At a time when cost of living is so high, parents who have children attending Queen Square and Wesley Upper Primary Schools can breathe a little easier, knowing that their children can get a plate of food for only $1.50. It is not just a plate of food, mind you, but a healthy plate of food cooked by Carla Martinez.

            Martinez, a mother herself, who has been operating the Coca-Cola booth with a small shed in front at the corner of Dolphin and Armadillo Streets, told us that she caters solely to the children – the future of our nation, who can only be successful and work to their fullest potential if their stomachs are filled.

            The shop, “Louise Shop” is opened at 6:30 every morning, so you can also get your breakfast very early. She usually has journey cakes with your choice of beans, cheese, ham, eggs. ‘You name it and you can get it,’ said Carla, smiling graciously. Patties are for only $0.50. You have a choice of grind steak or chicken patties that are truly delicious and certainly worth more than the price.

            The children have a variety of pastries to eat in the afternoon time and only need to spend between $0.50 and $1.00 to get it. Carla makes bread pudding, cupcakes, banana cake, lemon pie, potato-pound and cassava cake every day.

            When she first started out in the cooking business, she worked in the school compound at Queen Square. She worked there for a little over 2 years before she decided to go on her own. The place she is working in now is a place she is renting, but she says there is nothing like being in your own little section.

            Every morning she gets up at 6:00 a.m. and gets over to her shop for 6:30. At 4:00 p.m. after the children go home, she closes up for the day.

            Having your own business takes dedication, but with motivation, you will be successful, Martinez says. ‘One of the amazing things about working around and for children is the fact that they are some of the greatest advertisers. If they love what they taste they might go home and tell mommy, daddy and others, who will eventually come and try what the child is talking about.’

            At the end of the day, it would be even better if you have your own location when operating your own business, claims Martinez, as there is more emphasis on you to get the place looking neat and attractive.

            She encourages people to get into their own business. First of all, you must find something small to start with. It could be ideals, fudge, anything you are good at. When you believe you are established then you reach for higher goals, said Carla in closing.

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