The life of a local coconut seller in Saint Lucia can be taxing. Long hours, hot sun and considerable selling expertise are required to make a living in this trade. Yet these challenges do not faze Wendell Dupre, an entrepreneur based in Rodney Bay, Gros Islet.
In an interview with St. Lucia Times columnist Joseph Reds Perriera, the Castries native revealed that he once worked in the hospitality industry. However, when the hotel where he worked went bankrupt a few years ago, he decided to pursue a living as a small business owner. Utilising produce from his father’s farm, which had been underutilised, Dupre turned a problem into an enterprise.
“They were just sitting on the farm,” he said. “Sometimes [my father] sold them to people who came by, but after I was unemployed, I took it on.”
As the business grew, Dupre continued to invest in its development, eventually purchasing a truck without having to secure a loan from the bank. He intends to invest in another and to add jobs as the enterprise expands. For now, he mainly receives support from his girlfriend, who champions his cause and helps him manage his affairs.
Dupre explained that his sales are often directly related to weather conditions. On hotter days, he tends to sell more coconut water as customers seek to quench their thirst and cool down in the island’s tropical climate. He notes that tourists in particular support his business, as many of them have not had the opportunity to drink coconut water or eat the fleshy coconut jelly.
The coconut seller is committed to entrepreneurship for the long haul. He works six days a week and takes Sundays off, mainly to spend time with his family, particularly his daughter. When asked whether he sees himself continuing in this trade for the foreseeable future, he said:
“Yes, because it’s better to work for yourself than for someone else.”
Proud of you my brother!!!