“You’re the author of your own life and you have the opportunity to change the narrative of your story.” These are the words which Deidre Small, 29, believes and lives by.
While still a student at Combermere, Deidre gave birth to her daughter Kemaria.
“As anybody else, I was scared and nervous. However, I have a very strong support system in my family and my daughter’s dad’s mother played a very vital role in it as well. The families kind of knew each other; our parents went to school together so that made it a bit easier on the situation. It’s nothing you foresee or that you want at that time but at the end of the day, the way I see it, everything happens for a reason,” she said.
Deidre said it was hard in many respects, including going back into school after having her baby girl.
Still, she was determined to finish school and pursue her dreams. Prior to having the baby, Deidre had wanted to become a doctor, but she quickly realised she had other passions.
“I wanted to be a doctor and was going along that path but then I realised I have a passion for people and I loved to cook. I got a grade one in CXC food and nutrition,” she explained.
Deidre admitted that things were also much more difficult because Kemaria’s dad is a public figure and that came with its own challenges.
Deidre told Easy having Kemaria, caused her to grow up very quickly and look at life much differently.
But on the road to becoming the best version of herself meant she had to leave her daughter behind when she was just six years old.
“After I finished school I went on to the Barbados Community College, I did an associate degree in culinary arts. I started working in the industry and after that I took a break in 2012. I left Barbados and went to Miami to further my education. I have a bachelor’s in tourism and hospitality management with a concentration in cruise line management. Graduated summa cum laude (with the highest distinction),” she said with a sense of pride.
Since returning she has formed a company called Deidre The Brand, which she said is one of her greatest accomplishments. (DB)
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