools I need to pursue my dream of owning my own business!
"Tiffany would always work on her program at the dining room table… She seemed to be really enthused and interested in what she was studying."
Ivan Carey Sr. - Tiffany's Dad